Availability Matching System for Communication Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telephone tag, a persistent problem that delays communication between business associates, causing inefficiencies in business and social interactions.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that connects users based on availability, using a processor, interactive user interface, and memory with computer-readable instructions to match user availability and facilitate communication events, thereby avoiding phone tagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users attempt to connect via traditional phone tagging methods, then communication can occur, but communication delays and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having users pre-specify their availability windows and communication preferences before the actual communication event. The server stores this availability information and uses it to proactively match users before they need to communicate, eliminating the need for repeated call attempts and delays associated with traditional phone tagging.
2Reliability
If the system implements availability matching, then communication timing improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between users, centralizing the complex availability matching logic and data storage. This allows the matching functionality to be distributed - users only need simple client devices while the server handles the complexity of storing availability information, receiving requests, and determining optimal match times based on predefined algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated computer implemented method and system for connecting a user with another user comprises: receiving a request from a first user mobile device to connect with a second user mobile device for a communication event, wherein the request comprises a category, time estimate, subject matter of the request and a first user availability; identifying a recipient identifier corresponding to the second user mobile device; notifying the second user of the request for communication from the first user via a user interface on the second user mobile device; determining a second user availability for the second user mobile device; electronically communicating a connection opportunity for the first user and the second user; and connecting the first user and the second user to engage in the communication event based on the substantially matched availability in a manner that avoids phone tagging.