Instant Messaging Server for Real-Time Media Viewer Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current instant messaging systems do not allow users to easily identify and communicate with others who are watching or listening to the same audiovisual, video, or audio program in real-time, requiring users to log onto the internet separately to exchange messages.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that associates a viewer/listener identifier with a program identifier to generate a program viewer/listener record, which is transmitted to an electronic database to provide a list of other users watching or listening to the same program, enabling real-time instant messaging between users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users log onto the internet separately to exchange messages, then instant messaging functionality is available, but users cannot easily identify and communicate with others watching or listening to the same program in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the program viewing function with instant messaging functionality by integrating an IM server into the media delivery system. The IM server receives program viewer identifiers, associates them with program identifiers, and enables messaging between viewers of the same program without requiring separate internet login actions. This merging of functions allows users to communicate while watching programs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an IM server as an intermediary component between the media delivery system and users. This server acts as a mediator that receives viewer identifiers, manages the association between viewers and programs, and facilitates message exchange. The intermediary enables real-time communication without requiring users to manually log onto separate internet services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional instant messaging systems are used, then message exchange is possible, but the system complexity increases when integrating with media delivery networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the IM server to perform multiple functions: receiving program viewer identifiers, associating them with program identifiers, determining program information, and facilitating message exchange. This multi-functional approach allows a single server component to handle various tasks within the integrated system, reducing the need for separate specialized components and simplifying overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses database records to store and replicate program viewer information. By creating and maintaining records that associate viewer identifiers with program identifiers, the system can efficiently query and retrieve viewer lists without complex real-time calculations. This use of data structures simplifies the complexity of managing viewer connections and program associations.
3Speed
If users must be connected to the Internet at the same time for IM to work, then real-time communication is achieved, but the reliability decreases when recipients disable IM or are offline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the IM server receives and processes viewer status information. The server can determine whether a viewer is currently watching a program based on their identifier and program association. This feedback loop allows the system to manage message delivery based on actual viewer availability, improving reliability by avoiding attempts to deliver messages to unavailable recipients.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing instant messaging in conjunction with an audiovisual, video, or audio program are provided. The methods include providing an audiovisual, video, or audio program to a user. Viewer/listener input is received requesting activation of a program-based instant messaging function. A viewer/listener identifier corresponding to the viewer/listener is associated with a program identifier that uniquely identifies the audiovisual, video, or audio program being provided to the user to thereby generate a program viewer/listener record. The program viewer/listener record is transmitted to an electronic database. A list of other users who are viewing or listening to the program in addition to the viewer/listener is acquired from the electronic database. The list of other users is transmitted to the viewer/listener.