Dynamic Silent Mode Handling for Urgent Mobile Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems fail to dynamically provide availability information to callers and effectively filter out non-urgent communications when a user's device is in silent mode, leading to potential disruptions and inefficiencies in handling urgent calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically generate and send availability information and a unique code to callers, allowing urgent communications to be completed by matching the code, using calendar and scheduling data to determine unavailability periods and automatically managing the device's silent mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is placed in silent mode to avoid disruptions, then the user's current activity is protected, but urgent communications cannot reach the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the silent mode state based on incoming calls. When an urgent call is detected (through code validation), the system temporarily exits silent mode to allow the call through, then returns to silent mode afterward. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by making the silent mode adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (code validation system) between the incoming call and the silent mode state. The intermediary validates whether a call is urgent by checking for specific codes, and only then permits the call to interrupt the silent mode. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled pathway for urgent communications.
2Loss of information
If the system provides availability information to callers, then callers can understand user status, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending availability information and access codes to callers before the actual call connection is established. This allows callers to understand the user's availability status in advance and prepare accordingly, reducing information loss without requiring complex real-time communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables callers to self-determine whether to proceed with calling by providing them with availability information and access codes. Callers can independently assess whether the user is available and whether they have urgent business, eliminating the need for complex automated negotiation protocols between the system and caller.
3Reliability
If the system validates urgent codes to permit calls, then urgent communications are allowed through, but the handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs code validation as a preliminary action during the call setup phase, before the actual conversation begins. The validation occurs in the background during call routing, so the perceived time delay for the user is minimal. This resolves the contradiction by separating the validation process from the conversation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selectively permitting the completion of communications to a user's mobile communication device placed in silent mode includes: receiving an incoming communication from a caller; obtaining availability information for the called party and a first code; sending a message to the caller with the called party's availability and the first code; receiving a call from the caller with a second code; and allowing communication with the caller in the event the second code matches the first code.