iOS Call Muting via Community Blacklist and Silent Ringtone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices with iOS operating system lack a fully automated method to mute unwanted incoming calls, relying on manual blocking or features that require complex user input and may compromise privacy, and existing solutions do not effectively address the issue of unsolicited harassing calls.
Innovation Solution
A software system that creates a blacklist contact with community-reported blacklisted numbers, allowing users to assign a silent ringtone and no vibration, automatically muting calls from these numbers with minimal user input and frequent updates from a community database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual blocking is used to mute unwanted calls, then user control over blocking is maintained, but automation level is low and user disturbance continues
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically mutes unwanted calls by using the device's existing Do Not Disturb feature without requiring manual intervention for each call. The application self-configures by downloading a blacklist of unwanted numbers and automatically applies silencing rules, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user input for blocking decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The application pre-configures the Do Not Disturb feature with a comprehensive blacklist of unwanted phone numbers before unwanted calls occur. By preparing the blocking rules in advance through automatic downloads and configurations, the system eliminates the need for reactive manual blocking during actual unwanted call situations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Do Not Disturb feature is used with application assistance, then unwanted calls can be muted, but user input requirements increase and privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The application automatically manages the Do Not Disturb configuration by downloading blacklist data and applying silencing rules without requiring users to manually input phone numbers or configure blocking parameters. The system performs these operations autonomously, reducing user input requirements while maintaining effective unwanted call filtering.
3Productivity
If manual blacklist creation is used, then user-specific blocking is achieved, but time consumption increases and community reporting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The application serves multiple functions: it creates individual user blacklists, aggregates community-reported unwanted numbers into a shared database, and automatically applies blocking rules. This multi-functionality allows the system to leverage collective knowledge from the community while maintaining personalized blocking for each user, significantly increasing productivity and blacklist coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates community feedback by collecting reports of unwanted calls from multiple users and automatically updating the blacklist database. This feedback mechanism allows the blacklist to grow and improve over time based on real-world usage patterns, increasing the effectiveness of blocking without requiring individual users to manually research and add numbers.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If call muting is implemented, then user disturbance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The application acts as an intermediary layer between the incoming call and the user. It intercepts calls using the Do Not Disturb feature and automatically applies silencing rules based on the caller's number against the downloaded blacklist. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by using existing iOS capabilities rather than requiring complex custom muting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to mute automatically unwanted phone calls or messages on mobile communications devices with iOS operating system consists of a mobile communications device with iOS operating system, an application software, silent ringtone and a blacklist contact with blacklisted phone numbers that can be frequently updated with community reported harassing phone numbers.