Random Voice Connection System for Social Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current social networking sites limit the types of communications and interactions between users, restricting the diversity of interactions based on allowable interactions and user introductions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for establishing voice connections between users of a social network using a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone, allowing users to navigate and connect randomly or based on user input, with a communications management system that includes a connection coordinator and a user interface for displaying graphical representations and managing voice communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current social networking sites use structured user introductions and allowable interactions, then user safety and control are improved, but interaction diversity and communication freedom deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidinteraction diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments users into different connection rooms based on interests, demographics, or other criteria, allowing structured yet diverse interactions. Each room provides a controlled environment while the overall system supports multiple segmentation types, balancing safety with interaction diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that manages connections between users through connection rooms and structured introductions. This intermediary layer provides safety controls while enabling diverse interactions by mediating the introduction process rather than allowing direct unrestricted contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If social networking sites allow random user connections, then interaction diversity is improved, but user safety and control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication freedomVSAvoiduser safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by structuring user introductions and pre-establishing connection rooms before random connections occur. Users are introduced through controlled mechanisms that maintain safety protocols while enabling diverse communications, rather than allowing completely unstructured random connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If voice communications are enabled through VoIP phones, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by enabling voice communications through existing VoIP phone infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated hardware. The connection rooms and social networking platform provide universal access to voice communication capabilities across multiple devices and platforms, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9239999B2System and method for random voice communications through a social network

Publication Date: 2016.01.19 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

A system and method for establishing voice connections between users of a social network. User access is granted to a social network through a VoIP phone. The social network is navigated based on user input. The user is directly connected to a second user randomly for voice communications based on an authorization.