Sponsored Chat Link Integration for Anonymous Search-Based Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication technologies do not allow users to connect anonymously and serendipitously with others based on shared search queries without registration or proprietary software, limiting the ability to communicate on fleeting interests and hindering businesses from sponsoring conversation links.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system that enables anonymous communication between users with similar search queries through a server-mediated HTTP communication protocol, eliminating the need for user registration and proprietary software, and allows businesses to sponsor chat links by integrating them into search results pages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users register and join groups or use instant messaging applications to communicate, then communication capability is improved, but user complexity and system complexity increase due to registration requirements and proprietary software

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that mediates communication between users. The server receives search queries, identifies users with similar queries, and establishes communication links without requiring users to register or install proprietary software. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing communication capability through a centralized service rather than requiring complex user-side systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the communication system universally accessible through standard web browsers without requiring users to install specific instant messaging applications. The system serves multiple functions: it acts as a search engine, a matching service, and a communication platform all through a single web-based interface, eliminating the need for proprietary software and reducing system complexity.

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

2Reliability

If users connect through instant messaging applications with known identifiers, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the requirement of pre-established contact and interoperability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidease of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic matching of users with similar search queries without requiring manual contact establishment. Users simply submit search queries, and the server automatically identifies and connects them with others having similar interests. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while maintaining reliability through server-mediated connection management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to actively seek out and connect with known identifiers, the patent inverts the process by having the system automatically bring users together based on their search queries. The connection initiation is reversed from user-driven to system-driven, improving ease of operation while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of information

If businesses sponsor content links in search engines, then visibility to target audience is improved, but the ability to directly engage through conversation is lost due to lack of search functionality for conversation links

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility to target audienceVSAvoiddirect engagement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the search functionality with direct conversation capability by integrating chat link sponsorship into search engine results. When users search for topics, they not only see sponsored content links but also sponsored conversation links that directly connect them with businesses. This combination resolves the contradiction by providing both visibility and direct engagement in a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that routes users to sponsored conversation links based on their search queries. Businesses can sponsor conversation links for specific keywords or topics, and the server mediates by presenting these sponsored conversation options to relevant users, enabling both visibility and direct engagement through the intermediary service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7818340B1Computer-implemented method and system for enabling network communication using sponsored chat links
Publication Date: 2010.10.19 WARREN PETER
  • US7818340B1 patent drawing
  • US7818340B1 patent drawing
  • US7818340B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method and system for enabling network communication using common search queries and sponsored chat links is disclosed. Various embodiments relate to a computer-implemented system and method for receiving a sponsored concept from a sponsoring company, receiving a search query from a user, determining if the sponsored concept and the user search query fit within a match criteria, and establishing a communication link between the sponsoring company and the user if the sponsored concept and the user search query fit within the match criteria.