Instant Messaging Virtual Account Cross-Platform Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing instant messaging systems require users to download multiple applications and create subscriber accounts to communicate with friends using different platforms, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially on mobile devices with small screens and unreliable networks.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows communication between devices without the need for a subscriber account on the receiving device, using a server-generated virtual account that links all invitations and messages, enabling direct communication and providing a unified IM interface, with security measures like authorization codes and access tokens to ensure secure access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users download multiple dedicated applications to communicate with friends on different platforms, then communication compatibility is improved, but device memory consumption and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoiddevice memory consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal instant messaging system where a single application can communicate with users across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Web). The server handles platform-specific protocols, allowing one application to perform multiple communication functions without requiring separate downloads for each platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between users on different platforms. The server translates and routes messages between different communication protocols, eliminating the need for users to install multiple platform-specific applications. The server acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of cross-platform communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users create subscriber accounts to access instant messaging services, then communication functionality is improved, but account creation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidaccount creation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs account verification and virtual account creation in advance through automated processes. When a user sends an invitation, the system proactively verifies the recipient's identity and creates a virtual account before the communication is needed, eliminating the need for the recipient to manually create an account at the moment of communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automatic account creation and verification processes that occur without user intervention. The system automatically verifies user identities, creates virtual accounts, and configures communication permissions based on invitation data, allowing the account setup process to serve itself without requiring manual form filling by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If web applications are used to avoid downloading applications, then installation convenience is improved, but direct communication with non-subscriber users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidcommunication accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the server as an intermediary to bridge the gap between web application users and non-subscriber users. The server receives messages from web application users, creates virtual accounts for non-subscribers, and routes communications appropriately, enabling direct communication without requiring the non-subscriber to use a web application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the receiving device to have a web application or subscriber account, the patent inverts the approach by having the server create virtual accounts for receiving devices on-demand. This allows the receiving device to communicate without any pre-installed application or account, reversing the traditional model where the receiver must be prepared in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3105891B1Instant messaging with non subscriber users
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 ORANGE SA
  • EP3105891B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3105891B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3105891B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of establishing a communication through an instant messaging IM service, between a first device (UE1) and a second device (UE2), the method comprising the following steps carried out by a server (SER): receiving from the first device a first request (REQ_1) for establishing an IM conversation with the second device, the request comprising an identifier (ID) of a user of the second device, generating (11) a uniform resource locator URL, including information corresponding to the identifier, the URL being associated with a webpage comprising an IM interface displayable by a browser of the second device, receiving a second request (REQ_2) from the browser to access the URL, upon receiving conversation messages from the first and the second device and, if the access to the virtual account has been provided, pushing these messages through the IM service.