Universal Communication Attributes for Seamless TRS Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smartphone technology and telecommunications systems have limitations in providing seamless and accessible communication services for deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and blind users, including restricted access to emergency services and limited interoperability between service providers.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enables enhanced communication by utilizing communication devices with user profiles containing lists of universal communication attributes, which are used to complete communication connections across multiple networks, including telecom and OTT networks, thereby facilitating seamless access to assistive communication services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specific hardware or installed software is required to connect to TRS services, then service provider access is enabled, but device compatibility and user accessibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTRS service connection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal accessibility features at the operating system level rather than requiring specific hardware or third-party applications. The dialer application integrates TRS service selection, relay service type choice, and communication attribute configuration into the native dialing workflow, making assistive communication capabilities universally available across all supported devices without requiring separate hardware or apps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary accessibility service layer between the user's communication device and the TRS service provider. This service handles the complex interactions of selecting appropriate relay services, configuring communication attributes, and managing call flows, thereby shielding users from technical complexity while ensuring reliable connection to TRS services across diverse devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple service providers with proprietary solutions are used, then specific service functionality is achieved, but interoperability between providers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provider optionsVSAvoidinteroperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a universal accessibility service framework that works across multiple TRS service providers. By implementing standardized service selection and configuration mechanisms at the operating system level, the system enables users to access different relay service providers through a common interface, ensuring consistent interoperability regardless of which service provider is used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the TRS service access functionality into distinct, modular components: service provider selection, relay service type selection, communication attribute configuration, and call flow management. This modular architecture allows each component to be independently configured and updated, facilitating interoperability between different service providers while maintaining overall system coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If 3rd party apps are required for emergency calls with TRS support, then emergency communication capability is enabled, but system integration and reliability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency call capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges TRS service selection and emergency call capabilities directly into the native dialer application. Users can select relay service types and configure communication attributes through the standard dialing interface without needing to launch separate third-party applications. This integration ensures that emergency communication capabilities are as reliably accessible as standard voice calls, while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If service providers implement proprietary technology solutions, then provider-specific functionality is optimized, but user choice and accessibility are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprovider solution implementationVSAvoiduser choice
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal accessibility service framework that provides users with choice and control over their TRS service selection. The system presents users with options for different relay service types and providers, allowing them to select their preferred service while maintaining consistent, reliable access through the standardized operating system interface. This approach preserves user agency and choice while enabling service providers to implement their solutions through a common platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12267457B2Method and system to enhance communication between multiple parties
Publication Date: 2025.04.01 ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • US12267457B2 patent drawing
  • US12267457B2 patent drawing
  • US12267457B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for enhancing communication between multiple parties includes a first user accessing a communication device; initiating a communication connection to a receiving communication device of a second user; and wherein at least one of the communication devices includes a list of enabled universal communication attributes of the user, utilizing one or more of the enabled communication attributes to complete the communication connection between the initiating and receiving communication devices. A user can select a desired communication attribute or multiple attributes which can be stored in the user's profile. The enabled attributes can be utilized by a network accessing the user's profile to complete the communication connection.