Multi-function Control for Voice Communications with Real-time Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless telephones are cumbersome for exchanging recorded voice communications, requiring multiple actions and limited in real-time communication capabilities, especially when compared to text messaging and MMS, which rely on SMS protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system and graphical user interface that allows users to easily create and send audio recordings with real-time status notifications using a single multi-function control, enabling seamless audio recording and transmission, along with textual messages, and providing notifications on playback status through a data communication channel conforming to IEEE 802.11 standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional voice recording methods are used on wireless telephones, then voice communication capability is provided, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring multiple actions and controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines text messaging and voice recording functions into a single unified interface. The same text input field serves dual purposes: for typing text messages and for transcribing voice recordings. The send button performs multiple functions including sending text, initiating recording, and transmitting recorded audio, eliminating the need for separate controls for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication application provides universal functionality where a single control mechanism handles both text-based and audio-based communication. The interface allows the user to switch between text input and voice recording modes using the same basic controls, making the device versatile for different communication preferences without adding operational complexity.
2Loss of information
If real-time status notifications are added to voice communications, then communication status visibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide real-time status notifications to users during communication activities. When a user initiates a voice recording, the system provides visual feedback showing the recording status. When the recipient receives and plays back the recording, the sender receives notification of this action. This feedback loop keeps both parties informed of communication status without requiring complex separate notification systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, graphical user interface and methods are provided for conducting electronic voice communications with status notifications. A user of a first portable device executing a communication application selects a multi-function control that automatically initiates an audio recording, which is automatically sent toward another participant of an active communication session when the control is released. The same multi-function control may be used to transmit a textual message. A representation of the recording is displayed on the user's device, with an indicator that changes appearance when the other participant plays the recording. In addition, when one user initiates an audio recording that will be automatically sent to another user, the other user's device is advised of the initiation of recording and displays that status for the other user.