Handheld Device Response Selection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices often notify users of incoming communications at inopportune times, making it difficult for users to immediately respond, leading to uncertainty for callers about whether their messages are received.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic device with a user-selectable response function that allows users to choose from predetermined responses based on the sender and communication type, enabling immediate confirmation of receipt without needing to answer directly, using a processor, keypad, and display to select and output responses in matching formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the user is notified of an incoming communication at the moment it arrives, then the user can be informed of the communication promptly, but the user may be unable to respond immediately due to being in an inopportune situation (e.g., attending a meeting)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting incoming communications and presenting predetermined response options to the user before the user must make a decision. The device intercepts the incoming call, displays pre-configured response messages, and allows the user to select from these options without needing to immediately answer or speak, thus resolving the contradiction between prompt notification and ability to respond appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to pre-configure multiple predetermined response messages for different senders and communication types. When an incoming communication occurs, the device automatically presents these pre-prepared options to the user, eliminating the need for the user to compose a response in the moment and enabling quick selection without direct engagement with the caller.
2Loss of information
If the user directs the incoming call to voicemail when unable to answer, then the user avoids missing the communication, but the caller receives only a general voice mail message and remains uncertain whether the user received the message
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by allowing users to pre-configure multiple predetermined response messages tailored to different senders and communication types before an incoming communication occurs. When the user cannot answer, they can select from these pre-prepared options that provide specific confirmation of receipt and appropriate context, rather than relying on a single generic voicemail message.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by providing customized predetermined response messages for different senders and communication types. Each response can be tailored to the specific relationship with the sender and the nature of the communication, allowing the user to provide appropriately differentiated confirmation of receipt rather than a uniform generic response.
3Ease of operation
If the user composes a custom response message for each incoming communication, then the response can be personalized and appropriate, but this requires significant time and effort from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves this contradiction by enabling users to perform the composition work in advance. Users pre-configure multiple predetermined response messages for different senders and communication types during a setup phase. When an incoming communication occurs, the user simply selects from these pre-prepared options, maintaining personalization and appropriateness while eliminating the time and effort of composing messages in the moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by organizing predetermined responses according to different parameters such as sender identity and communication type. This allows the user to select an appropriate personalized response by simply changing the selection parameter rather than composing a new message, maintaining adaptability while reducing operational effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for replying to an incoming communication received by a handheld electronic device comprises detecting: an incoming communication, detecting a selection of one of a number of predetermined responses to the incoming communication and, responsive to detecting a selection, providing the one of said number of predetermined responses. An improved handheld electronic device implementing the method is also provided.