TV Communication Client With Deferred Call Notifications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet-based communication systems, such as VoIP, are limited in accessibility due to the need for technical competence to install and operate client software on personal computers, and their use is often disruptive when integrated with media appliances like televisions, interfering with viewing activities.
Innovation Solution
A media appliance with an embedded processor executes a communication client application that defers notifications of incoming calls until after a delineation in the viewing activity, using program schedule information or real-time indicators to determine suitable notification times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet-based communication client software is installed on a personal computer, then communication functionality is provided, but technical competence barrier increases and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The television set integrates multiple functions including traditional viewing, packet-based communication (VoIP, messaging), and media playback capabilities. By embedding the communication client software within the television, the device becomes a universal hub that serves both entertainment and communication purposes, eliminating the need for separate personal computers and reducing the technical barrier for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The television set provides communication services autonomously without requiring users to manually install or configure client software. The embedded communication client automatically handles connection setup, authentication, and communication protocols, allowing users to simply use the television for both viewing and communicating without technical intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication client is executed on a personal computer, then full range of features is available, but viewing comfort and natural environment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication client functionality with the television set, combining viewing and communication capabilities in a single device. This integration allows users to maintain their natural viewing environment while accessing full communication features, as the television serves dual purposes without requiring users to switch between different devices or locations.
3Productivity
If incoming calls are notified immediately during viewing activity, then communication responsiveness is improved, but viewing disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the current viewing state. When viewing activity is detected, the system suppresses or defers incoming call notifications to prevent disruption. When viewing activity ends or pauses, the system becomes more responsive to notifications. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between communication responsiveness and viewing comfort based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting viewing activity status before allowing notifications to interrupt. By monitoring the viewing state in advance and suppressing notifications proactively during viewing periods, the system prevents viewing disruption before it occurs, while still maintaining communication responsiveness when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
A media appliance comprising: video apparatus for outputting signals to a screen; a control device allowing a user to control the output of signals from the video apparatus to the screen, thereby selecting a viewing activity; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; a memory storing a communication client application; and processing apparatus, coupled to the memory, network interface and video apparatus, and arranged to execute the communication client application; wherein the client application is configured so as when executed to allow the user to conduct bidirectional communications with other users via the packet-based network, and output notifications to the user of incoming communication events received from other users over the packet-based network; and wherein the client application is further configured to defer one or more of said notifications of incoming communication events received during said viewing activity, determine a delineation in the viewing activity, and automatically output the one or more notifications to the user following said delineation.