Mobile Device Missed Call Notification via Alternate Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices may not be aware of incoming communications due to their devices being in silent mode or in locations where alerts are inaudible, potentially leading to missed important communications, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect unanswered communications on a mobile device, identify an alternate contact based on the device's location and relationship with the user, and transmit a request to notify the user of the communication, utilizing social graphs, location information, and priority settings to ensure the user is informed of priority communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the mobile device is set to silent mode or placed in a location where alerts are inaudible, then the user can avoid being disturbed by notifications, but the user may miss important or emergency communications
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary approach by notifying alternate contacts who are in proximity to the user. When the primary device is silent or inaudible, the notification is relayed through a secondary channel (alternate contact's device), ensuring the user is informed without directly disturbing them with audible alerts on their own device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical acoustic alert mechanism (ringer) with an electronic communication system. Instead of relying on sound waves that can be blocked or muted, the system uses digital notification networks to reach alternate contacts, substituting a physical limitation with an information-based solution.
2Device complexity
If the device transmits notifications only through traditional ringer or visual alerts, then the system remains simple, but the user cannot be notified when the device is in silent mode or inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system gains multi-functionality by operating through multiple channels: traditional ringer, visual alerts, and the novel alternate contact notification system. This universal approach ensures that regardless of the device's state (silent, inaccessible), at least one notification method remains effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension notification approach (local device alerts only) to a multi-dimensional approach by extending notifications to alternate contacts in the social network. This adds a new dimension to the notification space, moving from device-centric to network-centric notification delivery.
3Reliability
If the system notifies all contacts when communication is missed, then the user is sure to be reached, but unnecessary contacts are disturbed and privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system applies local quality by selecting specific alternate contacts based on their proximity to the user and their relevance to the situation. Rather than notifying all contacts universally, the system identifies and notifies only those locally relevant individuals who are most likely to be near the user or able to reach them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the social graph and identifying potential alternate contacts before a notification event occurs. When a missed communication is detected, the system can immediately query the pre-built social graph to identify appropriate alternate contacts, avoiding the need to notify everyone and reducing unnecessary disturbances.
4Measurement precision
If the system uses location information to identify alternate contacts, then notification accuracy improves, but the system requires access to sensitive location data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-building and storing the social graph structure, including relationships and associated location preferences, before actual notification events. This allows the system to quickly query and identify appropriate alternate contacts without performing complex real-time location analysis, reducing the computational burden during critical moments.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an unanswered communication received at a mobile device, identifying an alternate contact based on a location and proximity of the mobile device and a relationship between the mobile device user and the alternate contact, and transmitting a request to the alternate contact to notify the user of the mobile device of the communication. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed.