Claims:1. A method for marking and prioritizing instant messages, the method comprising of:
creating a list of user priority values to prioritize the instant messages from user to client through server;
assigning priority values to instant messages, wherein the priority is assigned to the instant messages based on the user choice and selection;
mapping the user priority with network priority values by message processing system of the instant messaging server;
marking the instant messages with network priority values by the message processing system of the instant messaging server;
queuing the instant messages after priority marking;
forwarding the instant message to the router by instant messaging server; and
displaying the instant message at the client based on the priority level.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the content of the instant message is analyzed and priority is assigned in the case where user has not specified any priority.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the network priority value is assigned to the IP header of the instant message at the Instant messaging server.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the instant message is forwarded based on priority level and content of the message by user’s choice and selection.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the message at the client according to priority level includes displaying a message with a high priority level in a primary window.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the message at the client according to priority level includes displaying a message with a lower priority level in a secondary window.

7. An information processing system for marking and prioritizing instant messages, the information processing system comprising of:
a processing unit, wherein the processing unit executes the computer usable code to create a list of user priorities and store them in directory server;
a message processing system, wherein the message processing system includes analyzing system which checks the priority which is set by the user and the priority table which maps the user defined priority to the network priority values.

8. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the content of the message is analyzed in case where no priority has been set by the user and based on certain keywords in the message, a priority value is assigned to the message by system.

9. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the priority value obtained from priority table is assigned to the DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) value of the DiffServ field of the IP header of the message at the Instant messaging server.

10. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the messages are put into a queue after priority marking.

11. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the message is forwarded to the router which looks for the DSCP marking and forwards the highest priority message first.

12. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the DSCP marking ensures that router sends highest priority message first and thereby improves the overall quality of service of the application in constrained bandwidth scenarios.
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
“A Method for prioritization of instant messages to improve quality of service in constrained bandwidth scenarios”
By
Bharat Electronics Limited,
Central Research Laboratory
Jalahalli P.O., Bangalore – 560013

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Field of the invention
The present invention mainly relates to instant messaging system and more particularly to a method and system for prioritizing instant messaging based on user selection and message content. Still more particularly, the present invention provides an improved optimizing quality of service in constrained bandwidth scenarios.
Background of the invention
Instant messaging is well known in the art which is an online chat medium, allowing users to communicate with each other and to collaborate in real-time over a network data processing system. Instant messaging is commonly used over the Internet or other types of networks.
Nowadays, millions of users communicate using instant messaging systems every day. The instant messaging (IM) provides a convenient real-time and low cost communication channel among coworkers, customers, and suppliers. Instant Messaging can save time and money on long-distance phone bills. Instant Messaging (IM) replaces telephone calls more often than it does e-mail, as it augments e-mail, but does not supplant e-mail. Further, the instant messaging (IM) allows effective and efficient communication, allowing immediate receipt of acknowledgment or reply.
Moreover, instant messaging enables one to gauge the availability of colleagues and to channel one’s communication accordingly. It serves the dual purpose of providing presence awareness and enabling informal near-synchronous communication. This facilitates faster turnaround for quick, short queries.
Since instant messaging happens instantly and with lot of conveniences, much thought is generally not spared for prioritizing instant messages contrary to voice/video applications. Currently, commercially available instant messengers have all features to provide a communication medium but do not promise quality of service in case of constrained bandwidth. Currently in instant messaging, messages will be sent from server to the recipient in the order in which the server received them. Each message has various attributes like content, timestamp, recipient information associated with them. There is no concept of priority in the generic instant messaging applications.
Document US 20060075351 describes a method and apparatus for instant messaging prioritization wherein an elapsed time since a response has been sent to a recipient in a chat session being displayed in a user interface is identified. A visual indication of the elapsed time is generated through the user interface. The indication indicates the elapsed time since the response has been sent to the recipient in the chat session.
Further, document US 7480696 describes instant messaging priority filtering based on content and hierarchical schemes wherein based on the thread subject analysis, the client determines the priority level associated with the incoming message. The message is then delivered and displayed to the recipient according to the priority level. The present invention also allows a participant initiating a thread of conversation to override filter settings on a messaging client. The authority to override settings may be predicated on an external list, such as a corporate telephone directory. As a result, the participant, having some authority or rights to override the recipient's instant messaging settings, may be allowed to conduct a messaging session with the recipient.
Also, in document US 20070043822 describes instant messaging prioritization based on group and individual prioritization wherein Individuals and groups within a buddy list are given a priority, arranged in hierarchical order. A hierarchical list of chat session correspondents is created. A numerical prioritization value is assigned to each chat session correspondent based on the place in the buddy list hierarchy for the chat session correspondent. Two individuals that are members of the same group have the same assigned priority. If a chat session is active, a chat session priority is designated for the chat session based upon the numerical prioritization value assigned to the chat session correspondent. An indicator setting from an indicator reference table is assigned to the chat session based on the chat session priority. A chat session indicator is adjusted for the chat session based upon the assigned indicator setting from the indicator reference table for the chat session.
In networks having unreliable connectivity, constrained bandwidth and variable latency, there is a need to prioritize messages and apply user based policies.
Therefore, there is a need in the art with improved method and system for prioritizing instant messages based on user priority and content to solve the above mentioned limitations.
Summary of the Invention
An aspect of the present invention is to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention relates to a method for marking and prioritizing instant messages, the method comprising of: creating a list of user priority values to prioritize the instant messages from user to client through server, assigning priority values to instant messages, wherein the priority is assigned to the instant messages based on the user choice and selection, mapping the user priority with network priority values by message processing system of the instant messaging server, marking the instant messages with network priority values by message processing system of the instant messaging server, queuing the instant messages after priority marking, forwarding the instant message to the router by instant messaging server and displaying the instant message at the client based on the priority level.
In another aspect of the present invention relates to an information processing system for marking and prioritizing instant messages, the information processing system comprising of: a processing unit, wherein the processing unit executes the computer usable code to create a list of user priorities and store them in directory server, and a message processing system, wherein the message processing system includes analyzing system which checks the priority which is set by the user and the priority table which maps the user defined priority to the network priority values.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an information processing system as a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an information processing system consisting of the components of instant messaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the marking and prioritization of instant messages according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
Detailed description of the invention
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
Figures discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way that would limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communications system. The terms used to describe various embodiments are exemplary. It should be understood that these are provided to merely aid the understanding of the description, and that their use and definitions in no way limit the scope of the invention. Terms first, second, and the like are used to differentiate between objects having the same terminology and are in no way intended to represent a chronological order, unless where explicitly stated otherwise. A set is defined as a non-empty set including at least one element.
Networking environments present significant challenges that must be overcome in order to effectively support voice, video and data traffic. The wireless and ad hoc nature of networks implies unreliable connectivity, constrained bandwidth, and variable latency. The present invention is a method and system for prioritizing instant messages and marking the instant messages for the router to recognize and ensure that data with highest priority gets delivered before normal data in case of constrained bandwidth, thereby improving the overall quality of service of the application.
The present invention relates to a novel method of prioritizing Instant messages. Each user can assign a priority value to the message. The messages are sent to the Instant messaging server. The instant messaging server analyzes each incoming message and marks them for priority in a way the router recognizes it. The message is then sent to the router and based on the priority marking, router will route the messages. The present invention allows for priority marking to be done based on priority selected by the Instant messaging client or based on content of the message. At the end, the router sends the message with higher priority before the message with lower priority.
Figure 1 shows an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The figure depicts an information processing system network 100 in which the current invention may be implemented. Information processing system network 100 consists of a network of computers and network devices connected via communication links. Instant messaging Clients 101 and 102 are connected to the instant messaging server 103 which is connected to directory server 104.Instant Messaging Servers 103 and 106 exchange messages and other information via the router 105. Network 100 uses TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) suite to communicate.
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention describes the method for marking and prioritizing instant messages, the method comprising of few steps: creating a list of user priority values to prioritize the instant messages from user to server, assigning priority values to instant messages, where the priority is assigned to the instant messages based on the user choice and selection. In the present invention the instant messages are analyzed and priority is assigned in the case where user has not specified any priority.
Further step involves, mapping the user priority with network priority values by instant messaging server, marking the messages with network priority values by message processing system of the instant messaging server. The network priority value is assigned to the IP header of the message at the Instant messaging server.
After priority marking, the queuing of messages takes place, forwarding the message to the router by instant messaging server and displaying (not shown) the message at the client based on the priority level, where displaying the message at the client according to priority level includes displaying a message with a high priority level in a primary window and displaying a message with a lower priority level in a secondary window.
Another embodiment of the present invention describes the information processing system used for marking and prioritizing instant messages, the information processing system comprising of: a processing unit, wherein the processing unit executes the computer usable code to create a list of user priorities and store them in directory server, a message processing system, wherein the message processing system includes analyzing system which checks the priority which is set by the user and the priority table which maps the user defined priority to the network priority values. The content of the message is analyzed in case where no priority has been set by the user and based on certain keywords in the message, a priority value is assigned to the message. The priority value obtained from priority table is assigned to the DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) value of the DiffServ field of the IP header of the message at the Instant messaging server. After assigning priority value, the messages are put into a queue after priority marking. Finally, the instant messages are forwarded to the router which looks for the DSCP marking and forwards the highest priority message first. The DSCP ensures that router sends highest priority message first and thereby improves the overall quality of service of the application in constrained bandwidth scenarios.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an information processing system as a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The block diagram illustrates the components of an instant messaging system. Instant messaging clients 201 and 202 retrieve the list of user priority values from the directory server 204. User of Instant messaging client 201 may exchange messages with user of Instant messaging client 202. Messages are exchanged between the clients through an Instant messaging server 203. This server allows users to communicate with other users connected to the same instant messaging server or to different instant messaging servers. If buddies in his buddy list are online, user can start communicating with his buddies.
Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an information processing system consisting of the components of instant messaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The block diagram illustrates the marking and priority assignment of instant messages by the Message processing system in the Instant messaging server. After user priority is set for the message 300, Instant messaging server 301 receives the message. The Message processing system 303 checks the Priority table 302 and retrieve the corresponding network priority value. This value is set to the DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) value of the DiffServ field of the IP header of the message by process 304. The priority marked message is sent to the router 305.
Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the marking and prioritization of instant messages according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The flowchart shows the process for marking and prioritizing instant messaging chat sessions in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The set of priority values are retrieved from directory server (step 400) and displayed in the client to the user (step 401). The user selected priority value is assigned to the message (step 402) and the message is sent to the Instant messaging server (step 403). The computer devised method checks if the priority value has been set to the message (step 404). If it has been set, the network priority is retrieved from the priority table and mapped with the priority that has been set to the message (step 406). If no priority value has been set to the message, then content analysis is done and based on the content, a priority value is assigned to the message (step 405). The priority value is then assigned to the DSCP value of IP header (step 407) and the message is then forwarded to the router (step 408).After forwarding, the instant messages are displayed 409 (not shown) at the client based on the priority level, where displaying the message at the client according to priority level includes displaying a message with a high priority level in a primary window and displaying a message with a lower priority level in a secondary window.
Figures are merely representational and are not drawn to scale. Certain portions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Figures illustrate various embodiments of the invention that can be understood and appropriately carried out by those of ordinary skill in the art.
In the foregoing detailed description of embodiments of the invention, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively.

We claim:

1. A method for marking and prioritizing instant messages, the method comprising of:
creating a list of user priority values to prioritize the instant messages from user to client through server;
assigning priority values to instant messages, wherein the priority is assigned to the instant messages based on the user choice and selection;
mapping the user priority with network priority values by message processing system of the instant messaging server;
marking the instant messages with network priority values by the message processing system of the instant messaging server;
queuing the instant messages after priority marking;
forwarding the instant message to the router by instant messaging server; and
displaying the instant message at the client based on the priority level.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the content of the instant message is analyzed and priority is assigned in the case where user has not specified any priority.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the network priority value is assigned to the IP header of the instant message at the Instant messaging server.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the instant message is forwarded based on priority level and content of the message by user’s choice and selection.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the message at the client according to priority level includes displaying a message with a high priority level in a primary window.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the message at the client according to priority level includes displaying a message with a lower priority level in a secondary window.

7. An information processing system for marking and prioritizing instant messages, the information processing system comprising of:
a processing unit, wherein the processing unit executes the computer usable code to create a list of user priorities and store them in directory server;
a message processing system, wherein the message processing system includes analyzing system which checks the priority which is set by the user and the priority table which maps the user defined priority to the network priority values.

8. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the content of the message is analyzed in case where no priority has been set by the user and based on certain keywords in the message, a priority value is assigned to the message by system.

9. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the priority value obtained from priority table is assigned to the DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) value of the DiffServ field of the IP header of the message at the Instant messaging server.

10. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the messages are put into a queue after priority marking.

11. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the message is forwarded to the router which looks for the DSCP marking and forwards the highest priority message first.

12. The information processing system of claim 7, wherein the DSCP marking ensures that router sends highest priority message first and thereby improves the overall quality of service of the application in constrained bandwidth scenarios.

A Method for prioritization of instant messages to improve quality of service in constrained bandwidth scenarios
Abstract
The present invention provides an improved optimizing quality of service in constrained bandwidth scenarios. In one embodiment this is accomplished by creating a list of user priority values to prioritize the instant messages from user to client through server, assigning priority values to instant messages, wherein the priority is assigned to the instant messages based on the user choice and selection, mapping the user priority with network priority values by message processing system of the instant messaging server, marking the instant messages with network priority values by message processing system of the instant messaging server, queuing the instant messages after priority marking, forwarding the instant message to the router by instant messaging server and displaying the instant message at the client based on the priority level.