Multimodal Communication System Bridging Social Networks and SMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of social networks often need to exit the proprietary text-based communication systems to communicate via non-proprietary SMS systems, as their proprietary systems do not allow seamless integration with standard SMS text messaging.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies a private ID for a user within a social network, queries remote contact databases to associate it with telephone numbers, and enables an SMS communication session based on these numbers, allowing users to communicate across different communication platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proprietary text-based communication system is used within a social network, then communication functionality is provided, but users cannot communicate via non-proprietary SMS systems without exiting the social network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge mechanism that connects the proprietary social network communication system with external SMS systems. This intermediary component enables message routing between different communication platforms without requiring users to switch applications, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving adaptability. The bridge translates and forwards messages between the social network's proprietary system and standard SMS networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is enhanced to perform multiple functions by integrating both proprietary social network messaging and external SMS capabilities within a single interface. The system can selectively route communications through different channels (internal social network messages or external SMS) based on user needs, making the system universally compatible with multiple communication standards while maintaining a unified user experience.
2Reliability
If proprietary communication systems are used, then integrated social network functionality is maintained, but integration with standard SMS text messaging is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into distinct functional segments: the core proprietary social network communication module and an external SMS integration module. This segmentation allows each module to maintain its own reliability characteristics while enabling controlled interaction between them. The social network's core communication protocols remain intact and reliable, while the SMS module provides additional adaptability through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computing system for establishing a text-based communication session between a first user and one or more other users of a social network. A private ID is identified for a specific user chosen from the one or more other users. One or more remote contact databases are queried to associate the private ID with one or more telephone numbers for the specific user. An SMS communication session is enabled between the first user and the specific user based, at least in part, upon the one or more telephone numbers.