Handheld Device Silent Response 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, which can be output in the same format as the incoming communication, enabling immediate confirmation without needing to answer the call.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user answers the incoming call immediately, then the caller receives immediate confirmation that the user received the call, but the user cannot do so when receiving a call at an inopportune time such as during a meeting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfirmation of message receiptVSAvoidability to respond to incoming communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-records multiple response messages (e.g., 'I'm in a meeting', 'Call me back later') that can be immediately played back to callers without requiring the user to physically answer the call. This preliminary preparation of responses allows the user to confirm receipt while maintaining their current activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (voice mail with pre-recorded responses) that mediates between the user and the caller. When the user cannot answer immediately, the system automatically connects the caller to a pre-recorded response message, providing confirmation of receipt without requiring direct user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the user directs the incoming call to voice mail, then the user can continue their current activity, but the caller remains uncertain whether the user received the message

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to continue current activityVSAvoidcaller uncertainty about message receipt

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides immediate feedback to the caller by playing pre-recorded response messages that confirm the user received the call. Instead of silent voicemail, the caller hears a response message (e.g., 'I'm in a meeting but I received your call') that provides clear confirmation of message receipt while allowing the user to continue their activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the device provides multiple notification outputs (speaker, display, LED, vibration), then the user is reliably notified of incoming communications, but the user may be disturbed at inopportune times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification of incoming communicationVSAvoiddisturbance to user during current activity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the notification method based on the situation. Instead of always using audible alerts that may disturb the user, the system offers alternative notification methods and automatic response capabilities that allow reliable communication notification without necessarily disturbing the user's current activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1883214B1Method for silently responding to an incoming communication received by a handheld device

Publication Date: 2012.01.04 BLACKBERRY LTD

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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.