Multi-Device Session Transfer for Uninterrupted Real-Time Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often need 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, utilizing a service that manages device location and session control through a user interface.
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 must wait
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing device associations and session transfer capabilities before the user needs to switch devices. The server maintains a registry of user devices and pre-configures session transfer parameters, so when device switching is needed, the transfer can execute immediately without interruption to other participants.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication server acts as an intermediary that manages session state and coordinates device switching. Instead of direct peer-to-peer session termination and rejoining, the server mediates the transfer by maintaining session continuity in the background while redirecting media paths to the new device, eliminating visible interruption for participants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user manually rejoins a communication session using a different device, then the user can continue participating, but the process requires multiple user actions and creates noticeable delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting user intent to switch devices and executing the transfer without requiring manual rejoining steps. The client application monitors for device switching events and automatically initiates session transfer requests to the server, which then coordinates the handoff without user intervention in the middle of the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of device associations and session transfer parameters before switching is needed. Users pre-register their devices with the service, and the server maintains session state information that enables automatic transfer, eliminating the need for users to manually rejoin sessions when switching devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all users terminate and reinitiate a session to accommodate one user's device switch, then the user can switch devices, but all communication is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication session management by allowing individual user device switching independent of other participants. Each user's device association and session state are managed separately on the server, enabling one user to switch devices without forcing other participants to terminate or rejoin the session, thus maintaining overall communication productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication server acts as an intermediary that isolates device switching operations to individual users. When one user switches devices, the server handles the transfer independently without propagating termination signals to other participants, thereby preventing cascading disruptions and maintaining session continuity for the group.
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.