Centralized Contact Information Linking and Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional contact information management systems are static and prone to inaccuracies due to frequent changes in contact information, which are not promptly updated, leading to outdated records.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where users submit their contact lists to a centralized server, allowing for linking and automatic updates of contact information, ensuring all linked records reflect the latest changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional static contact information storage is used, then users can store contact information locally, but the information becomes outdated quickly when contact details change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of contact informationVSAvoidtime delay in updating contact information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static contact information storage into a dynamic system where contact records are automatically updated through server-side processing. The system dynamically replaces outdated contact details with current information by comparing submitted contact lists against a centralized database, ensuring reliability without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized server as an intermediary between users and contact information. This mediator automatically processes contact list submissions, performs matching algorithms, and updates records across the network, eliminating the time delay associated with manual updates while maintaining information accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users manually update contact information in physical books or electronic storage devices, then changes can be recorded, but frequent updates lead to inaccuracies and user burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of contact informationVSAvoidease of updating contact information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the automated processing mechanism handles contact information updates without requiring user intervention. Users simply submit their contact lists, and the system automatically performs matching, validation, and updates across all linked records, maintaining high accuracy while maximizing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where the system continuously monitors for changes in contact information by comparing submitted lists against the centralized database. This automatic feedback mechanism ensures accuracy by detecting and correcting outdated information without burdening users with manual update tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If contact information is stored in physical books or local electronic devices, then users have local access, but updates are not communicated to other users or sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of contact informationVSAvoidinformation synchronization across users

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal contact information system that serves multiple functions simultaneously: local access maintenance, automatic updates, cross-user synchronization, and centralized storage. The system handles all these functions through the automated processing mechanism, ensuring both accessibility and information synchronization without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges decentralized local contact storage with centralized database management. By combining local access capabilities with server-side automatic updating and synchronization, the system achieves both versatility in access methods and comprehensive information synchronization across all users and platforms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If public contact information sources like phone directories are updated periodically, then information is available to many users, but the information is not current between updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of contact informationVSAvoidcurrentness of contact information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous periodic action through automated batch processing of contact list submissions. Rather than relying on infrequent manual updates like annual phone directories, the system continuously processes submissions as they arrive, ensuring both wide availability and currentness of contact information through frequent automatic refreshes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8321459B2Method and system for facilitating access to always current contact information

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 MMG IP MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for facilitating access to always current contact information. Users submit their personal contact information or a collection of third party contact information or both to a storage location, where records are being searched for identical or similar entries. In case of a match the third party contact information is replaced with a link or pointer to the personal contact information entry of the owner of the information. As long as the owner of the information updates his records in the storage location, all third party contact information collections are also kept up to date and users will benefit from the most accurate and current contact information available.