U.S. patent application number 11/871458 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for process integrated messaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.. Invention is credited to Samuel Zellner.
Application Number | 20080034050 11/871458 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35187117 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080034050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zellner; Samuel |
February 7, 2008 |
Process Integrated Messaging
Abstract
A process integrated messaging system is provided. The system
typically includes messaging interface logic, parsing logic,
analyzing logic, and database interface logic. The messaging
interface logic receives a first message via a messaging client
from an originating party regarding a record. The parsing logic
parses the first message into its component parts. The analyzing
logic examines the component parts of the message and provides a
decision signal in response to the contents of the component parts
of the message. The database interface logic receives the decision
signal, interfaces to a database, and instructs the database to
update the record in accordance with the decision signal. The
database controls a number of records, each of the records tracking
a process and steps associated with the process. Other systems and
methods are also provided.
Inventors: |
Zellner; Samuel; (Dunwoody,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP/;AT&T Delaware Intellectual
Property, Inc.
600 GALLERIA PARKWAY, S.E.
SUITE 1500
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5994
US
|
Assignee: |
AT&T BLS Intellectual Property,
Inc.
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
35187117 |
Appl. No.: |
11/871458 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10833420 |
Apr 28, 2004 |
7283622 |
|
|
11871458 |
Oct 12, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A process integrated messaging system, comprising: messaging
interface logic operable to receive a first message via a messaging
client from an originating party regarding a record; parsing logic
operable to parse the first message into a plurality of component
parts; analyzing logic operable to authenticate the originating
party, wherein the plurality of component parts are examined
separately and provide the decision signal responsive to the
contents of the plurality of component parts and authentication of
the origination party; and database interface logic operable to
receive the decision signal and interface to a database and
instruct the database to update the record responsive to the
decision signal, the database being operable to control a plurality
of records, each of the plurality of records tracking a process and
steps associated with the process.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyzing logic comprises
pattern recognition logic is operable to search component parts of
the first message for patterns that resemble data stored in the
database.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the patterns comprise video
content.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the patterns comprise audio
content.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the patterns comprise text
content.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the database is a docketing
system.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyzing logic is further
operable to instruct the messaging interface logic to send a second
message to at least one responsible party, the second message
including status regarding the record.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the messaging interface logic is
operable to receive a third message from said at least one
responsible party, the third message providing instructions
regarding handling of the record.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the analyzing logic is operable
to update the record in accordance with the third message and
instruct the messaging interface logic to send a fourth message to
the originating party, the fourth message providing instructions
for further handling of a file associated with the record.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the decision signal is further
operable to instruct the database interface logic to open a
database application to perform the database update.
11. A method of integrating a process with a messaging system, the
method comprising: receiving a first message via a messaging client
from an originating party regarding a record; parsing the first
message into a plurality of component parts; analyzing the
plurality of component parts for a record identification and an
action to be performed; authenticating the originating party;
providing a decision signal responsive to the contents of the
plurality of component parts and authentication of the originating
party; and updating a database responsive to the decision signal,
the database being operable to control a plurality of records, each
of the plurality of records tracking a process and steps associated
with the process.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: matching a pattern
in the first message to existing records in the database to
recognize actions that can be performed on the records in the
database; and providing a decision signal responsive to the pattern
recognition logic.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the pattern comprises video
content.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the pattern comprises audio
content.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the pattern comprises text
content.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the database is a docketing
system.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising sending a second
message to at least one responsible party, the second message
including status regarding the record.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving a third
message from said at least one responsible party, the third message
providing instructions regarding handling of the record.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: updating the record
in accordance with the third message; and sending a fourth message
to the originating party, the fourth message providing instructions
for further handling of a file associated with the record.
20. A computer readable medium having a program for integrating a
process with a messaging system, the program operable to perform:
receiving a first message via a messaging client from an
originating party regarding a record; parsing the first message
into a plurality of component parts; analyzing the plurality of
component parts for a record identification and an action to be
performed; authenticating the originating party; providing a
decision signal responsive to the contents of the plurality of
component parts and authentication of the originating party; and
updating a database responsive to the decision signal, the database
being operable to control a plurality of records, each of the
plurality of records tracking a process and steps associated with
the process.
21. The computer readable medium of claim 20, further comprising:
matching a pattern in the first message to existing records in the
database to recognize actions that can be performed on the records
in the database; and providing a decision signal responsive to the
pattern recognition logic.
22. The computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the pattern
comprises at least one of video content and audio content.
23. The computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the pattern
comprises text content.
24. The computer readable medium of claim 20, further comprising
sending a second message to at least one responsible party, the
second message including status regarding the record.
25. The computer readable medium of claim 24, further comprising:
receiving a third message from said at least one responsible party,
the third message providing instructions regarding handling of the
record; updating the record in accordance with the third message;
and sending a fourth message to the originating party, the fourth
message providing instructions for further handling of a file
associated with the record.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
10/833,420, filed Apr. 28, 2004, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to communications,
and more particularly to applying communications to a process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Modern messaging systems allow people to communicate
information to one another with more speed and ease. Advancements
in technology have led to voice messaging systems, electronic mail
messaging systems, instant messaging systems, etc. Each of these
messaging systems has resulted in higher productivity in the
workplace in part due to increased ease of communication.
[0004] Communication is especially important in various service
related industries, such as the legal industry. For example, poor
communication of upcoming deadlines and current events with clients
can result in forfeit of rights. Thus, docketing systems were
created to help attorneys keep track of and communicate important
dates to their clients. These docketing systems typically track a
process associated with a work-flow, allowing attorneys and clients
to spend fewer resources on tracking work and more time on actually
performing the work. However, reporting of dates and approval still
requires spending resources on some of the docketing activities.
Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods that address
these and/or other perceived shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] One embodiment, among others, of the present disclosure
provides for a process integrated messaging system. A
representative system, among others, includes messaging interface
logic, parsing logic, analyzing logic, and database interface
logic. The messaging interface logic receives a first message via a
messaging client from an originating party regarding a record. The
parsing logic parses the first message into its component parts.
The analyzing logic examines the component parts of the message and
provides a decision signal in response to the contents of the
component parts of the message. The database interface logic
receives the decision signal, interfaces to a database, and
instructs the database to update the record in accordance with the
decision signal. The database controls a number of records, each of
the records tracking a process and steps associated with the
process.
[0006] A representative method, among others, of integrating a
process with a messaging system includes the following steps:
receiving a first message via a messaging client from an
originating party regarding a record; parsing the first message
into a plurality of component parts; analyzing the plurality of
component parts for a record identification and an action;
providing a decision signal responsive to the contents of the
plurality of component parts; and, updating a database responsive
to the decision signal, the database being operable to control a
plurality of records, each of the plurality of records tracking a
process and steps associated with the process.
[0007] Other systems, methods, and/or computer programs products
according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with
skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional system,
methods, and/or computer program products be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] The disclosure can be better understood with reference to
the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly
illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in
the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the several views.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of
a typical communications system including the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of
the message recipient computer shown in FIG. 1, including the
process integrated messaging application of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of
the process integrated messaging application shown in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an
embodiment, among others, of the process integrated messaging
application of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an
embodiment, among others, of the analyzing logic of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0014] Embodiments of the disclosure now will be described more
fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are intended to convey the scope of the
disclosure to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, all "examples"
given herein are intended to be non-limiting.
[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a block diagram of a
communications system 100 including an embodiment, among others, of
the present disclosure. In particular, the communications system
100 includes a message recipient computer (client) 105 with a
process integrated messaging system (260, FIG. 2). The message
recipient computer 105 typically receives messages from a message
originating computer 110. The message originating computer 110
sends messages to the message recipient computer 105 via a network
115a. One skilled in the art should recognize that the network 115a
could be any of a plurality of network types, including both
internet and intranet architectures, or any combinations thereof.
For purposes of the present disclosure, however, the details of the
network are not important, and it should be understood that any
network may be used in conjunction with various embodiments, among
others, of the present disclosure.
[0016] The message is typically switched and stored by a messaging
system 120, such as a server computer, for example. With specific
regard to electronic mail (e-mail), the server 120 generally
include both a post office protocol 3 (POP3) server and a simple
mail transfer protocol (SMTP) server with a multipurpose internet
mail extension (MIME). Typically, the e-mail client on computers
105, 110 include a POP3 component (not shown) and an SMTP component
(not shown) with MIME encapsulation for non-ascii attachments. The
SMTP component on a computer 110 will transfer an e-mail message in
the SMTP format to the SMTP server residing on a server 120. The
SMTP server stores the message on the POP3 server. Alternatively,
one skilled in the art should recognize that the POP3 server can be
replaced by, among others, an internet message access protocol 4
(IMAP4) server which can perform all of the POP3 functions and
features additional functions for flexibility and efficiency. As
mentioned before, the computers 105, 110 each have an e-mail client
that includes a POP3 component. The POP3 component on the computer
105 can contact the POP3 server on the server 120 and retrieve
messages for the user logged in to the client on computer 105. One
skilled in the art should recognize that, although the above
description relates to the operation of e-mail, that the scope of
the present disclosure is intended to include all messaging
systems, such as for example among others, e-mail, telephone,
instant messaging, voicemail, internet phone, etc. These systems
are known in the art, and should be readily adaptable to the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0017] The message recipient computer 105 then typically receives
the message from the messaging system 120, via a network 115b. The
network in the various embodiments, among others, of the present
disclosure, is any of a plurality of network types, including both
internet and intranet architectures, or any combinations thereof.
One skilled in the art should recognize that the network 115b in
various embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, is
part of the first network 115a. In specific reference to e-mail, as
described above, a messaging client 250 (FIG. 2) included on the
message recipient computer 105 typically embodies POP3 and SMTP
components (not shown). As one skilled in the art will recognize
these protocols merely relate to retrieving and sending e-mail. As
such, it is intended that other protocols which operate to send and
retrieve e-mail, such as IMAP4, are intended to be included herein.
The POP3 component in this embodiment typically downloads e-mail
from a messaging server 120 through one of the I/O devices 220, and
stores the e-mail in non-volatile storage. Moreover, the POP3
component in an embodiment, among others, of the present disclosure
can be set up to retrieve messages for more than one e-mail
account. Again, it should be understood, that any messaging systems
operable to send and receive messages (instant messages, voice,
e-mail, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the
present disclosure. Moreover, even distributed systems which do not
include a server which is operable to store and forward messages
are intended to be included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0018] The message recipient computer 105 is further includes a
database 125. The database 125 is typically operable to track a
process associated with a work-flow. For example, among others, a
patent docketing system such as Technology Assessment Management
System (TAMS), available Computer Patent Annuities (CPA) Software
Solutions, of Le Pecq (Paris), France, operates to track the
process of patenting a disclosure which is associated with the
workflow of actually preparing the necessary filings for advancing
the patenting process. The database 125 would therefore typically
include, among others, a plurality of records related to the files
currently pending, and a plurality of fields related to the status
of the record. Moreover, in various embodiments, among others, of
the present disclosure, the database could be built such that it
recognizes an expected next step in the process and notifies the
user if the updated status does not match the expected next step.
Furthermore, one skilled in the art should recognize that in
various embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, the
database is on a separate system than the message recipient
computer 105, and the message recipient computer 105 merely
contains an application to interface with the database 125.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a block diagram of an
embodiment, among others, of the message recipient computer 105
shown in FIG. 1. Generally, in terms of hardware architecture, as
shown in FIG. 2, the message recipient computer 105 includes a
processor 200, memory 210, and one or more input and/or output
(I/O) devices 220 (or peripherals) that are communicatively coupled
via a local interface 230. The local interface 230 is, for example
but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless
connections, as is known in the art. The local interface 230
typically has additional elements, which are omitted for
simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers,
repeaters, and receivers, among others, to enable communications.
Further, the local interface includes address, control, and/or data
connections to enable appropriate communications among the
aforementioned components.
[0020] The processor 200 is a hardware device for executing
software, particularly that stored in memory 210. The processor 200
is typically any custom made or commercially available processor, a
central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several
processors associated with the message recipient computer 105, a
semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or
chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing
software instructions.
[0021] The memory 210 includes any one or combination of volatile
memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM,
SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM,
hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.). Moreover, the memory 210 may
incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of
storage media. Note that the memory 210 in some implementations has
a distributed architecture, where various components are situated
remote from one another, but can be accessed by the processor
210.
[0022] The software in memory 210 includes one or more separate
programs 240, 250, 260, 270 each of which comprises an ordered
listing of executable instructions for implementing logical
functions. In the example of FIG. 2, the software in the memory 210
includes a messaging client 250, a process integrated messaging
application 260, a database interface application for interfacing
with a database 270, and a suitable operating system (O/S) 240. The
operating system 240 essentially controls the execution of other
computer programs, such as the messaging client 250, the process
integrated messaging application 260, and the database interface
application 270, and provides scheduling, input-output control,
memory management, and communication control and related
services.
[0023] The messaging client 250, the process integrated messaging
application 260, and the database interface application 270 are
source programs, executable program (object code), script, or any
other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed. When
a source program, then the program needs to be translated via a
compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not
be included within the memory 210, so as to operate properly in
connection with the O/S 250. Furthermore, the messaging client 250,
process integrated messaging application 260, and database
interface application 270 are typically written as (a) an object
oriented programming language, which has classes of data and
methods, or (b) a procedure programming language, which has
routines, subroutines, and/or functions, for example but not
limited to, C, C++, Pascal, Basic, Fortran, Cobol, Perl, Java, and
Ada.
[0024] The I/O devices 220 typically include input devices, for
example but not limited to, a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone,
etc. Furthermore, the I/O devices 220 typically also includes
output devices, for example but not limited to, a printer, display,
etc. Finally, the I/O devices 220 in some implementations further
include devices that communicate both inputs and outputs, for
instance but not limited to, a modulator/demodulator (modem; for
accessing another device, system, or network), ethernet card, a
radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephonic interface,
a bridge, a router, etc.
[0025] The software in the memory 210 typically further includes a
basic input output system (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS
is a set of essential software routines that initialize and test
hardware at startup, start the O/S 240, and support the transfer of
data among the hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in ROM so that
the BIOS is typically executed when the server 115 is
activated.
[0026] When the message recipient computer 105 is in operation, the
processor 200 is configured to execute software stored within the
memory 210, to communicate data to and from the memory 210, and to
generally control operations of the message recipient computer 105
pursuant to the software. The messaging client 250, the process
integrated messaging application 260, the database interface
application 270, and the O/S 240, in whole or in part, but
typically the latter, are read by the processor 200, perhaps
buffered within the processor 200, and then executed.
[0027] When the messaging client 250, process integrated messaging
application 260, and database interface application 270 are
implemented in software, as is shown in FIG. 2, it should be noted
that the messaging client 250, process integrated messaging
application 260, and database interface application 270 are stored
on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with
any computer related system or method. In the context of this
document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic,
optical, or other physical device or means that contains or store a
computer program for use by or in connection with a computer
related system or method. The messaging client 250, process
integrated messaging application 260, and database interface
application 270, in various implementations, are embodied in any
computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an
instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a
computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system
that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution
system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the
context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" is any means
that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program
for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system,
apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium is typically,
for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,
device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a
nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include
the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or
more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random
access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM)
(electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM,
EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical),
and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical).
Note that the computer-readable medium in some implementations is
even paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is
printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for
instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then
compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner
if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.
[0028] The messaging client 250 in various embodiments, among
others, of the present disclosure operates as described in
reference to FIG. 1. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should
readily understand the details of including a messaging system on a
computer. The database interface application 270 is typically used
to interface with the database 125. As known to those skilled in
the art, the database interface application 270 can be used by an
administrator or another user with appropriate access authority to
modify the records and/or fields stored in the database. The
process integrated messaging application 260 in one embodiment,
among others, of the present disclosure integrates the messaging
client 250 and the database interface application 270.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a block diagram depicting
the interaction of the programs 250, 260, 270 stored in the memory
210 of the message recipient computer 105. In particular, the
process integrated messaging application 260 includes, among
others, messaging interface logic 300, parsing logic 310, analyzing
logic 320, and database interface logic 330. For purposes of
furthering understanding of the present disclosure, the messaging
interface logic 300 is shown connected to the messaging client 250,
and the database interface logic 330 is shown connected to the
database interface application 270, though there exists no
permanent physical connection between these items. Instead, a
logical connection is what is intended to be conveyed between these
elements.
[0030] The messaging interface logic 300 is used as an interface
between the messaging client 250 and the process integrated
messaging application 260. The messaging interface logic 300 is
typically operable to communicate with the messaging client 250. In
particular, the messaging interface logic 300 receives event
stimuli from the messaging client 250, and sends the messaging
client 250 requests to transfer messages to the process integrated
messaging application 260. Furthermore, the messaging interface
logic 300, in some embodiments, among others, of the present
disclosure is operable to transfer an outgoing message to the
messaging client 250 and instruct the messaging client 250 to send
the message. One skilled in the art should further recognize that,
in some embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, the
messaging interface logic 300 is operable to instruct the messaging
client to delete messages for purposes of saving memory. One
example, among others, of a suitable messaging interface is the
.NET (dotNET) application programming interface (API) available
from Microsoft, Corp. of Redmond, Wash.
[0031] Upon receiving each of the messages from the messaging
client 250, via the messaging interface logic 300, the process
integrated messaging application 260 will typically parse the
message using the parsing logic 310. In particular the parsing
logic is operable to separate the message into its component parts.
For example, a message is typically separated into component parts
which can include, among others: a "From" field representation; a
"To" field representation; a "Subject" field representation; a
"Text" field representation; and, a "Signature" field
representation. One skilled in the art would understand that each
of these component parts represents a separate portion of an e-mail
message. However, it should be understood that other types of
messages will typically include component parts which differ from
the component parts enumerated above. Moreover, it should be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art how to parse these
other types of messages to integrate them with the database
interface application 270. For example, among others, a telephonic
message could be parsed by capturing a caller's identification, and
using speech recognition software to convert the voice message to
text.
[0032] The parsed message is then analyzed by the analyzing logic
320. The analyzing logic 320 scans the component parts of the
message to determine, among others, what file is referenced and
what action is requested, and in some embodiments, among others,
the analyzing logic is operable to compose an outgoing message to a
responsible party associated with the database 125 of the updated
status. This message will typically be sent from the messaging
client via the messaging interface logic 300. Moreover, in some
embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, the analyzing
logic 320 is operable to determine whether the action is an
expected action based upon the typical steps involved in completion
of the process, and is further operable to compose a message to the
responsible party notifying the responsible party that an
unexpected status update was received. In various embodiments,
among others, of the present disclosure, an unexpected status
update could be applied to the database, ignored until a response
from the responsible party is received, or ignored for updating
manually by the responsible party via the database interface
application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize
that the analyzing logic in some embodiments, among others, of the
present disclosure compares the "From" field representation with
stored authorized parties prior to applying the update, and further
notifies the responsible party if the "From" field representation
does not match the stored authorized parties.
[0033] Upon analyzing the component parts of the message, the
analyzing logic 320 instructs the database interface logic 330 to
send an update to the database interface application 270, provided
that the update is recognized by the analyzing logic 320, and
includes an expected update and/or by an authorized party in
alternative embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure.
The database interface logic 330 is typically operable to
communicate updates to the database interface application 270. One
skilled in the art should recognize, however, that in alternative
embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, the database
interface logic 330 is operable to interface directly to the
database 125. Therefore, various embodiments, among others, of the
present disclosure do not include the database interface
application. Furthermore, in some embodiments, among others, of the
present disclosure, the database is operable to respond to status
updates from the database interface logic 330 with an error signal
indicating that a problem occurred while attempting to update the
record in accordance with instructions from the database interface
logic 330. The database interface logic 330 would communicate the
error signal to the analyzing logic 320, and the analyzing logic
320 would compose a message indicating the update failure to the
responsible party.
[0034] One skilled in the art should recognize that in some
embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, the process
integrated messaging system is integrated into the messaging client
250. Thus, the process integrated messaging system 260 would not
use the messaging interface logic 300 to communicate with the
messaging client, because the messaging client 250 is included
within the process integrated messaging system 260. Similarly, the
database 125 in some embodiments, among others, of the present
disclosure is integrated within the process integrated messaging
system 260. Those skilled in the art should recognize that such an
integration would similarly eliminate the database interface logic
330.
[0035] One skilled in the art should recognize that alternative
embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure exist, wherein
the process integrated messaging application include authentication
logic (not shown). The authentication logic could be used to help
ensure that the person sending the message is authorized to update
the status of the record. Moreover, the authentication logic could
be used to help ensure that the person sending the message is in
fact the person he or she claims to be. For example, an e-mail
message could be analyzed for a signature that includes the correct
pretty-good-privacy (PGP) key, a voice could be analyzed and
compared with an existing record of the person's voice, a video
could be analyzed and compared with an existing record of the
person's image, etc. The authentication logic could be especially
useful when dealing with sensitive information, such as is the case
with most legal docketing systems.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a flowchart illustrating
the operation of an embodiment, among others, of the process
integrated messaging application of FIG. 2. In step 400, the
process integrated messaging application 260 receives a new
incoming message indication. Typically, all messaging clients 250
have a way to alert the user to a new incoming message. For
example, among others, voicemail typically has a visual indicator
such as a flashing light to indicate a new message, e-mail clients
typically sound an audible indicator and put a new message icon in
the tray, and instant messaging typically also uses an audible
message indicator as well as a tray icon. As such, the process
integrated messaging application 260, specifically the messaging
interface logic 300 (FIG. 3) can trigger upon sensing one of these
new message indications from the messaging client 250.
[0037] In step 405, the process integrated messaging application
260 downloads and converts the message from the messaging client
250. The messaging interface logic 300 requests the message from
the messaging client 250. Upon receiving the message from the
messaging client 250, the messaging interface logic 300 is operable
to convert the message into a format usable by the process
integrated messaging application 260.
[0038] In step 410, the process integrated messaging application
260 parses the message into its component parts. Specifically, the
parsing logic 310 is operable to strip the message in component
parts. For example, an e-mail would typically include, among
others, a "From" field representation, a "Subject" field
representation, and a "Body" field representation. These field
representations would be separated by the parsing logic such that
the field representations could be more easily analyzed.
[0039] In step 415, the process integrated messaging application
260 analyzes the component parts of the message. In particular, the
analyzing logic 320 is operable to search the component parts for
patterns that resemble the data stored in the database 125 and
update actions to be made to the database 125. For example, the
data stored in the database 125 in some embodiments, among others,
is docketing information. In this example, the analyzing logic
would search for a file number, and an action or status update to
be performed. The analyzing logic in some embodiments, among
others, is also operable to analyze the originator of the message
to ensure that the originator of the message has permission to
perform the requested action or status update.
[0040] In step 420, the process integrated messaging application
260 instructs the database to update in accordance with the
analyzing step 415. In particular, the database interface logic 330
is operable to instruct the database interface application 270 to
perform an action or status update on the record stored in the
database 125. The information provided by the analyzing logic 320
is used by the database interface logic to provide the action or
status update instructions to the database interface application
270.
[0041] In step 420, the process integrated messaging application
260 receives an acknowledgement from the database interface
application 270 regarding whether the action or status update was
successful. If the action or status update was not successful, the
process integrated messaging application 260, in some embodiments,
among others, of the present disclosure provides notice to a
responsible party regarding the failure of the action or status
update, as shown by step 430. In particular, the analyzing logic
320 in various embodiments, among others, is operable to compose an
error message and send the message to the responsible party via the
messaging interface logic 300 and the messaging client 250. The
responsible party, in various embodiments, among others, is a
database administrator, the message originator, a third party
responsible for tracking the database, or any combination
thereof.
[0042] If the action or status update was successful, in some
embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure the process
integrated messaging application requests the record from the
database, and analyzes the record to determine whether a next step
can be determined from the record, as shown in step 435. In
particular, the analyzing logic 320 in some embodiments, among
others, of the present disclosure is operable to instruct the
database interface logic 330 to retrieve the record from the
database 125. The analyzing logic 320 then determines whether the
record is an important record based on indicators used in the
process, such as, for example, a due date, to determine importance
of the record. It should be noted that in various embodiments,
among others, of the present disclosure, the importance of a record
is based upon a next sequence in a process associated with the
record, an event associated with the process, or an intrinsic
importance associated with the matter or record itself. It should
also be noted that, in some embodiments, among others, of the
present disclosure, the importance of a record could be variable,
e.g. based on a sum of the importance of some or all of the fields
that comprise the record. In a patent docketing system, these
indicators could be a foreign filing, an important date,
restriction requirements, continuations, or even a flag added to
the record to indicate a level of importance.
[0043] In step 440, the process integrated messaging application
260 decides whether the record is important. If the record is not
important, the process integrated messaging application 260 sends a
message to the message originator to acknowledge receipt of the
update, as shown in step 445. In particular, as discussed above,
the analyzing logic 320 in various embodiments, among others, of
the present disclosure, is operable to compose a message and send a
message via the messaging interface logic 300 and the messaging
client 250. The analyzing logic 320 is further configured in some
embodiments, among others, to send a message to the responsible
party to notify him or her of the action or status update.
[0044] If the record is important, the process integrated messaging
system 260 sends a message to the responsible party, as shown in
step 450. In an embodiment, among others, of the present
disclosure, the analyzing logic typically composes a message
notifying a responsible party of the importance of the file. For
example, among others, in a patent docketing system, the message
might include approval to begin work on completing the next step in
the process. In this example, the analyzing logic may determine
that a critical date is imminent, and that the work should be
completed, or that the record is related to an important file, and
that all work to complete the process should be completed as soon
as possible. One skilled in the art should recognize that these are
merely a few examples of the characteristics that might make
accelerated processing of the record significant, and that all
other characteristics which make accelerated processing significant
are intended to be included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a flowchart illustrating
an embodiment, among others, of the analyzing logic 320 of FIG. 3.
In step 500, the analyzing logic 320 examines the component parts
of the previously parsed message for a record identification
number. In an embodiment, among others, where the database 125 is a
docketing database, the record identification number is a file
number. The analyzing logic 320 in one embodiment, among others,
periodically polls the database 125 for new records, and adds the
record identification number associated with any new records to a
record identification list. Upon receipt of a new message, the
analyzing logic then compares the record identification list with
the component parts of the message to determine whether a valid
record identification number exists in the message. It should be
recognized that the analyzing logic could search the text against
each file number. However, alternatively, the analyzing logic could
search for a pattern that matched a standard format for record
identification numbers, and compare any matching patterns found to
the record identification list. In yet another alternative
embodiment, the analyzing logic 320 could merely search for a
pattern matching the record identification pattern, and rely on the
database 125 to determine whether the record exists and to provide
an error message if the record does not exist. Those skilled in the
art should recognize myriad other searching techniques, including
pattern recognition logic, that could be applied to the present
disclosure, and it is intended that each such searching technique
be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0046] In step 510, the analyzing logic determines whether there is
a valid record identification number. If there is no valid record
identification number, the analyzing logic 320 sends a reply
message to a responsible party indicating the error that occurred,
as shown in step 520. As discussed previously, the analyzing logic
320 is operable to compose a message indicating the error that
occurred, and send the message via the messaging interface logic
300 and the messaging client 250. Further, the responsible party
could be database administrator, the message originator, a third
party responsible for tracking the database, or any combination
thereof. Moreover, the error message can be tailored to the
specific error encountered. In other words, the error message can
notify the responsible party that no valid record identification
was found in the original message.
[0047] If in step 510, there is a valid record identification
number, the analyzing logic 320 examines the component parts of the
message for an action or status update. The analyzing logic 320 in
one embodiment, among others, compares a list of recognized
commands with the component parts of the message. Alternatively,
the analyzing logic 320 in some embodiments, among others, is
operable to query the database 125 via the database interface logic
330 and database interface application 270 for current status of
the record. The analyzing logic 320 is then operable to determine
what step(s) may be likely to be next, and searching the component
parts of the message for the likely next step(s). One skilled in
the art should recognize, however, that there exist myriad
procedures, including pattern recognition logic, among others,
which may be utilized to find an action in conjunction with the
present disclosure. Each of these procedures is intended to be
included within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0048] In step 540, the analyzing logic 320 determines whether a
valid action or status update has been found within the component
parts of the message. If there have been no valid actions or status
updates found within the component parts of the message, the
analyzing logic composes an error message and sends the error
message to a responsible party via the messaging interface logic
300 and the messaging client 250, in accordance with step 550. The
responsible party, in various embodiments, among others, of the
present disclosure is a database administrator, the message
originator, or a third party responsible for tracking the database,
or any combination thereof. Moreover, the error message can be
tailored to the specific error encountered. In other words, the
error message can notify the responsible party that no valid action
was found in the original message, and in some embodiments, among
others, provides a list of valid actions.
[0049] If a valid action was found in step 540, the analyzing logic
320 sends the update information to the interface logic. The update
information includes the record identification number and the
action to be performed to update the status of the record. One
skilled in the art should recognize that in some embodiments, among
others, the analyzing logic 320 includes an authentication step(s)
which matches the message originator to a list of approved users
with authorization to update the record. In alternative
embodiments, among others, the record in the database 125 contains
an authorized user field which is checked against the message
originator to help ensure that unauthorized users do not tamper
with the database 125.
[0050] One skilled in the art should further recognize that in some
embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure that the
examining steps 500, 530 eliminate some of the component parts of
the message such that not every component part of the message is
examined. For example, among others, the "From" field
representation of an e-mail would typically not be examined for the
record identification number or for a valid action to be performed
on the record. As such, the analyzing logic 320 in some
embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure are operable
to examine the component parts of the message which are likely to
include the items for which the analyzing logic is searching.
[0051] Process and function descriptions and blocks in flow charts
can be understood as representing, in some embodiments, modules,
segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable
instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps
in the process, and alternate implementations are included within
the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be
executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including
substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the
functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably
skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In addition, such
functional elements can be implemented as logic embodied in
hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, among
others. In some embodiments involving software implementations,
such software comprises an ordered listing of executable
instructions for implementing logical functions and can be embodied
in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an
instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a
computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system
that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution
system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the
context of this document, a computer-readable medium can be any
means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport
the software for use by or in connection with the instruction
execution system, apparatus, or device.
[0052] It should also be emphasized that the above-described
embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples
of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the
principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may
be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure
without departing substantially from the principles of the
disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to
be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the
present disclosure and protected by the following claims.
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