Two-way real time communication allowing asymmetric participation across multiple electronic platforms

What is this patent about?

’599 is related to the field of real-time communication (RTC) and cross-protocol message routing. Traditionally, instant messaging, SMS, and email operate as siloed systems, requiring both participants to use the same software or protocol to interact. Furthermore, conventional systems usually require an initiator to know a specific recipient's address or identifier before a conversation can begin, creating a barrier for users seeking information from unknown experts or service providers.

The underlying idea behind ’599 is a protocol-agnostic gateway that decouples the initiator’s communication channel from the responder’s preferred medium. Instead of targeting a specific person, an initiator broadcasts a topic to a system that dynamically matches the request to available responders based on pre-defined expertise or geographic criteria. The system acts as a transparent proxy, translating messages between disparate formats—such as a web-based chat and a responder’s SMS or email—while maintaining a persistent session through a unique conversation identifier.

The claims of ’599 focus on a system and method that receives a topic-based request from an initiator via a first communication mode and routes it to multiple potential responders who have registered specific selection criteria. The claims specifically require the system to handle responses from different participants using different modes, such as receiving one response via a second real-time mode and another via email. The system then maps these incoming messages back to the original initiator’s session using a conversation identifier, ensuring the initiator receives the replies through their original communication channel.

In practice, the invention functions as an intelligent switchboard that preserves anonymity for both parties. When a user asks a question on a website, the system generates a Communication Identifier (CID) and pushes the text out to a pool of responders via their chosen methods, such as Jabber, SMS, or SMTP. To keep the initiator engaged while waiting for a human response, the system may employ a virtual assistant to ask clarifying questions. Once a responder engages, the system standardizes the message formatting so the initiator sees a unified chat thread regardless of the responder's device.

This approach differs from prior art by eliminating the need for shared software and mutual identification. Unlike standard chat rooms or direct messaging, this system utilizes asymmetric management, where the initiator can view a unified stream of all responses, but individual responders are restricted from seeing each other's messages unless authorized. By dynamically mapping active communication media, the system allows participants to switch devices mid-conversation without breaking the session, providing a seamless bridge between web applications and legacy telecommunications protocols.