SMTP EXCL Command for Recipient List Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current email distribution systems, such as those using SMTP, are inefficient and prone to errors when sending messages to large groups, as they require manual entry of multiple recipient addresses and lack a straightforward method to exclude specific recipients from receiving a message.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an 'EXCL' command within the SMTP protocol that allows for the specification of an 'exclude field' in email messages, enabling the removal of specified names or addresses from a distribution list before sending, using a filter to exclude intended recipients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If distribution lists are used to send emails to multiple recipients, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because senders cannot easily exclude specific recipients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recipient list processing into two distinct parts: the distribution list (containing all potential recipients) and the exclude list (containing recipients to be excluded). This segmentation allows the system to maintain the convenience of distribution lists while enabling precise control over who receives the message by separating the inclusion and exclusion logic into distinct data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the exclude list and associated processing logic) that mediates between the distribution list and the final recipient set. This intermediary layer allows senders to filter out specific recipients without manually constructing the entire recipient list, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If manual entry of recipient addresses is used to exclude specific recipients, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing senders to pre-define exclude lists that can be reused across multiple messages. Instead of manually entering exclusion criteria each time a message is sent, the system stores and reuses exclude lists, thereby maintaining high reliability while significantly improving productivity through automation of the exclusion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by allowing senders to create and reuse exclude lists across multiple messages and campaigns. Once an exclude list is defined, it can be copied and applied to future messages, eliminating the need for repetitive manual entry while ensuring consistent and accurate recipient exclusion across multiple communications.
3Ease of operation
If distribution lists are used to send emails, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time deteriorates when the number of recipients is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling senders to pre-configure exclude lists in advance. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming recipient configuration when sending messages, as the exclusion logic is already in place and can be quickly applied to any message, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes copying by allowing exclude lists to be reused across multiple messages. Once an exclude list is created, it can be copied and applied to numerous messages without requiring reconfiguration, significantly reducing the time loss associated with large recipient groups while preserving the convenience of distribution list-based sending.
Data Source
AI summary
A message is received comprising a recipient list and an exclusion list. Recipients in the recipient list are identified, as are recipients in the exclusion list. A recipient is removed from the recipient list based on an identification of the recipient in the exclusion list.