Role Keys for Telephone Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephone systems do not effectively manage multiple roles of a user, leading to increased complexity in selecting the right programmable keys and features, as the number of available keys is limited and does not adapt to changing roles throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of Role Keys, Role Associated Keys, and Role Independent Keys, which allow users to configure programmable keys based on their active role, with Role Keys overlaying associated keys and maintaining existing key behaviors, and Role Independent Keys remaining unaffected by role changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of programmable keys is increased using tabs and navigation elements, then more features can be accessed, but user selection complexity increases and important keys may not be available when desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key configuration where the set of available programmable keys changes based on the user's current role. When a user switches roles (e.g., from manager to assistant), the system automatically updates which keys are available and how they are configured, making the interface adaptive to current needs rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the programmable keys into role-specific groups. Each role (manager, assistant, consultant) has its own customized set of keys, allowing users to access only the relevant keys for their current function. This segmentation eliminates the need to navigate through all possible keys regardless of current role
2Ease of operation
If programmable keys are grouped logically and configured for specific roles, then key selection becomes more manageable, but keys must be reconfigured when roles change throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs key configuration changes when a user switches roles. The role identification mechanism triggers automatic reconfiguration of the programmable keys to match the new role's requirements, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and saving time
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple sets of programmable keys for different roles in advance. When a role change occurs, the system simply switches to the pre-prepared configuration for the new role, avoiding the need to reconfigure keys from scratch
3Adaptability or versatility
If Hot Desking capability is used to overlay programmable keys for a particular role, then keys are available for the logged in user, but only programmable keys configured for the logged in user/role are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal programmable key system that serves multiple roles. The same physical keys can be configured for different roles, and the system automatically adjusts their function based on the current role. This eliminates the need for separate key sets for each role while maintaining role-specific functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a role identification mechanism as an intermediary between the user and the programmable keys. This intermediary detects the user's current role and mediates the connection between the user and the appropriate key configuration, automatically translating role context into key availability
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of configuring a telephone, comprising configuring a plurality of self - labelling Role Keys to represent respective user roles, and configuring a plurality of self - labelling Role Associated Keys associated with respective ones of the self - labelling Role Keys such that upon user selection of one of the self - labelling Role Keys representing a predetermined user role, the plurality of self - labelling Role Associated Keys are presented to the user for invoking respective features associated with the selected user role.