Multimodal Communication Action Bar for Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimodal communication devices face challenges in efficiently determining the optimal communication mode for communicating with destinations due to limited screen size and input options, as they were originally designed for desktop computers and lack a user-friendly interface for multiple communication modes.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal communication device that automatically determines an optimal global communication mode based on user preferences, service availability, and device attributes, using a selection logic component to rank communication modes and initiate communication using the most suitable mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication modes originally developed for desktop computers are added to mobile devices, then the device can support multiple communication modes (IM, email, P2P voice), but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to operate on limited screen size
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is segmented into distinct communication mode categories (voice, text, video, data) with separate action bars for each category. This allows the complex multi-mode communication capabilities to be organized into manageable segments, each with its own simplified controls, resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a two-dimensional screen display to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending action bars horizontally across the screen and organizing communication modes in vertical categories. This dimensional reorganization makes the complex interface more navigable and intuitive on mobile devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If desktop computer communication modes are ported to mobile devices, then communication functionality is enhanced, but the device requires more input devices and larger screen area
Solution Approach 1:
The interface utilizes the horizontal dimension of the screen by extending action bars across the width of the display, allowing multiple communication controls to be arranged spatially rather than vertically stacking them. This efficient use of screen real estate accommodates enhanced communication functionality without requiring larger display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The action bar serves multiple functions: it displays communication mode categories, provides navigation controls, and offers direct access to communication actions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate interface elements, maintaining enhanced communication capabilities within limited screen area.
3Productivity
If multiple communication modes are provided with separate action bars, then communication efficiency is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication mode categories and their associated action bars are merged into a unified hierarchical structure. The action bars share common navigation controls and are integrated into a single coherent interface framework, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the efficiency benefits of mode-specific controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The action bar interface is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, automatically adjusting its configuration based on the selected communication mode and current context. This dynamic behavior simplifies the interface structure by displaying only relevant controls for the active communication mode, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining high communication efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for multimodal communication device capable of automatically determining an optimal communication mode. A user input selecting one of a contact and a stored communication is received, wherein each of the contact and the stored communication is associated with a destination. An optimal global communication mode to use for communicating with the destination is automatically determined from a plurality of communication modes. The destination is communicated with using the optimal global communication mode if a predefined condition is satisfied.