Mobile Contact List Auto-Highlighting Last Used Communication Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile communications devices face inefficiency in repeatedly selecting the same contact method for repeated communications, as they must scroll through menus each time, wasting time and effort.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method on mobile devices to store the last used communication option for each contact and automatically highlight this option when the contact is selected, allowing users to quickly choose the previously used method for subsequent communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If users manually scroll through menus to select contact methods each time, then all contact methods can be accessed, but time is wasted on repeated selections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically selecting and highlighting the last used contact method before the user needs to make a selection. This eliminates the need for users to manually scroll through menus each time, as the desired option is already positioned and highlighted for immediate selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically remembering and selecting the previously used contact method without requiring user intervention. The device performs the selection task autonomously based on stored communication history, freeing the user from repetitive manual operations.
2Productivity
If automatic highlighting of last used contact method is implemented, then selection time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores the last used contact method in advance and automatically retrieves it when needed, performing the selection action before the user requires it. This preliminary preparation enables rapid communication without requiring complex real-time processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the selection process by automatically reproducing the previously chosen contact method. Instead of requiring users to navigate through the full menu structure each time, the system copies the last selection and presents it ready for confirmation, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selecting a communication option for communications from a mobile device which operates in a wireless communication network, the mobile device having access to stored address book information that includes contact names, the method including: storing for at least some of the contact names an indication of a last communication option used for communicating therewith; displaying a list of user selectable contact names on a display of the mobile device; after receiving user input selecting of one of the contact names from the list, causing a list of user selectable communication options for communicating with the selected contact name to be generated on the display; and automatically positioning a selection symbol on the display to highlight the selectable communication option that corresponds to a last communication option that was used for communicating with the selected contact name.