Communication Client Event Sorting via Contact Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In packet-based communication systems, users face difficulty in managing and tracking ongoing communication events such as voice calls, instant messages, and file transfers due to the overwhelming number of concurrent conversations with multiple contacts, leading to confusion and potential neglect of important communications.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to organize and sort communication events by creating a conversation list that aggregates all interactions with a contact, with prominent display of new and unread events, and the use of a flowchart algorithm to determine the placement of entries in the list based on time and priority, ensuring that critical communications are easily identifiable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the client software receives communication events from a large number of contacts, then the user can access diverse communication channels, but it becomes difficult for the user to keep track of ongoing conversations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication events by creating separate conversation list entries for each contact. Each entry aggregates all communication events from that specific contact, dividing the overwhelming stream of events into manageable, contact-specific segments that are easier to track and manage individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple communication events from the same contact into a single consolidated entry in the conversation list. By combining voice calls, instant messages, video calls, and file transfers from one contact into one unified entry, the system reduces the number of separate items the user must track while preserving all communication types.
2Loss of information
If all communication events are displayed equally in the conversation list, then all communications are visible, but important communications may be overlooked due to volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the visual presentation of communication events based on their characteristics. New communication events are highlighted with indicators such as bold text, icons, or background coloring, while older or read events have a different appearance. This allows important new communications to stand out visually without hiding older communications entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators and color changes to distinguish the state and priority of communication events. New unread events are marked with specific visual cues (such as color-coded indicators, bold formatting, or special icons) that make them immediately identifiable in the conversation list, helping users quickly locate important communications among many events.
3Loss of time
If the conversation list is updated frequently with new events, then the user is informed of latest communications, but the list becomes unstable and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic conversation list where entry positions are automatically adjusted based on recency and importance. When new communication events arrive, the corresponding entries are moved to the top of the list, while older entries shift downward. This dynamic reorganization keeps the list current and relevant without requiring complete restructuring, maintaining both timeliness and navigability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of sorting communication events at a user terminal connected to a communication network and executing a communication client arranged to be operable by a user is provided. The method comprises storing an event list comprising a list of identifiers, each identifier having information relating to at least one previously received communication event associated therewith, wherein the identifier identifies the initiator of the associated at least one previously received communication event and each identifier is listed only once in the list of identifiers. The event list is displayed in a user interface of the communication client. The method further comprises receiving an incoming communication event at the user terminal from an initiating user over the communication network and determining whether the initiating user is present in the list of identifiers stored in the event list. In the case that the initiating user is present in the list of identifiers, the event list is amended by adding information relating to the incoming communication event to the information relating to the at least one previously received communication event associated with the identifier of the initiating user. In the case that the initiating user is not present in the list of identifiers, a new entry is created at the top of the event list comprising an identifier for the initiating user and having information relating to the incoming communication event associated therewith. The display of the event list is updated in the user interface of the communication client.