Web-Based SMS Emulation Interface for Mobile Information Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face challenges in accessing and utilizing SMS information services due to the need for specific formatting and the cost of sending messages that may not yield desired results, as existing SMS systems only process messages in expected formats and charge for each message sent or received regardless of the outcome.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to emulate mobile device messaging operations on networked computer devices, enabling the submission and display of SMS messages in a web browser, where requests are processed and responses are formatted for display within a graphic of a mobile device, allowing users to access various information services such as weather, directions, or contact information without incurring charges for unsuccessful messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users send SMS messages to obtain information services, then they can access information such as weather, directions, or contact information, but they incur charges for each message sent or received regardless of whether the message yields the intended result
Solution Approach 1:
A web-based emulation interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the SMS information service. The interface allows users to compose and send SMS messages through a web browser, view the service provider's response, and then decide whether to send the actual paid SMS message. This intermediary layer enables users to learn about service formats and availability without incurring message charges.
2Reliability
If SMS information services require specific formatting of messages, then the service provider can process messages correctly, but users face difficulty in learning and using the correct format
Solution Approach 1:
The web-based emulation interface performs preliminary actions by allowing users to practice composing and sending SMS messages in a risk-free environment. Users can learn the correct formatting, keywords, and syntax required by the information service before sending actual paid messages. The interface displays example messages and responses, enabling users to master the required format without incurring charges.
3Reliability
If the SMS system only processes messages in expected formats, then the service provider ensures reliable message processing, but users cannot experiment or learn through trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the SMS messaging environment through a web-based interface. This copy allows users to experiment with different message formats, keywords, and syntax without affecting the actual SMS system. Users can send practice messages through the web interface, view simulated responses, and learn the correct formats without incurring charges or risking actual message delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of emulating a mobile device messaging operation may include receiving a request from a web browser that includes a text message; submitting the text message to a text message service provider; receiving from the text message service provider a response text message that is responsive to the text message; and generating a response, formatted for display on a web browser, that includes the response text message. The text message may comply with a short messaging service (SMS) format. The text message may include a request for information. The response may include a graphic of a mobile device around the response text message. In some embodiments, before receiving a request from the web browser, the computer-implemented method includes providing for the web browser a document having the graphic of the mobile device and capable of receiving user requests associated with the graphic.