Unified Communication Interface Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience and inefficiency when switching between different communication modes (e.g., voice calls, messaging) due to disjointed user interfaces, discouraging them from utilizing multimode communication capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A single on-screen user interface is implemented on communication devices, allowing users to initiate and switch between communication sessions of various modes (e.g., phone calls, messaging) while viewing communication history, with a graphical user input component to select the desired communication mode, enabling seamless transitions between modes without leaving the interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If disparate user interfaces are used for different communication modes, then each communication mode can have its own optimized interface, but users experience inconvenience and inefficiency when switching between modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication mode versatilityVSAvoidinterface switching ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple communication mode interfaces (voice calls, messaging, video calls) into a single unified user interface. This allows users to access and switch between different communication modes without leaving the interface, eliminating the need to close one interface and open another, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability across multiple communication modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified user interface is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting various communication modes within the same interface framework. The interface can display communication history, initiate new sessions, and switch between modes (voice, messaging, video) using a single graphical component, making the interface universal for all communication needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple user interfaces are used for different communication modes, then each mode can be independently optimized, but the multiplicity of user actions required to switch modes becomes confusing and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication mode capabilityVSAvoidinterface management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple communication mode management functions into a single user interface, the patent reduces the number of separate interfaces users must navigate. The unified interface manages voice calls, messaging, and video calls together, simplifying interface management while maintaining full capability across all communication modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single user interface is designed with universal functionality to handle all communication modes through consistent interaction patterns. Users interact with the same interface elements regardless of which communication mode is active, reducing perceived complexity while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If users must close one user interface to open another for mode switching, then each interface can remain simple and focused, but the switching process becomes time-consuming and discouraging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface simplicityVSAvoidmode switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple communication mode interfaces into one unified interface that allows users to switch between modes without closing or reopening applications. Users can transition between voice calls, messaging, and video calls within the same interface context, eliminating the time loss associated with interface switching while maintaining simplicity through consistent design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified interface is prepared in advance to handle multiple communication modes simultaneously. By having all mode options available within the same interface from the start, users don't need to perform preliminary actions like closing one interface to access another, reducing switching time while keeping the interface design simple and focused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10775982B2Methods and systems for managing multiple modes of communication within a single on-screen user interface

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

An exemplary multimode communication system presents a single on-screen user interface on a communication device associated with a user. The user interface includes a contact communication pane that displays a communication history between the user and a selected contact, and a communication initiation pane that displays a first user input panel configured to allow the user to initiate a communication session of a first communication mode with the selected contact. While the communication history is displayed in the contact communication pane, the multimode communication system detects a user action with respect to the communication initiation pane and, in response, graphically replaces the first user input panel with a second user input panel configured to allow the user to initiate a communication session of a second communication mode with the selected contact. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.