Unified Messaging Recall via Intermediary and Universality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current unified messaging platforms lack the capability for message recall, which is typically limited to closed user groups and unavailable for both subscribers and non-subscribers, making it difficult for senders to retract messages once sent.
Innovation Solution
A unified messaging platform system that allows message recall by determining the sender's subscription status, providing a recall option for subscribers and sending a randomly generated URL for non-subscribers to request message deletion, enabling message recall across various interfaces such as email, voicemail, and fax.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If message recall capability is implemented through proprietary protocols in closed user groups, then message recall is available within those groups, but message recall is unavailable to both subscribers and non-subscribers in the unified messaging environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal message recall mechanism that works across multiple communication types (email, voicemail, fax, SMS) and for both subscribers and non-subscribers. The UM platform provides a common recall interface that handles different message types through unified protocols rather than proprietary protocols limited to specific groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The UM platform acts as an intermediary between senders and recipients, providing the message recall functionality. When a sender requests message recall, the UM platform intercepts the message delivery process and enables the recall operation, serving as a mediator that facilitates message recall for all users regardless of their subscription status or message type.
2Ease of operation
If the sender is a UM subscriber, then a copy of the message and recall option are deposited into the sender's UM mailbox, but additional storage and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
UM subscribers receive a copy of the sent message in their own mailbox with an embedded recall option, allowing them to self-service the recall function directly from their mailbox without needing to contact support or use complex external systems. The system automatically provides the recall capability through the existing mailbox interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The message recall functionality is merged with the existing UM mailbox system. Instead of creating a separate recall system, the patent combines the recall option with the message copy already stored in the subscriber's mailbox, utilizing existing storage and interface infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sender is not a UM subscriber, then a recall message with randomly generated URL is sent to the sender, but additional communication channels and security measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
For non-submitter senders, the UM platform sends a recall message with a randomly generated URL through the same communication channel used for the original message. The UM platform acts as an intermediary that provides the recall functionality through automated URL-based access rather than requiring direct system integration or complex authentication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses randomly generated URLs that are temporary and single-use for non-submitter recall requests. These URLs serve as disposable access tokens that enable recall functionality without requiring persistent authentication or complex security infrastructure, reducing the complexity of supporting non-submitters.
4Ease of operation
If message recall is enabled across all message types, then user control is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UM platform provides a universal message recall mechanism that handles multiple message types (email, voicemail, fax, SMS) through a single unified interface. This allows users to control all their messages through one system rather than requiring separate recall mechanisms for each message type, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing user control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for managing messages in a unified messaging (UM) platform to enable message recall is disclosed. The UM platform deposits a message from a sender into a UM mailbox of a recipient. It is then determined whether the sender of the message is a UM subscriber. If the sender is a UM subscriber, a copy of the message or a link to the message is deposited into a UM mailbox of the sender. The UM platform then provides a message recall option with the copy of the message or the link to the message in the UM mailbox of the sender. If the sender is not a UM subscriber, a recall message including a randomly generated message recall URL is sent to the sender. This allows the sender to select the randomly generated message recall URL to send a message recall request to the UM platform.