Calendar-Based Conference Call Joining Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing conference call systems require users to manually dial a multi-digit telephone number and enter a security code, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors due to the complexity of the digit sequence, leading to difficulties in joining conference calls efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that provides a user interface for joining a conference call, where information such as the dial-in number and security code is stored and can be accessed directly through a calendar or time management application, allowing users to initiate a connection with a single selection of the 'Join Now' option, thereby simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually dial multi-digit telephone numbers and enter security codes, then conference call joining capability is achieved, but operation complexity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving and storing conference call information (dial-in number, security code, meeting time) in advance. When a user selects a calendar event, the system has already prepared all necessary connection details, eliminating the need for users to manually dial complex sequences or remember multiple digits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically gathering conference call parameters from the calendar application and initiating the dialing process without user intervention. The system retrieves the dial-in number and security code, formats them correctly, and executes the connection sequence autonomously when triggered by user selection of a calendar event.
2Productivity
If users manually enter dial-in numbers and security codes, then connection to conference is established, but time required to join increases
Solution Approach 1:
Conference call information is retrieved and prepared in advance from the calendar application data structure. The system queries the calendar event for dial-in parameters before the user needs to join, so that when the user selects 'Join Now,' all connection details are immediately available and pre-formatted for execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of dialing each digit and entering security codes is replaced with an automated electronic system. The system uses application programming interfaces to retrieve calendar data, automatically formats the dial sequence, and executes the connection through automated dialing, substituting manual finger operations with electronic automation.
3Reliability
If users retrieve and manually input conference call details, then accurate connection is achieved, but user effort and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically retrieving conference call parameters from the calendar application, validating the data format, and executing the connection sequence without user intervention. This eliminates human error in transcribing or misentering digits while maintaining connection accuracy through automated data retrieval and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by verifying the retrieved dial-in parameters against the calendar event data before execution. The system queries the calendar application for the scheduled event, retrieves the stored conference parameters, and uses this feedback to ensure accurate connection details are used, preventing errors from incorrect or outdated information.
Data Source
AI summary
In a computer-implemented method of joining a user to a conference call event an interface associated with a time management software application is displayed. The interface displays information relating to the conference call event including a date for a conference call which is subject of the conference call event and a start time of the conference call. While displaying the interface, a menu offering one or more options is displayed; these one or more options include an option to join the conference call. When an indication of a selection of the option to join the conference call is received, information associated with the conference call is located; this information includes a telephone number for a conference call bridge. A connection with the conference call bridge using the telephone number is initiated.