IP Verse

Two-Way Real Time Communication System That Allows Asymmetric Participation In Conversations Across Multiple Electronic Platforms

Patent No. US11349787 (titled "Two-Way Real Time Communication System That Allows Asymmetric Participation In Conversations Across Multiple Electronic Platforms") was filed by Disintermediation Services Inc on Jan 11, 2022.

What is this patent about?

’787 is related to the field of real-time communication (RTC) systems, specifically addressing the challenge of enabling communication between users on a website and responders using various RTC protocols (SMS, instant messaging, email) without requiring them to use the same software or share identifying information. Traditional RTC systems often require both parties to use a common protocol and know each other's contact information, which limits interoperability and user privacy.

The underlying idea behind ’787 is to create a proxy server that acts as an intermediary between a website user (initiator) and one or more responders. This server handles the routing and translation of messages between different communication protocols, allowing a user on a web browser to communicate with responders using SMS, instant messaging, or email. The server also manages the conversation flow and can provide anonymity to both parties.

The claims of ’787 focus on a system and method for web-based communication where a server receives a communication request from a web browser, sends a request for information to the browser from a responder, receives a first communication from the user in response, determines a conversation identifier , stores associations between the request for information, the first communication, and the identifier in a persistent data store, and then retrieves and sends the request for information and the first communication back to the web browser when requested.

In practice, a user visits a website and initiates a conversation, perhaps by asking a question in a text box. The server then identifies potential responders based on criteria such as the topic of the conversation or the user's location. The server sends the user's question to the responders using their preferred communication methods. When a responder replies, the server maps the response back to the original conversation using the conversation identifier and forwards it to the user's web browser, maintaining anonymity by hiding the responder's contact information.

This approach differs from prior solutions by enabling communication across disparate RTC protocols without requiring users to install specific software or reveal their identities. The conversation identifier is key to maintaining context and routing messages correctly. Furthermore, the system can incorporate a virtual assistant to engage the user while waiting for a response and can even implement an auction mechanism where responders bid for the opportunity to communicate with the user.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the early 2010s when ’787 was filed, real-time communication (RTC) systems were commonly implemented using distinct protocols and applications, at a time when interoperability between different RTC modes was not widely available. Systems typically relied on users sharing a common communication protocol and knowing each other's addresses or identifiers before initiating communication. User identification was generally required during the communication process.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The examiner allowed the claims because the prior art of record, whether considered individually or in combination, did not teach the claimed limitations of retrieving request for information and first communication using the conversation identifier from persistent data store and sending the request for information and the first communication to the web browser in response to the request for the conversation.

Claims

This patent contains 20 claims, with claims 1 and 17 being independent. The independent claims focus on a system and method for web-based communication involving an unauthenticated user, a first responder, and the use of a conversation identifier. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the system and method by specifying additional features, variations, or limitations related to responders, communication protocols, and conversation management.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Conversation identifier
(Claim 1, Claim 17)		“Various implementations also provide for management of the communication between the initiator from a website or dedicated application, to various responders using a variety of RTC communication methods. In one implementation, these various responses are managed in such a way that the initiator sees them as unified responses within the internet website which the initiator is viewing and communicating with the responders.”A unique identifier assigned to a conversation, used to associate requests for information and communications within that conversation.
First responder
(Claim 1, Claim 17)		“Various implementations add features which allows RTC to occur without the initiator of a communication being required to share a common RTC application or RTC protocol with the recipient(s) or responder(s) to that communication. Various implementations also provide for management of the communication between the initiator from a website or dedicated application, to various responders using a variety of RTC communication methods.”An entity that sends a request for information to the unauthenticated user as part of a conversation.
Persistent data store
(Claim 1, Claim 17)		“Described herein are illustrative systems and methods involving the computer, protocol, communications, and internet-related fields.”A data storage mechanism that retains data across sessions or system restarts, used to store associations between requests for information, communications, and conversation identifiers.
Unauthenticated user
(Claim 1, Claim 17)		“Various implementations add features which allows RTC to occur without the initiator of a communication being required to share a common RTC application or RTC protocol with the recipient(s) or responder(s) to that communication. In some implementations, the initiator does not need to provide a destination address for the communication, and the initiator may remain anonymous to both the system and the responders.”A user of a web page who has not been authenticated by the system.
Web browser
(Claim 1, Claim 17)		“Described herein are illustrative systems and methods involving the computer, protocol, communications, and internet-related fields.”A software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web.

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
2:25-cv-00772Aug 8, 2025Disintermediation Services, Inc. V. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
2:25-cv-00771Aug 8, 2025Disintermediation Services, Inc. V. Carvana, Llc
2:25-cv-00773Aug 8, 2025DISINTERMEDIATION SERVICES, INC. v. HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. et al
2:22-cv-02655Jul 7, 2022DISINTERMEDIATION SERVICES, INC. v. 4 WALLS INC.
6:22-cv-00649Jun 22, 2022Disintermediation Services, Inc. v. Continually Ltd.
6:22-cv-00651Jun 22, 2022Disintermediation Services, Inc. v. Hello UMI S.L.

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US11349787

DISINTERMEDIATION SERVICES INC
Application Number
US17572958
Filing Date
Jan 11, 2022
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Oct 16, 2032
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents