{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853935","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853935","title":"Plug-in for extending functionality of messenger application across supplemented and unsupplemented application instances","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-04-21T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","G06F","G06Q","G06Q","G06Q","G06Q","G06Q","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":20,"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. An 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":"The Plug-in for Extending Functionality of Messenger Application Across Supplemented and Unsupplemented Application Instances patent addresses the issue of inconsistent functionality between different versions of messenger applications. The core innovation is a plug-in that allows a messenger application with enhanced features to communicate seamlessly with a second instance of the same application that lacks the plug-in. This plug-in provides enhanced functionality to the first instance while simultaneously providing corresponding thread-native content to the second instance, ensuring a consistent user experience across both versions. The problem being solved is the fragmentation of features and user experience in messenger apps due to varying update cycles and user adoption rates. The key technical approach involves a plug-in architecture that can deliver rich content and tailored advertisements to users regardless of their app version. The plug-in can obtain data from the second instance and provide tailored advertisements, or it can access location data to provide location-specific services. The business value lies in improved user engagement, increased customer satisfaction, and new revenue opportunities through targeted advertising and location-based services. The market opportunity is significant, as messenger applications are widely used and the need for a consistent user experience is paramount. This technology enables developers to roll out new features without alienating users on older app versions, fostering greater user loyalty and engagement.","layman_explanation":"The Plug-in for Extending Functionality of Messenger Application Across Supplemented and Unsupplemented Application Instances patent addresses a common problem in today's digital communication: the inconsistent experience users have with messenger applications. Different users may be running different versions of the same app, leading to some having access to newer features while others are stuck with older, less capable versions. This patent provides a solution to bridge that gap. \n\nWhat Problem Does This Solve? (100-150 words)\n\nThe core problem is that not all users update their apps at the same time. This means that some users might be missing out on new features, leading to a disjointed and less engaging experience. Existing solutions, such as simply encouraging users to update, are often ineffective because many users either don't want to update or can't due to device limitations. This patent offers a way to ensure a more consistent experience regardless of the app version. \n\nHow Does It Work? (200-300 words)\n\nImagine a translator that allows two people speaking different dialects to understand each other. This patent works similarly. The 'plug-in' acts as a translator between different versions of the messenger app. If one person has a version with a plug-in, and another person has an older version without it, the plug-in allows the newer version to communicate with the older version seamlessly. It does this by providing 'corresponding' content that the older version can understand. For example, if the newer version sends a fancy interactive message, the plug-in can translate it into a simpler, text-based message that the older version can display. It's like having a universal adapter for different types of messages. The plug-in can also gather data from the older version and use it to provide tailored ads or location-based services. \n\nWhy Does This Matter? (150-200 words)\n\nThis innovation matters because it improves the user experience for everyone. It ensures that all users, regardless of their app version, can participate in conversations and access relevant services. From a business perspective, this can lead to increased user engagement, higher customer satisfaction, and new revenue opportunities. For example, the ability to deliver tailored ads based on user data can significantly increase advertising revenue. The market impact is substantial, as messenger applications are widely used and the need for a consistent user experience is paramount. This technology could become a standard feature in all major messenger apps. \n\nWhat's Next? (50-100 words)\n\nFuture applications could include even more sophisticated translation capabilities, allowing for richer and more interactive experiences across different app versions. The market adoption timeline will likely depend on how quickly messenger app developers integrate this technology into their platforms. From an investment perspective, this patent represents a valuable asset with significant growth potential.","technical_analysis":"The Plug-in for Extending Functionality of Messenger Application Across Supplemented and Unsupplemented Application Instances patent introduces a novel architecture for maintaining feature parity across different versions of a messenger application. At its core, the technology leverages a plug-in module within one instance of the application to extend functionality to another instance lacking the plug-in. The implementation hinges on a robust communication protocol that enables seamless data exchange between the two instances. This protocol must be designed to handle various data types, including rich media, text, and location information, while maintaining low latency and high reliability. The plug-in module is responsible for generating thread-native content that is compatible with the unsupplemented instance. This may involve transcoding rich media into simpler formats or generating text-based representations of graphical elements. The algorithm for generating thread-native content must be optimized for performance to minimize the impact on the user experience. Integration patterns involve the use of APIs and SDKs to allow developers to easily incorporate the plug-in functionality into their messenger applications. The performance characteristics of the system are crucial for ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. Key metrics include latency, throughput, and resource utilization. The system must be able to handle a large volume of data without introducing significant delays. Code-level implications involve the use of asynchronous programming techniques to avoid blocking the main thread and maintaining a responsive UI. Security considerations are also paramount, as the communication protocol must be protected against eavesdropping and tampering.","business_analysis":"The Plug-in for Extending Functionality of Messenger Application Across Supplemented and Unsupplemented Application Instances patent presents a compelling business opportunity within the messaging application market. The market opportunity size is substantial, given the widespread use of messenger apps and the increasing demand for enhanced features and personalized experiences. The competitive advantages stem from the ability to deliver a consistent user experience across different app versions, which can increase user engagement and reduce churn. The revenue potential is multifaceted, including targeted advertising, premium features, and location-based services. Business models can include subscription-based access to premium features, advertising revenue sharing, and transaction fees for location-based services. Strategic positioning involves partnering with messenger app developers to integrate the plug-in into their platforms. ROI projections are highly favorable, given the potential for increased user engagement, revenue generation, and reduced customer acquisition costs. The invention allows for a more consistent and engaging user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. This, in turn, can translate into increased revenue and market share. The strategic implications are significant, as the technology can be used to differentiate messenger apps from their competitors and attract new users.","faqs":null,"topics":["messenger application","plug-in","enhanced functionality","thread-native content","tailored advertisements","extending","functionality","messenger"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Messenger Plug-in for Enhanced Functionality - Patent US-9853935","description":"Discover how the Plug-in for Extending Functionality of Messenger Application Across Supplemented and Unsupplemented Application Instances ensures seamless communication across different app versions. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["messenger application","plug-in","enhanced functionality","thread-native content","tailored advertisements","location-specific services","patent","patent US-9853935"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853935","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-9853935","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Plug-in for extending functionality of messenger application across supplemented and unsupplemented application instances\" (US-9853935). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853935","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853935","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853935","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T10:37:10.343Z"}