Incremental Do-Not-Disturb Call Diversion and Voicemail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication technologies, particularly voicemail systems, have not adapted to modern trends and are cumbersome for sending voice messages, leading to their decline in favor of text messaging, and lack enhanced features for VoIP and other communication devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for incremental do-not-disturb, quick note messaging, caller identification voice announcements, and pre-call messaging, which allow users to divert calls, record short messages, and manage communications efficiently across various devices using a server and processor-based system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional voicemail systems are used, then voice messages can be communicated with emphasis and emotion, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidtime to send voice message
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically recording the calling party's message during the call setup phase, before the called party even answers. The calling party leaves a message by pressing a button during the ringback tone, and the system automatically records and delivers it, eliminating the need for manual message composition and attachment processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the calling party to automatically leave a voice message without operator intervention or complex manual steps. The called party can also automatically retrieve and play messages without manual file handling, making the entire voicemail process self-serve and significantly faster.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If do-not-disturb feature is activated for extended periods, then users can avoid interruptions, but they may miss important calls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterruption managementVSAvoidcall reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The do-not-disturb feature is made dynamic by allowing users to set specific time periods during which calls are diverted. The system automatically activates and deactivates the diversion based on the configured time window, providing flexible interruption management without permanently blocking important calls. Users can also manually control the feature duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to callers during the do-not-disturb period by playing a recorded message indicating the called party is unavailable and providing an option to leave a voicemail. This feedback mechanism ensures callers know their call was attempted and can still reach the user through alternative means, maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If calls are diverted during do-not-disturb periods, then users avoid interruptions, but callers cannot reach the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterruption avoidanceVSAvoidcall routing options
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The call diversion system is made multi-functional by providing multiple call routing options during do-not-disturb periods. Callers can be directed to voicemail, alternative phone numbers, or receive automated messages based on user preferences. This universal approach handles different caller needs and situations, maintaining versatility while avoiding interruptions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary message service that mediates between the diverted call and the user. Instead of simply blocking the call, the system plays a recorded message to the caller explaining the diversion and offering alternative contact methods, serving as a communication bridge that maintains connectivity while protecting user availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9020116B2System and method for enhanced do-not-disturb
Publication Date: 2015.04.28 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC
  • US9020116B2 patent drawing
  • US9020116B2 patent drawing
  • US9020116B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for incremental do-not-disturb. User input is received to activate the incremental do-not-disturb on a telephone. The incremental do-not-disturb is activated for a time period in response to receiving the user input to activate the incremental do-not-disturb. Incoming calls are diverted during the time period in response to activating the incremental do-not-disturb.