Communication Server Bid-Based Speaker Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack efficient methods for managing real-time connections and prioritizing requests for speaking privileges in communication sessions, particularly in environments where anonymity and payment processing are crucial, such as telephonic conversations and other real-time communications.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to create and manage call buttons and phone numbers for real-time communication, enabling anonymity, payment processing, and queue management, with features like bid-based prioritization and automated connection management through a packet-switched network using VoIP technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional telephone systems are used for real-time communication, then direct connection between users is achieved, but user anonymity cannot be preserved and call management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication server as an intermediary component that manages telephone connections between users. The server handles call routing, user authentication, and connection management without revealing users' actual phone numbers to each other. This mediator approach preserves user anonymity while maintaining reliable direct connections through the server's coordination.
2Productivity
If multiple users request communication connections simultaneously, then connection opportunities increase, but queue management complexity and waiting time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a queue management system where users can preliminarily register their communication requests and preferences before actual connections are established. The system pre-processes requests, prioritizes them based on predefined criteria, and prepares connection routing in advance. This preliminary action reduces actual waiting time when connections are established by having the queue already organized and ready for rapid connection establishment.
3Ease of operation
If direct phone number sharing is used for communication, then connection simplicity is achieved, but security and privacy control are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server acts as a privacy-protecting intermediary that enables users to communicate without sharing their actual phone numbers. The server assigns temporary or alias identifiers to users and handles all communication routing through these identifiers. This maintains connection simplicity from the user perspective while the server securely manages the mapping between identifiers and real phone numbers, protecting user privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies or aliases of user phone numbers that can be shared publicly or in communications without exposing the actual phone number. These copied identifiers function as substitutes that maintain the ability to establish connections while protecting the original phone number's privacy and security.
4Device complexity
If manual queue management is used for communication requests, then system complexity is reduced, but management efficiency and user satisfaction decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated queue management system where users can independently register their communication requests, specify their preferences and priorities, and receive notifications when connections are available. The system automatically processes requests, manages the queue based on predefined rules, and establishes connections without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach increases management efficiency while keeping the user interface simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses to prioritize requests for speaking privilege in a communication session. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving from an audience one or more bids for privilege to speak in a communication session; selecting one or more speakers from the audience based at least in part on the one or more bids; receiving voice communications from the one or more speakers; and transmitting the voice communications to the audience in the communication session.