Mobile Phone Contact List Synchronization via SMS Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no straightforward mechanism for groups of mobile phone users to effortlessly update their contact lists without each user having to re-key new contact data.
Innovation Solution
A method using SMS or MMS messaging to send and receive contact list data between mobile phones, with the option to upload and download contact lists from a computer server, allowing for centralized management and distribution of updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each user manually keys in contact data themselves, then contact list updates can be performed on individual mobile phones, but the process becomes prohibitively time consuming and cumbersome for group members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements copying by allowing one user to create or update contact lists on a central device (mobile phone or computer server), then automatically copy these contact lists to multiple other mobile phones in the group. The system creates duplicate copies of contact data and distributes them to all group members, eliminating the need for each user to manually enter data. This is achieved through automated synchronization processes that replicate contact information across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central device (either a designated mobile phone or a computer server) as an intermediary between group members. This intermediary maintains the master contact list and automatically distributes updates to all group members. Instead of direct peer-to-peer manual entry, the intermediary mediates the contact list management process by receiving updates, processing them, and propagating changes to all users in the group, thereby eliminating repetitive manual data entry.
2Ease of operation
If contact lists are maintained centrally on one device, then updates can be made easily by a single user, but other group members cannot access or update the contact list without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling the contact list management system to serve multiple functions and multiple users. The central device (mobile phone or server) not only stores the contact list but also automatically distributes it to all group members and receives updates from any member. The system is designed to be universally accessible to all group members, allowing them to both view and contribute to the contact list through automated synchronization, making the system adaptable to different user needs and scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system automatically monitors and detects when contact list data changes on any device in the group. When a change is detected on one device, the system provides feedback by automatically initiating synchronization processes to update other devices. This feedback loop ensures that all group members receive real-time or near-real-time updates without manual intervention, maintaining consistency across all devices while allowing centralized management.
3Reliability
If contact data is shared through traditional methods, then individual phones can store contact information, but there is no straightforward mechanism for effortless updating across the group
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the contact list synchronization system to automatically perform updates without requiring manual intervention from group members. When contact data changes on any device, the system autonomously detects the change, initiates the synchronization process, transfers the updated data, and confirms successful updates. This self-service capability ensures data consistency across all devices while maintaining simplicity for end users, as the complex update mechanisms operate automatically in the background without user awareness or intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sending mobile phone contact list data from one mobile phone to another mobile phone is disclosed. The sender composes an SMS or MMS message having contact data from the mobile phonebook attached. The message is sent using a messaging service like SMS or MMS to other mobile phones in a group. Before receiving mobiles act on the message, a check is determined to see if the message contains contact list data. If it does not, the message is processed normally. If the message does contain contact list data, a software program is launched to manage the received contact list data. The program displays the received mobile phone contact list data so that the mobile phone user can examine the data. An import function is run to resolve conflicts, store and overwrite data into the mobile phone's contact database based on the newly received contact list data.