Incoming Message Display Scheduling for Interruption Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing messaging applications deliver messages in real time, disrupting users during sensitive tasks or non-working hours, and current solutions like 'Do Not Disturb' modes do not allow users to defer message display selectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for scheduled display of incoming messages, allowing users to set specific times for message visibility, storing messages in a non-displayed mode until the scheduled time, with optional sender override for urgent messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If real-time message delivery is implemented, then responsiveness and communication speed are improved, but user disruption and loss of control over message timing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts message display timing based on user-defined schedules. Messages are delivered in real-time to the server but their display is flexibly controlled according to time-of-day preferences, contact-specific rules, or do-not-disturb periods, allowing the system to adapt between real-time delivery and scheduled display based on contextual needs
Solution Approach 2:
Users pre-configure their message display preferences and schedules in advance. The system stores these preferences and automatically applies them when messages arrive, determining beforehand when messages should be displayed without requiring real-time user intervention. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction by establishing control rules before messages are delivered
2Loss of information
If messages are displayed immediately upon receipt, then information availability is improved, but user concentration and task performance deteriorate due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different display qualities to different messages based on their source and timing. Messages from priority contacts may be displayed immediately even during do-not-disturb periods, while messages from other contacts are deferred. This local differentiation allows important information to remain accessible while filtering out disruptive notifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic do-not-disturb schedules where message display is systematically suppressed during designated time periods (e.g., nighttime, work hours) and enabled during other periods. This periodic modulation of message visibility reduces interruptions during focused tasks while ensuring information availability during appropriate times
3Ease of operation
If scheduled display mode is implemented, then user control and reduction of interruptions are improved, but real-time communication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to senders when a message is scheduled for later display, notifying them of the delayed delivery time. This feedback mechanism allows senders to understand why their message is not delivered immediately and can take appropriate action if urgent communication is needed, thus maintaining communication effectiveness despite scheduled delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between the message sender and recipient, temporarily holding messages during scheduled display periods and releasing them at appropriate times. This intermediary function buffers the conflict between immediate delivery and scheduled display, ensuring that timing control is achieved without complete loss of real-time communication capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for scheduling display of incoming messages that includes displaying a user interface to enable selection of contacts, specification of a scheduled time, and instruction to apply a non-displayed mod to messages from the selected contacts to the user until the scheduled time, receiving the user selection of the contacts and the scheduled time, receiving the incoming message, storing the message in the non-displayed mode and displaying the messages at the scheduled time.