Multimedia Conversation Transfer via Unified Session Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face frustration and productivity loss due to the complexity of managing multiple communication applications and media types, particularly when switching devices during a multimedia conversation involving different protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows seamless transfer of multimedia conversations between devices by establishing and duplicating data streams for multiple media types using a conversation manager, enabling users to 'push' or 'grab' conversations across devices while shutting down streams on the original device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user manually sets up connections for each media type when switching devices or communication methods, then the user can establish connections between different media types, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple media type connections (voice, video, data) into a single unified conversation session. The conversation manager consolidates these separate connections under one session identifier, allowing users to switch between media types without manually managing each connection separately. This merging approach directly reduces the complexity of managing multiple applications while maintaining adaptability across different media types.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversation manager is designed as a universal system that handles multiple media types (voice over IP, video conferencing, data sharing, instant messaging) through a single interface and session management mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to manage diverse communication protocols and media types, reducing the need for separate applications and simplifying user interaction across different communication methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user manually sends links via email to share desktop during a phone call, then desktop sharing can be established, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes the conversation session and all necessary media connections before the user needs to switch activities. When a user initiates a conversation, the conversation manager proactively sets up voice, video, and data sharing channels in advance. This preliminary action means that when the user later wants to share their desktop, the infrastructure is already in place and they simply need to activate the pre-configured desktop sharing capability, eliminating the need to send emails and wait for manual setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversation manager acts as an intermediary that automatically manages the complex process of establishing desktop sharing during an ongoing conversation. Instead of requiring direct user action to send emails and coordinate with the other party, the conversation manager mediates the connection setup, automatically routing desktop sharing data through the existing conversation session. This intermediary function dramatically reduces the time and effort required to share desktop during communication.
3Ease of operation
If the system supports seamless transfer of conversations between devices, then user experience is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of conversation management from the user device and places it in the conversation manager service. The session manager component specifically handles device registration, conversation state tracking, and transfer coordination as a separate extracted function. This extraction allows the user device to remain simple while enabling seamless conversation transfer between devices through the centralized management capabilities of the conversation manager.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the conversation manager continuously monitors conversation state, device availability, and user actions. When a user initiates a conversation transfer, the system provides feedback about the transfer status and automatically coordinates with both the source and destination devices. This feedback loop ensures seamless transfer while managing system complexity through automated state tracking and coordination, rather than requiring complex user-side implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a conversation manager in a communications network includes establishing a multimedia conversation between a first device associated with a first user and at least one endpoint associated with at least one other user, the multimedia conversation comprising at least two different media types according to respective and different protocol types. The method further includes receiving an instruction to transfer the conversation from the first device of the first user to a second device, adding the second device to the multimedia conversation by establishing connections for the at least two different media types to the second device, and removing the first device from the multimedia conversation by removing connections for the at least two media types to the first device.