Distributed Inbox Client for Synchronized SMS Messaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SMS services lack real-time chat support, interoperability with multiple devices, and efficient message management, with limitations in sending and receiving messages from web services, memory storage, and presence information, making them less suitable for advanced communication needs.

Innovation Solution

A terminal client with a distributed inbox client component and connector component that synchronizes messages across multiple client devices, allowing users to access their SMS inbox anywhere, send and receive messages independently of the device used, and engage in synchronous real-time chat using SMS, without requiring additional subscriptions or complex user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If SMS messages are stored on the user's mobile phone, then the messages can be accessed and managed locally, but the messages cannot be accessed from other devices and are erased when the phone is reset or replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage accessibilityVSAvoiddevice independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions message storage from a single-device dimension (local phone storage) to a networked dimension (cloud-based message center). Messages are stored in a database accessible via network infrastructure, allowing retrieval from any device with network connectivity while maintaining local caching for offline access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a message center server as an intermediary between the user's devices and the SMS network infrastructure. This server acts as a centralized storage and routing point, enabling message synchronization across multiple devices and preserving messages independently of any single device's lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a user uses multiple client devices to send and receive messages, then device flexibility is improved, but the system requires separate subscriptions for each device address

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device supportVSAvoidsubscription management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal subscription model where a single user subscription enables access from multiple devices. The message center server manages device registration and message routing, allowing one subscription to serve multiple client devices without requiring separate subscriptions for each device address.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages multi-device registration and message routing without requiring user intervention. The message center server handles device identification, message delivery routing, and synchronization transparently, reducing the complexity of subscription management for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If SMS services are used for asynchronous communication, then message delivery reliability is improved, but real-time chat support and synchronous communication are not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage deliveryVSAvoidreal-time communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic communication modes that can switch between asynchronous SMS and synchronous chat based on user needs. The system detects message types and delivery requirements, automatically selecting the appropriate communication mode while maintaining a unified user interface and message management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If messages are arranged only by time in SMS systems, then simple message storage is maintained, but the ability to chat with multiple users simultaneously and manage conversations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage organizationVSAvoidmulti-user chat support

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments messages into different organizational categories including time-based sequences, conversation threads, and contact groups. The message center server implements multi-dimensional indexing and sorting, allowing users to view and manage messages from multiple users simultaneously while maintaining chronological order within each conversation thread.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8452314B2Terminal client and a client device for managing messages in a network infrastructure of a telecommunications system

Publication Date: 2013.05.28 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a terminal client (101), a client device (100, 200, 300, 400) and a network infrastructure for enabling management of messages in a telecommunications network. According to the invention, the terminal client (101) comprises a distributed inbox client component (103) that is configured to synchronize all incoming and outgoing messages with at least one other client device (200, 300) that is associated with a user of a first client device (100). The terminal client (101) further comprises a connector component (104) configured at least as an interface between the distributed client component (103) and a network infrastructure (20) suitable for forwarding and receiving messages. With the terminal client (101) incorporating in client devices associated with a user, the user is able to experience synchronized chat in real-time and can further utilize a device independent synchronous messaging service anywhere and anytime.