Presence Information Determination via User Action Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems lack accurate determination of user presence states, particularly for 'Away' and 'Not Available' statuses, leading to erroneous state assessments and premature termination or postponement of communications, even when users are online and available.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a communicator, memory, and controller that changes presence information based on signals received, using presence rule settings to determine 'Away' or 'Not Available' states after contact is lost with the second apparatus user or based on internal apparatus circumstances, reducing errors in state determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional presence information notification systems are used, then representative presence states (Online, Offline, Away, Not Available) are provided, but accurate determination of user absence is difficult leading to erroneous state assessments
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting whether a second apparatus user has performed a predetermined operation in response to an action from a first apparatus user. The presence information is updated based on this feedback - if no response is detected within a predetermined time period, the state is changed to indicate absence. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing accurate presence determination (improving measurement precision) through reliable response detection (improving assessment reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by notifying the presence information before the user actually becomes unavailable. When an action is performed by the first apparatus user, the system proactively monitors for a response and prepares to update the presence state if no response is received within the predetermined time period. This preliminary monitoring and preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling early accurate detection (improving measurement precision) and reliable state assessment (improving reliability) before communication disruptions occur.
2Extent of automation
If presence information is determined based on internal apparatus circumstances, then automated state changes are achieved, but errors in state determination increase due to discrepancies between actual user states and indicated presence information
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines automated internal monitoring with external feedback by detecting whether the second apparatus user has performed a predetermined operation in response to an action. This feedback validates or corrects the automated determination, resolving the contradiction by maintaining high automation (first apparatus automatically monitors and updates presence information) while improving precision (using actual user response as verification).
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism - the detection of predetermined operations by the second apparatus user - that mediates between automated internal state changes and actual user presence. This intermediary verification step resolves the contradiction by allowing automated determination (maintaining extent of automation) while improving accuracy through external validation (improving measurement precision).
3Ease of operation
If conventional presence notification systems are used, then basic presence states are provided, but communication disruptions occur due to premature termination or postponement of communications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively monitoring for user responses and updating presence information before communication disruptions occur. When no response is detected within the predetermined time period, the presence state is updated to indicate absence, allowing other users to be notified in advance. This preliminary update resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation (automatic presence management) while improving communication continuity (preventing premature termination by providing accurate real-time presence information).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detecting predetermined operations to maintain communication reliability. By continuously monitoring whether users respond to actions and updating presence information based on this feedback, the system ensures communications are not prematurely terminated. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining easy operation (automatic feedback-based presence updates) while improving communication continuity (reliable presence information prevents unnecessary disruptions).
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a presence information setting unit that sets presence information including a user display name and its apparatus state, and a presence information notification unit that that notifies an opposing apparatus of the presence information. The communication apparatus further include an action information acquisition unit that detects an opposing user action of the opposing apparatus. The communication apparatus determines that the user is “Away” or “Not Available” when the action information detector detects no user reaction after a predetermined time has passed since the opposing apparatus user's action was detected.