Email Delay Adaptation via Low-Latency Notification Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing email systems do not provide sufficient information about delivery delays, making it difficult for users to adapt to and address issues such as delayed or lost emails, which can be caused by server overload, failures, or spam filtering.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a low-latency notification channel to detect and alert recipients of potential or actual email delivery delays, allowing them to adapt by initiating out-of-band communications or reprioritizing the email message, using historical delay information and aggregate data to predict and mitigate delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If SMTP protocol is used for email delivery, then email can be sent and received, but delivery delays cannot be detected before the email is received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-latency notification channel as an intermediary mechanism that carries delay notifications separately from the email delivery path. This notification channel provides real-time information about delivery delays without being constrained by the SMTP protocol's limitations, enabling timely detection of delivery issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the email delivery information into two separate channels: the traditional SMTP channel for actual email delivery and a separate low-latency notification channel for delay information. This segmentation allows the notification channel to operate independently with different performance characteristics, providing timely delay alerts without affecting the email delivery process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spam filters are used to block malicious emails, then spam is reduced, but legitimate emails may be delayed or quarantined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the notification channel provides real-time information about email delivery status, including when emails are delayed by spam filters or security measures. This feedback enables senders and recipients to take corrective actions, such as reprioritizing delayed emails or verifying their legitimacy, thereby improving overall delivery reliability while maintaining spam protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If email servers are used to route emails, then emails can be delivered globally, but servers may become overloaded causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by providing delay notifications before the actual email delivery completes. When a notification indicates potential overload or delay, recipients can take preliminary actions such as reprioritizing the email or using alternative delivery methods, preventing complete delivery failure and maintaining productivity despite server overload conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A electronic communication system that can detect and adapt to delays in delivery of e-mail messages. The system may adapt to delays by using mechanisms other than the initially intended path to convey the information intended for delivery by e-mail. A possible adaptation is reprioritization of an e-mail message that is found to be experiencing a delay.