Targeted Electronic Message Notification Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic messaging systems burden network resources and user devices by delivering notifications to all connected devices, leading to redundant processing and potential missed notifications due to incorrect idle state reporting, especially when devices switch between networks.
Innovation Solution
A server-based method that retrieves user activity logs from multiple devices to determine the most recently active device and sends targeted notifications, with options for active or passive alerts, and re-sends notifications if not acknowledged within a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If notifications are delivered to all connected devices, then user coverage is improved (ensuring messages are not missed), but network load and device processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The notification delivery process is segmented into two phases: initial targeted delivery to the most active device, and conditional fallback delivery to other devices if not acknowledged. This divides the notification system into primary and secondary delivery channels, reducing overall network load while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining user activity status and identifying the most active device before sending notifications. Activity logs are retrieved and analyzed in advance to predict which device the user is most likely to check, enabling targeted delivery that reduces unnecessary network traffic.
2Loss of energy
If notifications are sent to the most active device only, then network load is reduced, but notification reliability may deteriorate (user might miss important messages)
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring whether the user has acknowledged or accessed the notification on the primary device. Based on this feedback (or lack thereof within a predetermined time period), the system automatically triggers fallback delivery to alternative devices, ensuring reliability while minimizing unnecessary network traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification delivery system is made dynamic by adapting the delivery target based on real-time activity data. The system continuously monitors user activity across devices and dynamically adjusts which device receives notifications, rather than using a static delivery approach. This dynamic adaptation optimizes both efficiency and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If activity logs are retrieved from all devices to determine most active device, then notification targeting accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The messaging application serves multiple functions: it acts as both the communication client and the activity monitoring agent. The same application infrastructure that handles messaging also collects and reports activity logs to the server, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each device's messaging application autonomously tracks its own activity metrics (message sends, receives, app launches) and self-reports this data to the server. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized monitoring infrastructure, as each device independently maintains its own activity records.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method, executable at a server, of processing an incoming message destined for a user, the user having first and second electronic devices, both the electronic devices executing at least one instance of an application. The method comprises receiving the incoming electronic message; based on a message type, appreciating a delivery preference parameter that is indicative of which one of the electronic devices the user is more likely to process the incoming electronic message of the message type; determining a specific electronic device having a highest delivery preference parameter, the specific one executing a first and a second instance of the application; based on the delivery preference parameter, determining a specific instance of the application the user is more likely to use for the incoming electronic message; generating a user-notification for the message; transmitting the user-notification to the specific one of the instances of the application.