Automatic Communication Service Selection for Media Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks, such as cellular networks, lack the ability to simultaneously use different communication services for media object transmission between partners and do not account for individual and situation-dependent preferences of communication partners, such as device availability and spatial distance.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically determining the most suitable communication service for media object transmission based on the location and device-specific properties of communication partners, using user-specific and situation-dependent preferences to select the optimal service for transmission, which can include SMS, MMS, instant messaging, or other services, and allows for automatic or single-user-initiated transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single communication service is used for media object transmission, then the system complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different communication situations and user preferences is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to communication situationsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication service determination is performed automatically based on user-specific preferences and situation-dependent preferences stored in the system. The terminal device itself determines the appropriate communication service without requiring manual user selection, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining simple operation. The system serves itself by automatically selecting the optimal communication service based on pre-configured preferences and current communication situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

User-specific preferences and situation-dependent preferences are determined and stored in advance before actual media object transmission occurs. The system pre-configures the communication service selection criteria including available communication services, user preferences, and situation-dependent parameters. When transmission is needed, the system simply retrieves and applies these pre-determined preferences rather than making complex decisions in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automatic transmission is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information regarding user intent increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of media object transmissionVSAvoiduser intent information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates confirmation mechanisms where the determined communication service and transmission parameters are presented to the user for verification. The user can review the automatically selected communication service and modify it if necessary. This feedback loop ensures that automatic transmission maintains alignment with user intent while still providing ease of operation through reduced manual input requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The communication service determination is dynamic and adaptable. The system allows users to modify their preferences and adjust the automatic transmission behavior based on actual usage patterns and feedback. The system can learn from user corrections and adapt its automatic selection logic, making the automation increasingly accurate over time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple communication services are considered for transmission, then the reliability of media object transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication service selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system evaluates multiple communication services by changing and comparing key parameters such as available bandwidth, transmission speed, cost, and service availability. User-specific preferences and situation-dependent preferences define the weighting and thresholds for these parameters. The system systematically compares communication services based on these parameters and selects the optimal one, achieving reliable transmission decisions without requiring complex manual evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The communication service determination process is segmented into distinct evaluation stages. The system first filters available communication services based on basic compatibility criteria, then evaluates remaining options against user-specific preferences, and finally applies situation-dependent preferences to select the optimal service. This segmentation reduces the complexity of evaluating multiple communication services by breaking down the decision process into manageable steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1965567B1Transmission of media objects between communication partners in radio communication networks
Publication Date: 2013.12.18 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP1965567B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for the at least semi-automatic transmission of media objects between communication partners (S, E1, E2) in communication networks (N), preferably telecommunications networks such as mobile networks according to a GSM, GPRS and/or UMTS radio network standard and/or IP networks, by means of at least one communication service of a communication network (N), wherein the at least one communication service for the transmission of at least one media object is determined depending on the media object, the location of the respective communication partners (S, E1, E2) in a communication network (N) and/or the device-specific properties of the terminal devices (S, E1, E2) used by the respective communication partners (S, E1, E2) in the respective communication network (N).The present invention further relates to a network node involved in the transmission of media objects in a communication network (N) and/or an end device (S, E1, E2) for use in a communication network (N), which are designed and/or configured to at least partially execute a method according to the invention.