Unified Identifier Management for Multi-Device Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with multiple communication devices face challenges in managing unique identifiers for each device, leading to inconvenience in initiating and receiving calls, as well as maintaining settings and contacts across devices, particularly for hearing-impaired individuals who rely on video relay services.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that assigns both individual and group unique identifiers to devices, allowing them to operate as individual devices and as part of a user group, with servers managing calls and settings across devices within a user group, enabling unified communication and simplified management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each communication device is individually managed with separate user accounts and unique identifiers, then each device can operate independently, but users face the burden of keeping track of multiple log in credentials and unique identifiers across devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate user accounts into a single unified user account that can manage multiple communication devices. The system merges the management of individual device identifiers (phone numbers, IP addresses) under one account, allowing users to log in once and manage all devices through a single interface, thereby eliminating the need to track multiple separate credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified user account system provides universal access across multiple communication devices. A single user account can authenticate and manage various types of communication devices (video phones, smartphones, tablets, computers) with different unique identifiers, making the account system multi-functional and device-agnostic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication devices are used for video calls, then users have more communication options and availability, but users must repeat actions such as blocking callers, changing settings, or adding contacts on each device separately
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the management of contacts, blocked callers, and device settings into a centralized location associated with the unified user account. Users can add contacts or block callers once, and these changes are automatically propagated to all communication devices linked to the account, eliminating the need to repeat these actions on each device individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where changes made on one device or in the centralized management interface are automatically communicated and applied to all other devices in the network. This ensures real-time synchronization of contacts, settings, and blocked caller lists across all communication devices without requiring manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If each communication device has its own unique identifier, then devices can be individually addressed, but other people are inconvenienced by keeping track of several unique identifiers when dialing calls or receiving caller ID information
Solution Approach 1:
The unified user account serves as a universal identifier that can represent multiple communication devices. When someone calls the user, they can use the single user account identifier, and the system will route the call to any available device associated with that account. This makes the user identifier multi-functional, working across all devices without requiring callers to know which specific device to contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified user account acts as an intermediary between the caller and the multiple communication devices. Instead of callers directly addressing individual device identifiers, the single user account identifier serves as a mediator that the system uses to determine which device(s) should receive the incoming call, simplifying the calling process for both parties.
4Ease of operation
If communication devices are managed individually, then each device can be configured independently, but users miss calls on devices they are not currently near and cannot remotely manage device settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that notify users of missed calls, messages, and important events on any device through the unified account. When a call is missed on one device, the system automatically notifies the user through other connected devices or through the centralized management interface, ensuring no information is lost regardless of the user's physical location relative to any specific device.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified user account provides universal access to all communication devices and their associated information. Users can remotely access and manage settings, contacts, and call history on any device through the centralized system, making the account system multi-functional for both local and remote device management across different locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems and methods for operating a plurality of communication devices configured to be associated with a user group. Each communication device of the plurality of communication devices may be configured to communicate with one or more servers both as an individual communication device with an individual unique identifier assigned thereto and as the user group with a group unique identifier assigned thereto.