Recipient-Aware Profile Photo Selection for Messaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing messaging systems do not dynamically adjust the profile photo of the message transmission source based on the transmission destination, leading to inappropriate and potentially hindering communication due to the use of fixed or inappropriate profile photos.

Innovation Solution

A messaging system that includes a profile photo controller to dynamically change the profile photo of the message transmission source based on user information and predefined rules, adapting the profile photo to the relationship and context of the message transmission destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed profile photo is used for the message transmission source, then the system is simple to operate, but the profile photo may be inappropriate for certain recipients and hinder communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of profile photo managementVSAvoidappropriateness of profile photo for different recipients
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic profile photo selection by automatically changing the profile photo based on the relationship between the transmission source and transmission destination users. The system determines appropriateness through automated rules rather than manual user input, resolving the contradiction by making the system adaptive without increasing operational complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically selecting and changing profile photos based on predefined rules and user relationships. This eliminates the need for manual user intervention in profile photo management while maintaining adaptability to different communication contexts, thus improving both ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the profile photo is dynamically changed based on transmission destination, then the adaptability and appropriateness improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappropriateness of profile photo for different recipientsVSAvoidcomplexity of profile photo management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining rules and criteria for profile photo selection based on user relationships. The system prepares multiple profile photos in advance and automatically selects the appropriate one based on the transmission destination, reducing the need for complex real-time decision-making logic during message transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (the profile photo controller with predefined rules) that mediates between the user and the profile photo selection process. This intermediary handles the complexity of adaptability logic internally, presenting a simple interface to users while achieving sophisticated profile photo management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple profile photos are maintained for different users, then the communication effectiveness improves, but the loss of information and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidstorage requirements for multiple profile photos
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by maintaining different profile photos tailored to specific user relationships or contexts. Instead of using a single uniform profile photo, the system selects appropriate profile photos based on the local characteristics of each transmission destination, improving communication effectiveness while managing storage efficiently through selective maintenance of multiple photos.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4228222B1Messaging system, program, and messaging method
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4228222B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4228222B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4228222B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A messaging system includes: a memory that stores multiple profile photos of a user, the profile photos being different from each other; and a processor configured to, by running a program: select a profile photo from among the multiple profile photos as a profile photo of a message-transmission-source user on a basis of user information regarding a message-transmission-destination user; and display the selected profile photo to the message-transmission-destination user in transmitting a message from the message-transmission-source user.