Telephone System Local Time Display for Far End
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of telephone systems often face inconvenience when calling individuals in different time zones, as they lack easy access to determine the local time of the called party, leading to potential disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A telephone system that integrates local time information by using a keypad, processor, memory, and display/speaker to automatically retrieve and display or announce the local time of the called party when selecting an entry from a phonebook, eliminating the need for external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users rely on external devices (digital watches, computers, multiple clocks) to determine local time of far end, then time information can be obtained, but accessibility and convenience are reduced because most users do not have access to such devices when they wish to place a call
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the local time display function with the telephone system by integrating a processor that automatically retrieves and displays the local time of the called party when a phonebook entry is selected. This merging eliminates the need for separate external time-display devices and makes time information immediately accessible during call initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The telephone system performs the time information retrieval and display automatically without requiring user intervention. When a user selects a phonebook entry, the processor automatically obtains the called party's location, retrieves their local time, and displays it on the screen, enabling the system to serve itself in providing time information.
2Loss of information
If users manually calculate local time of far end using time difference knowledge, then local time can be determined, but the process becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores location information and time zone data in the phonebook entries in advance. When a user selects an entry, the processor has already prepared the necessary data to immediately calculate and display the local time, eliminating the need for users to manually look up time differences or perform calculations during the call initiation moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of calculating local time (using time difference knowledge and arithmetic) with an automated electronic system. The processor automatically retrieves stored location data, calculates the time difference, determines the called party's local time, and displays it, substituting electronic automation for manual calculation.
3Ease of operation
If telephone system integrates local time display function, then convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor in the telephone system performs multiple functions: it manages phonebook entries, retrieves location information, calculates time differences, determines local time, and displays information. By making the processor universal and multi-functional, the patent adds time display capability without requiring separate dedicated hardware components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for providing local time of a potential called party to a user of a telephone system (i.e., calling party). In the preferred embodiment, the local time of the potential called party is displayed on a display or announced by a speaker of the telephone system when the name or the telephone number of the potential called party is selected. The local time of the potential called party is provided prior to or while initiating a call so that the user of the telephone system can determine whether it is appropriate time to call the potential called party.