Shared Ringtone Synchronization in Messaging Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current messaging systems do not allow users to easily set and share a custom ringtone for calls between friends, limiting user engagement and personalization in communication experiences.
Innovation Solution
A messaging system that enables users to select and share a ringtone for calls with other users, where the selected ringtone is stored as a shared setting and updated by either user, ensuring synchronization across devices for incoming call notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users are allowed to set custom ringtones for calls between friends, then user engagement and personalization are improved, but system complexity increases due to need for sharing and synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by storing the ringtone selection made by one user as a shared setting that is automatically copied to and applied on the other user's device. This allows personalization without requiring complex bidirectional synchronization mechanisms, as the ringtone preference is unidirectionally shared from the selecting user to the contact user.
Solution Approach 2:
The messaging system is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it not only transmits messages but also manages shared audio settings, stores ringtone preferences, and coordinates call notifications. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into one unified platform, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a shared ringtone setting is implemented and stored in the messaging system, then user engagement is enhanced through personalization, but information storage requirements and system resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing complete audio files centrally, the system stores only essential metadata (ringtone identifiers, filenames, or references) in the messaging system's database. The actual audio content remains stored locally on user devices, reducing centralized storage requirements while maintaining personalization capabilities.
3Reliability
If the messaging system stores and manages shared ringtone settings, then call notification consistency is improved, but system operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing ringtone settings and preferences in the messaging database before calls occur. When a call is initiated, the system simply retrieves the pre-configured ringtone information rather than making real-time decisions, reducing operational complexity during actual call events.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing a program and method for setting a shared ringtone for calls between users. The program and method provide for receiving, from a first device associated with a first user, selection of a ringtone for use with the first device and a second device associated with a second user, the first user and the second user corresponding to contacts in a messaging application; and saving, in response to the receiving, a ringtone setting that is shared by the first user and the second user, the ringtone setting indicating to use the ringtone for a call between the first device and the second device.