Adaptive Telephone Interface for Dynamic Role-Based Key Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, users who fill multiple roles within an organization face complexity in selecting features and dialing numbers due to limited programmable keys on their telephone sets, which requires frequent reprogramming as roles and responsibilities change throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that dynamically configures programmable keys on a telephone appliance based on user behavior patterns and selected roles, using role-associated keys, role-independent keys, and an adaptive interface to present frequently used numbers and features, reducing the need for manual reprogramming and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of programmable keys on a telephone set is increased by introducing tabs and navigation elements, then more features and contacts can be accessed, but the complexity of user selection increases and important keys may not be available when desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key assignment where programmable keys automatically change their assigned contacts and features based on the user's current role. When a user switches between roles (e.g., from manager to team member), the system dynamically reconfigures which contacts are assigned to which keys, eliminating the need for manual reprogramming and tabs while ensuring the most relevant contacts are always accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of programmable keys based on role context. Each key's assigned contact, label, and functionality are parameters that automatically adjust when the user's role changes. This allows the same physical key to serve different purposes depending on the active role, resolving the contradiction between having many accessible features and maintaining simple user selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable keys are manually configured for each role, then features can be customized, but frequent reprogramming is required as roles and responsibilities change throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when a user switches roles and autonomously reconfiguring the programmable keys to match the new role's requirements. The system monitors role changes (through login events, calendar integrations, or user profile data) and automatically updates key assignments without requiring user intervention, thus maintaining customization while eliminating reprogramming time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares key configurations in advance by pre-defining role-based contact groups and key assignment templates. When a role is activated, the system has already prepared the appropriate key configurations, allowing for instantaneous switching without manual reprogramming. This preliminary setup enables the system to respond immediately to role changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If role-based key overlay is implemented, then programmable keys can be customized for specific roles, but only programmable keys configured for the logged in user/role are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each programmable key universal by enabling it to serve multiple roles and contacts throughout the day. Instead of having separate sets of keys for each role, the same physical keys are dynamically reassigned based on the active role. This multi-functionality ensures that all role-specific keys are always available through the same key positions, eliminating the limitation of role-specific availability while maintaining full customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring a telephone, comprising configuring a plurality of self-labeling role keys to represent respective user roles, and configuring a plurality of self-labeling role associated keys associated with respective ones of the self-labeling role keys such that upon user selection of one of the self-labeling role keys representing a predetermined user role, the plurality of self-labeling role associated keys are presented to the user for invoking respective features associated with the selected user role. The method incorporates end user behavior patterns to collect programmable key data for the system to automatically update dynamic programmable keys, in conjunction with role associated keys or role independent keys.