Master-Slave Alert Synchronization for Communication Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The generation of alerts across multiple communication devices associated with the same account leads to inefficient use of device resources due to simultaneous alert notifications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where one communication device is designated as a master device to synchronize alerts with slave devices, generating alerts only when necessary and ensuring that all devices receive synchronized notifications through a hierarchy record and instruction messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If alerts are generated on multiple communication devices simultaneously, then all devices receive notifications, but device resources are used inefficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification deliveryVSAvoiddevice resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the alert generation function by designating one device as master and others as slaves. The master device generates alerts while slave devices receive synchronization instructions, dividing the notification responsibility to reduce redundant resource consumption across multiple devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The master device acts as an intermediary between the notification source and slave devices. It receives notification instructions, generates local alerts, and distributes synchronization instructions to slave devices, eliminating the need for each device to independently generate alerts and reducing overall resource usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If each communication device generates alerts independently, then all devices notify users, but synchronized notifications cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification synchronizationVSAvoidalert coordination mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the alert generation function into a centralized process where the master device handles alert creation and timing. Slave devices rely on synchronization instructions from the master, combining previously distributed functions into a coordinated system that ensures synchronized notifications without complex inter-device communication protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The master device performs preliminary actions by generating alerts based on received notification instructions before slave devices need to act. This preliminary alert generation allows slave devices to simply follow synchronization instructions rather than independently determining when to alert, ensuring synchronization while simplifying the overall mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2725768B1Method, system and communication device for generating notification signals
Publication Date: 2014.12.10 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2725768B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2725768B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2725768B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to embodiments described in the specification, a method, system and apparatus for generating notification signals are provided. The method includes storing an identifier of a slave device in a memory of a master device; detecting, at a processor interconnected with the memory, a notification message via execution of a notification application; in response to detecting the notification message, retrieving the slave device identifier and transmitting an instruction message to the slave device, the instruction message including an identifier of the notification message and an alert parameter; and generating an alert via an output device interconnected with the processor according to the alert parameter.