Web Platform Select-to-Call Icon Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to make calls from web platforms, as they need to switch contexts from the web content to a separate application, disrupting their browsing experience and lacking integrated functionality for call-related information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing select-to-call functionality within web platforms, such as web browsers, by formatting web content to display icons adjacent to phone numbers, allowing users to initiate calls without leaving the platform, and providing additional information through reverse number lookups from databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users leave the web platform to place calls on a telephone or cell phone, then call functionality is achieved, but user context is completely switched from web content to a different application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines web browsing and telephony functions into a single integrated web platform interface. The communication application presents both web content and call controls within the same browser window, allowing users to initiate calls without leaving the web environment. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate applications and maintains continuous web context during call operations.
2Ease of operation
If users launch a separate application to place peer-to-peer calls, then call functionality is achieved, but user context is switched entirely from web content to a different application
Solution Approach 1:
The web platform is designed to perform multiple functions within a single interface. The communication application enables users to browse web content, initiate calls, receive calls, and access call-related information all through the web browser without requiring separate dedicated applications. This multi-functionality reduces the number of applications users need to manage and switch between.
3Ease of operation
If select-to-call functionality is provided through a web plug-in, then integrated call functionality is achieved, but additional software download and installation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a web plug-in as an intermediary component that bridges the web browser and telephony functionality. The plug-in is downloaded and incorporated into the web platform to enable select-to-call features. This intermediary approach allows integrated call functionality while maintaining the existing web browser architecture, avoiding the need for complete system redesign.
4Ease of operation
If call functionality is integrated into the web platform, then user context is maintained during calls, but additional functionality and complexity are added to the web platform
Solution Approach 1:
The communication application is segmented into distinct functional modules within the web platform. The select-to-call feature, reverse number lookup, and call management are separated as independent components that can be added to the existing web browser without fundamentally altering its core architecture. This segmentation allows integrated functionality while maintaining the modularity and manageability of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Web content is formatted to show an icon adjacent identified phone numbers to enable select-to-call, e.g., click-to-call functionality from within a web platform. The select-to call functionality can enable the user's web platform context to be maintained during the call. In some instances, details associated with the phone number that is called using the select-to call functionality can be retrieved from a database and surfaced to the user, by way of the web platform, to enrich the user's call experience.