Patent ID: 12261808

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or more different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that some instant messaging (IM) services can communicate if a message has been read or if the other party is typing a response in a high bandwidth connection to ensure that the sender is aware of the recipient's active response activity.

The illustrative embodiments also recognize and take into account that current instant messaging services do not have administrative set up or preferences to support synchronous to asynchronous messaging when a recipient is busy or otherwise unavailable to receive an instant message (e.g., Do not Disturb). Current instant messaging services do not have protected Do not Disturb (DnD) status as messages can still be sent and act as disturbances to the recipient.

The illustrative embodiments provide an instant messaging system that enables asynchronous messaging when recipients are unavailable. The asynchronous protocol of the illustrative embodiments allows an instant message to be stored in a queue and sent in an alternative manner via the user's preference and priority of message type at a later time triggered by a status change of the recipient or sent immediately via an alternative communication system such as email or SMS text. By providing true asynchronous messaging, the illustrative embodiments enforce the validity of a DnD status. At the same time, the sender does not risk losing the text message or train of thought and does not have to manually park the text in another software or clipboard solution because the instant messaging system itself can convert the rich text message to email or store the message until the presence servicer indicates the recipient's status as changed back to available/active.

With reference toFIG.1, a pictorial representation of a network of data processing systems is depicted in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Network data processing system100is a network of computers in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Network data processing system100contains network102, which is the medium used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected together within network data processing system100. Network102might include connections, such as wire, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables.

In the depicted example, server computer104and server computer106connect to network102along with storage unit108. In addition, client devices110connect to network102. In the depicted example, server computer104provides information, such as boot files, operating system images, and applications to client devices110. Client devices110can be, for example, computers, workstations, or network computers. As depicted, client devices110include client computers112,114, and116. Client devices110can also include other types of client devices such as mobile phone118, tablet computer120, and smart glasses122.

In this illustrative example, server computer104, server computer106, storage unit108, and client devices110are network devices that connect to network102in which network102is the communications media for these network devices. Some or all of client devices110may form an Internet of things (IoT) in which these physical devices can connect to network102and exchange information with each other over network102.

Client devices110are clients to server computer104in this example. Network data processing system100may include additional server computers, client computers, and other devices not shown. Client devices110connect to network102utilizing at least one of wired, optical fiber, or wireless connections.

Program code located in network data processing system100can be stored on a computer-recordable storage medium and downloaded to a data processing system or other device for use. For example, the program code can be stored on a computer-recordable storage medium on server computer104and downloaded to client devices110over network102for use on client devices110.

The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one of each item in the list may be needed. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items and number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list are required. The item can be a particular object, a thing, or a category.

For example, without limitation, “at least one of item A, item B, or item C” may include item A, item A and item B, or item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C or item B and item C. Of course, any combinations of these items can be present. In some illustrative examples, “at least one of” can be, for example, without limitation, two of item A; one of item B; and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or other suitable combinations. In the depicted example, network data processing system100is the Internet with network102representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite of protocols to communicate with one another. At the heart of the Internet is a backbone of high-speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers consisting of thousands of commercial, governmental, educational, and other computer systems that route data and messages. Of course, network data processing system100also may be implemented using a number of different types of networks. For example, network102can be comprised of at least one of the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN).FIG.1is intended as an example, and not as an architectural limitation for the different illustrative embodiments.

In the illustrative example, a “number of” when used with reference to items means one or more items. For example, a number of different types of networks is one or more different types of networks.

FIG.2depicts a block diagram illustrating an instant messaging system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Instant messaging system200may be implemented in network data processing system100shown inFIG.1.

Instant messaging system200comprises a number of users202that communicate with each other via chat software210. Each user204has an associated user profile206stored in instant messaging system200and sender preferences208that specify alternative methods of sending messages212when recipients are not immediately available.

The current user status218of users202is maintained by presence server216. Synchronous service214continually pings presence server216to enable instant messaging system200to indicate the current user status218via user interface (UI)226.

As users202attempt to exchange messages212through chat software210, the current user status218indicated via UI226informs the sender as to whether the recipient in question is currently available to immediately receive the message in real time. The recipient may be currently unavailable for a number of reasons. For example, the recipient may a Do not Disturb (DnD) status indicated in the UI226and is therefore not receiving messages at the moment. As another example, the current user status218of the recipient may indicate that the recipient is sharing a screen with other viewers such as during a video conference, in which case it might be an unwelcome interruption to have an instant message or instant message notification pop up on the recipient's screen. An instant message may also include confidential information that the sender and/or recipient do not want inadvertently disclosed via such a shared screen. Other potential statuses may be used to indicate momentary unavailability of the recipient and tracked by presence server216and indicated via UI226.

In instances where the current user status218indicates that the recipient is not available, instant messaging system200provides several alternatives for sending messages212without the need for a sender to manually copy and paste (“park”) the text of the instant message into another software or clipboard solution (e.g., word processor document or notepad application) and send the message later. Which alternative communication method is used depends on the sender preferences208and their preferred priority set by the user204.

One alternative method stores the instant message in a message queue220while the recipient is unavailable. A change in current user status218indicating recipient availability then automatically triggers the instant messaging system200to send the message. Another alternative method sends the instant message as an email to the recipient via email application programming interface (API)222. If the recipient has a mobile telephone number stored in a user profile206, the sender may also have the option of sending the instant message as a short message service (SMS) text message via SMS API224.

Instant messaging system200can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When software is used, the operations performed by instant messaging system200can be implemented in program code configured to run on hardware, such as a processor unit. When firmware is used, the operations performed by instant messaging system200can be implemented in program code and data and stored in persistent memory to run on a processor unit. When hardware is employed, the hardware may include circuits that operate to perform the operations in instant messaging system200.

In the illustrative examples, the hardware may take a form selected from at least one of a circuit system, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or some other suitable type of hardware configured to perform a number of operations. With a programmable logic device, the device can be configured to perform the number of operations. The device can be reconfigured at a later time or can be permanently configured to perform the number of operations. Programmable logic devices include, for example, a programmable logic array, a programmable array logic, a field programmable logic array, a field programmable gate array, and other suitable hardware devices. Additionally, the processes can be implemented in organic components integrated with inorganic components and can be comprised entirely of organic components excluding a human being. For example, the processes can be implemented as circuits in organic semiconductors.

These components for instant messaging system200can be located in computer system250, which is a physical hardware system and includes one or more data processing systems. When more than one data processing system is present in computer system250, those data processing systems are in communication with each other using a communications medium. The communications medium can be a network. The data processing systems can be selected from at least one of a computer, a server computer, a tablet computer, or some other suitable data processing system.

For example, instant messaging system200can run on one or more processors252in computer system250. As used herein a processor is a hardware device and is comprised of hardware circuits such as those on an integrated circuit that respond and process instructions and program code that operate a computer. When processors252execute instructions for a process, one or more processors can be on the same computer or on different computers in computer system250. In other words, the process can be distributed between processors252on the same or different computers in computer system250. Further, one or more processors252can be of the same type or different type of processors252. For example, one or more processors252can be selected from at least one of a single core processor, a dual-core processor, a multi-processor core, a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a quantum processing unit (QPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or some other type of processor.

FIG.3depicts a flowchart illustrating a process for asynchronous messaging on an instant messaging system in accordance with illustrative embodiments. Process300can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. When implemented in software, the process can take the form of program code that is run by one of more processor units located in one or more hardware devices in one or more computer systems. Process300may be implemented in instant messaging system200inFIG.2.

Process300begins with the instant messaging system receiving, from a sender, an instant message addressed to a recipient on the instant messaging system (step302). The instant messaging system determines a current user status of the recipient to ascertain if the recipient is currently available (step304). Step304may entail a synchronous API call to the “status” server (e.g., presence server216) and endpoint to retrieve the status of the recipient. This API call would be real time and resolve instantly in a functioning network.

The current user status may be provided by a presence server in the instant messaging system. A current user status of unavailable may be indicated by one of a DnD status or a Sharing Screen status.

Responsive to a determination the recipient is currently available, the instant messaging system sends the instant message to the recipient in real time (step306). This message may be a synchronous API call to the instant messaging service as a message body (with rich text or possibly a file attachment such as a .jpg or .doc file) via the standard application handling or via an IM system to IM system endpoint (e.g., Cisco Webex® to iMessage® or MSFT Teams®). This API call would be real time and resolve instantly in a functioning network with a response from the end point of a successful receipt.

Responsive to a determination the recipient is currently unavailable (seeFIG.4), the instant messaging system may further determine the sender's preference of priority (either SMS/text, email, or send later) and, if SMS is preference 1, whether a mobile telephone number for the recipient is stored in a user profile in the instant messaging system (step308). This determination may be an application check of the other user's profile settings or alternatively a synchronous API call to another instant messaging service's endpoint to retrieve the profile settings of the recipient. This API call would be real time and resolve instantly in a functioning network. The response in this scenario would be a profile setting of a blank or a populated mobile telephone number field and an authorization to allow SMS messaging.

Responsive to a determination that a mobile telephone number for the recipient is stored in a user profile in the instant messaging system, the instant messaging system prompts the sender to choose among alternate methods (via a dialog box or via the priority ranking of options) to send the instant message when the recipient is currently unavailable (seeFIG.5) (step310). Sending the SMS message may comprise a synchronous API call to the SMS handling server via a SMS message endpoint to send the message to the recipient. This API call would be real time and resolve instantly in a functioning network. The SMS server should handle the message via the SMS Cellular network and respond back with a success message.

If there is no mobile telephone number for the recipient stored in a user profile, the instant messaging system determines a method choice for messaging the recipient selected by the sender (step312). This method choice is specified by sender preferences and priority ranking (seeFIG.6), which may be preset by the sender or selected by the sender in response to a prompt in step310. This determination may be an application check of the current user's profile settings to retrieve the profile settings and priority ranking of the sender. The system response in this scenario would be the profile setting of either email or “wait until later.”

If the method choice in the send preferences and priority ranking is to send the message immediately without delay, the instant messaging system sends the message via an alternative communication system (step314). This alternative messaging system may comprise email or an SMS text message (in the case where a recipient mobile telephone number is stored in a user profile). Email messaging may comprise an asynchronous API call to the email service as a message (with rich text or possibly a file attachment such as a .jpg or .doc file) via a standard email application handling. This API call to the email software would be real time and resolve instantly in a functioning network with a response from the end point of a successful receipt.

If the method choice is to wait until the recipient is available, the instant messaging system stores the instant message in a queue until triggered to send the instant message when the current user status of the recipient changes to available (step316). This stored message may comprise a message (with rich text or possibly a file attachment such as a .jpg or .doc file) via the message handler as a later message once the instant messaging current user status of the recipient resets to “active” (i.e., available). Process300terminates thereafter.

FIG.4depicts a diagram illustrating a user interface with a Do not Disturb notice for an instant messaging system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In the present example, the sender has selected a recipient402in user interface400. Recipient402has a DnD current user status, indicated by icon406adjacent the user's avatar, as well as by notice404at the bottom of the interface.

FIG.5depicts a diagram illustrating a user interface presenting a sender with messaging options in response to a Do not Disturb notice in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this example, in response to the send er clicking on the DnD notice set by the recipient, user interface400presents the sender with a real time interactive pop-up menu502of options for sending the message.

FIG.6depicts a diagram illustrating a user preferences interface for an instant messaging system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this example, preferences interface600allows the user to select several options and a priority ranking of each for sending an instant message when a recipient is unavailable. User preferences interface600has options and the ability to denote preferred ranking preferences for sending via email602, via SMS text604, and delay until recipient is active again606. In the present example, the user has selected SMS/text604as the priority 1 option, email602as the priority 2 option, and delayed606as priority 3. User preferences interface600also allows the user to provide a mobile telephone number in field608for receiving SMS text messages when the user sets a DnD status as a recipient.

Prioritized send options allow the instant messaging system of the illustrative embodiments to provide fallbacks in cases of API call failures. If an API call fails, and the other endpoint is not responding, the API does not have to continually retry the call but can instead switch to the next highest ranked send option. Using the example inFIG.6, the sender has selected SMS604as the priority 1 send option, but no mobile telephone number is stored in the profile of the recipient in question. Therefore, the instant messaging system falls back to email602as the priority 2 option. If there is a problem with email service, such as an interruption of service with the email server, the instant messaging system would then fall back on placing the message into a queue to send later when the recipient user status changes back to available.

Turning now toFIG.7, an illustration of a block diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processing system700may be used to implement one or more computers and client devices110and servers computer104,106inFIG.1and instant messaging system200inFIG.2. In this illustrative example, data processing system700includes communications framework702, which provides communications between processor unit704, memory706, persistent storage708, communications unit710, input/output unit712, and display714. In this example, communications framework702may take the form of a bus system.

Processor unit704serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory706. Processor unit704may be a number of processors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation. In an embodiment, processor unit704comprises one or more conventional general-purpose central processing units (CPUs). In an alternate embodiment, processor unit704comprises one or more graphical processing units (GPUs).

Memory706and persistent storage708are examples of storage devices716. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information, such as, for example, without limitation, at least one of data, program code in functional form, or other suitable information either on a temporary basis, a permanent basis, or both on a temporary basis and a permanent basis. Storage devices716may also be referred to as computer-readable storage devices in these illustrative examples. Memory706, in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage708may take various forms, depending on the particular implementation.

For example, persistent storage708may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage708may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage708also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage708. Communications unit710, in these illustrative examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these illustrative examples, communications unit710is a network interface card.

Input/output unit712allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system700. For example, input/output unit712may provide a connection for user input through at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, or some other suitable input device. Further, input/output unit712may send output to a printer. Display714provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for at least one of the operating system, applications, or programs may be located in storage devices716, which are in communication with processor unit704through communications framework702. The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit704using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory706.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer-usable program code, or computer-readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit704. The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computer-readable storage media, such as memory706or persistent storage708.

Program code718is located in a functional form on computer-readable media720that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system700for execution by processor unit704. Program code718and computer-readable media720form computer program product722in these illustrative examples. In one example, computer-readable media720may be computer-readable storage media724or computer-readable signal media726.

In these illustrative examples, computer-readable storage media724is a physical or tangible storage device used to store program code718rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code718. Alternatively, program code718may be transferred to data processing system700using computer-readable signal media726.

Computer-readable signal media726may be, for example, a propagated data signal containing program code718. For example, computer-readable signal media726may be at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or any other suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted over at least one of communications links, such as wireless communications links, optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, or any other suitable type of communications link.

The different components illustrated for data processing system700are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for data processing system700. Other components shown inFIG.7can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running program code718.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatuses and methods in an illustrative embodiment. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams can represent at least one of a module, a segment, a function, or a portion of an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocks can be implemented as program code, hardware, or a combination of the program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware may, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that are manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in the flowcharts or block diagrams. When implemented as a combination of program code and hardware, the implementation may take the form of firmware. Each block in the flowcharts or the block diagrams may be implemented using special purpose hardware systems that perform the different operations or combinations of special purpose hardware and program code run by the special purpose hardware.

In some alternative implementations of an illustrative embodiment, the function or functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram.

The different illustrative examples describe components that perform actions or operations. In an illustrative embodiment, a component may be configured to perform the action or operation described. For example, the component may have a configuration or design for a structure that provides the component an ability to perform the action or operation that is described in the illustrative examples as being performed by the component.

Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features as compared to other illustrative embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.