Multi-User Messaging Notification via Contact Book Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-user settings, it is challenging to determine to whom a messaging event is directed when terminal devices and communication lines are shared, as existing notification methods do not effectively differentiate between users.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a User Interface (UI) element to selectively identify the parties to whom a messaging event is directed by matching a caller identifier with entries in contact books associated with multiple users, using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and distinct ring tones to notify the appropriate user(s) based on contact book entries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal device is shared among multiple users, then device utilization is improved, but the ability to identify the intended user of a messaging event deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice utilizationVSAvoiduser identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The contact book is segmented into multiple user-specific contact books, each associated with a particular user of the terminal device. When a messaging event occurs, the system compares the caller identifier against each user's contact book separately, allowing precise identification of the intended user even in a shared device environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each user is assigned unique notification characteristics (distinct ring tones, display indicators) that are locally applied to their specific contact entries. This allows the notification system to provide user-specific identification through the common notification interface, resolving the ambiguity of shared device usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If generic notification methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but notification precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification systemVSAvoiduser identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system changes parameters such as ring tone frequency, display icon selection, and vibration patterns based on the match results between the caller identifier and contact book entries. These parameter variations enable precise user identification without requiring fundamentally different notification hardware or complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9553999B2Method and apparatus for notifying an end user of a messaging event in a multi-user setting

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method and apparatus for notifying an end user of a messaging event in a multi-user setting is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in a communication device which includes computer instructions at least for matching a caller identifier associated with a messaging event and entries in a plurality of contact books corresponding to a plurality of users, and identifying a plurality of parties to whom the messaging event is potentially directed based on the matching. Additional embodiments are disclosed.