Programmable Telephone Buttons for Custom Functionality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional telephone systems lack the ability to customize user-specific or group-specific functionality, requiring users to memorize complex keystroke sequences and lacking feedback on real-time call states, limiting programmability beyond standard features.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users or administrators to program custom functions on a computer or mobile device interface, using toolbars or dynamic menus to implement specific functionalities, such as recording calls or transferring extensions, enhancing user interface customization and productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional telephone systems use fixed vendor-defined features, then system reliability is maintained, but user customization capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser customization capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic button functionality where each button can be programmed with different functions, parameters, and behaviors based on user needs. The system allows runtime configuration of button actions, enabling the same physical button to serve multiple purposes across different users and contexts, thereby achieving high adaptability without adding physical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the functional parameters of buttons through software configuration rather than hardware modification. Each button can have its function, associated parameters (such as speed dial numbers, feature codes, or macro commands), and behavior mode changed dynamically, allowing extensive customization while maintaining the same physical device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If users memorize detailed keystroke sequences for advanced features, then functionality is accessible, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operation simplicityVSAvoidfunctionality accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-programs complex multi-step sequences and feature combinations into single button actions. Users can define macros that automatically execute sequences of keystrokes, feature codes, and wait times with a single button press, eliminating the need to memorize detailed sequences while preserving access to complex functionalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The programmable button acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex telephony system. It translates simple user actions into complex system commands, hiding the complexity of keystroke sequences and protocol requirements while providing direct access to advanced features through simplified interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If speed dial buttons are controlled only by central switch, then system reliability is maintained, but adaptability to device-specific functions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-specific programmabilityVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the telephony control functionality into two layers: central switch-controlled core functions and device-level programmable functions. This allows speed dial and basic call control to remain managed by the reliable central switch, while device-specific features, user interface controls, and local functionalities can be independently programmed and customized without affecting system stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If physical telephone buttons are used, then direct control is provided, but customization flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface customization flexibilityVSAvoidhardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical button configuration system with a software-based programmable interface. Instead of requiring physical reconfiguration or hardware modifications for customization, the system uses software to define button functions, allowing flexible customization of the user interface while maintaining the simplicity of the physical device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8490020B2Programmable buttons for telephone user interface

Publication Date: 2013.07.16 SHORETEL INC

AI summary

A graphical user interface for a telephone system includes programmable buttons which may be customized for individual users or groups of users. The programmable buttons enable user specific functionality to be provided, for example, enabling a button to be defined to record a call at a particular extension with one touch. The programmable buttons are collected onto toolbars and displayed on the user interface.