Caller ID Picture Retrieval and Association System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current caller ID technologies require manual and arduous processes to associate pictures with contact information across multiple communication devices, lacking automated retrieval and control over shared information.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that enables automated retrieval of caller ID picture information, using a wireless device connected to a picture server, which downloads and associates pictures with contact data, allowing users to configure sharing rules and access across mobile and wired networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual picture assignment is used for each communication device, then picture association with contact data is achieved, but user effort and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepicture assignment processVSAvoidtime required for manual assignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic picture retrieval and association without requiring manual user intervention. The wireless communication device automatically queries the picture server for caller pictures and associates them with contact data, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring repeated manual assignment across multiple devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Pictures are pre-stored in the picture server before being needed. When a call arrives, the system automatically retrieves the pre-prepared picture from the server and associates it with the contact data, eliminating the need for manual picture selection and assignment at the moment of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automated picture retrieval is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but security control over shared information may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated picture retrievalVSAvoidsecurity control over pictures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the wireless communication device receives authorization status from the picture server before downloading pictures. This feedback loop ensures that security controls are maintained while enabling automated retrieval, as the system continuously verifies authorization requirements during the picture acquisition process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The picture server acts as an intermediary between the wireless communication device and the picture storage system. This intermediary maintains security control by managing authorization requirements and mediating the picture transfer process, ensuring that pictures are only shared with devices that meet security criteria while still enabling automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If picture storage is maintained across multiple devices, then accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepicture accessibility across devicesVSAvoidmulti-device synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The picture server provides universal access to pictures across multiple wireless communication devices through a standardized protocol. Rather than requiring device-specific synchronization mechanisms, the system uses a universal picture retrieval interface that works across different devices, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining broad accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The picture server serves as a centralized intermediary that manages picture storage and distribution across multiple devices. This single intermediary handles all synchronization and accessibility requirements, eliminating the need for complex peer-to-peer synchronization protocols between individual devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8295819B1Picture caller ID systems, methods and apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A communication system is provided that enables automated retrieval of caller ID picture information and association with contact information, while still allowing security control over information or images that are sent to the requesting device. The communication system has a wireless device communicating with a picture server. The wireless device receives an incoming call with caller ID information, and determines if a picture is locally stored for the caller. If no picture is locally stored for the caller, then a request is made to retrieve a picture from the picture server. If the picture server has the requested picture, and the wireless device is authorized to receive the picture, then the picture is downloaded to the wireless device, where the picture is associated with contact information for the caller. The picture of the caller will then be automatically displayed when the caller places future calls.