US 10009304

US Patent 10009304: Concise Summary

Title: Method and system for correlating conversations in messaging environment

Assignee: Ctext Ip LLC (Current Assignee as of 2022-08-03, Original Assignee: CTEXT TECHNOLOGY LLC)

Inventor: Adam Moisa

Filing Date: 2015-12-17 (Application number US14/972,919)

Issue Date: 2018-06-26 (Publication of US10009304B2)

Abstract:
A computer-based method for correlating conversations is provided. This method involves displaying messages in a discussion interface on an interface device. The system receives an indication that a previously displayed message is part of an active conversation. It then provides a message entry location for new messages. Any new messages received at this location are automatically associated with the active conversation and are displayed with a visual cue shared by all messages belonging to that active conversation.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (Method): This claim describes a computer-based method for organizing conversations in a messaging application. It involves:

  1. Showing a discussion interface with at least two messages on a device.
  2. Providing a text input area for new messages, which is visually linked to the discussion interface.
  3. Receiving a user's input (e.g., a tap) indicating that a new message will be a response to a specific existing message.
  4. Changing a visual aspect of the text input area (e.g., its color) to match a visual indicator already associated with the specific existing message.
  5. Receiving the new message typed by the user.
  6. Displaying this new message within the discussion interface, making sure it shares the same visual indicator as the existing message it's responding to.

• Claim 14 (System): This claim describes a system (an interface device connected to a network) designed to correlate conversations. The device includes a processor, memory, a transmission unit, and a display. The system's software is instructed to:

  1. Provide a discussion interface on the display to show stored messages.
  2. Provide a visually associated message entry location for new messages.
  3. Record an indication that a new message will be a reply to one of the displayed messages.
  4. Change a visual element of the message entry location to match a visual cue shared with the message being responded to.
  5. Receive the new message from the entry location.
  6. Transmit the new message over the network, including an indication of which existing message it's responding to.
  7. Display the new message on the screen next to the original message, incorporating the same visual cue for both.

USPTO and CAFC 2026 Dockets Search:
A search of the USPTO database and CAFC 2026 dockets for the specific patent number 10009304 did not return any direct results regarding its status or any litigation in the CAFC for 2026 within the provided snippets. The search results included information for other patent numbers (e.g., US-8809304-B2, USD9304S, US 8,766,797) and general information about USPTO search tools and CAFC activities, but not specifically for US10009304.

Known litigation involving US patent 10009304 includes the following cases:

1. Case: IPR2025-01113

   • Plaintiff(s): [Apple Inc.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Apple%20Inc.)
   • Defendant(s): CText IP LLC
   • Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (P.T.A.B.)
   • Case Number: IPR2025-01113
   • Filing Date: July 7, 2025
   • Outcome or Current Status: Not Instituted - Procedural.

2. Case: 1:24-cv-08821

   • Plaintiff(s): CText IP LLC
   • Defendant(s): Apple Inc.
   • Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
   • Case Number: 1:24-cv-08821 (JMF)
   • Filing Date: November 20, 2024
   • Outcome or Current Status: Ongoing. A proposed scheduling order was filed on January 15, 2026.

Proceedings overview

There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US Patent 10009304. The proceeding, IPR2025-01113, has a status of "Discretionary Denial," meaning no claims were invalidated. This gives a defendant a posture where the patent's claims remain intact, making an IPR-based defense potentially more challenging.

IPR2025-01113 — [Apple Inc.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Apple%20Inc.) v. CText IP LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-07-07
• Status: Discretionary Denial — The PTAB declined to institute the IPR.
• Judge panel: Not publicly available in the provided snippets.
• Petition grounds: Not publicly available in the provided snippets.
• Institution decision: Denied (2026-05-18). The status "Discretionary Denial" indicates that the PTAB exercised its discretion not to institute the review, likely based on procedural grounds rather than a full merits review.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): No Final Written Decision was issued as institution was denied.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable, as institution was denied.
• Appeal: Not applicable, as institution was denied and no Final Written Decision was issued.
• Defensive value: The patent owner prevailed as the IPR was not instituted, leaving all claims of US10009304 intact. An IPR-based defense will be harder for future petitioners against this patent, especially if the discretionary denial was based on factors that could be re-asserted.

Strategic summary

All claims of US10009304 are currently SUSTAINED as the single IPR filed against it, IPR2025-01113, resulted in a discretionary denial of institution. Therefore, no claims have been canceled or narrowed through PTAB proceedings.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, since IPR2025-01113 was not instituted, estoppel under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(1) for instituted grounds, or § 315(e)(2) for claims found unpatentable, would not apply to Apple Inc. or its privies. This means that if Apple Inc. (or a privy) were to challenge this patent again, they would not be barred by this specific IPR from raising grounds that were raised or could have been reasonably raised in IPR2025-01113. For any other defendant facing assertion of this patent, all prior-art grounds remain available as there has been no institution and no merits decision.

There is no pattern signal of multiple IPRs filed by the same petitioner, nor aggressive PTAB appeals by the patent owner, as only one IPR has been filed and it was denied institution. The petitioner was Apple Inc.

Recommended next steps

If you are a defendant, be aware that all claims of US10009304 remain patentable as the sole IPR attempt was denied institution. Review the PTAB's decision on IPR2025-01113 carefully to understand the specific reasons for the discretionary denial, as this information can be crucial for assessing the viability of any future IPR petitions. Access to the institution decision for IPR2025-01113 can be found on the USPTO PTAB E2E system. Since there are no active proceedings pending, there are no trial-stage milestones to monitor. The fact that the patent has faced an IPR attempt from a significant entity like Apple Inc. and survived institution could be seen as a signal of its resilience, though the "discretionary denial" status suggests the merits were not fully adjudicated.

Inventors

• Adam Moisa (Employer at time of filing unclear from provided text)

Original assignee

The original assignee was CTEXT TECHNOLOGY LLC. The provided patent text does not indicate whether CTEXT TECHNOLOGY LLC shipped a product embodying the claims, nor does it specify its primary line of business. Its current status (operating, acquired, dissolved, in bankruptcy) is also not determinable from the provided text.

Assignment timeline

The USPTO Assignment Center (https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/) shows the following assignment records for US10009304:

• 2021-05-04 (executed) / recorded 2021-05-04 — Reel 057039/0426

  • Conveyance: NUNC PRO TUNC ASSIGNMENT
  • Assignor: CTEXT TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • Assignee: MOISA, ADAM
  • Correspondent: BLAIR M. JACOBSON, ESQ.
  • Context: Transfer from original assignee to inventor.

• 2021-06-21 (executed) / recorded 2021-06-21 — Reel 057134/0073

  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: MOISA, ADAM
  • Assignee: BIN 2021, SERIES 650 OF ALLIED SECURITY TRUST I
  • Correspondent: LERNER, DAVID A. LAW OFFICE OF DAVID A. LERNER
  • Context: Securitization or transfer to an assertion entity (Allied Security Trust is a known defensive aggregator, but "BIN 2021, SERIES 650" indicates a specific trust, potentially for assertion).

• 2022-08-03 (executed) / recorded 2022-08-03 — Reel 059530/0398

  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: BIN 2021, SERIES 650 OF ALLIED SECURITY TRUST I
  • Assignee: CTEXT IP LLC
  • Correspondent: LERNER, DAVID A. LAW OFFICE OF DAVID A. LERNER. This correspondent also appears on the previous assignment in this chain.
  • Context: Transfer from an Allied Security Trust entity to CTEXT IP LLC, likely for assertion or further management.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 10009304
    2015 : Filed by CTEXT TECHNOLOGY LLC
    2018 : Issued
    2021 : Assigned to Adam Moisa
         : Assigned to BIN 2021, Series 650 of Allied Security Trust I
    2022 : Assigned to CTEXT IP LLC

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present.

   • 2022-08-03 (executed) / recorded 2022-08-03 — Reel 059530/0398. The transfer from "BIN 2021, SERIES 650 OF ALLIED SECURITY TRUST I" to "CTEXT IP LLC" is a strong indicator. "CTEXT IP LLC" with "IP LLC" in its name suggests a licensing-focused entity, and given the litigation history and lack of product information for the original assignee, it is likely a shell entity. The address for CTEXT IP LLC is not provided in the snippets to confirm if it's a registered-agent service.

2. Known asserter in the chain — Present.

   • 2021-06-21 (executed) / recorded 2021-06-21 — Reel 057134/0073. The assignee "BIN 2021, SERIES 650 OF ALLIED SECURITY TRUST I" indicates an involvement with Allied Security Trust, which is a known defensive aggregator. However, the specific "BIN 2021, SERIES 650" could represent a securitization vehicle or a more assertion-oriented trust. The subsequent transfer out of this entity to CTEXT IP LLC suggests it was not retained for long-term defensive aggregation. Unified Patents lists CText IP LLC as an asserter.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present.

   • LERNER, DAVID A. LAW OFFICE OF DAVID A. LERNER appears as the correspondent on both the 2021-06-21 assignment (Reel 057134/0073) and the 2022-08-03 assignment (Reel 059530/0398). This recurrence across consecutive transfers involving a trust and a named IP LLC is a strong signal.

4. Cascading transfers — Present.

   • The assignments show three transfers within a relatively short period: to Adam Moisa in May 2021, to Allied Security Trust I (Bin 2021, Series 650) in June 2021, and then to CTEXT IP LLC in August 2022. This sequence of transfers (three in roughly 15 months) from the original assignee, to the inventor, to a trust, and then to an IP LLC, particularly with a repeated correspondent, is indicative of cascading transfers to position the patent for assertion. Reel 057039/0426, Reel 057134/0073, Reel 059530/0398.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Present.

   • The assignment to CTEXT IP LLC was recorded on 2022-08-03 (Reel 059530/0398). Litigation with CText IP LLC as the plaintiff was filed on 2024-11-20 (Case 1:24-cv-08821). While this is more than 6 months, the transfer into CTEXT IP LLC, a likely assertion entity, approximately two years before litigation, sets the stage for future assertion.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. No information in the provided text suggests CTEXT TECHNOLOGY LLC or any subsequent assignor filed for bankruptcy.

7. Privateering — Unclear. There is no information in the provided patent text or search results to determine if CTEXT TECHNOLOGY LLC (the original operating company, if it was one) transferred the patent to CTEXT IP LLC to assert on its behalf against competitors.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. While Allied Security Trust I (Bin 2021, Series 650) was in the chain, the patent was subsequently transferred out of this entity to CTEXT IP LLC, indicating it was not retained by a defensive aggregator for neutralization.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

The assignment chain for US10009304 exhibits multiple strong NPE signals: a shell-entity transfer to "CTEXT IP LLC" (Reel 059530/0398), the involvement of a specialized trust ("BIN 2021, SERIES 650 OF ALLIED SECURITY TRUST I" - Reel 057134/0073), the recurrence of the same correspondent attorney (LERNER, DAVID A. LAW OFFICE OF DAVID A. LERNER) across multiple transfers (Reel 057134/0073, Reel 059530/0398), and a pattern of cascading transfers within a short timeframe. The current litigation filed by CText IP LLC further confirms an assertion strategy.

Verification of assignments can be performed at the USPTO Assignment Center by searching for patent number 10009304.

A search of the USPTO database for the specific patent number 10009304 confirms its existence.

The most relevant prior art for US patent 10009304, along with their details and potential anticipatory claims, are as follows:

1. US20030093363A1

• Full Citation: US20030093363A1 - Conversational dealing system
• Publication Date: 2003-05-15
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a conversational dealing system.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): Further analysis would be required to determine specific claims, but given the general description of "conversational dealing system," it could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 14 related to providing a discussion interface and handling messages within a conversation.

2. US20050138552A1

• Full Citation: US20050138552A1 - Clustering messages
• Publication Date: 2005-06-23
• Brief Description: This patent application focuses on clustering messages.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference might anticipate elements of claims 1 and 14 concerning the organization and display of messages in a discussion interface, particularly if "clustering messages" involves visual cues or grouping similar to the "correlating conversations" described in US10009304.

3. US20050275662A1

• Full Citation: US20050275662A1 - Developing electronic documents employing multiple display regions
• Publication Date: 2005-12-15
• Brief Description: This patent application describes methods for developing electronic documents using multiple display regions.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 14 related to the provision of a discussion interface and the display of messages within it, especially if the multiple display regions could be interpreted as a way to visually differentiate or group parts of a conversation.

4. US20060248150A1

• Full Citation: US20060248150A1 - Methods and apparatus for managing and distinguishing instant messaging sessions and threads
• Publication Date: 2006-11-02
• Brief Description: This patent application describes methods and apparatus for managing and distinguishing instant messaging sessions and threads.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference appears highly relevant as it explicitly addresses "managing and distinguishing instant messaging sessions and threads." This directly relates to the core invention of US10009304, potentially anticipating claims 1 and 14, particularly the steps involving defining active conversations, associating new messages with them, and using visual cues for differentiation.

5. US7185057B2

• Full Citation: US7185057B2 - Individually specifying message output attributes in a messaging system
• Publication Date: 2007-02-27
• Brief Description: This patent describes individually specifying message output attributes in a messaging system.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This could anticipate the use of "visual cues" (as described in claims 1 and 14) if "individually specifying message output attributes" includes visual differentiations for messages within a conversation.

6. US7200635B2

• Full Citation: US7200635B2 - Smart messenger
• Publication Date: 2007-04-03
• Brief Description: This patent describes a smart messenger system.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): The broad nature of "smart messenger" would require deeper analysis, but it's possible it could touch upon intelligent ways of presenting or managing messages that might relate to the correlation of conversations in claims 1 and 14.

7. US20070203985A1

• Full Citation: US20070203985A1 - Response linking in instant messaging
• Publication Date: 2007-08-30
• Brief Description: This patent application details response linking in instant messaging.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is very relevant due to its focus on "response linking in instant messaging." This directly addresses the concept of associating responses with previous messages, which is central to claims 1 and 14, especially the steps of receiving an indication that a new message is responsive to a first message and associating new messages with an active conversation.

8. US20080177994A1

• Full Citation: US20080177994A1 - System and method for improving the efficiency, comfort, and/or reliability in Operating Systems, such as for example Windows
• Publication Date: 2008-07-24
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a system and method for improving operating system efficiency, comfort, and/or reliability.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This is a very general reference to operating system improvements and is less likely to directly anticipate specific claims of US10009304 related to conversation correlation unless it contains very specific examples of messaging interface enhancements.

9. US7475110B2

• Full Citation: US7475110B2 - Method and interface for multi-threaded conversations in instant messaging
• Publication Date: 2009-01-06
• Brief Description: This patent describes a method and interface for multi-threaded conversations in instant messaging.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is highly relevant as it explicitly teaches a "method and interface for multi-threaded conversations in instant messaging." This directly addresses the problem US10009304 aims to solve and could anticipate various elements of claims 1 and 14, particularly the provision of a discussion interface, handling multiple conversations, and associating messages.

10. US20100023586A1

• Full Citation: US20100023586A1 - System and method for correlating questions and answers in an instant messaging environment
• Publication Date: 2010-01-28
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a system and method for correlating questions and answers in an instant messaging environment.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is extremely relevant, explicitly teaching "correlating questions and answers in an instant messaging environment." This directly anticipates the core concept of US10009304 and could potentially anticipate all elements of claims 1 and 14, especially those related to identifying responsive messages and displaying them with visual cues.

11. US20100115426A1

• Full Citation: US20100115426A1 - Avatar environments
• Publication Date: 2010-05-06
• Brief Description: This patent application describes avatar environments.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference seems less directly relevant to conversation correlation as described in US10009304, focusing on "avatar environments." It's unlikely to anticipate the core claims unless it describes the use of avatars as visual cues for conversation threads, which would require more specific analysis.

12. US20100125791A1

• Full Citation: US20100125791A1 - User interface for a telecommunication and multimedia management system and method
• Publication Date: 2010-05-20
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a user interface for a telecommunication and multimedia management system and method.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This general reference to a "user interface for a telecommunication and multimedia management system" could potentially anticipate the provision of a discussion interface (claims 1 and 14) but would need to specifically address the correlation of conversations with visual cues to be more directly anticipatory.

13. WO2011005641A2

• Full Citation: WO2011005641A2 - Communication mode swapping for telecommunications devices
• Publication Date: 2011-01-13
• Brief Description: This international patent application describes communication mode swapping for telecommunications devices.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference focuses on "communication mode swapping," which is not directly related to conversation correlation. It's unlikely to anticipate the core claims of US10009304.

14. US7885641B2

• Full Citation: US7885641B2 - Method and system for using subjects in instant messaging sessions on a mobile device
• Publication Date: 2011-02-08
• Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for using subjects in instant messaging sessions on a mobile device.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference, by teaching "using subjects in instant messaging sessions," could anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 14 where a "subject" might serve a similar function to an "active conversation" or a "visual cue" for grouping messages.

15. US8001184B2

• Full Citation: US8001184B2 - System and method for managing an instant messaging conversation
• Publication Date: 2011-08-16
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for managing an instant messaging conversation.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This is another highly relevant reference due to its focus on "managing an instant messaging conversation." This directly relates to the capabilities described in US10009304 and could anticipate elements of claims 1 and 14, especially those related to providing a discussion interface and handling messages within a conversation.

16. US8024412B2

• Full Citation: US8024412B2 - User interface reading email conversations
• Publication Date: 2011-09-20
• Brief Description: This patent describes a user interface for reading email conversations.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is relevant because it concerns "reading email conversations" in a user interface, a messaging environment explicitly covered in US10009304. It could anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 14 related to providing a discussion interface and displaying messages in a conversational context.

17. US8312095B2

• Full Citation: US8312095B2 - Tracking interactive text-message communications
• Publication Date: 2012-11-13
• Brief Description: This patent describes tracking interactive text-message communications.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): The concept of "tracking interactive text-message communications" could encompass the identification and correlation of conversation threads, potentially anticipating elements of claims 1 and 14 related to defining active conversations and associating messages.

18. US20130090138A1

• Full Citation: US20130090138A1 - Processing messages based on a destination device
• Publication Date: 2013-04-11
• Brief Description: This patent application describes processing messages based on a destination device.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference primarily focuses on message routing based on the destination device, which is less directly related to the conversation correlation features of US10009304. It's unlikely to anticipate the core claims.

19. US20130115581A1

• Full Citation: US20130115581A1 - Multi-level color based communication system and method
• Publication Date: 2013-05-09
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a multi-level color based communication system and method.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is highly relevant due to its explicit mention of "multi-level color based communication system and method." This directly relates to the use of "visual cues" (specifically color) as described in claims 1, 3, 4, and 14 of US10009304 for correlating conversations.

20. US8473553B2

• Full Citation: US8473553B2 - Management of multiple synchronous responses to single question in community-based instant messaging
• Publication Date: 2013-06-25
• Brief Description: This patent describes the management of multiple synchronous responses to a single question in community-based instant messaging.
• Potentially Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is highly relevant as it addresses "management of multiple synchronous responses to single question in community-based instant messaging." This directly aligns with the problem US10009304 aims to solve and could anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 14 relating to handling multiple replies within a conversation, defining active conversations, and displaying responsive messages.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103

To establish obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 103, it must be shown that the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art. This analysis requires identifying: (1) the scope and content of the prior art; (2) the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue; (3) the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art; and (4) secondary considerations of non-obviousness (e.g., commercial success, long-felt but unsolved needs, failure of others).

Based on the provided patent text, the "Prior art keywords" listed for US10009304 include "message," "conversation," "messages," "interface," and "interface device." The patent also explicitly references several prior art documents in its "Citations" section. These citations, along with the descriptions of existing messaging environments, form the basis for the prior art in this analysis. A person of ordinary skill in the art (POSITA) in this field would likely be a software developer or computer engineer with experience in developing messaging applications and user interfaces.

The core of US10009304 lies in correlating conversations within a messaging environment by using visual cues and an active conversation designation. The patent acknowledges the problem of confusion in extended chat sessions due to chronological message ordering, where multiple conversations can run in parallel.

Combination of Prior Art References for Obviousness

Several combinations of the cited prior art, potentially alongside general knowledge in the field, could render the claims of US10009304 obvious.

1. US 7,475,110 B2 (IBM) in view of US 2007/0203985 A1 (Abernethy):

• US 7,475,110 B2 (IBM): This patent, titled "Method and interface for multi-threaded conversations in instant messaging," teaches managing and distinguishing instant messaging sessions and threads. The very title suggests a solution to the problem identified in US10009304 regarding intertwined conversations in a chronological stream. A POSITA would understand that a system for "multi-threaded conversations" would inherently involve some mechanism to differentiate these threads.
• US 2007/0203985 A1 (Abernethy): This publication, titled "Response linking in instant messaging," describes linking responses to specific earlier messages in an instant messaging context. This directly addresses the problem of identifying what a participant is responding to.

Motivation for Combination: A POSITA, facing the known problem of confusing, chronologically ordered messages in multi-participant messaging environments as described in US10009304's background, would be motivated to combine the multi-threading concept of IBM's '110 patent with Abernethy's "response linking." The IBM patent provides the overarching structure for managing multiple conversation threads, while Abernethy offers a specific mechanism for explicitly linking a response to a prior message.

Why it renders claims obvious:

• Claim 1 (Method):

  • "providing a discussion interface at a first interface device, wherein the discussion interface displays a first message and a second message;" This is standard in messaging applications.
  • "providing a message entry location for inputting new messages, the message entry location visually associated with the discussion interface," Also standard.
  • "receiving, at the first interface device, a first indication that a first new message is responsive to the first message;" Abernethy's "response linking" would provide this functionality, likely through a selection method (e.g., tapping, highlighting) as described in US10009304.
  • "changing a visual element of the message entry location upon receipt of the first indication to match a first visual cue shared with the first message;" The concept of using visual cues (like color coding, text size, indentation) for conversation correlation is a common user interface design principle. Once a message is identified as part of a thread (from IBM '110) or a response is linked (from Abernethy), a POSITA would find it obvious to apply a visual cue to the message entry location to indicate the active thread or linked response. The patent itself states that visual cues can be "color coding of messages," "text size," "symbols or icons," "indentation levels," "font formatting," "bullet styles," or "characters preceding the message." These are all well-known ways to visually distinguish information in a user interface.
  • "receiving the first new message at the message entry location; and" Standard messaging input.
  • "displaying the first new message with the first visual cue applied within the discussion interface at the first interface device, wherein the first visual cue is shared by the first message and the first new message." This is the direct result of applying a visual cue to the linked response and the original message, a logical step for clarity once linking is established.

• Claim 14 (System): The system claim would be obvious for similar reasons, as it describes the hardware and software instructions to perform the method outlined in Claim 1. The components (processor, memory, transmission unit, display) are generic computing elements. The instructions for providing interfaces, recording indications, changing visual elements, receiving/transmitting messages, and displaying with visual cues would be obvious implementations given the combination of IBM '110 and Abernethy.

2. US 8,024,412 B2 (Microsoft) in view of US 2010/0023586 A1 (IBM):

• US 8,024,412 B2 (Microsoft): This patent describes a "User interface reading email conversations." While focused on email, the concept of "reading email conversations" implies a method for grouping or displaying related messages, thereby addressing the issue of intertwined discussions. Email threading is a long-standing practice for managing conversational flow.
• US 2010/0023586 A1 (IBM): This publication describes a "System and method for correlating questions and answers in an instant messaging environment." This reference directly addresses the correlation of specific types of messages (questions and answers) in an instant messaging context, which is a key problem US10009304 aims to solve.

Motivation for Combination: A POSITA would be motivated to adapt email conversation threading principles (Microsoft '412) to an instant messaging environment, especially when seeking to correlate specific question-and-answer exchanges as taught by IBM '586. The chronological display in instant messaging, as highlighted by US10009304, presents a similar challenge to email, where long threads can become difficult to follow. The email threading mechanisms would provide a framework for grouping, and the IBM '586 reference provides the motivation for explicitly linking questions and answers.

Why it renders claims obvious:

• Claim 1 (Method):

  • The provision of a discussion interface and message entry location are standard.
  • The "first indication that a first new message is responsive to the first message" would be a natural extension of correlating questions and answers (IBM '586) within a threaded conversation structure (Microsoft '412).
  • The "changing a visual element of the message entry location" and "displaying the first new message with the first visual cue" are common methods to indicate association within a conversation, whether in email or instant messaging. For instance, an email client often visually indicates which message in a thread is being replied to (e.g., by quoting or indenting), and a new reply would typically inherit some visual characteristic of the thread. Applying this to an instant messaging entry location upon selecting a message to reply to would be an obvious design choice for a POSITA to enhance user clarity.

• Claim 14 (System): The system implementation would be obvious as it simply describes the computational means to achieve the method, using commonly available hardware and software techniques.

General Obviousness Considerations:

The patent US10009304 itself states that "Extended chat sessions therefore often comprise different types of messages... and typically involve multiple conversations continuing in parallel, with messages... presented to users in chronological order. This simple chronological ordering can lead to confusion, since it may not be clear what the participant is responding to..." This explicitly acknowledges the known problem that the claimed invention seeks to address. The proposed solution—using visual cues to correlate messages within conversations and dynamically updating a message entry location—relies on established user interface principles and messaging functionalities present in prior art.

For instance, the use of "color coding of messages," "text size," "symbols or icons appended to the message," "indentation levels," "font formatting such as italics, bold, or underline," "bullet styles," or "characters preceding the message" as visual cues are all well-known techniques in graphical user interfaces for grouping or highlighting information. A POSITA would readily apply these established techniques to messaging environments to improve clarity, especially when explicit message linking or conversation threading is available.

The idea of dynamically changing a visual element of the message entry location to match the active conversation's visual cue is a straightforward application of user interface design best practices. It provides immediate feedback to the user about which conversation their new message will be associated with, directly improving usability and addressing the "confusion" problem.

In summary, the problem of intertwined conversations in chronological messaging streams was known. Solutions involving message linking, multi-threaded conversations, and visual grouping in messaging environments (including email) existed in the prior art. A POSITA would have been motivated to combine these known elements to create a more intuitive and less confusing messaging experience, using well-established visual communication techniques.

This analysis focuses on US patent 10009304.

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) and Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

The provided patent text and search results do not explicitly state any Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) or Patent Term Extensions (PTE) for US patent 10009304.

• Patent Term Adjustment (PTA): PTA compensates patent applicants for certain administrative delays by the USPTO during patent prosecution. It adds to the typical 20-year patent term from the earliest non-provisional filing date. Delays by the applicant can reduce PTA.
• Patent Term Extension (PTE): PTE is available for patents on products (e.g., human drugs, medical devices) that require regulatory approval, like from the FDA, to restore patent term lost during the approval process. PTE is limited to a maximum of five years and cannot extend the patent term beyond 14 years from the date of marketing approval.

To determine the exact PTA or if any PTE was granted, one would typically need to consult the patent's file wrapper in Patent Center on the USPTO website.

Continuation Applications and Divisional Applications

• Continuation Applications: US patent 10009304 is identified as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/581,178, filed Dec. 23, 2014. A continuation application builds upon the disclosure of a prior-filed, co-pending nonprovisional application without introducing new subject matter. It allows the applicant to pursue a new set of claims and further examination.
• Divisional Applications: The provided text does not explicitly mention any divisional applications directly stemming from US patent 10009304. A divisional application is filed when an original application contains claims to more than one invention.

Related Family Members

US patent 10009304 is part of a patent family that includes:

• US14/972,919 (this application itself)
• US20160149847A1 (publication of US10009304B2)
• US14/581,178 (parent application)
• US9246857B2 (another granted patent from the family)
• US201361920177P, US201462000220P, and US201462061308P (provisional applications whose benefit is claimed)
• WO2015100321A1 (international publication in the family)

Projected Expiration Date

The legal status of US patent 10009304 is listed as "Active" and expires on 2035-02-18.

The general rule for U.S. utility patents (which US10009304 is, based on its classification and content) is that the term extends 20 years from the filing date of the earliest-filed non-provisional application in its family. US patent 10009304 claims priority from applications filed on December 23, 2013. Twenty years from this priority date would be December 23, 2033. However, the patent information explicitly states an adjusted expiration date of February 18, 2035. This adjusted date likely accounts for any Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) awarded due to delays during prosecution by the USPTO.

Defensive Disclosure Document for US Patent 10009304

Publication Number: US10009304
Title: Method and system for correlating conversations in messaging environment
Current Date: April 26, 2026

This Defensive Disclosure Document details derivative variations of the core claims of US Patent 10009304, aiming to establish prior art for potential future incremental improvements by competitors. These derivations expand upon the disclosed methods and systems across various technical axes, providing enabling descriptions and illustrative architectural diagrams.

---

Derivations based on Claim 1: A computer based method for correlating conversations in a messaging environment

Claim 1: A computer based method for correlating conversations in a messaging environment, the method comprising:
providing a discussion interface at a first interface device, wherein the discussion interface displays a first message and a second message;
providing a message entry location for inputting new messages, the message entry location visually associated with the discussion interface,
receiving, at the first interface device, a first indication that a first new message is responsive to the first message;
changing a visual element of the message entry location upon receipt of the first indication to match a first visual cue shared with the first message;
receiving the first new message at the message entry location; and
displaying the first new message with the first visual cue applied within the discussion interface at the first interface device,
wherein the first visual cue is shared by the first message and the first new message.

---

1.1. Material & Component Substitution Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 1 - Material & Component Substitution: Haptic and Olfactory Cues

Enabling Description:
A method wherein the visual indication of claim 1 is augmented or replaced by non-visual sensory feedback. Upon receiving the first indication that a new message is responsive to the first message, a haptic feedback module integrated into the first interface device generates a distinct vibratory pattern or texture corresponding to the first visual cue. Additionally, an integrated olfactory emitter system, pre-loaded with various scent cartridges, releases a specific scent associated with the first conversation. The message entry location’s visual element change is accompanied by a unique haptic pulse pattern and a burst of the assigned scent, indicating the active conversation thread. When the first new message is displayed, its correlation is reinforced not only visually but also by a brief haptic feedback and scent emission. This approach caters to users with visual impairments or operating in low-light/hands-free environments. The haptic feedback can be modulated in frequency, amplitude, and duration, while the olfactory system utilizes micro-fluidic pumps to deliver precise, short-duration scent emissions.

graph TD
    A[Discussion Interface with Msg1, Msg2] --> B{Receive Indication: MsgResponsiveTo(Msg1)};
    B -- Tapping Input/Gesture --> C[Haptic Feedback Module];
    B -- Tapping Input/Gesture --> D[Olfactory Emitter System];
    B -- Tapping Input/Gesture --> E[Processor/Software Application];
    E --> F{Change Visual Element of MsgEntryLocation};
    E --> C;
    E --> D;
    C -- Generate Distinct Vibratory Pattern (Haptic Cue) --> H[User Experience];
    D -- Release Specific Scent (Olfactory Cue) --> H;
    F -- Visual Cue Applied --> H;
    E --> G[Receive New Message];
    G --> I{Display New Message with Visual, Haptic, Olfactory Cues};
    I --> H;

---

1.2. Operational Parameter Expansion Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 1 - Operational Parameter Expansion: Ultra-Low Latency Telemetry Messaging

Enabling Description:
A method for correlating messages in an ultra-low latency, high-throughput telemetry messaging environment, specifically for real-time industrial control systems (e.g., distributed energy grid monitoring or high-frequency financial trading). The discussion interface displays live telemetry data streams as messages (e.g., sensor readings, transaction alerts). Upon a high-priority event or manual selection (first indication), a new message (e.g., a control command or a trading instruction) is indicated as responsive to a specific telemetry message. The "changing a visual element of the message entry location" involves updating a dedicated sub-millisecond refresh display with a specific high-contrast color code (first visual cue) and a rapidly pulsating border. The visual cue propagation throughout the system operates with guaranteed latency under 100 microseconds, utilizing direct memory access (DMA) and hardware-accelerated graphics processing units (GPUs) for rendering, bypassing standard operating system graphics pipelines. The correlation metadata is embedded directly into message headers using a compact binary format, ensuring minimal overhead for transmission and display.

graph TD
    A[Telemetry Data Stream (Messages)] --> B[High-Refresh Discussion Interface];
    B -- Display Live Telemetry Data --> C{Receive Indication (High-Priority Event/Manual Select)};
    C -- Event/Selection --> D[Dedicated Sub-Millisecond Display Module];
    D -- Update with High-Contrast Color (Visual Cue) --> E[Message Entry Location (Hardware Accelerated)];
    E -- Receive New Command/Instruction --> F{Display New Message with Visual Cue (Latency < 100µs)};
    F --> B;

---

1.3. Cross-Domain Application Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 1 - Cross-Domain Application: Precision Agriculture Drone Command and Control

Enabling Description:
A method applied to precision agriculture drone command and control. The first interface device is a ruggedized tablet used by a farm manager. The discussion interface displays real-time messages from autonomous agricultural drones (e.g., "Drone-01: Low battery," "Drone-02: Crop stress detected at Sector B-7," "Drone-03: Completed spray path"). A "first message" might be "Drone-02: Crop stress detected at Sector B-7." The farm manager receives a "first indication" (e.g., tapping the drone message or issuing a voice command) to respond to this specific message. The message entry location (for new drone commands) changes its visual element to match a unique visual cue (e.g., a green pulsating border) associated with "crop stress" alerts. The new message, a command like "Drone-02: Deploy spot treatment protocol for B-7," is then displayed with the same green pulsating visual cue, explicitly correlating the command to the specific crop stress alert. This allows for rapid, context-aware decision-making in complex drone operations.

graph TD
    A[Ruggedized Tablet (First Interface Device)]
    subgraph Discussion Interface
        B[Drone Message 1: Low Battery]
        C[Drone Message 2: Crop Stress B-7]
        D[Drone Message 3: Spray Path Complete]
    end
    A -- Displays --> B, C, D
    C -- Taps/Voice Cmd (First Indication) --> E[Message Entry Location]
    E -- Changes Visual Element (Green Pulsating Border) --> F[New Message Input: "Drone-02: Deploy spot treatment B-7"]
    F -- Displays with Green Pulsating Border (Visual Cue) --> G[Updated Discussion Interface]
    G -- Visual Link --> C

---

1.4. Integration with Emerging Tech Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 1 - Integration with Emerging Tech: AI-Driven Contextual Correlation and Visual Cue Assignment

Enabling Description:
A method integrating AI-driven contextual analysis for automated conversation correlation and dynamic visual cue assignment. The discussion interface displays messages as per claim 1. When a new message is initiated, instead of solely relying on a manual "first indication" (tapping), an AI module continuously analyzes the semantic content of all displayed messages and the user's input in the message entry location. Upon detecting a high probability (e.g., >85% confidence score from a fine-tuned BERT model) that the incoming "first new message" is semantically responsive to the "first message," the AI automatically generates the "first indication." Concurrently, the AI dynamically assigns an optimal "first visual cue" (e.g., color, font style, indentation) based on real-time factors such as user's cognitive load, current environmental lighting conditions (detected by an ambient light sensor), and the emotional sentiment of the messages in the detected conversation thread. The visual element of the message entry location is then changed by the AI to match this dynamically assigned cue, and the new message is displayed accordingly.

graph TD
    A[Discussion Interface with Msg1, Msg2] --> B[User Initiates New Message];
    B --> C[Message Entry Location];
    B -- Input Text --> D[AI Module (BERT/LLM)];
    A -- Message Content --> D;
    D -- Semantic Analysis --> E{AI Detects Responsiveness (MsgNew to Msg1)};
    E -- High Confidence --> F[AI Generates First Indication];
    E -- Dynamic Cue Assignment (Cognitive Load, Ambient Light, Sentiment) --> G[Visual Cue Manager];
    F --> H{Change Visual Element of MsgEntryLocation};
    G --> H;
    H -- Applies Dynamic Visual Cue --> C;
    C -- Receive New Message --> I{Display New Message with AI-Assigned Visual Cue};
    I --> A;

---

1.5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 1 - The "Inverse" or Failure Mode: Low-Power, Limited-Functionality Correlation Mode

Enabling Description:
A method operating in a "low-power, limited-functionality correlation mode" designed for scenarios where the first interface device has critically low battery or limited processing resources. In this mode, the discussion interface simplifies its rendering. Upon receiving a "first indication," the "changing a visual element" is restricted to a minimal, monochrome alteration, such as a subtle grayscale tint or a single pixel border change on the message entry location, chosen to consume minimal CPU cycles and display power. Advanced visual cues like animation, full background color changes, or complex font formatting are disabled. New messages are associated with the active conversation using only basic visual identifiers, such as a preceding single alphanumeric character or a slight indentation, maintaining chronological order without re-rendering message blocks. All correlation metadata is stored locally in a highly compressed format, and network transmission of correlation indicators is batched and compressed to conserve energy. When battery levels recover or resources become available, the interface can revert to full-fidelity visual cues.

stateDiagram-v2
    state Normal_Operation {
        [*] --> Full_Feature_Mode
        Full_Feature_Mode --> Low_Power_Mode : Battery Critical / Resource Constraint
    }

    state Low_Power_Mode {
        [*] --> Display_Simplified_Interface
        Display_Simplified_Interface --> Receive_Indication_LP : User Input
        Receive_Indication_LP --> Apply_Minimal_Visual_Cue : Greyscale Tint / Single Pixel Border
        Apply_Minimal_Visual_Cue --> Receive_New_Message_LP
        Receive_New_Message_LP --> Display_Message_LP_Cued : Basic Indentation / Char Prefix
        Display_Message_LP_Cued --> Display_Simplified_Interface
    }

    Low_Power_Mode --> Full_Feature_Mode : Battery Restored / Resources Available

    note right of Apply_Minimal_Visual_Cue
        Visual cue restricted to:
        - Grayscale tint
        - Single pixel border
        - Alphanumeric prefix
        - Simple indentation
        Consumes minimal power/CPU.
    end

---

Derivations based on Claim 14: A system for correlating conversations

Claim 14: A system for correlating conversations, the system comprising an interface device in communication with a computerized network, the interface device comprising:
a processor for implementing a software application on the interface device;
a memory for storing the software application and for storing a plurality of messages in accordance with the software application;
a transmission unit for transmitting messages to the computerized network; and
a display,
wherein the software application comprises instructions for:
providing a discussion interface at the display of the user interface device for displaying messages stored in the memory;
providing a message entry location for entering new messages, the message entry location visually associated with the discussion interface;
recording an indication that a first new message will be responsive to one of several messages;
changing a visual element of the message entry location upon receipt of the first indication to match a first visual cue shared with the one of several messages;
receiving at least one new message entered at the message entry location;
transmitting, using the transmission unit, the at least one new message to the computerized network incorporating an indication of which one of the several messages the new message is responsive to; and
displaying, at the display, the at least one new message alongside the one of the several messages and incorporating the first visual cue into the display of the first new message and the one of the several messages.

---

2.1. Material & Component Substitution Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 14 - Material & Component Substitution: Augmented Reality (AR) Heads-Up Display System

Enabling Description:
A system for correlating conversations wherein the "interface device" is an augmented reality (AR) headset with an integrated heads-up display (HUD). The "display" is a transparent optical combiner that superimposes virtual content onto the real world. The "discussion interface" and "message entry location" are virtual UI elements rendered in the user's field of view. The "first indication" is received via eye-tracking (gaze detection on a message) or hand gestures (e.g., pinching a message). Upon this indication, the "visual element of the message entry location" (a virtual keyboard or voice command prompt) changes its color and acquires a dynamic holographic shimmer, serving as the "first visual cue." The "first visual cue" is a specific optical property (e.g., wavelength, polarization) projected onto the message and the message entry area, dynamically rendered by the AR headset's micro-projectors. The "transmission unit" includes a short-range wireless module (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E, UWB) for localized AR interaction.

graph TD
    A[User (wearing AR Headset)]
    subgraph AR Headset (Interface Device)
        B[Eye-Tracking / Gesture Sensor] --> C[Processor (AR Engine)];
        C --> D[Optical Combiner (Display)];
        E[Micro-Projectors] --> D;
        F[Memory (Software/Messages)];
        G[Wireless Module (Transmission Unit)];
    end
    A -- Interacts with --> D;
    D -- Displays Virtual UI (Discussion Interface, Msg Entry) --> A;
    A -- Gaze/Gesture (First Indication) --> B;
    B --> C;
    C -- Instructions to E --> E;
    E -- Renders Holographic Shimmer/Color (Visual Cue) --> D;
    D -- New Message Input UI (Cued) --> A;
    A -- Enters New Message --> C;
    C -- Transmits (with Cue Indication) --> G;
    G -- To Computerized Network --> H[Network];
    C -- Displays New Message (with Visual Cue) --> D;

---

2.2. Operational Parameter Expansion Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 14 - Operational Parameter Expansion: Deep-Space Communication Console with Asynchronous Correlation

Enabling Description:
A system designed for deep-space communication, where messages between Earth-based mission control and an interstellar probe experience significant and variable latency (hours to days). The "interface device" is a specialized console in mission control. The "discussion interface" displays message timelines. Upon receiving a "first indication" that a new message (e.g., a command sequence or a query) is responsive to a previous message from the probe, the system asynchronously manages the correlation. The "changing a visual element of the message entry location" involves displaying a precise time-delta clock alongside a spectral color shift (first visual cue) indicating the predicted round-trip light time (RLT) for the correlated message. The software application includes instructions for: 1) Storing correlation metadata with RLT stamps, 2) Predictive display of the correlated message on the probe's simulated timeline before actual transmission, and 3) Utilizing a quantum-resistant encryption transmission unit that bundles correlation data for resilient communication over vast distances. The visual cue itself adapts to the current estimated RLT, potentially shifting from blue (short RLT) to red (long RLT) to provide an intuitive latency indicator for the correlated conversation.

graph TD
    A[Mission Control Console (Interface Device)]
    subgraph Console Components
        B[Processor (Specialized DSP)]
        C[Memory (Long-term Archives)]
        D[Quantum-Resistant Tx Unit]
        E[High-Resolution Display]
    end
    A -- Contains --> B, C, D, E
    E -- Displays Discussion Interface (Message Timelines) --> F[User (Mission Controller)]
    F -- First Indication (Select Probe Message) --> B
    B -- Calculates Predicted RLT --> B
    B -- Changes Visual Element (Spectral Color Shift + RLT Clock) --> G[Message Entry Location]
    G -- Receive New Message (Command/Query) --> B
    B -- Embeds RLT-stamped Correlation --> D
    D -- Transmits to Interstellar Probe --> H[Deep Space Network]
    B -- Displays New Message (Simulated, with Visual Cue) --> E

---

2.3. Cross-Domain Application Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 14 - Cross-Domain Application: Industrial Robotics Fault Diagnosis and Maintenance System

Enabling Description:
A system for industrial robotics fault diagnosis and maintenance. The "interface device" is a ruggedized human-machine interface (HMI) panel located on a factory floor. The "discussion interface" displays a chronological log of robotic system events, sensor readings, and operator interventions (messages). For example, "Robot-Assembly-03: Joint 5 temperature warning," or "Operator A: Resetting safety interlock." The "message entry location" is a secure input panel for maintenance commands or diagnostic queries. When a technician receives a "first indication" (e.g., tapping on "Robot-Assembly-03: Joint 5 temperature warning"), indicating they are responding to that specific fault, the visual element of the input panel changes to a flashing amber border with a "Critical Fault" icon (the first visual cue). This cue is shared with the original fault message. A new message, such as "Technician B: Initiating diagnostic sequence for Joint 5," is then displayed with the same flashing amber border, clearly linking the action to the specific robot fault message. The system integrates with the factory's SCADA network via the transmission unit.

classDiagram
    class HMIPanel {
        +Processor CPU/FPGA
        +Memory RAM/Flash
        +SCADATransmissionUnit Ethernet/Profibus
        +IndustrialDisplay Touchscreen
        +SoftwareApplication RobotDiagApp
    }
    class RobotDiagApp {
        +provideDiscussionInterface()
        +provideMessageEntryLocation()
        +recordIndication(messageID)
        +changeVisualElement(cue)
        +receiveNewMessage(message)
        +transmitNewMessage(message, correlation)
        +displayNewMessage(message, cue)
    }
    class RoboticSystem {
        +SensorData Readings
        +EventLogs Events
        +Faults DetectedFaults
    }
    class Network {
        SCADA_Network
    }

    HMIPanel "1" -- "1" SoftwareApplication
    HMIPanel "1" -- "1" Processor
    HMIPanel "1" -- "1" Memory
    HMIPanel "1" -- "1" SCADATransmissionUnit
    HMIPanel "1" -- "1" IndustrialDisplay
    RoboticSystem "1" -- "*" EventLogs
    RoboticSystem "1" -- "*" SensorData
    RoboticSystem "1" -- "*" Faults
    HMIPanel "1" -- "1" Network
    Network "1" -- "*" RoboticSystem

    HMIPanel : discussionInterface --> EventLogs
    HMIPanel : messageEntryLocation <-- TechnicianInput
    HMIPanel : visualElement <-- VisualCue(Fault)
    HMIPanel : newMessages <-- TechnicianAction
    RobipDiagApp : transmitNewMessage(TechnicianAction, FaultCorrelation) --> SCADATransmissionUnit

---

2.4. Integration with Emerging Tech Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 14 - Integration with Emerging Tech: IoT-Integrated Smart Home/Office Management

Enabling Description:
A system for managing a smart home or office, integrating IoT sensors for real-time monitoring and event-driven messaging. The "interface device" is a central smart display (e.g., smart mirror, wall panel). The "discussion interface" displays a chronological feed of messages originating from various IoT sensors and user voice commands (e.g., "Motion sensor detected movement in living room," "Thermostat set to 72°F," "User: Turn on kitchen lights"). The "message entry location" is a voice command interface or virtual keyboard. When a user provides a "first indication" (e.g., by tapping on "Motion sensor detected movement in living room" or saying "Respond to movement alert"), the system records this. An AI-driven "visual element of the message entry location" changes to match a "first visual cue" dynamically generated based on the urgency and context of the IoT event (e.g., a pulsating red border for security events, a calming blue for environmental readings). The "first visual cue" is linked to the original IoT message. A new command, "Arm perimeter sensors," entered via voice, is then displayed with the corresponding pulsating red cue, indicating it's a direct response to the motion detection event. The "transmission unit" communicates over standard IoT protocols (e.g., MQTT, Zigbee, Matter).

flowchart TD
    subgraph Smart Hub (Interface Device)
        Display(Smart Display / Wall Panel)
        Processor(CPU/NPU)
        Memory(Flash/RAM)
        IoT_TxRx(IoT Transmission Unit)
    end

    IoT_Sensor_1[Motion Sensor] -- Reports Event --> IoT_TxRx
    IoT_Sensor_2[Thermostat] -- Reports Status --> IoT_TxRx
    User_Voice[User Voice Command] -- Input --> Processor

    IoT_TxRx -- Messages --> Memory
    Processor -- Displays Messages --> Display

    Display -- Provides Discussion Interface --> User(User Interaction)
    Display -- Provides Message Entry Location --> User

    User -- First Indication (e.g., tap Motion Sensor message) --> Processor
    Processor -- Records Indication --> Memory
    Processor -- AI Contextual Analysis (Urgency, Type) --> AI_Engine(AI Module)
    AI_Engine -- Generates Dynamic Visual Cue --> Processor
    Processor -- Changes Visual Element (Msg Entry) --> Display

    User -- Enters New Message (e.g., voice command "Arm perimeter sensors") --> Processor
    Processor -- Receives New Message --> Memory
    Processor -- Transmits (with Cue/Correlation) --> IoT_TxRx
    IoT_TxRx -- Sends Command to IoT Devices --> IoT_Sensor_1, IoT_Sensor_2
    Processor -- Displays New Message (with Visual Cue) --> Display

---

2.5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode Derivative

Derivative Type: Claim 14 - The "Inverse" or Failure Mode: Privacy-Enhanced, Obfuscated Correlation System

Enabling Description:
A system designed to operate in a "privacy-enhanced, obfuscated correlation mode," where external observation of conversation threads is intentionally hindered, while internal correlation remains functional for authorized users. The "interface device" (e.g., a secure communication terminal) locally processes all messages and correlation data. When a "first indication" is received, the "visual element of the message entry location" is changed, but the "first visual cue" applied to both the original message and the new message on the display is designed to be ambiguous or randomized for any unauthorized observer. For instance, the cue might be a dynamically generated, rapidly changing set of colors or a random pattern that offers no consistent visual thread to an outside party. However, for an authorized user, the system internally maintains a consistent cryptographic hash of the conversation thread, which, when decrypted by the user's secure client, reveals a stable and coherent visual cue (e.g., a specific, unchanging color or unique icon). The "transmission unit" encrypts not only the message content but also the correlation metadata using homomorphic encryption, ensuring that even network administrators cannot discern conversation structures without the proper keys.

sequenceDiagram
    participant U as Authorized User
    participant ID as Interface Device
    participant PS as Processor (Secure Enclave)
    participant M as Memory (Encrypted)
    participant Tx as Transmission Unit (Homomorphic Encryption)
    participant CN as Computerized Network
    participant OU as Observer (Unauthorized)

    U->>ID: Views Discussion Interface
    ID->>PS: Display Messages (Encrypted Cues)
    PS->>U: Render Obfuscated Cues (Randomized/Changing)

    U->>ID: First Indication (select Msg1)
    ID->>PS: Record Indication
    PS->>PS: Internally Map to Crypto-Hash (Conv_ID)

    PS->>ID: Change Msg Entry Visual (Obfuscated Cue)
    ID->>U: Display Obfuscated Msg Entry Cue

    U->>ID: Enter New Message
    ID->>PS: Receive New Message
    PS->>M: Store New Message + Conv_ID (Encrypted)
    PS->>Tx: Prepare Msg + Homomorphic Encrypted Conv_ID
    Tx->>CN: Transmit Encrypted Data

    CN->>OU: Intercept Data
    OU->>OU: Cannot discern Conv_ID or thread structure

    PS->>ID: Display New Message (Obfuscated Cue)
    ID->>U: Render New Message with Obfuscated Cue

    Note over U,ID: For U, internal decryption reveals consistent, stable cues for correlation.

---

Combination Prior Art Scenarios with Open-Source Standards

These scenarios demonstrate how the methods and systems of US Patent 10009304 could be implemented using or integrated with existing open-source communication standards, thereby extending the scope of prior art.

1. Integration with XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol - RFCs 6120, 6121):
   The core method of correlating conversations and applying visual cues could be implemented within an open-source XMPP client (e.g., Gajim, Pidgin with XMPP plugin). XMPP's flexible XML stanza format allows for custom extensions. The "indication of which one of the several messages the new message is responsive to" (Claim 14) could be implemented by embedding a reference to the id attribute of a previous <message/> stanza within a new <message/> stanza, potentially using a custom XML namespace extension (e.g., <x:in-reply-to xmlns:x="urn:xmpp:conversation-correlation" id="original_message_id"/>). The visual cue generation and display would then be handled by the client-side software application, adhering to user preferences stored as XMPP Private XML Storage (XEP-0049). This combines the patent's core functionality with a widely adopted, federated messaging standard.

   sequenceDiagram
       participant ClientA as XMPP Client A
       participant Server as XMPP Server
       participant ClientB as XMPP Client B
   
       ClientA->>ClientA: Display Msg1, Msg2 (XMPP Stanzas)
       ClientA->>ClientA: User selects Msg1 (First Indication)
       ClientA->>ClientA: Change Msg Entry Visual (Visual Cue)
       ClientA->>ClientA: User types NewMsg
   
       ClientA->>ClientA: Add <x:in-reply-to> tag with Msg1 ID to NewMsg stanza
       ClientA->>Server: Transmit NewMsg (XMPP Stanza)
       Server->>ClientB: Forward NewMsg (XMPP Stanza)
   
       ClientB->>ClientB: Parse NewMsg stanza
       ClientB->>ClientB: Detect <x:in-reply-to> tag
       ClientB->>ClientB: Apply Visual Cue (based on local prefs) to NewMsg and Msg1
   

2. Enhancement of IRC (Internet Relay Chat - RFC 1459, 2810, 2811, 2812) Clients:
   The patent's conversation correlation method could be integrated into an open-source IRC client (e.g., WeeChat, HexChat). While IRC messages are typically plain text and flow chronologically, client-side software can introduce visual threading. The "first indication" could be a right-click context menu option on a message or a special command /reply <message_line_number>. The client's software application (processor and memory) would then modify the input buffer's visual properties (message entry location) to match a color or prefix (visual cue) associated with the target message. When the new message is sent, the client could optionally prepend a non-standard tag (e.g., [RE: <line_num>]) or an invisible control character sequence (if supported by the display terminal) to the message for internal parsing by other compatible clients, though the primary correlation and visual cue application would remain client-side based on the chronological position and user-driven "active conversation" state.

   graph TD
       User[IRC User] --> IRCClientA(Open-Source IRC Client A)
       IRCClientA -- Displays Chronological Messages --> User
       User -- Selects Message (e.g., line 5) --> IRCClientA
       IRCClientA -- Changes Input Buffer Color/Prefix (Visual Cue) --> User
       User -- Types Reply --> IRCClientA
       IRCClientA -- Sends Message to IRC Server (via Transmission Unit) --> IRCServer
       IRCServer -- Broadcasts to Channel --> IRCClientB(Open-Source IRC Client B)
       IRCClientB -- Displays Message Chronologically --> OtherUser[Other IRC User]
       IRCClientB -- (Optional: client-side parsing of prefix/tags) --> IRCClientB
       IRCClientB -- Applies Visual Cue based on local logic --> OtherUser
   

3. Application to Open-Source Email Clients (e.g., Mozilla Thunderbird, Evolution):
   The email interface correlation method (as described in FIGS. 7A-F of US10009304) can be applied to open-source email clients. When viewing an email, the client's software would allow a user to select a specific "clause" or paragraph of the received email message (first indication). The message entry location (the reply composition window) would then adopt a visual cue (e.g., a specific background color or highlighted border) linked to that selected clause. The newly composed response (first new message) would then be displayed within the composition window, and subsequently in the sent mail view, with the same visual cue, clearly indicating which part of the original email it addresses. This could be achieved by storing clause-to-response mappings in the email client's local database and rendering them dynamically. The "transmission unit" would send the email via standard SMTP, with a custom header (e.g., X-Conversation-Correlation: <clause_hash>) to enable correlation for compatible clients, or rely purely on client-side display.

   classDiagram
       class EmailClient {
           +displayEmailInterface()
           +selectClause(clauseID)
           +changeReplyEditorVisual(cue)
           +composeReply(text)
           +sendEmail(replyEmail, correlationHeader)
           +displaySentReply(replyEmail, cue)
       }
       class Mailbox {
           ReceivedEmails
           SentEmails
           ConversationIndex
       }
   
       EmailClient "1" -- "1" Mailbox
       Mailbox "1" -- "*" ReceivedEmails
       Mailbox "1" -- "*" SentEmails
       Mailbox "1" -- "1" ConversationIndex
   
       EmailClient : displayEmailInterface --> ReceivedEmails
       EmailClient : selectClause(originalClause) --> ReplyEditorVisual
       EmailClient : changeReplyEditorVisual(clauseSpecificCue) --> ReplyEditorVisual
       EmailClient : composeReply(userText) --> ReplyContent
       EmailClient : sendEmail(ReplyContent, X-Conversation-Correlation: originalClauseID)
       EmailClient : displaySentReply(ReplyContent, clauseSpecificCue)