{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853924","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853924","title":"Providing access to location-specific services within a messenger application conversation thread","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-04-21T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04W","H04L","H04L","H04W"],"num_claims":15,"abstract":"A first instance of a messenger application having a plug-in communicates with a second instance of the messenger application lacking the plug-in. The plug-in provides enhanced functionality to the first instance of the messenger application, while also providing corresponding functionality to the second instance, which lacks the plug-in. For example, the plug-in may provide rich, non-thread-native content to the first instance, while also providing corresponding thread-native content to the second instance. As another example, the plug-in may obtain data from the second instance and provide tailored advertisements to the second instance based upon that data. As another example, the plug-in may obtain location data from one or more of the instances and provide access to location-specific services that take the location data into account."},"analysis":{"summary":"Providing Access to Location-specific Services Within a Messenger Application Conversation Thread introduces an innovative approach to enhancing messenger application functionality by integrating location-based services directly into conversation threads. The core innovation lies in enabling a messenger application, equipped with a plug-in, to communicate effectively with another instance of the same application, even if the latter lacks the plug-in. This plug-in extends the functionalities of the application, providing corresponding, albeit simpler, features to the instance without it. The problem being solved is the inefficient and cumbersome process of coordinating activities and sharing location-specific information within messenger applications. The key technical approach involves a sophisticated communication protocol that allows the plug-in to act as an intermediary, translating complex data and functionalities into a format that can be understood by the instance without the plug-in. \n\nThis ensures that all users, regardless of the features available on their specific application version, can participate in a shared experience. Furthermore, the system obtains location data from one or more instances and provides access to location-specific services, taking the location data into account. This opens up a plethora of opportunities, from suggesting nearby restaurants to facilitating location-based games and activities. The business value and applications of this technology are significant. By leveraging location data, businesses can deliver targeted advertisements and promotions to users in specific areas, increasing the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and driving sales. \n\nThe ability to provide location-specific services also opens up new revenue streams, such as partnerships with local businesses and the development of location-based premium features. The market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as messenger applications continue to grow in popularity and usage. The integration of location-based services directly into conversation threads will not only enhance user experience but also open up new opportunities for businesses and developers. This innovation represents a significant step forward in the evolution of messenger applications and has the potential to transform the way we connect and interact with the world around us. The patent's emphasis on user privacy and data security also positions it favorably in a market increasingly concerned with these issues.","layman_explanation":"Providing Access to Location-specific Services Within a Messenger Application Conversation Thread focuses on making it easier to use location-based services within messenger applications. Imagine you're planning a dinner with friends using a messaging app. Currently, you might have to switch between the messaging app, a map app to find restaurants, and potentially another app to make reservations. This patent aims to streamline that process by integrating all these functions directly into the messaging app. \n\n**What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nThe main problem this patent addresses is the inefficiency of coordinating location-based activities within messenger apps. Existing solutions require users to switch between multiple apps, copy and paste addresses, and manually coordinate plans. This is time-consuming and can lead to confusion and errors. The patent offers a more seamless and integrated experience. \n\n**How Does It Work?**\n\nThe technology works by using a 'plug-in' within the messaging app. Think of it like adding a special tool to your existing app. This plug-in allows the app to access location data (with your permission, of course) and connect to location-based services like maps, restaurant reviews, and reservation systems. The clever part is that even if some of your friends don't have the latest version of the app with the plug-in, they can still participate. The plug-in can communicate with their older app versions, providing them with basic location information and allowing them to vote on suggested locations or activities. It's like having a universal translator that allows everyone to understand each other, regardless of their app version. \n\n**Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis technology has the potential to significantly improve the user experience of messenger apps. It makes planning activities with friends and colleagues much easier and more efficient. From a business perspective, it opens up new opportunities for targeted advertising and location-based services. For example, restaurants could offer special deals to users who are nearby, or event organizers could promote upcoming events to people in the area. The market impact could be substantial, as messenger apps are used by billions of people worldwide. \n\n**What's Next?**\n\nThe future applications of this technology could include more advanced features such as real-time traffic updates, personalized recommendations based on user preferences, and integration with augmented reality applications. The market adoption timeline will depend on how quickly messenger app providers integrate this technology into their platforms. From an investment perspective, companies that develop and license this technology could see significant returns, particularly if they can secure partnerships with major messenger app providers.","technical_analysis":"Providing Access to Location-specific Services Within a Messenger Application Conversation Thread details a sophisticated technical architecture designed to seamlessly integrate location-based services within messenger applications. The core of the system revolves around a plug-in architecture that enables enhanced functionality in a primary messenger application instance while providing corresponding, albeit simpler, functionality to a secondary instance lacking the plug-in. This is achieved through a well-defined communication protocol that facilitates data exchange between the two instances. The technical architecture includes several key components. First, the location data source, which can be GPS, Wi-Fi triangulation, or other location-determining technologies, provides real-time location information. This data is then processed by the plug-in, which acts as an intermediary, translating the complex location data into a format that can be understood by both messenger application instances. \n\nThe plug-in also interfaces with location-based services APIs, such as Google Maps or Foursquare, to retrieve relevant information about nearby points of interest, such as restaurants, cafes, and hotels. The integration patterns employed in this technology are crucial for ensuring seamless user experience. The plug-in utilizes asynchronous communication to avoid blocking the main thread of the messenger application, ensuring that the application remains responsive even when processing complex location data. Additionally, the system employs caching mechanisms to store frequently accessed location data, reducing the need to repeatedly query the location-based services APIs. \n\nFrom a performance perspective, the system is designed to minimize battery consumption and network bandwidth usage. The plug-in employs data compression techniques to reduce the size of the data transmitted between the two messenger application instances. It also utilizes power-efficient location-sensing algorithms to minimize battery drain. The code-level implications of this technology are significant. Developers implementing this system must carefully consider the security implications of handling location data. The system must employ encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect user data from unauthorized access. Additionally, developers must adhere to strict privacy guidelines to ensure that user location data is handled responsibly and ethically. The performance characteristics of this technology are heavily dependent on the quality of the location data and the efficiency of the location-based services APIs. Developers must carefully optimize the system to ensure that it provides accurate and timely location information while minimizing battery consumption and network bandwidth usage.","business_analysis":"Providing Access to Location-specific Services Within a Messenger Application Conversation Thread presents a compelling business opportunity within the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile communication and location-based services. The core value proposition lies in enhancing user engagement and streamlining location-dependent activities within messenger applications, which are already ubiquitous in modern communication. The market opportunity size is substantial, given the global reach and daily usage of messenger applications. Integrating location-specific services directly into these platforms can unlock new revenue streams and enhance user stickiness. The competitive advantages of this technology stem from its ability to seamlessly integrate location-based services into messenger applications, even when one user lacks the necessary plug-in. \n\nThis ensures a consistent user experience across different application versions and devices. Additionally, the technology's ability to provide targeted advertisements based on user location offers a significant advantage over traditional advertising methods. The revenue potential for this technology is multifaceted. First, messenger application providers can generate revenue through partnerships with local businesses, offering premium placement and targeted advertising opportunities. Second, the technology can be used to develop location-based premium features, such as enhanced location sharing, real-time traffic updates, and personalized recommendations. \n\nThe business models that can be built around this technology include subscription-based models, where users pay a monthly fee for access to premium location-based features, and advertising-based models, where businesses pay to target users in specific locations. The strategic positioning of this technology is crucial for its success. Messenger application providers should focus on building strong relationships with local businesses and developing compelling location-based features that enhance user engagement. They should also prioritize user privacy and data security to build trust and avoid regulatory scrutiny. ROI projections for this technology are highly dependent on the adoption rate and the effectiveness of the monetization strategies. However, given the substantial market opportunity and the potential for high user engagement, the ROI can be significant. By leveraging location data to provide targeted advertisements and personalized recommendations, messenger application providers can generate substantial revenue streams and create a sustainable competitive advantage.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Providing access to location-specific services within a messenger application conversation thread","description":"A first instance of a messenger application having a plug-in communicates with a second instance of the messenger application lacking the plug-in. The plug-in provides enhanced functionality to the fi","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853924","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853924","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Providing access to location-specific services within a messenger application conversation thread\" (US-9853924). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853924","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853924","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853924","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T09:56:54.247Z"}