Multi-Device Session Handoff for Uninterrupted Real-Time Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems require users to terminate and rejoin communication sessions when switching devices, causing delays and disrupting ongoing interactions.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a server facilitating seamless transfer of communication sessions between devices via user input, allowing devices to be replaced without interruption or user action on the target device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user terminates and rejoins a communication session when switching devices, then the user can use a different device, but the communication session is interrupted and other participants experience delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a device relationship mapping before the actual device switch occurs. The server pre-configures the session transfer capability and maintains session state information, so when a user initiates a device switch, the transfer can occur seamlessly without interruption to the communication session.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the communication session and the user's devices. It manages the session state independently of any specific device, allowing the session to be transferred from one device to another through the server without requiring the session to be terminated or re-established. The server mediates the handoff by updating device associations while maintaining continuous session connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all users terminate and reinitiate a session to accommodate one user's device change, then the user can switch devices, but the entire session is disrupted and all participants are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication session management from the device identity. Instead of tying the session to a specific device, the server separates the session state from device associations, allowing individual device changes without affecting the overall session. This segmentation enables one user to switch devices while other participants continue using their original devices without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The server serves as a mediator that decouples the session from any single device. It maintains the session state and manages multiple device associations, allowing seamless transitions when users switch devices. This intermediary approach prevents the need for all participants to reinitiate the session, maintaining productivity and session continuity.
3Ease of operation
If a user manually rejoins a session using another device, then the user can continue participating, but the process requires user action on the target device and creates delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting when a user attempts to join a session from a different device and initiating the transfer process without requiring manual rejoining actions. The server monitors device associations and automatically updates the session configuration when a device change is detected, eliminating the need for users to manually terminate and rejoin sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of device relationships and session transfer capabilities before a device switch is needed. The server pre-establishes the framework for seamless device transitions, so when a user switches devices, the transfer occurs automatically and immediately without delays associated with manual rejoining procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and mechanism to manage multi-modal real-time or quasi real-time sessions such as voice, video, instant messaging, or web-conferencing across multiple devices through a simple subscription to a session management service. A user can subscribe to the service from many devices (e.g. mobile device, desk phone, personal computer, internet appliance, internet TV, communication terminal, etc.) and through the service seamlessly move sessions back and forth between subscribed devices. In a preferred embodiment, a user utilizes a “virtual slider” in a simple “two touch” procedure to effectuate the movement of a communication session from one device to another device via the service.