Mobile Reminder System via Advertisement Dialing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Viewers face challenges in remembering upcoming television programs due to the vast number of options, leading to missed broadcasts, and existing solutions like digital video recorders are expensive and require user intervention or subscription fees.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows viewers to dial a telephone number from an advertisement to receive reminders for upcoming events, which identifies the event and schedules a text message reminder to be sent to their mobile device, eliminating the need for explicit programming or subscription fees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If digital video recorders are used to automatically record programs, then viewers can record programs without manual intervention, but the device becomes expensive and requires monthly service fees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the viewer and the recording system. The mobile device receives program information via SMS messages and enables viewers to set recording reminders without requiring a complex automated recording system. This intermediary approach provides automation benefits while avoiding the high costs of dedicated digital video recorders with automatic recording capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal mobile phone as a multi-functional device that can serve both as a communication tool and as a reminder system for program recording. By using an existing universal device rather than a specialized expensive recorder, the system achieves automation functionality without the associated high costs and service fees.
2Ease of manufacture
If viewers manually program digital video recorders to record upcoming programs, then recording can be achieved, but viewers must remember to program the device when it is at hand
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends SMS messages to viewers in advance with program information and recording options. This preliminary action allows viewers to set up recording reminders before they need to watch the program, eliminating the need to remember to program the device at the moment of viewing. The advance notification ensures viewers can act conveniently at any time before the program airs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that delivers program information and recording instructions to viewers conveniently. Instead of requiring viewers to physically access and program a recording device, the system uses SMS messages to provide all necessary information and enable remote setup of recording reminders, greatly improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If viewers see advertisements for programs while driving or on a train, then they may become interested in the program, but they are unable to program the recording device
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile phone serves as a portable intermediary that viewers can access anywhere, including while driving or on public transportation. The system sends SMS messages with program information to the mobile device, allowing viewers to express interest and set recording reminders remotely without needing to access a fixed recording device. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to various locations while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides program information and recording setup capabilities in advance via SMS messages, allowing viewers to act on their interest immediately when it arises, regardless of location. Viewers can program recording reminders before they need to watch the program, eliminating the constraint of needing to be at a specific location with a recording device.
4Productivity
If programmers take out more advertising to build up to program airing, then more viewers may be reminded of the program, but the cost increases and it is only cost effective for programs likely to amass large audiences
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables viewers to actively request program information and set their own recording reminders through mobile phone interactions. Instead of programmers bearing the cost of extensive advertising to reach viewers, the system allows viewers to self-initiate the reminder process by responding to SMS messages or calling a toll-free number, significantly reducing advertising costs while maintaining effective viewer reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses two-way communication via SMS and telephone calls to engage viewers who are interested in programs. Viewers receive program information and can provide feedback by responding to messages or calling in, allowing the system to target advertising resources more efficiently to genuinely interested viewers rather than broadcasting to all potential viewers, thereby reducing overall advertising costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system allows automated registration for reminders to be sent to a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone. A telephone number to use to register for an automated reminder is displayed in conjunction with an advertisement for an upcoming event. A user who views the advertisement and wishes to be reminded of the program may dial the number to register for a reminder. The telephone call is received by a reminder system, which identifies the caller and determines the relevant event. The system schedules a reminder corresponding to the event, and it sends the reminder to the caller at the scheduled time. The reminder may be sent to the caller's SMS address.