Instant Messaging Reminder Triggering via Symbol Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Instant messaging applications lack the capability to generate time-based and location-based reminders within the application, requiring users to switch to different apps for setting or sending such reminders.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method within instant messaging applications to create reminders using predetermined symbols or syntax, allowing users to set location-based, proximity-based, or time-based reminders by inputting specific characters or strings, which are then triggered when the conditions are met, sending an instant message with a reminder message.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If instant messaging application provides only basic communication features, then the application remains simple and easy to use, but the functionality is limited and requires switching to other applications for additional features like reminders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reminder functionality with the instant messaging application by integrating reminder setting, triggering, and notification features directly into the IM interface. Users can set reminders through the same interface used for messaging, eliminating the need to switch between applications while maintaining a unified user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The instant messaging application is enhanced to perform multiple functions: real-time communication, file sharing, and reminder management. The system allows users to set time-based reminders, location-based reminders, and contact-proximity-based reminders all within the same application, making it a multi-functional platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If instant messaging application adds reminder functionality, then the versatility and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects predetermined symbols in user input and initiates reminder setting processes without requiring users to navigate through complex menus or configurations. When a user types a symbol like '@' followed by a time or location, the system automatically recognizes this as a reminder command and presents relevant options, making the process intuitive and self-guided.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of the interface dynamically based on user input. When a predetermined symbol is detected, the interface transitions from normal messaging mode to reminder-setting mode, presenting context-relevant options such as time selection, location selection, or contact selection. This adaptive interface behavior maintains simplicity by showing only what is currently needed.
3Ease of operation
If conventional technologies are used for setting reminders, then the system remains simple, but users must switch to different applications to set or send reminders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reminder setting function with the instant messaging workflow. Users can set reminders directly within the IM conversation interface by typing predetermined symbols, eliminating the need to switch to a separate reminder application. This integration saves time and maintains operational continuity within a single application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If instant messaging application implements multiple types of reminders (time-based, location-based, proximity-based), then the adaptability and functionality are enhanced, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments different types of reminders (time-based, location-based, contact-proximity-based) as distinct functional modules, each triggered by specific predetermined symbols. This modular approach allows the system to handle multiple reminder types independently, processing only the relevant type based on user input, thereby managing complexity through functional separation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for providing a reminder from within an instant messaging application executing on a computing device (100), the method comprising receiving textual input (414) from within the instant messaging application. In response to receiving the textual input (414), a reminder-triggering condition is determined based on a predetermined symbol within the textual input (414). An instant message is sent that includes the reminder-triggering condition for the reminder (416).