Mobile Device Audible Message Alert via Challenge Phrase Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of mobile devices often cannot read or listen to messages due to safety concerns or silent mode settings, leading to missed important communications, especially in situations like driving or meetings.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with an audible presentation module that automatically plays messages containing a predetermined challenge phrase, allowing users to hear important messages without distractions, even in silent mode, by analyzing incoming messages for the phrase and using the speakerphone for alerting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the mobile device is set to silent mode to prevent distractions, then the user can maintain focus during activities like meetings or driving, but the user cannot hear important messages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser focusVSAvoidmessage reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vibration motor as an intermediary device that converts audio messages into haptic vibrations. This mediator allows the message content to be transmitted to the user's tactile sense without producing audible sound, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining silent mode for focus and receiving message information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the acoustic output mechanism (speaker) with a mechanical vibration mechanism. Instead of using sound waves to deliver message content, the system uses mechanical vibrations through the vibration motor to convey the same information, allowing message reception without acoustic disturbance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If the user reads messages while driving, then the user can stay informed, but it becomes unsafe due to distraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage awarenessVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual message display with mechanical vibration feedback. By transmitting message content through haptic vibrations rather than visual text, the system allows drivers to receive information through their sense of touch without requiring visual attention, thereby maintaining safety while improving message awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the message delivery process into distinct tactile patterns or vibration sequences that represent different message types or priorities. This segmentation allows drivers to quickly distinguish between different kinds of communications through vibration patterns alone, enabling rapid information processing without visual distraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If the mobile device plays messages audibly, then the user can hear message content, but it creates distractions or interrupts others in quiet environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage clarityVSAvoidenvironmental disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses vibration as an intermediary medium to deliver message content without producing audible sound. The vibration motor converts audio signals into mechanical oscillations that are transmitted through the device housing, allowing the user to perceive message content through touch while generating no acoustic disturbance to the environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the user sets the device to quiet mode for privacy, then the user maintains privacy in public spaces, but cannot receive or respond to urgent messages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy controlVSAvoidurgent message reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces vibration feedback as an intermediary that enables private yet reliable communication. The vibration mechanism allows urgent messages to be delivered through tactile sensation without public acoustic announcement, maintaining privacy while ensuring the user becomes aware of and can respond to urgent communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3629566B1Methods and apparatus to audibly provide messages in a mobile device
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3629566B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3629566B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3629566B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method is disclosed comprising: receiving, at an electronic device, a message; determining that the message includes a predetermined phrase. In response to determining that the message includes the predetermined phrase, the electronic device audibly presents an alert that requests an audio input. In response to the alert, the audio input is received at the electronic device and it is determined that the audio input includes an instruction instructing the electronic device to perform an operation associated with the message; and in response to determining that the audio input includes the instruction, the operation in the instruction is performed.