Dynamic Unmute Indicator for Conference Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Participants in conference calls often face difficulties in quickly unmuting their voice communication devices, especially when the unmute button is hidden or small on their electronic display, or located on a separate device like a telephone.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that display an unmute indicator on the electronic device of the participant, which increases in size, changes color, moves on top of other windows, and plays a sound to draw attention, allowing participants to easily unmute by selecting the indicator, using eye tracking, device movement, or voice commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the unmute button is displayed on the electronic display along with other windows and applications, then the display layout is maintained, but the unmute button becomes hidden or small and difficult to find quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The unmute indicator dynamically changes its properties (size, position, visibility) in response to user actions and system state. When a participant requests unmuting, the indicator increases in size, becomes more visible, changes color, and moves to the front of other windows, making it easily locatable while maintaining display layout flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The unmute indicator utilizes color changes to attract user attention and indicate its functional state. The indicator changes color when a participant requests unmuting, providing visual feedback that helps users quickly identify and select the unmute button among other display elements
2Ease of operation
If the unmute button is located on a separate telephone device, then the voice communication function is maintained, but finding the button quickly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the unmute function into the electronic display interface of the voice communication device. By integrating the unmute indicator directly into the display where participants interact with the conference call, the system eliminates the need to search for separate physical buttons on telephones, reducing time loss while maintaining voice communication capabilities
3Ease of operation
If the unmute button is made smaller to fit the display, then the display density is improved, but the button becomes harder to detect and select quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The unmute indicator dynamically adjusts its size and prominence based on context. When a participant requests unmuting, the indicator increases in size and moves to the front of other windows, ensuring it is easily detectable and selectable while maintaining display density during normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for unmuting a participant in a conference call is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request, from a second participant in a conference call, to unmute a voice communication device of a first participant in the conference call. The voice communication device of the first participant is muted prior to receiving the request to unmute. The method includes displaying, in response to receiving the request to unmute, an unmute indicator on an electronic display of the voice communication device of the first participant.