Unified Messaging Interface for Conversation Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current instant messaging technologies require users to open and manage multiple separate messaging windows for each conversation, leading to increased overhead and clutter on device screens, making it difficult to efficiently initiate and manage conversations.

Innovation Solution

A simplified instant messaging interface that integrates a message-entry field with a messaging contact list, allowing users to initiate and engage in conversations without opening a separate standard IM messaging window, with the option to switch to a standard window only when a threshold message size is reached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate standard IM messaging window is opened for each conversation, then users can engage in multiple conversations simultaneously, but the device screen becomes cluttered with multiple windows and managing them becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to engage in multiple conversationsVSAvoidnumber of windows to manage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple conversation interfaces into a single unified messaging window. Instead of opening separate windows for each contact, the system integrates all conversations in one window with tabs or sections for different contacts, allowing users to switch between conversations without managing multiple separate windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single messaging window is designed to handle multiple functions: it can display and manage multiple conversations, send messages, receive notifications, and switch between contacts all within one interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated windows for each conversation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If users send messages to check availability using standard IM interface, then they can initiate conversations, but they must actively open and close windows which increases overhead and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversation initiation efficiencyVSAvoidtime spent opening and closing windows

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares the messaging interface in advance by keeping the unified messaging window open with contact lists and message fields ready. Users can immediately type and send messages without needing to open windows first, as the interface is pre-configured for quick message composition and sending.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging system automatically manages window state and conversation tracking. When users send messages or receive responses, the system automatically updates the interface, manages contact visibility, and maintains conversation context without requiring users to manually open or close windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9191348B2System and method for a messaging interface

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

Computer-implemented systems and methods for a simplified messaging interface are provided for allowing users to initiate and engage in messaging conversations. In some embodiments, the systems and methods reduce the overhead involved in initiating and/or engaging in messaging conversations. In addition, the messaging interface may allow users to initiate and/or engage in conversations without having to open a separate standard messaging window for every conversation. Further, the simplified messaging interface may be used in conjunction with a standard messaging interface.