Unified Communication Peripheral Device Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current unified communication systems restrict the use of multiple peripheral devices simultaneously, limiting the exploitation of enhanced capabilities in real-time communications.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically configures and dynamically utilizes multiple peripheral devices for various communication modes, allowing seamless switching between them during a communication session, using protocols like HID to manage device interactions and routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current unified communication systems allow one set of peripheral devices to be utilized at one time, then device compatibility and simplicity are maintained, but the exploitation of enhanced capabilities of computers and applications is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutilization of multiple peripheral devicesVSAvoiddevice configuration and switching management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different sets of peripheral devices based on communication modes and user needs. The device selection is not static but adapts in real-time, allowing one set of devices to be utilized at one time while enabling flexible switching to other sets when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system is designed to support multiple communication modes (voice, video, text) that can utilize different peripheral devices. The system provides universal access to various device sets through a unified interface, allowing users to exploit enhanced capabilities without managing individual device configurations separately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple peripheral devices are configured and made available for different communication modes, then communication versatility is enhanced, but the complexity of device configuration and routing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication modes supportVSAvoiddevice configuration and switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically configures peripheral devices and establishes routing based on detected communication modes and user preferences. Instead of requiring manual configuration for each device and mode combination, the system self-manages the complexity of device setup and switching, making operation simple while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user, communication modes, and peripheral devices. This mediator handles the complex routing and configuration tasks, presenting a simplified interface to users while managing the underlying complexity of multiple device sets and communication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If seamless switching between peripheral devices is enabled during communication sessions, then user experience is improved, but system complexity and switching management overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching between devicesVSAvoidswitching management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous communication sessions while enabling seamless switching between peripheral devices. The useful action of communication continues without interruption during device switching, and the system manages switching overhead in the background, presenting continuity to the user while handling complexity internally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8180933B2Dynamic call handling from multiple attached devices wherein devices advertize its capabililes before facilitating call through appropriate device

Publication Date: 2012.05.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Multiple peripheral devices are used for various modes of communication in a unified communication application. Employing standard or custom protocols, connected peripheral devices can be configured automatically and different modes of communication such as audio, video, data, and text, are routed to available or selected peripheral devices. Incoming communication requests can be extended to multiple peripheral devices synchronously and users enabled to switch between peripheral devices seamlessly during a communication session.