Method and system for the efficient distribution of messages utilizing a data processing system

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for the efficient distribution of messages utilizing a data processing system. A distribution channel is selected in response to a user selection of a particular distribution media. If transmission via the selected distribution channel fails, an alternate distribution media is automatically selected and the message converted to that alternate distribution media. Transmission is then attempted utilizing the alternate distribution media via a different distribution channel. In one depicted embodiment of the present invention the process of automatically selecting a different distribution media and attempting transmission via a different distribution channel continues until such time as a transmission is successful or a specified maximum number of attempted transmissions has occurred.

Description: The present invention relates in general to the field of data processing systems and in particular to the field of distributing messages from a user of a data processing system to a recipient, utilizing one of a variety of distribution media. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for automatically selecting an alternate distribution media upon the failure of an attempted transmission via a particular distribution channel, and attempting transmission utilizing that alternate distribution media. Electronic communication is increasingly common in the world today. For example, messages or documents may be transmitted between parties separated by great geographic distances utilizing electronic mail, facsimile or voice communication systems. Automatically rerouting messages or documents in an electronic message distribution system in response to localized problems within the system is well known in the prior art. For example, telephonic communications may be automatically rerouted via an alternate route in the event of a catastrophic failure within the system which affects the normal route. Thus, for example, a facsimile message transmitted via the telephone system from Dallas, Texas to Chicago, Illinois may normally be routed via St. Louis, Missouri. In the event telephone lines in the St. Louis, Missouri vicinity are inoperative or occupied, the document, while still in a facsimile format, could be automatically rerouted to Chicago utilizing telephone lines :CRE. through Memphis, Tennessee. While systems for rerouting electronic messages or documents via alternate routes are well known in the art, there exists no method or system which permits a message or document to be altered to a different media and transmitted via a completely different system in response to the nonavailability of the system associated with the first media. The invention described in the European Patent application EP 0378694, deals with multi-media transmissions. A service system center is able to determine the type of media used by the transmitter: telephone, facsimile. The system center can also detect if the transmission is not achieved and can send back a voice message to the sender. The patent application teaches manipulation of multi-media data using identification tables for storing characteristics upon the kind of media used for one transmission. This system answers the problem of producing voice responses to transmitters in an inexensive way within an economic structure. It should therefore be apparent that a need exists for a method and system whereby alternate distribution media may be automatically selected, a message converted into the alternate media and transmitted via an alternate system or distribution channel in the event of a failure to successfully transmit the document or message in the media originally selected. It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for the efficient distribution of messages within a system. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for automatically selecting from a plurality of distribution media for the efficient distribution of messages within a system. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for the efficient distribution of messages within a system which automatically selects alternate distribution media in response to a failure of transmission via a previously selected distribution channel, and which thereafter automatically at tempts transmission of a message using the alternate distribution media. The foregoing objects are achieved as is now described. A method and system a re disclosed for the efficient distribution of messages utilizing a data processing system. A distribution channel is selected in response to a user selection of a particular distribution media. If transmission via the selected distribution channel fails, an alternate distribution media is automatically selected and the message converted to that alternate distribution media. Transmission is then attempted utilizing the alternate distribution media via a different distribution channel. In one depicted embodiment of the present invention the process of automatically selecting a different distribution media and attempting transmission via a different distribution channel continues until such time as a transmission is successful or a specified maximum number of attempted transmissions has occurred. The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a pictorial representation of a data processing system which may be utilized to implement the method and system of the present invention. Figure 2 is a pictorial representation of a user interface which may be displayed on a computer display screen in accordance with the method and system of the present invention. Figure 3 is a high level flow chart depicting the automatic selection of alternate distribution media in accordance with the method and system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference to Figure 1 , there is depicted a pictorial representation of a data processing system 10 which may be utilized to implement the method and system of the present invention. As may be seen, data processing system 10 may include a plurality of computers 14 which may be connected together in a local area network 16. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of intelligent work stations coupled to a host processor may be utilized to implement such network. As is common in such data processing systems, each individual computer may be coupled to a storage device 18 and/or a printer/output device 20. One or more such storage devices 18 may be utilized, in accordance with the method of the present invention, to store the various data objects or documents which may be periodically accessed and processed by a user within data processing system 10, in accordance with the method and system of the present invention. In a manner well known in the prior art, each such data processing procedure or document may be stored within a storage device 18, which may be associated with a resource manager or library service, which is responsible for maintaining and updating all resource objects associated therewith. Still referring to Figure 1, it may be seen that data processing system 10 may communicate with another system 12 which may include a second data processing system, via electronic delivery utilizing a communications network 22, or by physical delivery using a post office 24. System 12 may also receive messages via various distribution channels 36. As utilized herein, the term distribution channel shall include various electronic distribution systems such as telephone lines, a dedicated facsimile line, and radio signals and shall also include various physical delivery systems such as a postal letter carrier or messenger service. A message may be characterized in various distribution media. As utilized herein, the term distribution media shall include such media as facsimile 28, telephone 30, voice mail 32, electronic mail (email) 34, or letter 26. As will be appreciated upon reference to the foregoing, it is often desirable for a user within data processing system 10 to be able to communicate efficiently with users within system 12. When one distribution channel 36 is unavailable, a user of data processing system 10 may desire to send a message utilizing a different distribution media. In order for a user of data processing system 10 to efficiently distribute messages to a selected user within system 12 it would be desirable to be able to automatically select an alternate distribution media to be utilized in the event of the nonavailability of a selected channel 36 and to automatically attempt transmission of a message utilizing the alternate distribution media via a different distribution channel. Referring now to Figure 2, there is illustrated a pictorial representation of a computer display screen 38 on which is depicted a primary electronic mail priority table 40. Utilizing primary electronic mail priority table 40, a user may specify one of a variety of distribution media as noted within Media column 42, such as physical delivery, facsimile, telephone, voice mail, or electronic mail. Comment column 44 allows the user to provide a commentary regarding the particular distribution media selected. Thereafter, each distribution media is prioritized as noted in Priority column 46. If the system is unable to transmit a message via a selected distribution channel 36, an alternate distribution media designated in primary electronic mail priority table 40 as a first priority will be automatically selected. Transmission will then be automatically attempted via an alternate distribution channel 36, utilizing the automatically selected alternate distribution media. If data processing system 10 is unable to transmit the message utilizing an alternate distribution media which is designated as a first priority, the system of the present invention will then automatically select a distribution media designated as a second priority and attempt transmission utilizing that media via a different distribution channel 36. For example, still referring to Figure 2, it will be noted that as listed in Media column 42, if a message was not successfully transmitted due to a failure of a selected distribution channel, the user has selected facsimile as a first alternate distribution media. Therefore, if distribution channel 36 utilized for facsimile 28 is unavailable, the user has selected voice telephone 30 as the next alternate distribution media to be utilized. In accordance with the method and system of the present invention, the system will continue to automatically select an alternate distribution media, as prioritized within primary electronic mail priority table 40, and will continue to attempt transmission utilizing the alternate distribution media, until a transmission is successful or a selected maximum number of attempted transmissions has occurred. Procedure column 48 lists parameters that the software application of specified distribution media may require in order to receive a message. Examples of such parameters include parity, check bits, and baud rate. These parameters may contain variables that need to be resolved before the parameters are passed to the software application. Either static or dynamic resolution may be utilized. When static resolution is chosen, the information necessary to complete the resolution is supplied. The value of the variables are known before an attempted transmission. When dynamic resolution is chosen, the necessary information must be obtained with the assistance of an external service and then the variables must be resolved. Therefore, for dynamic resolution, the values of the variables are resolved during an attempted transmission. Referring now to Figure 3, there is illustrated a high level flow chart depicting the automatic selection of an alternate distribution media in accordance with the method and system of the present invention. The process begins at block 50 and thereafter passes to block 52 which illustrates a user in data processing system 10 selecting a distribution media for communication with a recipient within system 12 (see Figure 1). Next, block 54 illustrates a determination of whether or not the selected distribution media is available. In the event the distribution media is available, the process passes to block 56 wherein communication is established. The process then terminates as illustrated at block 58. Referring again to block 54, if a determination is made that the distribution media is not available, the process passes to block 60 wherein a determination is made as to whether or not an alternate distribution media is preferred. In the event an alternate distribution media is not preferred, the process passes to block 62 which illustrates an error message being reported. Thereafter the process terminates as illustrated at block 58. Referring again to block 60, if a determination is made that an alternate distribution media is preferred, the process passes to block 64. Block 64 depicts the selecting of a distribution media from primary electronic mail priority table 40 (see Figure 2). The process then passes to block 66 which illustrates a determination of whether or not static resolution of listed parameters is desired. In the event static resolution is desired, control passes to block 68 which depicts the resolving of variables contained within listed parameters to be passed to the application supporting the alternate distribution media, utilizing preassigned values for those variables. Next, block 70 illustrates a determination of whether or not those variables were successfully resolved. If the variables were not successfully resolved, the process passes to block 62 which depicts the reporting of an error message. Thereafter, the process terminates as illustrated at block 58. Referring again to block 66, if static resolution of variables is not desired, the process passes to block 72 which depicts the retrieving of the necessary variables and, dynamically resolving these variables. The process then passes to block 70, illustrating a determination of whether or not the variables were successfully resolved. If the necessary variables were successfully resolved, the process passes to block 74 which illustrates the designating of a selected distribution media. Thereafter, block 76 depicts a determination of whether or not a synchronous response is desired. As utilized herein, the term "synchronous response" shall mean that the system of the present invention waits for a response from the application supporting the stated distribution media before processing will continue. Conversely, an asynchronous response shall mean that the present invention invokes the application supporting the distribution media and continues processing, not waiting for a response from the application supporting the distribution media. If a determination is made that a synchronous response is desired, the process passes to block 78 wherein a determination is made whether or not a maximum number of attempted transmissions has occurred. In the event the maximum number of attempted transmissions has occurred, the process then passes to block 80 which depicts the reporting of an error message. Thereafter the process terminates a s illustrated at block 58. Referring again to block 76, if a determination is made that a synchronous response is not desired, the process passes to block 82 wherein a semaphore is set. As utilized herein, the term "semaphore" shall mean a process that will be executed upon the return of a response from the application supporting the distribution media. Next, the process passes to block 84, which depicts passing the parameters to the application supporting the distribution media. Therefore, the process again terminates, as illustrated at block 58. Referring again to block 78, if a determination is made that the specified maximum number of attempted transmissions has not occurred, the process passes to block 86 which illustrates the passing of the parameters to the application supporting the distribution media. The process then returns to block 54. Upon reference to the foregoing those skilled in the art will appreciate that the Applicants have disclosed a method whereby alternate distribution media may be automatically selected in response to a failure of transmission of a message via a distribution channel.

Claims: A method for the efficient distribution of electronic messages within a first data processing system (10) connected to at least one other data processing system (12) through a communications network (22), said at least one other data processing system (12) being connected to the network via a plurality of network lines (36) each network line reaching at least one communication device of one medium type (28, 30, 32, 34), said method including steps for inquiring a data processing system user of its selection of a communication medium type and being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: selecting (54) a particular one of said plurality of network lines in response to a first data processing system user selection (52) of a particular communication medium type for a selected electronic message, attempting transmission (86, 54) of said selected electronic message via said particular one of said network line utilizing said particular communication medium type; and, automatically selecting (64) a first designated alternate communication medium type in response to a failure of transmission of said selected electronic message via said particular one of said network lines. The method according to Claim 1, further comprising the steps of: attempting (86, 54) transmission of said selected electronic message via said particular one of said plurality of network lines utilizing said first designated alternate communication medium type. The method according to Claim 2, further comprising the step of automatically selecting (64) a second designated alternate communication medium type in response to a failure of transmission of said selected electronic message via said particular one of said network lines. The method according to Claim 1, comprising an inital step of: selecting a maximum number of attempted transmissions; said method further comprising, after the attempting transmission step, the step of: automatically alerting a user (80) upon an occurrence of said maximum number of attempted transmissions (78). A system for the efficient distribution of electronic messages, said system comprising a first data processing system (10) connected to at least one other data processing system (12) through a communications network (22), said at least one other data processing system (12) being connected to the network via a plurality of network lines (36) each network line reaching at least one communication device of one medium type (28, 30, 32, 34), said system comprising means for inquiring a data processing system user of its selection of a communication medium type and being characterized in that it comprises the following means: user interfacing means receiving a first data processing system user selection of a particular communication medium type for a selected electronic message, means, responsive to the interfacing means, for selecting a particular one of said plurality of network lines; sending means for attempting transmission of said selected electronic message via said particular one of said network lines; and, failure detecting means detecting a failure of transmission of said selected electronic message via said particular one of said network lines; means, responsive to the detecting means, for selecting a first designated alternate communication medium type. The system according to Claim 5, further comprising: means for attempting transmission of said selected electronic message via said particular one of said plurality of network lines utilizing said first designated alternate communication medium type. The system according to Claim 5, further comprising means responsive to a failure of transmission of said selected electronic message via said particular one of said network lines for automatically selecting a second designated alternate communication medium type. The system according to Claim 5, further comprising: reading means permitting a user to enter prior to any transmissions a maximum number of attempted transmissions; and, means for automatically alerting said user upon an occurrence of said maximum number of attempted transmissions by sending means.

Inventors: INNISS HADYN A, JOHNSON WILLIAM J, KELLER ROBERT S, WILLIAMS MARVIN L, INNISS, HADYN A., JOHNSON, WILLIAM J., KELLER, ROBERT S., WILLIAMS, MARVIN L.
Applicants: IBM, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
Application year: 1992
Main classification: H04Q3
IPC codes: H04Q3, H04Q11, H04L29