Electronic Communication System

摘要

This invention discloses an instant messaging system that allows users to selectively engage in ephemeral messaging among each other. The system allows a user to switch between ephemeral-messaging mode and normal-messaging mode during a conversation with others. A message sent under the ephemeral-messaging mode is treated as an ephemeral message and a message sent under the normal-messaging mode is treated as a normal message. When a user sends an ephemeral message to another user, the system dynamically determines an ephemeral period for the message based on the message's length if the message is a text message or based on the message's size if the message is an image or video message. The ephemeral message is then sent to the other user's device for display. But the message is only displayed for a time period not exceeding the ephemeral period. Furthermore, a smart URI mechanism is implemented to provide easy-to-access entry points to the system. Upon a user's registration with the system, the system assigns a particular URI to the user, which the user can use to invite others to join him/her for a chat via the system.

主权项

1. A method for ephemeral messaging, the method comprising:
receiving a message from a first user device; determining the message's length or size; calculating an ephemeral period for the message based on the message's length or size; and sending the message and the calculated ephemeral period to a second user device for displaying the message on the second user device for a time period not exceeding the ephemeral period.