Instant Message Interruption Management via NRR Library Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instant messaging interruptions can lead to lost productivity as users are frequently prompted to respond to messages that do not require a response, such as common expressions like "okay" or "thanks," disrupting workflow.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a no-response-required (NRR) library to compare instant message terms with predefined common terms, allowing messages to be represented as an Instant Message Agent Character (IMAC) if a match is found, thereby managing interruptions by reducing the need for immediate user response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If instant messages are displayed to users, then users are kept informed of communications, but users experience interruptions and lost productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the presentation of instant messages based on their content characteristics. Messages are categorized into different types (e.g., questions requiring response vs. statements requiring no response) and displayed with different visual properties such as color coding, icon types, or notification styles. This allows users to perceive message importance and prioritize their attention accordingly, reducing interruptions from low-priority messages while maintaining awareness of all communications.
2Reliability
If users respond to all instant messages, then communication completeness is maintained, but time is wasted on messages requiring no response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining categories and characteristics of instant messages before user interaction. The system analyzes message content in advance and pre-determines which messages require responses and which do not, based on predefined criteria (e.g., message type, sender, content keywords). This preliminary classification allows users to quickly identify which messages need attention without having to read or respond to every message, thereby saving time while maintaining communication effectiveness.
3Loss of information
If instant message notifications are frequent, then users are alerted to all messages, but user focus and task completion are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing instant message notifications into distinct categories based on their content and required user action. Different segments of messages are presented with different notification characteristics - for example, messages requiring immediate attention might appear as prominent icons or sound notifications, while messages requiring no response might appear as subtle visual indicators or be grouped together. This segmented approach allows users to process notifications in priority order, maintaining focus on tasks while still being informed of all messages.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing instant messaging interruptions may include comparing at least one term in an instant message to a plurality of terms in a no-response-required (NRR) library. The method may also include representing the instant message as an instant message agent character (IMAC) in response to a match between at least one term in the instant message and at least one of the plurality of terms in the NRR library.