Context-Aware Ring Tone Selection for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of custom ring tones for each individual in a mobile phone's address book is cumbersome and static, especially when the number of entries is large, as it requires users to set ring tones on a person-by-person basis.
Innovation Solution
A method that configures ring tone settings on a mobile client device based on contextual information associated with incoming calls, such as business affiliation, call type, and reason for the call, using contextual information transmitted via data channels or embedded in call signaling protocols, allowing a rules server to determine and send the appropriate ring tone to the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of custom ring tones for each individual in the address book is implemented, then customized call notifications are achieved, but user effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs ring tone configuration without requiring user intervention. The server retrieves contextual information about callers, determines appropriate ring tones based on predefined rules, and configures them on the mobile device automatically, eliminating the need for manual user configuration
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between the user's contextual information and the ring tone configuration system. The server processes caller information, applies routing rules, and automatically configures appropriate ring tones, relieving the user from direct configuration tasks
2Ease of operation
If static ring tone configuration is used for each address book entry, then simple setup is achieved, but the system lacks dynamic adaptation to different call contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The ring tone configuration transitions from static to dynamic by continuously adapting based on real-time contextual information. The system retrieves updated caller information, evaluates it against routing rules, and dynamically adjusts ring tone selections without requiring reconfiguration by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of ring tone selection based on varying contextual parameters such as caller identity, call type, and business affiliation. Different contextual parameters trigger different ring tone configurations, enabling dynamic adaptation while maintaining ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom ring tones are configured for large numbers of address book entries, then personalized notifications are achieved, but the configuration task becomes arduous
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically handles the configuration task for all address book entries without requiring user intervention. The server autonomously retrieves contextual information, determines appropriate ring tones, and configures them across numerous entries, making the configuration task effortless
Solution Approach 2:
The server implements a universal configuration mechanism that handles ring tone assignment for all address book entries through a single automated process. This multi-functional approach simultaneously manages personalized notifications for numerous contacts without requiring separate configuration tasks
Data Source
AI summary
A method in one embodiment includes receiving, by a mobile client device, an incoming call sent by a caller, a caller ID being associated with the incoming call. A node connected to a packet-based network is accessed to obtain information about the caller. Information about the caller is then received from the node by the mobile client device. This information is applied to a set of client rules that selects a specific ring tone from a plurality of ring tones stored on the mobile client device. Finally, the specific ring tone is generated on the mobile client device to announce the incoming call.