Dynamic Email Address Encoding for Mobile Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in handling non-standard email addresses, such as those used by Lotus Domino, which contain invalid characters or formats not supported by RFC2822, leading to improper handling or discarding by mobile devices that only support standard internet addresses.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamic encoding of email addresses, where non-supported addresses are converted into supported formats by creating a local-part and domain, with the local-part encoded and the domain being non-valid but recognizable, allowing the conversion of email addresses to conform to RFC2822 standards, enabling transmission and synchronization with mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-standard email addresses (e.g., Lotus Domino format) are used to maintain compatibility with legacy systems, then adaptability to different addressing standards is improved, but compatibility with mobile devices supporting only RFC2822 addresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that transforms non-RFC2822 addresses into RFC2822-compliant addresses. The system detects non-standard addresses and applies encoding transformations (such as converting special characters to percent-encoded equivalents) to create a bridge between legacy addressing formats and modern mobile device requirements, allowing both formats to coexist without direct conflict
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of non-standard addresses by applying character encoding transformations. Specific characters in non-RFC2822 addresses are replaced with their percent-encoded equivalents (e.g., special characters become %XX sequences), fundamentally altering the address format to meet RFC2822 requirements while preserving the original address's identity and routing information
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-RFC2822 characters are included in addresses to support international languages, then adaptability to global addressing needs is improved, but adherence to RFC2822 standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by encoding non-ASCII characters using percent-encoding schemes. International language characters are transformed into their hexadecimal representations (e.g., Chinese characters become %E6%98%EF sequences), maintaining the semantic meaning and international language support while conforming to RFC2822's ASCII-only requirement
3Reliability
If address conversion and encoding is performed to ensure RFC2822 compliance, then compatibility with mobile devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing address validation and encoding conversion before email transmission or contact synchronization. The system proactively identifies non-RFC2822 addresses and applies the necessary percent-encoding transformations in advance, preventing compatibility issues from occurring during mobile device operations and eliminating the need for complex real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by implementing automated detection and conversion mechanisms that operate without user intervention. The system automatically identifies non-compliant addresses, applies the appropriate encoding transformations, and validates the results, reducing the need for manual address management and simplifying the user experience despite the underlying processing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention may provide the ability to convert a non-supported email address (i.e., an email address that conforms to a standard that is not supported by the receiving device) into a supported email address (e.g., an email address that conforms to a standard that is supported by the receiving device). Embodiments of the invention may perform this conversion, for example, when an email communication containing a non-internet-standard email address is to be delivered or synchronized to a mobile device that only supports standard internet addresses. Similarly, embodiments of the invention may perform this conversion when a calendar entry, a task, a contact, or other data package containing such a non-supported email address is to be delivered or synchronized to a mobile device that does not support such an email address.