Handheld Device Contact Entry Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current address book applications on handheld electronic devices require users to manually enter information one field at a time, making the process time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when multiple fields can be facilitated by previously entered data.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the device automatically determines and fills in additional information fields based on user input, using look-up tables and user prompts to assist in the entry process, such as determining country names from state/province names or country codes from phone numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual field-by-field entry is used, then data accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact entry speedVSAvoidtime required for entering contact information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining and filling in contact information fields based on previously entered data or existing contact records. When a user enters information in one field, the system proactively identifies and populates related fields that can be inferred from that input, reducing the need for manual entry across multiple fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The address book application serves itself by automatically completing contact information fields using the information already provided by the user. The system uses the entered data to autonomously determine and fill in additional fields without requiring further user input, making the entry process self-sufficient and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic field population is implemented, then entry time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of contact entryVSAvoidcomplexity of address book application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the address book application continuously monitors user input in one field and automatically responds by determining and filling in related fields. This feedback loop creates a dynamic interaction where the system adapts to user input and provides intelligent suggestions, enhancing ease of operation while managing complexity through automated responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8010610B2Handheld electronic device providing assisted entry of contact information, and associated method

Publication Date: 2011.08.30 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A method of facilitating the entry of information for a contact to be stored by an address book application of a handheld electronic device, wherein the information is entered into a plurality of fields. The method includes receiving first information in a first one of the fields, and determining whether the first information can be used to determine second information for entry in one of the fields. If it is determined that the first information can be used to determine the second information, the method includes entering the second information in either the first one of the fields or another one of the fields. Also, a handheld electronic device having one or more routines that are adapted to implement the method described above.