NFC-Based Email Recipient Addition on Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adding a person to an email thread on mobile devices are inconvenient, particularly when manual input of email addresses is required, and there is a need for a more efficient way to facilitate communication between mobile devices using near field communication (NFC) to manage email threads.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using NFC to determine if a second mobile device is within range and to send identifiers for user information related to the email, allowing the association of a new user as a recipient in the email thread, either by forwarding the email or identifying them in subsequent emails, and involving a network server to authorize and notify recipients of the added user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of email addresses is used to add a person to an email thread, then the process is simple and direct, but it is inconvenient and time-consuming for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NFC technology as an intermediary mechanism between mobile devices. When two mobile devices are brought into close proximity, NFC automatically exchanges contact information and email thread data, eliminating the need for manual email address input. This mediator (NFC) bridges the gap between devices and automates the recipient addition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing mobile devices to automatically exchange and process contact information through NFC. The devices autonomously identify each other, transfer necessary data, and initiate the recipient addition process without requiring user intervention for manual input, thereby saving time and improving convenience.
2Ease of operation
If NFC technology is implemented to automatically exchange contact information between mobile devices, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal nature of NFC technology, which is already integrated into modern mobile devices for multiple purposes such as contactless payments, device pairing, and data exchange. By utilizing this existing multi-functional component for email thread sharing, the patent avoids adding dedicated hardware complexity while achieving automated recipient addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC system operates autonomously to exchange contact information and initiate email thread sharing. Once triggered by user proximity, the NFC mechanism automatically performs device identification, data exchange, and recipient addition without requiring complex user interfaces or additional configuration, thereby managing complexity through automation.
3Reliability
If a network server is involved to authorize and notify recipients of the added user, then the reliability of the process is improved, but the loss of time due to server communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having mobile devices exchange contact information and establish communication channels through NFC before server authorization is required. The NFC interaction pre-configures the data exchange framework, so when server authorization is needed, the necessary information is already available, reducing the time penalty of server communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the network server provides authorization status and notification to both devices. This feedback loop ensures reliable recipient addition by confirming server approval, while the NFC-pre-established communication channel minimizes the time required for this verification process.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for communication between a first mobile device and a second mobile device using near field communication (NFC) is presented. The method includes determining, at the first mobile device, whether NFC is enabled with the second mobile device. The method includes determining, at the first mobile device, whether a share command has been initiated, the share command associated with an email to be shared with the second mobile device. The method includes sending a first identifier from the first mobile device to the second mobile device via an NFC transmission. The method includes receiving, at the first mobile device, a second identifier from the second mobile device, the second identifier comprising user information related to (i) a second user and (ii) the email to be shared. The method includes associating the second user as a recipient to the email to be shared.