Common Message Thread Presence Detection for Alternate Channel Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for initiating telephone or video calls rely on ringtone notifications, which are outdated and do not efficiently establish the presence of individuals in a communication thread.
Innovation Solution
A server module identifies when participants are actively viewing a common message thread and initiates an alternate communication channel, such as audio or video, through a prompt activated by haptic contact, eliminating the need for traditional ringtone notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ringtone notification methods are used to initiate telephone or video calls, then the presence of individuals can be established, but the communication method is outdated and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional acoustic ringtone notification system with a digital message thread-based notification system. Instead of using sound waves (acoustic mechanism) to alert users of incoming calls, the system uses electronic messages displayed on screens to notify participants of alternate channel communication opportunities, thereby substituting a mechanical/acoustic system with an electronic information system
Solution Approach 2:
The message thread system serves multiple functions: it notifies users of incoming communications, establishes presence information, initiates alternate channel communications, and provides a universal interface for both text-based and real-time communications. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate ringtone notification systems for different communication types
2Reliability
If ringtone notifications are used, then call initiation is possible, but the method does not efficiently establish presence in a communication thread
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the message thread and notifying all participants of the alternate channel communication opportunity before the actual communication begins. Presence information is collected and confirmed in advance through the message thread, allowing participants to be ready for immediate communication without waiting for traditional ringtone acknowledgments
Solution Approach 2:
The message thread provides continuous feedback to all participants regarding who is viewing the thread and who is available for communication. This real-time feedback mechanism allows participants to understand each other's presence and availability status, enabling more reliable and faster presence establishment compared to one-way ringtone notifications
Data Source
AI summary
A server has a processor and a memory storing a multiple channel message thread module with instructions executed by the processor to identify when participants at client devices are actively viewing a common message thread at the same time to establish a participant viewing state. An alternate channel communication lock prompt is supplied to the client devices in response to the participant viewing state. An alternate channel communication is delivered to the client devices in response to activation of the alternate channel communication lock prompt by at least one participant.