Computer implemented system and method for predictive management of electronic messages
View Patent ↗A computer implemented method and system for filtering incoming electronic messages based on user objectives is disclosed. For example, automated assistance can be provided in realizing a user objective of filtering electronic mail (e-mail) messages associated with a “conversation” thread. The electronic message filtering system can receive an e-mail message, examine attributes or characteristics of the e-mail message, determine if a rule has been established for messages with the characteristics of the incoming message, and if there has been a rule set up, automatically implement an action in accordance with the rule. For example, when electronic messages with particular information in the header (e.g., a particular subject) are received, the messages are automatically moved to a designated trash folder. Additionally, finer granularity of message management can be achieved (e.g., an action is automatically implemented to display a message from a particular sender at the top of a list).
1. A method for managing messages within an e-mail application comprising:
monitoring a plurality of actions performed by a user of the e-mail application to identify a pattern;
formulating a message management objective for processing messages based on the pattern;
creating a rule definition consistent with the message management objective, wherein messages within the e-mail application are automatically processed based on the rule definition, wherein the rule definition comprises a rule expiration timer and a rule deletion timer; and
removing the rule definition when the rule deletion timer expires,
wherein identifying the pattern comprises identifying a commonly performed action on messages having a similar characteristic within the e-mail application, and
wherein messages are automatically processed by executing the commonly performed action on messages having the similar characteristic.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the rule definition comprises:
a message profile; and
the commonly performed action.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising:
executing the commonly performed action.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
deactivating the rule definition when the rule expiration timer expires.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
selecting to enforce the rule definition within the e-mail application based on user input.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the commonly performed action comprises:
moving messages to a designated folder.
7. A message management system executing on a computer system comprising a processor, the message management system comprising:
an e-mail application;
a rule database; and
a rule engine configured for:
monitoring a plurality of actions performed by a user of the e-mail application to identify a pattern;
formulating a message management objective for processing messages based on the pattern;
creating a rule definition consistent with the message management objective, wherein messages within the e-mail application are automatically processed based on the rule definition, wherein the rule definition comprises a rule expiration timer and a rule deletion timer;
storing the rule definition in the rule database; and
removing the rule definition from the rule database when the rule deletion timer expires,
wherein identifying the pattern comprises identifying a commonly performed action on messages having a similar characteristic within the e-mail application, and
wherein messages are automatically processed by executing the commonly performed action on messages having the similar characteristic.
8. The message management system of claim 7 wherein the rule definition comprises:
a message profile; and
the commonly performed action.
9. The message management system of claim 8 wherein the rule engine is further configured for:
executing the commonly performed action.
10. The message management system of claim 7 wherein the rule engine is further configured for:
deactivating the rule definition when the rule expiration timer expires.
11. The message management system of claim 7 wherein the rule engine is further configured for:
selecting to enforce the rule definition within the e-mail application based on user input.
12. A computer readable medium with software instructions stored thereon to:
monitor a plurality of actions performed by a user of an e-mail application to identity a pattern;
formulate a message management objective for processing messages based on the pattern;
create a rule definition consistent with the message management objective, wherein messages within the e-mail application are automatically processed based on the rule definition, wherein the rule definition comprises a rule expiration timer and a rule deletion timer; and
remove the rule definition when the rule deletion timer expires,
wherein identifying the pattern comprises identifying a commonly performed action on messages having a similar characteristic within the e-mail application, and
wherein messages are automatically processed by executing the commonly performed action on messages having the similar characteristic.