Instant Message Synchronization with Read State Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instant messaging systems fail to effectively synchronize messages between multiple devices, leading to re-pushed information being marked as unread and users forgetting previous communication details, resulting in disrupted communication scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that synchronizes instant messages by using a server to manage communication information, including a read-or-not indicator for each message, and sends a subset of messages to clients in reverse chronological order based on their read state and temporal relationship, ensuring seamless continuity across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latest several pieces of information received by a user are pushed again during synchronization, then message synchronization between devices is achieved, but re-pushed information appears as unread messages causing communication disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by tracking read states of messages on each device and communicating this information to the server. During synchronization, the server uses this feedback to determine which messages have been read and should not be re-pushed as unread, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving synchronization and preserving read state information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of message synchronization by introducing read state indicators alongside message content. Instead of simply pushing message content, the system now pushes both content and read state parameters, allowing the receiving device to accurately restore the communication state without mislabeling read messages as unread.
2Adaptability or versatility
If message synchronization is implemented between multiple devices, then users can access communication information on different devices, but users may forget previous communication details resulting in loss of communication context
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-loading and caching communication context information including read states, message statuses, and conversation states on each device before the user actually needs them. This ensures that when users switch devices, the communication context is already prepared and immediately available, preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that stores and manages the authoritative copy of all message data and read states. When synchronizing between devices, the server mediates the transfer of both message content and contextual information, ensuring that no communication context is lost during the synchronization process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all messages are synchronized to maintain communication continuity, then users can view previous communication information, but network bandwidth and system resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential synchronization data needed to maintain communication continuity, specifically focusing on message read states and new message indicators rather than transmitting entire message histories. This selective extraction approach maintains communication continuity while minimizing network bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by synchronizing only the necessary portion of communication state information (read states, new message flags, and metadata) rather than all message content. This partial synchronization is sufficient to maintain communication continuity while significantly reducing the energy and bandwidth resources required.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synchronizing the display of instant messages between multiple clients is performed at a computer system. Upon receipt of a first synchronization request from a client, the first synchronization request including a conversation identifier and a last message timestamp, the computer system identifies a conversation including a set of messages associated with the conversation identifier. The set of messages was generated after the last message timestamp and have not been received by the client. The computer system then assigns display parameters to the set of messages based on their read-or-not indicators, content, and their temporal relationship with other messages in the conversation. Next, the computer system sends the set of messages and their respective display parameters to the client in a reverse chronological order. The client then displays the set of messages in accordance with their respective display parameters.