Message Attachment Retrieval via Metadata Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adding new participants to a message conversation require users to manually search through previous messages to find and attach data files, which is inefficient and undesirable, especially in lengthy conversations.
Innovation Solution
An end-user communication device method that identifies and displays data file attachments from a message conversation, allowing users to automatically retrieve and forward selected attachments to new participants, either from local memory or a messaging system server, with minimal user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire message conversation is forwarded to new participants, then new participants can access all previously exchanged data files, but unnecessary conversation content and data files are sent to recipients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary data file attachments from the message conversation chain, separating them from the unnecessary conversational text and other data files. This is achieved by identifying and extracting attachment metadata (filename, size, MIME type) from the conversation history, then retrieving only those specific files rather than forwarding the entire conversation thread.
2Measurement precision
If users manually search through prior messages to find attachments, then specific data files can be located, but multiple user steps and significant time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically scanning the message conversation chain beforehand to identify all attachments. When a user initiates a forward operation, the attachments are already pre-identified and ready for selection, eliminating the need for users to manually search through the conversation history. The system retrieves attachment metadata in advance and presents it for quick user selection.
3Productivity
If automated identification of message attachments is implemented, then efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between the message conversation system and the attachment retrieval system. This intermediary maintains a structured record of attachment metadata (filename, size, MIME type, position in conversation chain) and coordinates the retrieval process. By using this intermediary layer, the system achieves automated identification without requiring complex integration between different system components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides for an end-user communication device of a messaging system configured to identify messages exchanged during a message conversation. Responsive to selection of one or more data files, the device retrieves the one or more selected data files from a local memory of the device or from a server of the messaging system. Optionally, the messages may be identified in response to a request to add one or more new recipients in a reply to a message of a message conversation and selected data files may be forwarded to the new recipients.