Unified Contact List Interface for SMS and IM Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices require users to switch between separate applications for different communication mediums like SMS, MMS, and IM, leading to segregation of contacts and difficulties in managing multiple communication exchanges, which impede usability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated contact list user interface that distinguishes between SMS and IM contacts, allowing SMS-only contacts to be invited and routed into the IM list, with visual indicators and periodic synchronization to manage and filter messages, enabling a unified communication environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate applications are used for different communication mediums (SMS, MMS, IM), then each application can be optimized for its specific protocol and medium, but users must switch between applications which segregates contacts and impedes usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication applications (SMS, MMS, IM) into a single unified application interface. The system integrates different communication protocols and mediums while maintaining their individual functionality, allowing users to access all communication types through one interface rather than switching between separate applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified application serves multiple communication functions simultaneously - handling SMS, MMS, and IM protocols within a single application. The system is designed to be multi-functional, supporting various communication mediums while providing a consistent user experience across all protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate applications are used for different communication mediums, then contact segregation is avoided, but it becomes difficult to remember which contacts can be communicated with via which medium
Solution Approach 1:
The contact list is segmented into different categories or groups based on communication capabilities (SMS-only, IM-only, both). This segmentation helps users quickly identify which communication methods are available for each contact without needing to remember protocol-specific details, as the interface visually organizes contacts by their capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the contact interface provide different information based on local needs - the main contact list shows communication capabilities at a glance, while detailed contact views provide protocol-specific options. This local quality approach ensures users get the right information at the right level of detail.
3Productivity
If multiple communication exchanges are conducted simultaneously, then communication efficiency is improved, but switching between separate applications becomes an impediment to usability
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication exchanges (SMS, MMS, IM) are merged into a single unified interface, allowing users to conduct multiple types of communications simultaneously without switching applications. The system manages multiple communication streams within one application context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension to contact management by organizing contacts not just by name or frequency, but by communication medium capability. This dimensional organization allows users to efficiently manage multiple communication exchanges by filtering or sorting contacts based on their communication capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided wherein SMS-only contacts are integrated into an IM environment. An IM contact list interface distinguishes between SMS and IM chats (and contacts), such that limitations and potential differential costs associated with the respective mediums can be identified. The system is also configured to route SMS messages into the IM contact list interface for later filtering and/or selection by the user. By providing SMS-specific categories with the IM contact list interface SMS integration operations such as routing of SMS messages can be controlled to avoid degrading the user's experience.