Priority-Based Instant Messaging Conversation Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Instant Messaging (IM) systems do not allow for seamless transfer of conversations between devices or the continuation of IM conversations on different devices without interruption, limiting user mobility and flexibility in managing multiple conversations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a priority-based system that enables users to transfer text messaging conversations between devices by modifying the priority levels associated with each device, allowing users to pick up conversations on a new device where they left off, and selectively transfer specific conversations based on device priority settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IM conversations are conducted on a single device, then conversation continuity is maintained, but user mobility and device flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice flexibilityVSAvoidconversation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The IM system is designed to operate across multiple devices (PC, PDA, mobile phone) with the same user account, allowing conversations to be accessed and continued on any device. The server stores conversation data centrally, enabling universal access from any registered device without interrupting the conversation flow.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The IM server acts as an intermediary between multiple devices and the conversation data. It receives messages from any device, stores them centrally, and delivers them to the appropriate device, enabling seamless conversation transfer between devices while maintaining continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If all IM conversations are transferred to another device, then mobility is improved, but selective conversation management becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidconversation management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows different conversation priorities to be assigned to different devices. Users can specify which device should receive which conversations based on local needs (e.g., important work conversations on PC, casual chats on mobile), enabling selective conversation management while maintaining mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Conversation device assignments are dynamic and can be changed at any time. Users can flexibly reassign conversations between devices based on current needs, location, or device availability, rather than having fixed assignments, thus improving both mobility and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If IM conversations require the same party and device to complete them, then conversation context is preserved, but productivity in collaborative scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollaborative efficiencyVSAvoidconversation context
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

When a user transfers an IM conversation to another device, the conversation history and context are copied to the new device. The transferee can view the complete conversation thread and continue participating, preserving full context while enabling collaborative efficiency and role transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP1922848B1Priority elements in instant messaging conversations
Publication Date: 2012.10.03 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP1922848B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1922848B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1922848B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, computer program product, digital device, network entity and system for enabling a first party operating a first device to transfer a text messaging conversation to a second party operating a second device are provided. In addition, a method, computer program product, digital device, network entity and system for enabling a user conducting multiple text messaging conversations on a first device to transfer only certain of those text messaging conversations for a second device are provided. In either case, the transferring of the text messaging conversation results in one or more text messages of the conversations being transmitted to and displayed on the subsequent device prior to continuing the conversation on that device.