Caller Availability Notification System for Synchronous Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communications systems face challenges in setting up synchronous video conversations due to difficulties in coordinating participants' availability, often resulting in short call durations and failed connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that monitors users' statuses and provides an 'answering window' during which callers can remain connected, allowing callees to join at their convenience, with options to extend or modify the window, and notifying both parties of availability for follow-up calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronous video conversations require all participants to be available at the same time, then real-time communication quality is improved, but scheduling difficulty and connection failure rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying callees of an incoming call before the actual call connection is established. This advance notification allows callees to prepare and become available, thereby improving connection success rates while maintaining real-time communication quality when participants do connect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic elements by allowing flexible call timing arrangements through the answering window mechanism. The call connection is not fixed at a single moment but can be established within a time window, enabling participants to connect at convenient times while still achieving real-time communication.
2Reliability
If callers hang up after a short period of no response, then call duration is reduced, but connection success rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary notification before the call connection, giving callees advance warning of an incoming call. This allows callees to prepare and answer, reducing the need for callers to hang up after short periods of no response and thereby improving connection success rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary notification mechanism between the caller and callee. This intermediary system communicates call information to callees in advance, enabling them to respond appropriately and reducing premature call terminations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an answering window is provided for callees to join at convenience, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but call setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically establishing an answering window and notifying the caller of available time periods. This automated preliminary setup provides scheduling flexibility without requiring complex manual configuration from users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically managing the answering window creation and notification process. The caller receives automated information about when callees can join, eliminating the need for complex manual scheduling arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for connecting two users when a caller places a call but a callee rejects the call or fails to answer in a predetermined period of time. The calling application may terminate the call attempt and request status updates regarding the called party to determine when the callee is available for a follow-up call. The system may gain insight into when a user is available based on the user's presence in a messaging or social networking app, activity in a third-party application unrelated to the call, or the power status of the user's device. When it is determined that the callee is available, a notification may be sent to the caller informing the caller that it is a good time to call back. The techniques may also be used in reverse, informing the callee of when the caller is available for a return call.