Wireless Call Note Indicator via Color Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless devices lack effective management of call notes during active calls, making it unclear when a call note is created and how to recall or edit it, leading to user confusion.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for managing call notes in wireless devices, which includes creating a call note menu, displaying a call note indicator on the active call screen, and allowing users to create, recall, edit, and manage call notes through a call notes manager module, with options for further processing like forwarding or archiving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If call notes are created during active calls without visual indicators, then the device maintains a clean simple interface, but users become confused and unaware that notes have been created

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser awareness of call note creationVSAvoidInterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by modifying the icon's appearance (e.g., adding color overlays, changing brightness, or altering visual properties) to indicate the presence of call notes. This allows users to quickly identify note status without adding complex interface elements, resolving the contradiction between user awareness and interface simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator (icon with modifier) that mediates between the call note data structure and the user interface. This intermediary provides clear feedback about note creation while maintaining the existing interface framework, avoiding direct complexity addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If visual indicators are added to show call note status, then user awareness and feedback are improved, but the interface becomes more cluttered and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInformation about call notesVSAvoidInterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the call note status information with existing interface elements (icons, buttons, or display areas) rather than adding separate dedicated indicators. This combining approach preserves information about call notes while avoiding interface clutter, as the status is integrated into familiar UI components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By using color modifications on existing icons or interface elements to convey call note status, the patent transmits information efficiently without adding visual clutter. The color changes serve as subtle yet effective indicators that integrate seamlessly into the existing interface design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive call note management features are provided (create, recall, edit, delete, forward, archive), then functionality and user control are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCall note management capabilityVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal call note management system where a single integrated module handles multiple operations (create, recall, edit, delete, forward, archive). This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive adaptability while consolidating complexity into one cohesive system rather than分散 multiple separate features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the call note management system with all necessary functions and interfaces ready before use. Users can immediately access comprehensive management capabilities without encountering progressive complexity, as the system is prepared in advance with all features integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2493158B1Apparatus and method for managing call notes in a wireless device
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2493158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2493158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2493158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus and a method in a wireless device provide for managing call notes associated with an active call. An active call is established on the wireless device. Thereafter, a new call note is created during the active call. In response to the new call note, a call note indicator is displayed on the active call screen or the wireless device. The call note indicator can be an icon. The icon can indicate a count of the multiple call notes associated with the active call.