Real-time Communication Interface for Session Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing real-time communication sessions on electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes, wasting user time and device energy, especially in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of faster and more efficient user interfaces that allow users to initiate and manage real-time communication sessions through interactive graphical elements, enabling multiple communication protocols, enhancing security by limiting access, and conserving battery power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to manage real-time communication sessions, then the communication session can be established, but the user interface is complex and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidtime to initiate communication session

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a visual representation area showing participant avatars and a communication area with action buttons. This segmentation allows users to access communication functions directly from the visual representation without navigating through multiple menus or screens, reducing the number of keystrokes required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring communication session data and displaying it in the visual representation area before the user initiates communication. Participant information, session details, and communication options are prepared in advance, allowing immediate action with a single input rather than requiring users to gather information through multiple steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If existing techniques are used to manage real-time communication sessions, then the communication session can be established, but multiple key presses or keystrokes are required which wastes device energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of session managementVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple communication functions (audio call, video call, messaging) are merged into a single integrated interface displayed in the visual representation area. Users can access all these functions through a unified interaction model rather than switching between separate applications or screens, reducing the cumulative energy expenditure associated with multiple input operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by automatically managing communication session parameters, participant information, and protocol selection based on the visual representation data. This automation eliminates the need for users to manually configure multiple settings through repeated keystrokes, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing techniques are used to manage real-time communication sessions, then the communication session can be established, but the cognitive burden on the user is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple communication protocolsVSAvoidcognitive complexity of user interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visual representation area acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex communication protocols. It translates multiple protocol options (audio, video, messaging) into a unified visual display with participant avatars and consolidated action buttons. This intermediary simplifies the user's cognitive load while the system handles the complexity of supporting multiple communication protocols in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If existing techniques are used to manage real-time communication sessions, then the communication session can be established, but access security is compromised due to insufficient user control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of communication sessionVSAvoiduser control over access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface implements local quality control by providing individualized access control options for each participant represented in the visual display. Users can grant or revoke specific permissions (audio, video, messaging) for each participant independently through the unified interface, maintaining both security and ease of operation through targeted, localized control rather than blanket restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11893214B2Real-time communication user interface

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to real-time communication user interfaces. A computer system displays a plurality of selectable options for sharing a link to a real-time communication session via a plurality of respective communication protocols. A computer system displays a selectable user interface element corresponding to a link to a real-time communication session that, when selected via user input, initiates a process to send the link to a user and displays a user interface for participating in the real-time communication session with the user. A computer system displays a visual representation of a user attempting to join a real-time communication session that includes an option that is selectable to determine whether the user is allowed to participate in the real-time communication session.