Session Management for Seamless Device Switching in Packet Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet-based communication systems are limited in accessibility, as they often require personal computers, which are not always convenient for making calls, and mobile devices lack sufficient processing resources and screen capabilities for full functionality like video calling.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to switch between devices, such as a mobile terminal and a household media appliance, during an ongoing call, using a unique user identifier and sub-identifier to maintain continuous connectivity without disrupting the call, enabling seamless transitions between devices with different capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a personal computer is used for packet-based communication, then full functionality and features are available, but accessibility and convenience are limited due to fixed location and unfamiliar environment
Solution Approach 1:
The communication client is designed to run on multiple types of devices (personal computers, mobile devices, and television sets), allowing the same application to provide full communication functionality across different platforms and locations, thus improving accessibility without sacrificing features
2Ease of operation
If a mobile device is used for packet-based communication, then accessibility and mobility are improved, but processing resources, bandwidth, and display capabilities are insufficient for full functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The communication client is engineered to adapt its functionality based on the host device's capabilities. When running on television sets with limited resources, it provides essential communication features while leveraging the television's display and audio capabilities, thus achieving a balance between accessibility and functionality
3Ease of operation
If a household media appliance is used for packet-based communication, then convenience and accessibility are improved, but device switching and continuity management become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The communication client implements a session management mechanism that acts as an intermediary between multiple devices and the network. It maintains session state and coordinates switching between devices (e.g., from mobile device to television set) transparently, simplifying the complexity of device switching for the user while ensuring call continuity
4Ease of operation
If multiple devices are used for the same user, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but maintaining consistent user identity and call continuity across devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The communication client uses a centralized session management system that maintains user identity and session state across multiple devices. When switching between devices, the session manager ensures that the user's identity remains consistent and that ongoing calls are seamlessly transferred, thereby maintaining reliability and call continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the communication client continuously monitors device availability, network status, and session state. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of call routing and device selection, ensuring that calls remain continuous and user identity remains consistent across device transitions
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising: a first user device and at least a second user device for a same user, at least one of the first and second user devices being a household media appliance, and each being installed with a respective instance of a communication client application for conducting voice or video calls over a packet-based network. Each instance is associated with a same user identifier identifying the same user, a first of the instances is associated with a first subidentifier, and a second of the instances is associated with a second subidentifier. The instances are configured so as, during an ongoing call conducted over a first network connection established based on the user identifier and the first sub-identifier, after the call has been answered, to establish a second network connection based on the user identifier and the second sub-identifier and to switch the call to the second network connection.