WO2022139077A1

WO2022139077A1 - Method and electronic device for handling group call

Info

Publication number: WO2022139077A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/006226
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhinav Gaba; Ekansh Garg; Govind Maheshwari; Vanshika SAIGAL; Ankur Sood; Nitesh Goyal; Sushant Vobbilisetty
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-12-22
Filing date: 2021-05-18
Publication date: 2022-06-30

Abstract

Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose a method for handling a group call by an electronic device. The method includes receiving a request to initiate a group call. Further, the method includes identifying a plurality of participants and a mode of communication for each participant of the plurality of participants to initiate the group call. Further, the method includes performing a function for connecting with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication. Further, the method includes generating a single integrated UI for the group call. Further, the method includes performing at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants.

Description

METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR HANDLING GROUP CALL

The present disclosure relates to a group call handling method, and more specifically related to a method and an electronic device for handling a group call and a private call within the group call.

In general, a group call has too much user intervention in establishing conference connections and is cumbersome in handling call connection failures.

There is no feasible way in existing conferencing methods which can allow users of an electronic device to connect privately with other participants in an ongoing group call. Further, there is no method for adding all calling application and types in a single interface for establishing the group call.

Thus, it is desired to address the above mentioned disadvantages or other shortcomings or at least provide a useful alternative.

Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose a method for handling a group call. The method includes receiving, by an electronic device, a request to initiate a group call. Further, the method includes identifying, by the electronic device, a plurality of participants and a mode of communication for each participant of the plurality of participants to initiate the group call. Further, the method includes performing a function, by the electronic device, for connecting with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication. Further, the method includes generating, by the electronic device, a single integrated User interface (UI) for the group call. Further, the method includes performing, by the electronic device, at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants.

In an embodiment, identifying, by the electronic device, the plurality of participants to initiate the group call includes determining, by the electronic device, a plurality of parameters associated with each participant, and predicting, by the electronic device, the plurality of participants to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with each participant. The plurality of parameters associated with each participant includes at least one of a frequency of communication of the electronic device with each participant, a priority preference associated with each participant, and a context of the group call.

In an embodiment, identifying, by the electronic device, the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call includes determining, by the electronic device, a plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device, and identifying, by the electronic device, the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device.

In an embodiment, creating, by the electronic device, the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication includes sending, by the electronic device, a group call request with at least one first participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication associated with the at least one first participant, receiving, by the electronic device, a group call response from the at least one first participant, sending, by the electronic device, a group call request with at least one second participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication associated with the at least one second participant, receiving, by the electronic device, a group call response from the at least one second participant, and simultaneously creating, by the electronic device, a connection with at least one first participant using the identified mode of communication associated with the at least one first participant and a connection with at least one second participant using the identified mode of communication associated with the at least one second participant.

In an embodiment, generating, by the electronic device, the single integrated UI for the group call includes identifying, by the electronic device, a context associated with the group call, detecting, by the electronic device, a gesture on the electronic device based on the identified context associated with the group call, causing to display at least one indicia indicating each of the participant and the corresponding mode of communication based on the detected event, and generating, by the electronic device, the single integrated UI comprising the at least one indicia for the group call.

In an embodiment, performing, by the electronic device, the at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants includes receiving, by the electronic device, a media stream from at least one first participant of the plurality of participants during the group call, mixing, by the electronic device, the media stream received from the at least one first participant with at least one of a media stream of the electronic device and a media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants, and sending, by the electronic device, the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.

In an embodiment, mixing, by the electronic device, the media stream received from the at least one first participant with at least one of the media stream of the electronic device and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants includes converting, by the electronic device, the media stream received from the at least one first participant based on a Pseudo media format supported by the mode of communication associated with each of the remaining participants, and mixing, by the electronic device, the converted media stream with at least one of the media stream of the electronic device and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants.

In an embodiment, performing, by the electronic device, the at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants includes detecting, by the electronic device, a disconnection of the group call from the at least one participant of the plurality of identified participants across the different mode of communication, determining, by the electronic device, whether a reconnection timeout meets a predefined threshold in response to detecting the disconnection of the group call, and performing, by the electronic device, at least one of reestablishing, by the electronic device, a connection with the at least one disconnected participant using the identified mode of communication in response to determining that the reconnection timeout meets the predefined threshold, and re- identifying, by the electronic device, a mode of communication to reestablish a connection with the at least one participant of the plurality of identified participants in response to determining that the reconnection timeout does not meet the predefined threshold, and reestablishing, by the electronic device, a connection with the at least one disconnected participant using the re-identified mode of communication.

In an embodiment, performing, by the electronic device, the at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants includes receiving, the electronic device, a private connection request from at least one candidate participant of the plurality of identified participants during the group call, enabling, by the electronic device, a private mode between the electronic device and the at least one candidate participant, and performing, by the electronic device, at least one masking action to maintain private communication between the electronic device and the at least one candidate participant.

In an embodiment, performing, by the electronic device, at least one masking action to maintain private communication between the electronic device and the at least one candidate participant includes receiving, by the electronic device, a media stream from the at least one candidate participant during the group call in the private mode, masking, by the electronic device, the media stream from the at least one candidate participant, mixing, by the electronic device, the masked media stream received from the at least one first participant with at least one of a media stream of the electronic device and a media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants, and sending, by the electronic device, the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.

In an embodiment, the connection with each of the participant is created in parallel across the different mode of communication identified for each participant of the plurality of participants.

In an embodiment, the single integrated UI comprises an indicia indicating each of the participant and the corresponding mode of communication used to create the connection in the group call.

In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device comprises at least one of a quality feedback associated with the mode of communication between each participant and the electronic device, a network strength of the electronic device, an availability of a network at the electronic device, a preferred mode of communication with each participant, an availability of the mode of communication at the electronic device and participant, and a battery consumption of the mode of communication over a period of time, an amount of battery left at the electronic device.

Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose an electronic device for handling a group call. The electronic device includes an enhanced group call controller coupled with a memory and a processor. The enhanced group call controller is configured to receive a request to initiate a group call and identify a plurality of participants and a mode of communication for each participant of the plurality of participants to initiate the group call. The enhanced group call controller is configured to create a connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication. The enhanced group call controller is configured to generate a single integrated UI for the group call. The enhanced group call controller is configured to perform at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the scope thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and an electronic device for handling a group call, reducing steps for establishing the group call and catering network connection problems effectively. This results in enhancing the user experience.

Another object of the embodiment herein is to allow a user of an electronic device to connect privately with other participants in an ongoing group call by masking of audio for selective audio input/output between the electronic device and selected participant(s), providing parallel audio input/output for rest of the participants, and configuring easily switchable communication mode in the group call.

Another object of the embodiment herein is to generate an automatic group call interface. The automatic group call interface will effectively manage an audio routing of different call types and smooth handover to alternate call type in case of reconnection or handover.

The method and electronic device are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure. 1a is an example illustration in which an electronic device handles a group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 1b is an example illustration in which an electronic device handles a group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 1c is an example illustration in which an electronic device handles a group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 2 shows various hardware components of the electronic device for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 3 shows various hardware components of a group call controller in the electronic device for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 4 shows various hardware components of a vertical call forwarding controller of the group call controller, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 5 shows various hardware components of an on-device audio mixing controller of the group call controller, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 6a is flow diagram illustrating a method for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 6b is flow diagram illustrating a method for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 6c is flow diagram illustrating a method for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 6d is flow diagram illustrating a method for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 6e is flow diagram illustrating a method for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 7a is example illustrations in which operations of the vertical call forwarding controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 7b is example illustrations in which operations of the vertical call forwarding controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 7c is example illustrations in which operations of the vertical call forwarding controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 7d is example illustrations in which operations of the vertical call forwarding controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating various operations, implemented by the vertical call forwarding controller, for identifying a calling medium, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 9 is an example illustration in which a single-group call connection to depict all parallel connections with multiple participants, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 10a is example illustrations in which operations of a group call reconnection controller of the group call controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 10b is example illustrations in which operations of a group call reconnection controller of the group call controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 10c is example illustrations in which operations of a group call reconnection controller of the group call controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 11 is example illustrations in which operations of a group call reconnection controller of the group call controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 12 is example illustration in which operations of an on-device audio mixing controller of the group call controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 13 is example technical architecture in which operations of the on-device audio mixing controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 14 is example technical block diagram in which operations of the on-device audio mixing controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 15 is example illustration in which operations of an audio masking controller of the group call controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 16 is example technical architecture in which operations of the audio masking controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 17 is example technical block diagram in which operations of the audio masking controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 18 is example flow diagram illustrating various operations, implemented by the audio masking controller, for an audio management during private communication, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 19a is example illustration in which operations of a file sharing controller of the group call controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 19b is example illustration in which operations of a file sharing controller of the group call controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 20 is example technical architecture in which operations of the file sharing controller is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 21 is an example flow diagram illustrating various operations of the file sharing controller, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

Figure. 22 is example illustration in which private communication during the group call is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and

Figure. 23 is example illustration in which technical operations of generating a single integrated UI for the group call is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term "or" as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

As is traditional in the field, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as units or modules or the like, are physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the invention. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the invention

The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.

Accordingly, embodiments herein achieve a method for handling a group call. The method includes receiving, by an electronic device, a request to initiate a group call. Further, the method includes identifying, by the electronic device, a plurality of participants and a mode of communication for each participant of the plurality of participants to initiate the group call. Further, the method includes creating, by the electronic device, a connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication. Further, the method includes generating, by the electronic device, a single integrated User interface (UI) for the group call. Further, the method includes performing, by the electronic device, at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants.

Unlike conventional methods and systems, the method can be used for handling the group call, reducing steps for establishing the group call and catering network connection problems effectively. The method allow a user of the electronic device to connect privately with other participants in an ongoing group call by masking of audio for selective audio input/output between the electronic device and selected participant(s), providing parallel audio input/output for rest of the participants, and configuring easily switchable communication mode in the group call. The method can be used to generate an automatic group call interface. The automatic group call interface will effectively manage an audio routing of different call types and smooth handover to alternate call type in case of reconnection or handover.

The method can be used to provide an on-device stream mixing to create the group call scenario in which everyone is able to talk other participants at real time. The method allows the electronic device to select a calling medium intelligently and make sure the user effort and resource utilization is minimized in order to connect to participant. In the proposed method, the user of the electronic device can ability to connect with any particular participant at run time without affecting the ongoing group call.

In the proposed method, a setup time and switching time for the group call is very less and the user of the electronic device enjoy a seamless experience when opting in and out of the private communication. The method can be used to provide the private communication within the conference call itself without making any additional channel. The method does not require extra initiation requests and a same channel which is already established can take care of the private communication. In the proposed method, the audio management and video management are done locally on the electronic device.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1a through 23, there are shown preferred embodiments.

FIGS. 1a-1c are example illustrations in which an electronic device (100) handles a group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The electronic device (100) can be, for example, but not limited to a cellular phone, a smart phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, an Internet of Things (IoT), a flexible deice, a foldable device, an immersive system, and a virtual reality device.

The electronic device (100) receives a request to initiate a group call. Based on the request, the electronic device (100) is configured to identify a plurality of participants and a mode of communication for each participant of the plurality of participants to initiate the group call. The mode of communication can be, for example, but not limited to a Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) supporting communication, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) supporting communication, a Voice over New Radio (VoNR) supporting communication, a Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) supporting communication, social networking based communication, and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) based communication. In the patent disclosure, terms "mode of communication" and "calling medium" are used interchangeably. The identification of the plurality of participants and the mode of communication for each participant are explained in the FIG. 7a to FIG. 8.

In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) is configured to determine a plurality of parameters associated with each participant. The plurality of parameters associated with each participant can be, for example, but not limited to a frequency of communication of the electronic device (100) with each participant, a priority preference associated with each participant, and a context of the group call. Based on the plurality of parameters associated with each participant, the electronic device (100) is configured to identify the plurality of participants to initiate the group call.

In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) is configured to identify the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call by determining a plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device (100), and identifying the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device (100). The plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device (100) can be, for example, but not limited to a quality feedback associated with the mode of communication between each participant and the electronic device (100), a network strength of the electronic device (100), an availability of a network at the electronic device (100), a preferred mode of communication with each participant, an availability of the mode of communication at the electronic device (100) and the participant, a battery consumption of the mode of communication over a period of time, and an amount of battery left at the electronic device (100).

By using the identified mode of communication, the electronic device (100) is configured to create a connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants. In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) is configured to create the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication by sending a group call request with one or more first participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication associated with the one or more first participant, receiving a group call response from the one or more first participant, sending a group call request with one or more second participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication associated with the one or more second participant, receiving a group call response from the one or more second participant, simultaneously creating a connection with one or more first participant using the identified mode of communication associated with the one or more first participant and a connection with the one or more second participant using the identified mode of communication associated with the one or more second participant. The connection with each of the participant is created in parallel across the different mode of communication identified for each participant of the plurality of participants.

Further, the electronic device (100) is configured to generate a single integrated UI for the group call. In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) is configured to generate the single integrated UI for the group call by identifying a context associated with the group call, detecting a gesture (e.g., single click on a display, a hover on the display or the like) on the electronic device (100) based on the identified context associated with the group call, displaying one or more indicia indicating each of the participant and the corresponding mode of communication based on the detected event, and generating the single integrated UI comprising the one or more indicia for the group call. In an example, the indicia indicates each of the participant and the corresponding mode of communication (e.g., VoIP, PSTN, VoLTE or the like) as shown in the FIG. 1b. The generation of the single integrated UI for the group call is explained in the FIG. 9.

In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) is configured to receive a media stream from the one or more first participant of the plurality of participants during the group call. Further, the electronic device (100) is configured to convert the media stream received from the one or more first participant based on a Pseudo media format supported by the mode of communication associated with each of the remaining participants. Further, the electronic device (100) is configured to mix the converted media stream with one of the media stream of the electronic device (100) and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants. Further, the electronic device (100) is configured to send the mixed media stream to the remaining participants. The mixing of the media stream is explained in the FIG. 12 to FIG. 14.

In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) is configured to detect a disconnection of the group call from the one or more participant of the plurality of identified participants across the different mode of communication. Further, the electronic device (100) is configured to determine whether a reconnection timeout meets a predefined threshold in response to detecting the disconnection of the group call. If the reconnection timeout meets the predefined threshold then, the electronic device (100) is configured to reestablish a connection with the one or more disconnected participant using the identified mode of communication. If the reconnection timeout does not meet the predefined threshold then, the electronic device (100) is configured to re-identify a mode of communication to reestablish a connection with the one or more participant of the plurality of identified participants, and reestablish a connection with the one or more disconnected participant using the re- identified mode of communication. The reestablishment of the connection with the one or more disconnected participant is explained in the FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.

In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) is configured to receive a private connection request from one or more candidate participant of the plurality of identified participants during the group call. Based on the private connection request, the electronic device (100) is configured to enable a private mode between the electronic device (100) and the one or more candidate participant. Further, the electronic device (100) is configured to receive a media stream from the one or more candidate participant during the group call in the private mode and mask the media stream from the one or more candidate participant. Further, the electronic device (100) is configured to mix the masked media stream received from the one or more first participant with a media stream of the electronic device (100) and a media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants. Further, the electronic device (100) is configured to send the mixed media stream to the remaining participants. The private communication during the group call is explained in the FIG. 15 to FIG. 18.

In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) is configured to share a data item to other participants during the group call. The data item can be, for example, but not limited to a video file, an audio file, a multimedia file, an image, and document.

As shown in the FIG. 1a, the user of the electronic device (100) triggers the group call. Based on the trigger, the group call is established with various mode of communication as shown in the FIG. 1b. FIG. 1c represents a video feed of the group call.

FIG. 2 shows various hardware components of the electronic device (100) for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) includes a processor (202), a communicator (204), a memory (206), a display (208), and a group call controller (210). The processor (202) is coupled with the communicator (204), the memory (206), the display (208), and the group call controller (210).

The group call controller (210) receives the request to initiate the group call. Based on the request, the electronic device (100) is configured to identify the plurality of participants and the mode of communication for each participant of the plurality of participants to initiate the group call. In an embodiment, the group call controller (210) is configured to determine the plurality of parameters associated with each participant. Based on the plurality of parameters associated with each participant, the group call controller (210) is configured to identify the plurality of participants to initiate the group call.

In an embodiment, the group call controller (210) is configured to identify the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call by determining the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device (100), and identifying the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device (100).

By using the identified mode of communication, the group call controller (210) is configured to create the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants. In an embodiment, the group call controller (210) is configured to create the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication by sending the group call request with one or more first participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication associated with the one or more first participant, receiving the group call response from the one or more first participant, sending the group call request with one or more second participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication associated with the one or more second participant, receiving the group call response from the one or more second participant, simultaneously creating the connection with one or more first participant using the identified mode of communication associated with the one or more first participant and the connection with the one or more second participant using the identified mode of communication associated with the one or more second participant.

Further, the group call controller (210) is configured to generate the single integrated UI for the group call. In an embodiment, the group call controller (210) is configured to generate the single integrated UI for the group call by identifying the context associated with the group call, detecting the gesture on the electronic device (100) based on the identified context associated with the group call, displaying the one or more indicia indicating each of the participant and the corresponding mode of communication based on the detected event, and generating the single integrated UI comprising the one or more indicia for the group call.

In an embodiment, the group call controller (210) is configured to receive the media stream from the one or more first participant of the plurality of participants during the group call. Further, the group call controller (210) is configured to convert the media stream received from the one or more first participant based on the Pseudo media format supported by the mode of communication associated with each of the remaining participants. Further, the group call controller (210) is configured to mix the converted media stream with one of the media stream of the electronic device (100) and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants. Further, the group call controller (210) is configured to send the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.

In an embodiment, the group call controller (210) is configured to detect the disconnection of the group call from the one or more participant of the plurality of identified participants across the different mode of communication. Further, the group call controller (210) is configured to determine whether the reconnection timeout meets the predefined threshold in response to detecting the disconnection of the group call. If the reconnection timeout meets the predefined threshold then, the group call controller (210) is configured to reestablish the connection with the one or more disconnected participant using the identified mode of communication. If the reconnection timeout does not meet the predefined threshold then, the group call controller (210) is configured to re-identify the mode of communication to reestablish the connection with the one or more participant of the plurality of identified participants, and reestablish the connection with the one or more disconnected participant using the re-identified mode of communication.

In an embodiment, the group call controller (210) is configured to receive the private connection request from one or more candidate participant of the plurality of identified participants during the group call. Based on the private connection request, the group call controller (210) is configured to enable the private mode between the electronic device (100) and the one or more candidate participant. Further, the group call controller (210) is configured to receive the media stream from the one or more candidate participant during the group call in the private mode and mask the media stream from the one or more candidate participant. Further, the group call controller (210) is configured to mix the masked media stream received from the one or more first participant with a media stream of the electronic device (100) and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants. Further, the group call controller (210) is configured to send the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.

The group call controller (210) is physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware. The group call controller (210) may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block.

At least one of the plurality of modules/blocks/circuits may be implemented through an AI model. A function associated with AI may be performed through the non-volatile memory, the volatile memory, and the processor (202).

The processor (202) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (206) and to perform various processes. The processor (202) may include one or a plurality of processors. The one or the plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and/or an AI-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). The processor (140) may include multiple cores and is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory (206).

The one or a plurality of processors control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (AI) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning.

Here, being provided through learning means that, by applying a learning algorithm to a plurality of learning data, a predefined operating rule or AI model of a desired characteristic is made. The learning may be performed in a device itself in which AI according to an embodiment is performed, and/o may be implemented through a separate server/system.

The AI model may consist of a plurality of neural network layers. Each layer has a plurality of weight values, and performs a layer operation through calculation of a previous layer and an operation of a plurality of weights. Examples of neural networks include, but are not limited to, convolutional neural network (CNN), deep neural network (DNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM), deep belief network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), generative adversarial networks (GAN), and deep Q-networks.

The learning technique is a method for training a predetermined target device (for example, a robot) using a plurality of learning data to cause, allow, or control the target device to make a determination or prediction. Examples of learning algorithms include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

The memory (206) also stores instructions to be executed by the processor (202). The memory (206) may include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory (206) may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted that the memory (206) is non-movable. In some examples, the memory (206) can be configured to store larger amounts of information. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

The communicator (204) is configured for communicating internally between internal hardware components and with external devices via one or more networks. The communicator (204) can be, for example, but not limited to a Bluetooth communicator, a Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) module, and a Li-Fi module. Further, the display (208) can be, for example, but not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD) display and a light emitting diode (LED) display. The display (208) is implemented using any other touch sensitive technology. The display (208) is provided with the one or more indicia and the UI for assisting the group call.

Although the FIG. 2 shows various hardware components of the electronic device (100) but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include less or more number of components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function to handle the group call.

FIG. 3 shows various hardware components of the group call controller (210) in the electronic device (100) for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the group call controller (210) includes a participant prediction controller (302), a vertical call forwarding controller (304), an on-device audio mixing controller (306), an on-device video mixing controller (308), an audio masking controller (310), a group call reconnection controller (312) and a file sharing controller (314).

The participant prediction controller (302) analyzes the context of call and sensing the requirement predicts the participants to be added to the group call. The participant prediction controller (302) is physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

The vertical call forwarding controller (304) will intelligently decide which caller application to be used for making call to other users in order to make the group call successful. The vertical call forwarding controller (304) maintains the parallel connections across different application between different users. The vertical call forwarding controller (304) is physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

The on-device audio mixing controller (306) responsible for maintaining the pseudo audio sources for the group call connections, to create parallel replicated Audio streams. The on-device audio mixing controller (306) will decide on the audio data to be shared to uplink and downlink streams. Further, the on-device audio mixing controller (306) is responsible for two stage mixing of audio downlink streams received with a host mic audio and mixing the different steams again. This mixed audio stream will be shared to the participants. The on-device audio mixing controller (306) is physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

The on-device video mixing controller (308) will decide on the video data to be shared to uplink and downlink streams. The on-device video mixing controller (308) is physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

The audio masking controller (310) will take up the task of audio masking and management on user request to enable discreet audio connection between the selected participants of the group call. The audio masking controller (310) is physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

The group call reconnection controller (312) reestablishes the connection with a lost participant in the group call in case of network failure/handover. The group call reconnection controller (312) is physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

The file sharing controller (314) share the data items among the participants. The file sharing controller (314) is physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

Although the FIG. 3 shows various hardware components of the group call controller (210) but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the group call controller (210) may include less or more number of components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function to handle the group call.

FIG. 4 shows various hardware components of the vertical call forwarding controller (304) of the group call controller (210), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vertical call forwarding controller (304) includes a calling medium predictor (402), a calling medium selector (404), and a participant connection mapping controller (406).

The calling medium predictor (402) predicts the available calling medium for participants based on user preferences along with the static context. The user preferences along with the static context is learned over a period of time using a machine learning model. The calling medium selector (404) select a best calling medium from all the predicted calling mediums by considering various factors (e.g., battery consumption, or the like). The participant connection mapping controller (406) maps the participant connection across the different calling medium.

The calling medium predictor (402), the calling medium selector (404), and the participant connection mapping controller (406) are physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

Although the FIG. 4 shows various hardware components of the vertical call forwarding controller (304) but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the vertical call forwarding controller (304) may include less or more number of components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function to handle the group call.

FIG. 5 shows various hardware components of an on-device audio mixing controller (306) of the group call controller, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the on-device audio mixing controller (306) includes an enhancement bit-stream generator (502) and a bit-stream multiplexer (504).

In the enhancement bit-stream generator (502), downlink audio from different calling connections are re-encoded using other connection encoder and are conventionally mixed to create a mixed audio stream and enhancement bit-stream is created from current speaker audio. Further, the enhancement bit-stream generator (502) remove echo for a current speaker from the final mixed audio. The enhancement bit-stream generator (502) will detect a current speaker from the decoded audio. The bit-stream multiplexer (504) mixes the audio stream. The mixed audio stream is transmit to the participants.

The enhancement bit-stream generator (502) and the bit-stream multiplexer (504)) are physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

Although the FIG. 5 shows various hardware components of the on-device audio mixing controller (306) but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the on-device audio mixing controller (306) may include less or more number of components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function to handle the group call.

FIG. 6a-6e are flow diagram illustrating a method for handling the group call, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The operations (S602-S656) are performed by the group call controller (140). At S602, the method includes receiving the request to initiate the group call. At S604, the method includes determining the plurality of parameters associated with each participant. At S606, the method includes identifying the plurality of participants to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with each participant. At S608, the method includes determining the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device. At S610, the method includes identifying the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device (100).

At S612, the method includes sending the group call request with the first participant of the plurality of predicted participants using the predicted mode of communication associated with the first participant. At S614, the method includes receiving the group call response from the first participant. At S616, the method includes sending the group call request with the second participant of the plurality of predicted participants using the predicted mode of communication associated with the second participant. At S618, the method includes receiving the group call response from the second participant. At S620, the method includes simultaneously creating the connection with first participant using the predicted mode of communication associated with the first participant and the connection with second participant using the predicted mode of communication associated with the second participant.

At S622, the method includes identifying the context associated with the group call. At S624, the method includes detecting the gesture on the electronic device (100) based on the identified context associated with the group call. At S626, the method includes displaying the indicia indicating each of the participant and the corresponding mode of communication based on the detected event. At S628, the method includes generating the single integrated UI comprising the indicia for the group call.

At S630, the method includes receiving the media stream from the first participant of the plurality of participants during the group call. At S632, the method includes converting the media stream received from the first participant based on the Pseudo media format supported by the mode of communication associated with each of the remaining participants. At S634, the method includes mixing the converted media stream with the media stream of the electronic device (100) and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants. At S636, the method includes sending the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.

At S638, the method includes detecting the disconnection of the group call from the participant of the plurality of predicted participants across the different mode of communication. At S640, the method includes determining whether the reconnection timeout meets the predefined threshold. If the reconnection timeout meets the predefined threshold, at S642, the method includes re-establishing the connection with the disconnected participant using the predicted mode of communication. If the reconnection timeout does not meet the predefined threshold, at S644, the method includes re-identifying a mode of communication to re-establish the connection with the participant of the plurality of predicted participants and re-establishing the connection with the disconnected participant using the re-predicted mode of communication.

At S646, the method includes receiving the private connection request from the candidate participant of the plurality of predicted participants during the group call. At S648, the method includes enabling the private mode between the electronic device (100) and the candidate participant. At S650, the method includes receiving the media stream from the candidate participant during the group call in the private mode. At S652, the method includes masking the media stream from the candidate participant. At S654, the method includes mixing the masked media stream received from the first participant with the media stream of the electronic device (100) and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants. At S656, the method includes sending the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow diagram may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 7a-7d are example illustrations in which operations of the vertical call forwarding controller (304) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. As shown in the FIG. 7a, the vertical call forwarding controller (304) is yet to select the calling medium. As shown in the FIG. 7b, the vertical call forwarding controller (304) shows the calling medium preference order (702) and an availability (704). As shown in the FIG. 7c and FIG. 7d, the vertical call forwarding controller (304) selects the calling medium based on various parameters (e.g., calling medium quality, calling medium feedback, network strength, network connectivity, user preferences for the calling medium, data connection metrics, a location of the electronic device, a battery usage of the calling medium, or the like).

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram (S800) illustrating various operations, implemented by the vertical call forwarding controller (304), for identifying the calling medium, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

At S802, the method includes performing an action on the electronic device (100) or detect an event on the electronic device (100). At S804, the method includes detecting the context based on the event or the action on the electronic device (100). At S806, the method includes determining whether the context exists. If the context does not exist then, at S808, the method includes training the participant prediction model. If the context exists then, at S810, the method includes acquiring the participant information for the context. At S812, the method includes determining the calling history exists. If the calling history does not exist then, at S814, the method includes manually selecting the calling medium and updating the calling history. If the calling history exists then, at S816, the method includes suggesting most suitable calling medium for each participant. At S818, the method includes determining whether the calling medium is available in the electronic device (100). If the calling medium is available in the electronic device (100) then, at S820, the method includes assigning the calling medium to participant. If the calling medium does not available in the electronic device (100) then, at S816, the method includes suggesting most suitable calling medium for each participant.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow diagram (S800) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 9 is an example illustration (900) in which a single-group call connection (902) to depict all parallel connections with multiple participants, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The single-group call connection is already explained in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. Further, based on the proposed method, the electronic device (100) performs advanced connection management to maintain all connections in a background and merge them into single group call connection visible to the user of the electronic device.

FIGS. 10a-11 are example illustrations in which operations of a group call reconnection controller (312) of the group call controller (210) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. As shown in the FIG. 10a to FIG. 11, the group call reconnection controller (312) observes the network reconnection or the network failure. Further, the group call reconnection controller (312) waits for reconnection timeout and resumes if the calling medium is reconnected. In case of failure, the vertical call forwarding controller (304) suggests the new calling medium and new connection is started. This results in allowing the users to rejoin seamless in the existing group call without any manual efforts.

FIG. 12 is example illustration in which operations of an on-device audio mixing controller (306) of the group call controller (210) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The on-device audio mixing controller (306) perform two stage mixing of different connection DL streams received with a host mic audio & mixing the different streams again to make it appear like all the connections are in a one group call. As shown in the FIG. 12, downlink voice data from the electronic device (100a) <-> the electronic device (100d) and the electronic device (100a) <--> the electronic device (100c) will be received at the electronic device (100). At the electronic device (100a), as per proposed method, an addition mixer will work on the DL content and send the output to an UL with the electronic device (100b). The mixer content from the electronic device (100a) is processed and shared to downlinks in all nodes.

FIG. 13 is example technical architecture (1300) in which operations of the on-device audio mixing controller (306) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The on-device audio mixing controller (306) includes a plurality of codec (1302-1306). The codec (1302-1306) includes an encoder (1302a-1302c) and a decoder (1304a-1304c), respectively. The encoder (1302a-1302c) performs the operations of sampling, quantization and compression. The decoder (1304a-1304c) performs the operations of resolution and decompression. The on-device audio mixing controller (306) receives the Analog streams (P1-P3) from the electronic devices (100a-100c) through the decoder (1304a-1304c), respectively. The on-device audio mixing controller (306) mixes the Analog streams (P1-P3) received from the electronic devices (100a-100c) with MIC stream. The on-device audio mixing controller (306) sends the signal (i.e., MIC+P2Analog streams+P3 Analog streams) to the electronic device (100a) through the encoder (1302a). The on-device audio mixing controller (306) sends the signal (i.e., MIC+P1Analog streams+P3 Analog streams) to the electronic device (100b) through the encoder (1302b). Further, the on-device audio mixing controller (306) sends the signal (i.e., MIC+P1Analog streams+P2 Analog streams) to the electronic device (100c) through the encoder (1302c). The on-device audio mixing controller (306) is provided with a customized connection service (1308) and a customized audio manger (1310). The customized audio manger (1310) contains the channel information of all connections. The customized audio manger (1310) feeds the information to the on-device audio mixing controller (306) to know which audio signal is related to which connection.

FIG. 14 is example technical block diagram (1400) in which operations of the on-device audio mixing controller (306) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The operations and functions of the on-device audio mixing controller (306) is already explained in conjunction with the FIG. 13 and the FIG. 5. For the sake of brevity, the already explained information is not explained again.

As shown in the FIG. 15, the electronic device (100) is in the group call with other participants across different calling application. The audio is mixed and managed to make the cross platform group call possible on the electronic device (100). Based on the proposed methods, the electronic device (100) receives the private connection request (1502-1506) from the candidate participant of the plurality of predicted participants during the group call. Based on the private connection request, the audio masking controller (310) enables the private mode between the electronic device (100) and the candidate participant. Further, the audio masking controller (310) performs the masking action to maintain private communication between the electronic device (100) and the at least one candidate participant. The details about the masking action is explained in the FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is example technical architecture (1600) in which operations of the audio masking controller (310) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The audio masking controller (310) receives the media stream from the candidate participant during the group call in the private mode. The audio masking controller (310) mask the media stream from the candidate participant and mix the masked media stream received from the first participant with a media stream of the electronic device (100) and a media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants. Further, the audio masking controller (310) send the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.

As shown in the FIG. 16, the on-device audio mixing controller (306) mixes the Analog streams (P1-P3) received from the electronic devices (100a-100c) with MIC stream. The on-device audio mixing controller (306) sends the signal (i.e., MIC Analog streams) to the electronic device (100a) through the encoder (1302a). The on-device audio mixing controller (306) sends the signal (i.e., P3 Analog streams) to the electronic device (100b) through the encoder (1302b). Further, the on-device audio mixing controller (306) sends the signal (i.e., P2 Analog streams) to the electronic device (100c) through the encoder (1302c). The on-device audio mixing controller (306) is provided with the customized connection service (1308) and the customized audio manger (1310).

FIG. 17 is example technical block diagram (1700) in which operations of the audio masking controller (310) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The operations and functions of the audio masking controller (310) is already explained in conjunction with the FIG. 3 and the FIG. 16. For the sake of brevity, the already explained information is not explained again.

FIG. 18 is example flow diagram (S1800) illustrating various operations, implemented by the audio masking controller (310), for the audio management during private communication, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

At S1802, the method includes receiving the audio encoded bit-stream of all connection. At S1804, the method includes obtaining the audio bit-stream data from audio packets. At S1806, the method includes converting bit-stream to the analog signal using connection specific decoder. At S1808, the method includes starting to receive the MIC analog signal. At S1810, the method includes determining whether the private connection request exist. If the private connection request exists then, at S1812, the method includes mixing MIC audio with chosen connection and mixing audio of all connection except destination connection. If the private connection request does not exist then, at S1814, the method includes mixing MIC audio and audio of all connection except destination connection. At S1816, the method includes synchronizing the audio to avoid computation lag. At S1818, the method includes converting analog signal to bit stream by connection specific encoder. At S1820, the method includes re-packing the audio bit-stream according to chosen protocol. At S1822, the method includes sending the audio bit-stream data to other participants.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow diagram (S1800) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b are example illustrations in which operations of the file sharing controller (314) of the group call controller (210) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. As shown in the FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b, the file sharing controller (314) shares the files (1902) across the participants during the group call.

FIG. 20 is example technical architecture (2000) in which operations of the file sharing controller (314) is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The file sharing controller (314) mixes the files (P1-P3) received from the electronic devices (100a-100c). The file sharing controller (314) sends the file (i.e., MIC+P2 file+P3 file) to the electronic device (100a) through the encoder (1302a). The file sharing controller (314) sends the file (i.e., MIC+P1 file+P2 file) to the electronic device (100b) through the encoder (1302b). Further, the file sharing controller (314) sends the signal (i.e., host+P1 file+P2 file) to the electronic device (100c) through the encoder (1302c). The file sharing controller (314) is provided with a customized connection service (1308) and a customized audio manger (1310).

FIG. 21 is example flow diagram (S2100) illustrating various operations of the file sharing controller (314), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

At S2102, the method includes receiving the bit stream file data from the participants. At S2104, the method includes obtaining the audio bit-stream data from the media packets. At S2106, the method includes converting the bit-stream to file data using a connection specific decoder. At S2108, the method includes updating the interface and observe that file data changes. At S2110, the method includes selecting a file to share. At S2112, the method includes determining whether file is modified. If file is not modified, the method is stopped. If the file is modified, at S2114, the method includes converting file data to bit stream by the connection specific encoder. At S2116, the method includes re-packing the file bit-stream according to chosen protocol. At S2118, the method includes sending bit-stream data to other participants.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow diagram (S2100) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 22 is example illustration in which private communication during the group call is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The user of the electronic device switches to an AltZLife® mode by clicking power button (2202). Based on switching, communication link between the electronic device (100) and the participant is made private and discreet. The audio in the AltZLife® mode across private communication link is restricted to be shared with other participants using proposed method.

FIG. 23 is example illustration (2300) in which technical operations of generating the single integrated UI for the group call is explained, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The generation of the single integrated UI for the group call is already explained in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Further, the electronic device (100) detecting that the prevailing context user will be provided a one click option to make the group call. In background, the selected participants paired with their preferred connection channel and the calls will be placed across different connection channels in parallel. A conference system at the electronic device (100) will wait for different connections to be active before it starts to be in the group call. Following are the group call functions.

a. End Group Call: With one click it will disconnect all the calls, send disconnect () in all parallel connections maintained.

b. Drop Participant: Send specific disconnect () request for a particular connection

c. Reconnect Participant: If the call is dropped or abnormally disconnected an option will be provided to reconnect across same connection channel or a different channel.

d. Private Call with a participant: to initiate a private communication between the host and any private user.

The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using network management functions implemented on a hardware device.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

A controlling method of an electronic device for handling a group call, comprising:

receiving a request to initiate a group call;

identifying a plurality of participants and a mode of communication for each participant of the plurality of participants to initiate the group call;

performing a function for connecting with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication;

generating a single integrated User interface (UI) for the group call; and

performing at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein identifying the plurality of participants to initiate the group call comprises:

determining a plurality of parameters associated with each participant, wherein the plurality of parameters associated with each participant comprises at least one of a frequency of communication of the electronic device with each participant, a priority preference associated with each participant, and a context of the group call; and

predicting the plurality of participants to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with each participant.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein identifying the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call comprises:

determining a plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device; and

predicting the mode of communication for each participant to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein performing the function for connecting with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication comprises:

sending a group call request with at least one first participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication associated with the at least one first participant;

receiving a group call response from the at least one first participant;

sending a group call request with at least one second participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication associated with the at least one second participant;

receiving a group call response from the at least one second participant;

simultaneously creating a connection with at least one first participant using the identified mode of communication associated with the at least one first participant and a connection with at least one second participant using the identified mode of communication associated with the at least one second participant.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein generating the single integrated UI for the group call comprises:

identifying a context associated with the group call;

detecting a gesture on the electronic device based on the identified context associated with the group call;

causing to display at least one indicia indicating each of the participant and the corresponding mode of communication based on the detected gesture; and

generating the single integrated UI comprising the at least one indicia for the group call.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein performing the at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants comprises:

receiving a media stream from at least one first participant of the plurality of participants during the group call;

mixing the media stream received from the at least one first participant with at least one of a media stream of the electronic device and a media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants; and

sending the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.
The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein mixing the media stream received from the at least one first participant with at least one of the media stream of the electronic device and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants comprises:

converting the media stream received from the at least one first participant based on a Pseudo media format supported by the mode of communication associated with each of the remaining participants; and

mixing the converted media stream with at least one of the media stream of the electronic device and the media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein performing the at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants comprises:

detecting a disconnection of the group call from the at least one participant of the plurality of identified participants across the different mode of communication;

determining whether a reconnection timeout meets a predefined threshold in response to detecting the disconnection of the group call; and

performing at least one of:

reestablishing a connection with the at least one disconnected participant using the identified mode of communication in response to determining that the reconnection timeout meets the predefined threshold, and

re-identifying a mode of communication to reestablish a connection with the at least one participant of the plurality of identified participants in response to determining that the reconnection timeout does not meet the predefined threshold, and reestablishing a connection with the at least one disconnected participant using the re-identified mode of communication.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein performing the at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants comprises:

receiving a private connection request from at least one candidate participant of the plurality of identified participants during the group call;

enabling a private mode between the electronic device and the at least one candidate participant; and

performing at least one masking action to maintain private communication between the electronic device and the at least one candidate participant.
The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein performing at least one masking action to maintain private communication between the electronic device and the at least one candidate participant comprises:

receiving a media stream from the at least one candidate participant during the group call in the private mode;

masking the media stream from the at least one candidate participant;

mixing the masked media stream received from the at least one first participant with at least one of a media stream of the electronic device and a media stream received from the remaining participant of the plurality of participants; and

sending the mixed media stream to the remaining participants.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection with each of the participant is created in parallel across the different mode of communication identified for each participant of the plurality of participants.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the single integrated UI comprises an indicia indicating each of the participant and the corresponding mode of communication used to create the connection in the group call.
The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of parameters associated with the electronic device comprises at least one of a quality feedback associated with the mode of communication between each participant and the electronic device, a network strength of the electronic device, an availability of a network at the electronic device, a preferred mode of communication with each participant, an availability of the mode of communication at the electronic device and the participant, and a battery consumption of the mode of communication over a period of time, an amount of battery left at the electronic device.
An electronic device for handling a group call, comprising:

a memory;

a processor; and

a group call controller, coupled with the memory and the processor, configured to:

receive a request to initiate a group call,

identify a plurality of participants and a mode of communication for each participant of the plurality of participants to initiate the group call,

perform a function for connecting with each participant of the plurality of identified participants using the identified mode of communication,

generate a single integrated User interface (UI) for the group call, and

perform at least one action to maintain the group call using the connection with each participant of the plurality of identified participants.
The electronic device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the group call controller is configured to:

determine a plurality of parameters associated with each participant, wherein the plurality of parameters associated with each participant comprises at least one of a frequency of communication of the electronic device with each participant, a priority preference associated with each participant, and a context of the group call; and

identify the plurality of participants to initiate the group call based on the plurality of parameters associated with each participant.