Contact Information Enhancement via Permission-Based Privacy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for updating contact information on electronic communications devices often result in incomplete or inaccurate records, and users are concerned about privacy, particularly with sensitive information like phone numbers and email addresses.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a manager server to systematically enhance contact information databases while respecting user privacy protocols, allowing users to control which information is shared and updating contact records by requesting permission from data owners before sharing sensitive data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact information is systematically updated from external databases, then the completeness and accuracy of contact records is improved, but user privacy and security concerns worsen due to potential exposure of sensitive information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a permission request mechanism that acts as an intermediary between contact information requests and data sharing. When contact information is requested, the system automatically sends a permission request to the data owner, who can approve or deny the request. This intermediary process resolves the contradiction by enabling complete and accurate contact updates while protecting user privacy through controlled permission-based access to sensitive information
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual updating of contact databases is performed, then user privacy control is improved, but the time consumption and effort required worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated permission request and approval system that eliminates the need for manual contact database updates. The system automatically retrieves contact information from external databases, sends permission requests to data owners, processes approvals, and updates the contact database without user intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining strong privacy control through automated permission management while eliminating time-consuming manual update processes
3Ease of operation
If all contact information is shared freely in databases, then accessibility and usability of contact data is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access and misuse of sensitive information worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic permission system where contact information accessibility is not static but changes based on real-time permission decisions. When contact information is requested, the system dynamically evaluates the request by sending permission inquiries to data owners and adjusts accessibility accordingly - granting access when permitted and blocking it when denied. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by enabling broad accessibility when appropriate while preventing unauthorized access through conditional permission-based control
Data Source
AI summary
A system for systematically enhancing consumer and business contact information is disclosed. A server located “in the cloud” systematically controls a database of contact data elements, some of which have preferred and/or user-selected privacy protocols and update availability. These protocols and availability may restrict some data elements from being shared unless a data-owner's explicit permission is obtained. When the server receives a request for such a restricted data element, the server may issue an email or text message in order to obtain the necessary permissions. If permission is granted, the server then supplies the requested data. Beyond this base functionality, expanded services provide complementary enhancement functionality.