Unified Communication Interface Switching Methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems require users to navigate multiple interfaces for different communication methods like email, instant messaging, and SMS, leading to user inconvenience and limited choice in selecting the best communication method based on recipient availability and preferences.

Innovation Solution

An integrated communication interface that seamlessly switches between various communication methods, preserving message content and allowing users to choose the best method based on recipient online presence and preferences, without requiring re-entry of information or changing the interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate communication interfaces (email client, instant messaging client, SMS client) are provided for different communication methods, then each communication method can be supported with its own specialized interface, but the device complexity increases and users must navigate multiple interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple communication methodsVSAvoidnumber of interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate communication interfaces (email client, instant messaging client, SMS client) into a single unified communication interface. This unified interface allows users to access and switch between different communication methods (email, instant messaging, SMS) without needing to navigate multiple separate interfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining support for multiple communication methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified communication interface is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting various communication methods within a single interface. The interface can dynamically adapt its functionality based on the selected communication method, allowing it to serve as an email client, instant messaging client, or SMS client as needed, without requiring separate specialized interfaces for each method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users must choose between different communication methods (email or instant messaging) when composing a message, then the best communication method can be selected based on circumstances, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to switch interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechoice of communication methodVSAvoidinterface switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple communication interfaces into one unified interface, the patent eliminates the need for users to switch between separate interfaces when changing communication methods. Users can select different communication methods (email, instant messaging, SMS) within the same interface, maintaining the ability to choose the best method while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified communication interface dynamically adapts its configuration and available functions based on the selected communication method. When a user switches between email, instant messaging, or SMS, the interface automatically adjusts its behavior and displayed options, providing a seamless experience that maintains ease of operation while offering versatile communication method selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If message content is preserved when switching communication methods, then content integrity is maintained, but the system complexity increases to manage content transfer between methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage content preservationVSAvoidcontent management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple communication interfaces into a single unified interface, the patent simplifies the system for managing message content across different communication methods. The unified interface maintains a single message composition area that automatically preserves content regardless of which communication method is selected, eliminating the complexity of implementing content transfer mechanisms between separate interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8184783B2User interface for integrating diverse methods of communication

Publication Date: 2012.05.22 SNAP INC

AI summary

An integrated communication interface is provided for composing and sending messages. The interface is multi-configurable to seamlessly switch between different communication methods, e.g., electronic mail, instant messaging, SMS, chat, voice, and the like, without loss of message content. The interface allows a user to begin composing a message to be sent using one communication method, such as electronic mail, and subsequently change the communication method and send the message via a second communication method, such as instant messaging. When the communication method is changed, the user interface may also change to include elements specific to a particular communication method. The integrated communication interface may display information about participants in the communication, such as the participants' presence, i.e., whether they are online and available for communication, and may automatically choose the best method of communication based on the preferences and online presence of the participants.