Iconic Communication System for Mobile Text Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication devices face limitations in text input, display capabilities, memory, and bandwidth, which hinder effective communication, particularly in overcoming language barriers and providing rich media services.

Innovation Solution

The use of an iconic communication system with a sparse iconic set, including a limited number of elements and grammatical tools, that utilizes icons with colors and associated names to facilitate communication, allowing for translation and rich media services over limited links like SMS, and includes a method for composing and transmitting iconic messages using a mobile device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If text input and display methods are used in mobile devices, then communication functionality is provided, but the complexity of input and limited display capabilities hinder effective communication and language barrier overcoming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of communicationVSAvoidinput capability complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional text-based mechanical input methods with an iconic communication system that uses visual icons instead of keyboard typing. This substitution simplifies the input process by allowing users to select icons representing concepts, emotions, and actions rather than composing text, thereby reducing input complexity while maintaining communication effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses iconic representations that copy or represent real-world objects, concepts, and emotions visually. Instead of using text to describe something, the system uses icons that visually replicate or symbolize the intended meaning, making communication more intuitive and easier to understand across language barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional communication methods are used, then basic text exchange is possible, but language barriers and limited bandwidth prevent rich media services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelanguage barrier overcoming capabilityVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of communication from text-based to icon-based representation. This parameter change allows the system to convey complex meanings including language translation and emotional context using compact visual symbols that require minimal bandwidth while providing high adaptability across different languages and cultures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The iconic communication system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides language translation by using universal visual icons that transcend linguistic boundaries, conveys emotional context through expressive icon selections, and delivers rich media communication experiences all within a compact format that conserves bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If limited icon sets are used, then device resource constraints are addressed, but the ability to express complex communication needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory usageVSAvoidcommunication expressiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple communication functions into a unified iconic system. A single icon can represent complex concepts that would otherwise require multiple words or sentences, combining semantic meaning, emotional context, and communicative intent into one visual element. This merging allows comprehensive communication expressiveness while using minimal memory resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8375327B2Iconic communication
Publication Date: 2013.02.12 GLOBAL IP FARM LLC
  • US8375327B2 patent drawing
  • US8375327B2 patent drawing
  • US8375327B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of sending a message on a mobile communication network, including, activating an icon entering interface on a mobile device, said interface including at least 50 icons, at least 25 of which include an associated name stored on said mobile device; entering a message including at least three consecutive icons, using said activated interface; and transmitting said message to a remote communication device.