Text Messaging Server Database Lookup for Contact Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular text messaging services are limited in conveying predefined information or files due to payload size constraints and lack of efficient methods for sharing contact information in a user-friendly format across various messaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows sending a text message to a server with an identification of a database record and forward address, enabling a database lookup and sending of enhanced messages, such as customized mobile business cards or files, to recipients through various text messaging systems, including SMS, email, or Wi-Fi, with support for dynamic message modification and charging models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional SMS messaging is used to convey contact information, then the message can be sent through existing cellular networks, but the payload size is limited to 140 bytes which restricts the amount of information that can be conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contact information transmission into two parts: a compact reference code sent via SMS (within payload limits) and the actual detailed information stored in an external database. This allows the SMS to remain within size constraints while the full information capacity is expanded through the database system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database server as an intermediary between the SMS message and the contact information. The SMS contains a reference that points to the database, which then provides the full contact details. This mediator enables information expansion without increasing SMS payload size.
2Ease of operation
If contact information is sent as plain text messages, then the information can be conveyed through any text messaging system, but the information is not presented in a user-friendly or organized format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-formatting contact information into structured templates (such as vCard format) and storing them in the database before retrieval. When an SMS is received, the system simply retrieves and delivers the pre-formatted information, making it user-friendly without adding complex formatting logic at the moment of transmission.
3Quantity of substance
If detailed contact information is included in every SMS message, then the information is complete and self-contained, but the message size exceeds the 140 byte payload limit of SMS protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detailed contact information from the SMS message itself and places it in an external database. The SMS contains only essential routing information (phone number and reference code), while the extracted detailed information is retrieved from the database. This separation allows complete information delivery without exceeding SMS payload limits.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for sending a cellular text message to a system server through a data network, including an identification of a requested database record and a forward address. The system server then performs a database lookup or related search and sends an enhanced message or a file to the forward address, which could be a cellular phone, e-mail address, server, computer, mobile device, or any hardware or device associated with the intended recipient that is communicatively coupled to the system server.