Mode Comparator for Selecting Communication Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of communications devices face difficulty in selecting the most appropriate communication mode for contacting a destination call party due to the proliferation of options and lack of an integrated overview of availability status across different communication modes.
Innovation Solution
A communications device with a mode comparator module that analyzes availability status data and historical communication data to generate an ordered list of communication modes, prioritizing the most likely successful mode based on presence and imposition values, and displays this list to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication modes are provided for contacting a destination call party, then the flexibility and options for communication are improved, but the complexity of selecting the appropriate mode and the difficulty of obtaining an integrated overview of availability status across modes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a presence information system as an intermediary that consolidates availability status across multiple communication modes into a single integrated view. The presence information server acts as a mediator between the user and multiple communication modes, providing centralized availability data that simplifies the selection process while maintaining flexibility across modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence information system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides availability status, recommends communication modes, and works across different communication applications (email, instant messaging, voice mail). This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate systems for each communication mode while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If presence information is made available only from the screen generated by the application for a specific communication mode, then the information is easily accessible within that mode, but the user experiences trouble gaining an integrated overview of the suitability of available modes of communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges presence information from multiple communication modes into a single integrated display that can be accessed from any application screen. The presence information is combined with contact details in the address book, allowing users to view availability status across all modes (email, instant messaging, voice mail) in one place rather than separately in each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the user interface by integrating presence information as an additional layer of data alongside contact information. This allows availability status to be displayed in the address book screen without interfering with the existing communication mode interfaces, providing an integrated overview while maintaining ease of access within each mode.
3Ease of operation
If the user manually selects communication mode and navigates to the appropriate application interface, then the user has control over the selection process, but the time required to initiate communication increases due to multiple navigation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically analyzing presence information and determining the most suitable communication mode before the user initiates contact. The mode recommendation is prepared in advance and presented to the user, reducing the decision-making time and navigation steps required to start communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically recommending the most appropriate communication mode based on presence information, eliminating the need for the user to manually evaluate each mode's suitability. The user can accept the recommendation or make their own selection, but the initial analysis and recommendation are performed automatically by the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications device capable of communicating via any one of a number of communication modes comprises a mode comparator configured to determine which of the available modes is likely to be most appropriate for selection when initiating communication with a destination call party based at least in part on availability status data representative of a state of availability of the destination call party. The device displays the mode as a suggestion for selection by the user together with an ordered list of available communication modes for use in contacting a particular party, the list being ordered according to the likelihood of communication being successful. The call history for each mode in reaching the party is analyzed and a score calculated for each mode, the scores being relatively weighted according to a set of weighting factors arrived at from considering the current state of availability of the party, for example using presence information, and the inherent intrusiveness of each communication mode from the point of view of the called party.