Instant Messaging Framework for Third-Party Service Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instant messaging systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate third-party Web services or local applications into an instant messaging session without requiring users to leave the session or navigate through multiple steps, limiting the sharing of resources and collaboration between users.
Innovation Solution
A rich experience instant messaging framework that allows software agents (IMLets) to be stacked on top of instant messenger applications, enabling users to register and activate third-party services or local applications for sharing within the IM session, using Web service interfaces like SOAP/XMUHTTP for data exchange, and associating visual cues with contact screen names for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional instant messaging systems are used, then users can communicate textually, but users cannot seamlessly integrate third-party Web services or local applications into the messaging session without leaving the session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary application that acts as a bridge between the instant messaging system and external resources (third-party Web services or local applications). This intermediary enables seamless integration by handling communication and coordination between the messaging session and external services, allowing users to access external resources without leaving the IM session.
Solution Approach 2:
The instant messaging system is extended to perform multiple functions beyond basic text communication. By incorporating the ability to integrate and interact with third-party Web services and local applications, the system becomes a multi-functional platform that combines messaging, web browsing, and application execution within a single interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users load entire application interfaces for third-party services, then full functionality is available, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of loading entire application interfaces, the patent extracts and integrates only the necessary functional components of third-party services into the instant messaging session. This selective extraction allows users to access specific functionalities of external services without the overhead of complete application interfaces, reducing system complexity while maintaining essential service capabilities.
3Productivity
If existing IM systems allow application sharing, then collaboration is possible, but control and access management require multiple navigation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary setup and configuration of service integration before the actual collaboration begins. The intermediary application pre-establishes connections and permissions with third-party services, so that when users want to collaborate, the infrastructure is already in place and they can immediately access shared resources without navigating through multiple setup steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a framework that allows a number of software application agents to be stacked on top of an instant messenger application. Each of the software application agents establishes a connection with a third-party Web service on the Internet or a local application in the user's computer. The user can share one or more third-party services or applications with other user(s) in an instant messaging session through the application agents.