Systems and methods for managing message delivery based on device activity, user behavior, or usage patterns

• US 8,719,371 B1
• Filed: 10/02/2012
• Issued: 05/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Nerieri, Francesco
• Primary Examiner(s): SHINGLES, KRISTIE D
• Application Number:
  US13/633,628
• Time in Patent Office: 581 Days
• Field of Search: 709/217
• US Class Current: 709/217
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/043 using or handling presence information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/06 Message adaptation to terminal or network requirements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/18 Commands or executable codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/224 providing notification on incoming messages, e.g. pushed notifications of received messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/58 Message adaptation for wireless communication

Abstract

The disclosed technology covers messaging systems and methods. An example messaging method includes receiving at a message server a plurality of messages for a plurality of computing devices, including a first computing device. A first set of the messages is identified as being directed to the first computing device, for which state information is received. A set of predetermined rules is applied to that state information. A return value is determined, with a computer processor, based on the application of the rules to the current state information. The first set of messages is then transmitted to the first computing device if the return value is a first value. Alternatively, the first set of messages is held for the time being if the return value is a second value.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:

receiving at a message server a plurality of messages for a plurality of computing devices, including a first computing device;

identifying a first set of the messages as being directed to the first computing device;

receiving, at the message server, current state information related to the first computing device, from the first computing device, wherein the current state information comprises a power state of the first computing device, wherein the power state is indicative of whether the first computing device is plugged into an outlet or is fully charged;

applying a set of predetermined rules to the current state information, wherein at least one of the predetermined rules is related to the power state of the first computing device;

determining, with a computer processor, a return value based on application of the rules to the current state information;

transmitting the first set of messages to the first computing device if the return value is a first value; and

holding, at the message server, the first set of messages if the return value is a second value.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the return value varies based on the time of day of the first computing device.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the return value varies based on the current location of the first computing device.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the return value varies based on the type of messages in the first set of messages.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the return value varies based on whether the computing device is connected to an external power source.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the current state information further comprises a frequency of use of the first computing device, wherein at least one of the predetermined rules is based on the frequency of use.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein at least one of the predetermined rules indicates that the first set of messages should be transmitted, and not held, if the radio state is active.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the predetermined rules indicates that the first set of messages should be transmitted, and not held, for a predetermined time period that is based on a type of network to which the computing device is connected.

9. A computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions, that when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, cause the computing system to perform a method, the method comprising:

receiving a plurality of messages directed toward a mobile device;

receiving state information about the mobile device, from the mobile device, including a power state of the mobile device, wherein the power state is indicative of whether the first computing device is plugged into an outlet or is fully charged;

applying a set of predetermined rules to the state information and the plurality of messages to yield a return value;

interpreting the return value as an instruction as to whether to transmit the plurality of messages to the mobile device;

determining to delay transmission of the plurality of messages to the mobile device if the return value is a first value; and

transmitting the plurality of messages to the mobile device if the return value is a second value.

10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein receiving state information about the mobile device comprises detecting whether the mobile device is connected to an external power source, and wherein the return value is at least partially dependent on whether the mobile device is connected to an external power source.

11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein receiving state information about the mobile device comprises detecting a radio state of the mobile device, and wherein the return value is at least partially dependent on whether the radio state of mobile device is active.

12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the return value is at least partially dependent on the types of messages in the plurality of messages.

13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, the method further comprising repeating multiple times the actions of:

receiving state information about the mobile device, from the mobile device; and

applying the set of predetermined rules to the state information and the plurality of messages to update the return value.

14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, the method further comprising transmitting one or more previously held messages directed to the mobile device, when transmitting the plurality of messages.

15. A messaging system comprising:

a messaging server configured to receive a plurality of messages, to identify one or more of messages as being directed to a first computing device, and to receive information related to a current state of the first computing device, wherein the current state comprises a power state of the first computing device, wherein the power state is indicative of whether the first computing device is plugged into an outlet or is fully charged;

a storage medium comprising a plurality of predetermined rules for prioritization, wherein at least one of the predetermined rules is related to the power state of the first computing device, and wherein the messaging server is further configured to apply the predetermined rules to the current state of the first computing device to yield a return value; and

a communication interface configured to transmit the one or more messages to the first computing device if the rule application yields a predetermined first return value, wherein the messaging server repeatedly applies the predetermined rules and holds the one or more messages until the rule application yields the first return value.

16. The messaging system of claim 15, wherein a first rule of the predetermined rules comprises a condition and a potential return value, and wherein the potential return value becomes the return value if the first rule is considered and its corresponding condition is deemed to be true.

17. The messaging system of claim 15, wherein application of the predetermined rules yields a different return value based on the time of day of the first computing device.

18. The messaging system of claim 15, wherein application of the predetermined rules yields a different return value based on the types messages in the one or more messages.

19. The messaging system of claim 15, the plurality of predetermined rules being customized to the first computing device.