DND Propagator Module for Cross-Device Busy State Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current do not disturb (DND) features in collaboration tools and devices require manual activation, lack dynamic adjustment, have only two static states, and are not interconnected across multiple devices, leading to inefficiencies in managing user busy states and communication filtering.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that automatically determine a user's busy state using a DND recognizer module, adjust DND status through a DND filter module, and propagate the status across associated devices using a DND propagator module, enabling dynamic and centralized control of DND settings with multiple levels and rules for communication filtering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual DND activation is used, then user control is simple, but the system cannot automatically recognize busy states leading to delayed DND activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic busy state recognitionVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors user actions across applications and devices, self-determining busy states without manual intervention. The DND recognizer module continuously analyzes user behavior patterns and autonomously activates appropriate DND filters based on detected busy states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of user actions and calendar events before determining busy states. By proactively monitoring application usage patterns and scheduling information, the system prepares DND filter assignments in advance, activating them before actual busy periods begin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If static DND lists are used, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot dynamically adapt to changing user busy states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic DND adjustmentVSAvoidfilter management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DND filter module dynamically adjusts filter assignments based on real-time analysis of user actions and calendar events. The system continuously monitors application usage, message responses, and scheduling information to adaptively determine appropriate DND states, transitioning between multiple DND levels rather than using static on/off switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where user actions and calendar events are continuously monitored, analyzed, and used to adjust DND filter assignments. The DND recognizer module receives feedback from application usage patterns and automatically refines busy state determinations, creating a self-adjusting system that learns from user behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If only two DND stages (on/off) are used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide nuanced communication filtering for different busy states

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDND level definitionVSAvoiduser interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the DND state into multiple distinct levels (e.g., Do Not Disturb, Focus, Quiet Hours, Busy, Available) rather than using a single binary on/off switch. Each DND level corresponds to specific user actions and calendar events, providing nuanced filtering that matches the intensity and context of different busy states while maintaining automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Extent of automation

If multiple tools and devices use separate DND switches, then each device can be controlled independently, but the user must manually manage DND status across all devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized DND controlVSAvoidDND status synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal DND control mechanism that operates across multiple devices and collaboration tools simultaneously. The DND propagator module ensures that when a busy state is detected on any device, the appropriate DND filter is automatically applied to all connected tools and devices, maintaining consistent DND status without requiring separate manual control for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7769039B2System configured for complex determination of a user's busy state and for assigning an organic “do not disturb” filter

Publication Date: 2010.08.03 X CORP

AI summary

A system and method for complex determination of a user's busy state and for assigning a do not disturb (DND) filter. A first electronic device is configured to house a DND recognizer module. The first electronic device is further configured to store and execute a plurality of applications. A second electronic device operably associated with the first electronic device. The second electronic device having another DND recognizer module, a DND filter module, and a DND propagator module. The DND filter module is configured to determine whether a particular DND filter is associated with the current busy state of the user and to adjust the DND status provided a DND filter does exist. The DND propagator configured to propagate the DND status to all at least one device operably associated with the system provided a DND status exists for the current busy state of the user.