VCC Software for Customizing Email Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic messaging systems do not allow users to modify message content and attachments for secondary recipients without creating a new message, making it laborious to send similar but varied messages to multiple recipients.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of 'Visible Carbon Copy' (VCC) messaging, which enables users to compose and send modified messages with different content and attachments to secondary recipients within the existing electronic messaging systems, allowing for preview and simultaneous transmission with unaltered messages to primary recipients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user sends a single message to multiple recipients using existing electronic messaging systems, then the message transmission is simple and straightforward, but the user cannot modify the message content or attachments for different secondary recipients without creating entirely new messages, which is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the message distribution process by introducing VCC recipient groups that can be separately configured from primary recipients. Users can divide recipients into primary and VCC groups, apply different content modifications to VCC groups, and send differentiated messages simultaneously. This segmentation allows efficient customization without creating entirely separate message compositions for each recipient group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to pre-configure VCC recipient groups and define modification rules in advance. Users can set up multiple VCC groups with predetermined content changes, attachments, and subject line modifications before sending. This preliminary configuration enables automated differentiation of messages for various recipient groups without manual re-composition during the sending phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user creates separate messages for each recipient group with different content, then each recipient receives customized content, but the process becomes laborious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a single message composition interface that serves multiple functions: it can send identical messages to all recipients, differentiated messages to VCC groups, and fully customized messages to individual recipients. The VCC editor provides multi-functional capabilities including content modification, attachment management, and subject line customization within one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate composition processes for different recipient types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces VCC (Visible Carbon Copy) as an intermediary mechanism between the single message composition and multiple differentiated distributions. The VCC editor acts as a mediator that receives the original message, applies configured modifications to create differentiated versions for various recipient groups, and manages the distribution process. This intermediary simplifies the complexity by providing a centralized control point for all message differentiation operations.
3Productivity
If a user sends multiple modified messages to different recipients simultaneously, then messaging efficiency is improved, but the system interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple messaging functions into a single unified interface. The VCC editor combines message composition, recipient group management, content modification, attachment handling, and distribution control into one integrated interface. Users can configure multiple VCC recipient groups, define different content modifications, and manage all aspects of differentiated message sending within this single merged interface, avoiding the need for separate tools or complex multi-step processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling users to automatically configure and manage multiple VCC recipient groups with their own specific content modifications. The system allows users to set up reusable VCC group configurations that can be applied automatically when sending messages. Once configured, the system handles the differentiation and distribution of customized messages to various VCC groups without requiring manual intervention for each recipient group, thereby improving efficiency while keeping the interface manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for preparing modified copies of outgoing electronic communications to secondary individual recipients and groups of secondary recipients. The system is referred to as a “Visible Carbon Copy” (“VCC”). Modifications can be made to the content of the communications and additionally to attachments included with the communications. Any number of differently modified copies can be sent to any number of secondary recipients or groups of recipients. The system can be interfaced into the users existing electronic messaging system or embedded into the electronic messaging system by the manufacturer thereof. In a first embodiment, the VCC is utilized with email messaging systems. In a second embodiment, the VCC is utilized with instant messaging systems. Additional embodiments allow utilization of the VCC with any type of electronic communication system that allows for messaging to one or more recipients.