Automatic Call Rescheduling via Availability Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephone systems lack a mechanism for direct communication between caller and called parties during failed connection attempts, preventing the exchange of availability information for rescheduling calls.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where communication devices automatically send scheduling messages via SMS or other paths to notify parties of future availability, using calendar programs to determine and share availability information when a call is not answered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a voicemail message is left to communicate availability, then one-way communication is achieved, but the caller cannot learn of the called party's future availability without retrieving the message
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by having the called party's device send an automated response message to the caller's device indicating future availability. This eliminates the need for the caller to manually retrieve voicemail messages, as the availability information is automatically pushed back to the caller through SMS or other communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated messaging system that facilitates two-way communication between caller and called party. Instead of direct voicemail retrieval, the system uses automated messages sent through SMS or data networks to convey availability information, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for manual message checking.
2Device complexity
If no direct communication mechanism is provided during failed connection attempts, then system simplicity is maintained, but no availability information can be exchanged between parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes communication devices multi-functional by enabling them to perform both traditional voice calling and automated scheduling messaging functions. The same mobile phone or communication device that makes calls also automatically exchanges availability information through SMS or data networks, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having communication devices automatically exchange availability information without requiring manual intervention. When a call fails, the devices autonomously send and receive scheduling messages indicating future availability, allowing the system to resolve the information exchange problem without adding complex manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for automatically scheduling or rescheduling a voice connection (e.g., a telephone call) when one attempt to establish the connection fails. A recipient of a call fails to answer the call, but instead of the caller only having the option of leaving a voicemail message, he or his communication device (e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant) automatically issues a separate communication toward the recipient's communication device indicating a time at which the caller will be available to receive a return call from the recipient of the attempted call. Alternatively, or in addition to this separate communication, the recipient's communication device may issue another separate communication toward the caller's communication device, to identify a time at which the recipient is expected to be available to receive a later call attempt.