IM Email Interworking Server Address Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for instant message (IM) and email interworking do not effectively facilitate message replies from recipients to the original message senders, limiting the functionality of converged messaging services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables IM and email interworking by converting messages between the two formats using an interworking server, allowing for seamless communication by determining and mapping addresses, and initiating DNS queries to send converted messages to the appropriate servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing techniques for IM and E-mail interworking are used, then message transfer between IM and E-mail systems is enabled, but message reply functionality from recipients to original senders is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interworking server as an intermediary component that bridges IM and E-mail systems. This server receives messages from either system, determines the appropriate destination address type, converts the message format accordingly, and forwards it to the target system. The intermediary enables bidirectional communication and reply functionality by managing the conversion process between IM and E-mail protocols, thereby completing the messaging experience loop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming message addresses between different formats (IM address to E-mail address and vice versa). The interworking server modifies the address parameters and message format parameters based on the source and destination systems, enabling seamless interoperability. This parameter transformation is crucial for supporting reply functionality, as it allows the system to correctly route responses back to original senders regardless of which system initiated the communication.
2Reliability
If IM and E-mail interworking is implemented without address mapping, then message sending is simplified, but accurate message routing and reply functionality cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The interworking server serves as a centralized intermediary that handles all address mapping and format conversion operations. By concentrating this functionality in a single component, the patent achieves accurate message routing without distributing complex mapping logic across multiple systems. The intermediary maintains address correspondence relationships and performs real-time conversions, ensuring reliable routing while keeping the overall system architecture manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The interworking server is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions: address mapping, format conversion, message forwarding, and reply routing. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could otherwise be separate specialized systems into a single versatile platform, achieving accurate routing without proportionally increasing system complexity. The server adapts to handle both IM-to-E-mail and E-mail-to-IM conversions using the same core mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a converged messaging service system is provided, then complete and consistent messaging experience is achieved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements converged messaging by introducing an interworking server as a mediator between existing IM and E-mail infrastructures. Rather than building entirely new converged messaging systems, the intermediary leverages existing protocols and systems while adding conversion capabilities. This approach achieves complete messaging experience (users can send and receive messages through either system regardless of which they use) without the full complexity of implementing entirely new converged messaging architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the converged messaging functionality into distinct modular components: the interworking server handles conversion and routing, while existing IM and E-mail systems continue to operate independently. This segmentation allows the converged messaging capability to be added as a layer on top of existing systems rather than requiring complete system redesign. Each component maintains its simplicity while the combination provides enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a method for implementing instant message and E-mail interworking, comprising: corresponding an IM user applying a service of IM and E-mail interworking to at least one E-mail address, either being constructed from an IM address of the IM user or being a pre-allocated E-mail address; determining the E-mail address or IM address of a destination user from a received IM or a received E-mail from a user, converting the IM into a E-mail or the E-mail into an IM, and sending the E-mail or IM to the determined receiving address of the destination user. The disclosure also discloses a system for implementing IM and E-mail interworking. The disclosure realizes a free interworking between IM and E-mail.