Synchronization Device Contact Retrieval From Multiple Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization devices face inconvenience when desired contact information is not retrieved, making it difficult to initiate communication through their interface, as they rely solely on the primary device for contact information.

Innovation Solution

A method where a synchronization device establishes connections with both a primary and secondary device to retrieve contact information, allowing it to initiate communication using the primary device based on information from the secondary device, through program code executed by a processor stored on a non-transitory storage medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the synchronization device retrieves contact information only from the primary device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates when contact information is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to initiate communicationVSAvoidconnection management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it can retrieve contact information from both the primary device and secondary devices, and can initiate communications through either device. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by improving adaptability without significantly increasing complexity, as the device maintains a unified interface for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple devices (primary and secondary). It manages connections to both devices, retrieves contact information from either source, and coordinates communication initiation. This intermediary role allows the system to handle multiple information sources seamlessly, improving adaptability while keeping the user interface simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the synchronization device establishes connections with multiple devices, then the availability of contact information is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact information availabilityVSAvoidconnection management

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the contact information storage function across multiple devices (primary and secondary devices), while the synchronization device manages these segmented sources. This allows contact information to be distributed across devices, improving availability without requiring all information to be centralized in one complex system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization device merges connections to multiple devices (primary and secondary) into a unified interface. It combines contact information from both sources and presents a consolidated view to the user, allowing information availability to improve while maintaining interface simplicity and managing complexity centrally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the synchronization device uses contact information from secondary devices, then the communication functionality is enhanced, but the ease of operation may deteriorate due to multiple connection management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication initiation capabilityVSAvoiduser interface simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization device performs self-service by automatically managing connections to primary and secondary devices, retrieving contact information, and determining the appropriate device for communication initiation. This automation eliminates the need for users to manually manage multiple connections, enhancing communication capability while maintaining ease of operation through transparent background processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization device serves as an intermediary that shields the user from complexity. It handles all interactions with multiple devices behind a single unified interface, automatically selecting which device to use for communication based on available contact information. This intermediary function preserves user interface simplicity while enabling enhanced communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8855614B2Retrieving contact information from multiple devices

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 APPLE INC

AI summary

A first device may be connected to a synchronization device to allow utilization of the first device through an interface of the synchronization device. The connection may be utilized to obtain contact information from the first device by the synchronization device. If it is determined that the contact information retrieved from the first device does not include desired contact information, the desired contact information may be retrieved from a second device. The contact information obtained from the second device may be utilized to initiate communication via the first device through an interface of the synchronization device.