Telephone Number Display Formatting via Modality Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices lack an intuitive and standardized way to display telephone numbers, particularly distinguishing between public and private-exchange numbers, which can lead to user confusion and inefficiency in call initiation and management.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit that automatically presents public telephony system numbers in a standard format and private-exchange numbers with a non-numeric modality indicator, such as an alphabetic character, to differentiate between the two, facilitating user decision-making and call management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If telephone numbers are displayed in a standardized public telephony format, then consistency and recognition are improved, but the ability to distinguish private-exchange numbers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the necessary portion of the telephone number display format. Public telephony numbers are displayed in the standard format ((555) 123-4567) while private-exchange numbers are displayed with a distinctive prefix (X4567). This allows each number type to have its own specific display characteristics while maintaining overall system consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetry by creating an asymmetric display format between public and private-exchange numbers. The standard parenthetical area code format is used for public numbers, while private-exchange numbers use an asymmetric prefix indicator (X) followed by the number digits. This asymmetric treatment enables clear visual distinction between the two number types.
2Ease of operation
If private-exchange numbers are displayed with a distinctive format, then user understanding is improved, but complexity of the display system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the display parameters (format, prefix, structure) based on the detected type of telephone number. The system changes the presentation parameters dynamically - using standard formatting for public numbers and distinctive formatting with an X prefix for private-exchange numbers. This allows clear user understanding without requiring a completely complex display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by making the display format adaptive and dynamic rather than static. The control circuit detects the number type and automatically adjusts the display format accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide appropriate formatting for each number type without requiring manual user configuration or complex predefined formats.
3Ease of operation
If automatic detection of number type is implemented, then user decision-making is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and classifying the telephone number type in advance, before the user needs to make a calling decision. The control circuit analyzes the number format and determines whether it is a public telephony number or private-exchange number upfront, allowing the appropriate display format to be prepared in advance. This preliminary detection streamlines the user's decision-making process without significant time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit automatically presents on a display public telephony system telephone numbers using a presentation format that is standard for the public telephony system and private-exchange telephone numbers using a presentation format that includes a non-numeric private exchange modality indicator. By one approach, the non-numeric private exchange modality indicator consists of a single alphabetic character (such as, for example, the alphabetic character “X”) which may, if desired, by presented contiguously with the remainder of the private-exchange telephone number.