Vertical SMS Group Messaging Platform with Access Code Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing group messaging platforms suffer from clutter and confusion due to horizontal communications, requiring login and password setups, internet access, and app downloads, leading to unwanted messages and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A secure vertical communication platform that uses SMS, with a lead administrator controlling message flow, allowing only vertical communication within a group, eliminating the need for internet access and app downloads, and using identification numbers and access codes to manage group membership and message permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If horizontal communication is allowed in group messaging, then members can interact freely with each other, but message clutter and confusion increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication into two distinct channels: vertical communication (administrator to members) and horizontal communication (member to member). By allowing only vertical communication in the implemented embodiment, the system segments the message flow to prevent clutter while maintaining necessary communication functionality. The administrator's messages are distributed to all members, but members cannot send messages to each other, thus eliminating horizontal clutter.
2Reliability
If login and password requirements are implemented, then user authentication and security are improved, but system complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication mechanism from traditional login/password systems and replaces it with a simplified SMS-based verification code system. Instead of requiring users to create accounts with passwords, the system sends verification codes via SMS to confirm user identity. This extraction of the authentication function from complex account management reduces setup requirements while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces SMS as an intermediary for authentication purposes. Rather than directly managing user credentials through login forms and password databases, the system uses SMS messages as a mediator to deliver verification codes. This intermediary approach simplifies the authentication process by leveraging the existing SMS infrastructure already possessed by users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If internet access and app downloads are required, then communication functionality is enhanced, but accessibility and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the communication system to utilize resources already available on users' devices, specifically the SMS capability that comes pre-installed on mobile phones. Users do not need to download additional applications or configure internet connectivity settings. The system self-adapts to use the existing SMS infrastructure, making the service accessible to all mobile phone users regardless of their internet capabilities or willingness to download apps.
4Loss of information
If all group members can see all messages, then transparency and group cohesion are improved, but unwanted messages and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visibility rules to different types of messages based on their origin. Administrator messages are made visible to all members (vertical communication), while member-to-member messages are either blocked or made visible only to the administrator (horizontal communication restriction). This local quality approach ensures that important administrative announcements reach all members while preventing the proliferation of unwanted peer-to-peer messages that cause confusion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of sending vertical SMS messages comprising a lead administrator contacting a first server with a request to create a group and providing certain identifying information to the first server; assigning an identification number to the group; creating and assigning at least one access code to the group; sharing the access code to desired members of the group and adding members to the group that send the access code to the identification number; and sending a SMS message to members of the group from the lead administrator, wherein the SMS messages are only shared vertically within the group.