Unified Interface for Heterogeneous Session Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio communication and conferencing solutions lack an integrated method for sharing content, such as files, between communication endpoints, requiring complex and non-intuitive processes involving specialized software and manual file opening.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to associate and share computer files with audio communication sessions by selecting and dragging files into a graphical representation of the session, with options for audio output or text-to-speech conversion for non-audio files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized software is required at all endpoints for multimodal communications, then content sharing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables voice communication systems to perform multiple functions including audio communication, file sharing, and content distribution through a unified interface that works across different endpoints without requiring specialized software installations. The system handles various file types (audio, video, documents) through a single integrated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary content sharing interface that mediates between the voice communication system and various file types. This intermediary layer handles file processing, conversion, and distribution without requiring the endpoint devices to have specialized software, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining content sharing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual file opening and application association is required, then content sharing functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the file sharing functionality directly into the voice communication interface. Users can share files by simply dragging and dropping them into the communication window, combining what were previously separate operations (opening files, associating applications, sharing content) into a single intuitive action within the unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically handles file processing, format conversion, and distribution without requiring users to manually open files or associate applications. The unified interface automatically detects file types, performs necessary conversions, and distributes content to all participants in the voice communication session.
3Adaptability or versatility
If file conversion and transformation is performed, then adaptability to different file formats is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary file processing and format conversion in advance, preparing files for distribution before the voice communication session begins or as files are added to the session. This preliminary action reduces or eliminates conversion delays during active communication, as files are pre-processed and ready for immediate distribution to participants.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices and systems for sharing content as part of a voice telephony session are provided. More specifically, content can be added to a voice communication session by selecting, dragging, and dropping a representation of that content onto a representation of the voice communication session. Where the selected content comprises an audio file, that content is played over the voice communication channel. Where the selected content comprises text, the text is converted to speech, and then played over the voice communication channel.