Configurable Soft Buttons for Automated Conference Call Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for participating in conference calls and notifying participants are cumbersome, especially for mobile device users, requiring manual dialing and email management which can be tedious and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
Configurable soft buttons on devices that correspond to specific operations for scheduled meetings, allowing users to automate tasks such as dialing into a conference, notifying participants of delays or cancellations, and arranging new meetings, by communicating with a server and calendar application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dialing and email management are used for conference calls, then basic functionality is achieved, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving conference call information, dialing numbers, and sending notifications before the user needs to participate. The server proactively gathers meeting details from calendar applications and prepares all necessary communication steps in advance, so users only need to confirm participation rather than manually execute each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to schedule conference calls through simple calendar entries without manual dialing or email composition. The automated server handles information retrieval, participant notification, and call connection automatically, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If manual email composition is used to notify participants, then communication capability is achieved, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between the user and participants by automatically composing and sending notifications. Instead of users manually writing emails, the server retrieves participant information from calendar data, formats appropriate notification messages, and delivers them automatically, eliminating the complexity of manual email composition while ensuring accurate communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive conference call management is implemented, then functionality is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality between the user device and the server. The device handles simple user interactions and calendar access, while the server performs complex tasks including information retrieval, automated dialing, notification composition, and participant management. This segmentation allows comprehensive conference call management capabilities without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for configuring a device. One or more operations are determined in accordance with a scheduled meeting. One or more configurable buttons on the device are provided. Each of the one or more configurable buttons corresponds to one of the operations. Selecting a first of the one or more configurable buttons causes processing to be performed for a first of the operations associated with the first configurable button. The first operation uses information associated with said scheduled meeting.