Presence Server Impromptu Communication Duration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current presence-based communications systems are limited in allowing communications when presence information indicates a user is unavailable, as they do not consider the potential impact of short, non-disruptive interactions or inconsistencies between calendar and presence information.
Innovation Solution
A presence server evaluates communication requests based on specified duration, priority, and type, along with presence information and calendar data, to determine if a communication can be allowed even when a user is technically unavailable, and detects activities that may affect presence or calendar entries to facilitate short, impromptu communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If presence information strictly blocks communications when a user is unavailable, then user privacy and availability respect is improved, but communication flexibility and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of communication duration from fixed to variable, allowing short impromptu communications (e.g., 30 seconds) to be granted even when users are unavailable, while still respecting their overall availability status. This resolves the contradiction by adjusting the time parameter to enable flexible communication without compromising availability respect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by allowing limited-duration communications to proceed despite availability indicators, rather than completely blocking all communications. This partial permission enables necessary quick interactions while maintaining the overall availability framework, balancing both concerns.
2Productivity
If short impromptu communications are allowed during unavailable periods, then communication efficiency is improved, but user disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the duration parameter to short time intervals (e.g., 30 seconds maximum), the system enables efficient communication while minimizing disruption. The limited duration ensures that even if the user is unavailable, the interruption to their current activity remains brief and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic checking of availability status during the communication attempt, allowing the communication to proceed in short bursts or intervals rather than as a continuous disruptive event. This periodic approach reduces overall disruption while maintaining communication efficiency.
3Device complexity
If presence information is strictly enforced without considering calendar data, then system simplicity is maintained, but communication accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges presence information with calendar data to create a more accurate picture of user availability. By combining these two data sources, the system achieves better presence accuracy without significantly increasing complexity, as both data sources are integrated into a unified decision-making process.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence server is given multi-functionality by enabling it to handle both presence information and calendar data evaluation. This universal approach allows a single system component to perform multiple functions (tracking presence, checking calendar, making communication decisions), improving accuracy without requiring separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling certain types of communications to occur, even when presence information might indicate that a particular user is unavailable. In the illustrative embodiment, a first user submits a request to communicate with a second user, where the request specifies a maximum time duration for the communication, and optionally: a minimum time duration, an expected time duration, a priority, a subject, and a type of communication. A presence server receives the request and decides whether the request should be granted based on the information specified in the request, and one or both of: presence information for the second user, and the contents of a calendar. The illustrative embodiment is also capable of detecting inconsistencies between calendars and presence information, as well as events that might affect a user's presence or indicate a departure from scheduled activities.