Multi-Modal Communication System Integrating Real-Time and Posted Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems often restrict expression and interaction due to limitations in modality, such as audio only, text only, or synchronous-only communication, leading to incomplete or inadequate communication experiences.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enables integrated, concurrent interactions across multiple data and media types, allowing for the exchange and consumption of audio, video, text, and images, through a communication process that integrates with various devices and platforms, facilitating rich and dynamic user experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If communication systems use a single modality (audio only, text only, synchronous-only), then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability and completeness of expression are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication modality adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is designed to support multiple communication modalities (audio, video, text, synchronous, asynchronous) within a single unified platform. The system can adaptively select and switch between different data types and communication modes based on user needs, making the system universally applicable for various communication scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems for each modality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the communication modality and data type being used based on real-time conditions and user requirements. Rather than being fixed to a single mode, the system can transition between audio, video, text, synchronous, and asynchronous communication as needed, providing flexible adaptation to different interaction contexts while maintaining a consistent underlying architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If communication systems support multiple data types and modalities, then the completeness of expression and communication experience is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication completenessVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages the complexity of multi-modal communication by implementing intelligent selection and switching mechanisms that operate without requiring explicit user control. The system self-adjusts the communication modality, data type, and transmission parameters based on contextual information, user preferences, and system capabilities, thereby providing comprehensive expression capabilities while maintaining operational simplicity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer that manages the complexity of multiple communication modalities. This intermediary component handles the coordination, conversion, and integration of different data types (audio, video, text) and communication modes (synchronous, asynchronous), shielding users from the underlying complexity while enabling complete and rich communication experiences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication systems integrate multiple data types and platforms, then the versatility and communication experience are enhanced, but the transaction costs and system integration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform integration capabilityVSAvoidtransaction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple communication platforms and data types into a single integrated architecture. By combining audio, video, text, synchronous, and asynchronous communication capabilities within one unified system, the patent eliminates the need for users to switch between separate applications or platforms, thereby reducing transaction costs and integration complexity while maintaining high versatility and adaptability across different communication scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2710483B1Multi-data type communications system
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2710483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2710483B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2710483B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and systems for integrated communications are provided. In one embodiment, a request to initiate a call via a channel is received. A call participant set associated with the channel is identified. A sequence of communications associated with the call is received. The sequence of communications includes at least a real-time media data type and a posted data type. The sequence of communications is transmitted to the call. Other methods and systems are described.