Device Registry Mediating Communication Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network-addressable headsets and other wearable devices lack user-operable controls for efficiently initiating communication sessions due to limited user interfaces, making it cumbersome to determine the best device for contacting a user across multiple devices with varying capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A device registry system that tracks user and device associations, as well as device capabilities, to mediate communication sessions by selecting the most appropriate device for a given communication type, allowing efficient initiation of calls without requiring users to navigate complex menus or have prior knowledge of the called party's device status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If headsets include traditional user control mechanisms like displays and touch screens, then user interface capability is improved, but device form factor and wearability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display and complex control interface functions from the headset itself and relocates them to a separate mobile device. The headset retains only essential audio functions and basic controls, while the mobile device provides the rich user interface for contact selection and call management. This resolves the contradiction by removing the conflicting elements from the wearable device while preserving them in a separate device.
2Device complexity
If headsets rely on fixed physical buttons, then device complexity is reduced, but user control flexibility and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the mobile device as an intermediary that provides advanced control capabilities. The simple physical buttons on the headset act as triggers that communicate with the mobile device, which then presents the user with appropriate control options based on the current context (contact list, recent calls, etc.). This mediator approach allows the headset to remain simple while gaining flexible control through the paired device.
3Ease of operation
If voice recognition is used to select called devices, then user knowledge requirements are reduced, but system flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic device selection where the available options and routing decisions change based on real-time context. Instead of a static voice recognition system, the mobile device adapts its interface and recommendations based on factors like contact availability, device status, recent communication patterns, and user preferences. This dynamic approach maintains ease of use while significantly improving flexibility and adaptability.
4Measurement precision
If users manually determine the best device for contacting a user, then device selection precision is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring device capabilities, contact preferences, and routing rules in advance. The system maintains an updated registry of which devices can handle which types of communications (voice, video, text) and stores user preferences for different contacts. When a call is initiated, this pre-prepared information is quickly retrieved and presented, eliminating the need for users to manually evaluate device options in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mediating a communication session between a first user and a second user is disclosed. The method includes storing, in a registry, device information for the second user. The device information includes a list of two or more devices associated with the second user, and, for each device, a list of one or more capabilities of the device. The method also includes selecting, for a communication session of a first type, a second device from the list of two or more devices by sorting the plurality of device information. Additionally, the method includes receiving a request to open a communication session with the second user. The request originates from a first device of the first user and includes a first session type identifier of the first type. Further, the method includes, in response to receiving the request, returning a response including device information of the second device.