Wireless Mediation Module for Time-Aware Contact Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices lack an effective method to determine appropriate times for contacting recipients across different time zones, leading to unreliable or undesirable communication outcomes, as users often lack knowledge of the recipient's current local time or preferences.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device with a mediation module that initiates an automatic communication session to determine local time information and mediation conditions, providing users with options for contacting the recipient based on these conditions, such as scheduling a call at a later time or using alternative communication modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a user initiates contact with a recipient without knowing the recipient's local time, then the communication can be initiated immediately, but the communication may disturb the recipient or be unreliable due to inappropriate timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining the recipient's local time information and mediation conditions before the actual communication is initiated. The mediation module queries time information from the recipient's device or network records in advance, allowing the system to assess whether the current time is appropriate for contact without delaying the user's communication intent.
Solution Approach 2:
A mediation module is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the communication function. This mediator automatically handles time zone conversions, determines appropriate contact timing based on recipient's local time, and presents users with filtered communication options. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by adding a time-awareness layer without requiring users to manually check time zones.
2Reliability
If the system provides detailed time information and mediation options to the user, then communication reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mediation module functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The mediation module is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. It performs multiple functions including: determining recipient local time, calculating time zone differences, assessing mediation conditions based on user-defined criteria, querying network records for historical time information, and presenting filtered communication options. By consolidating these functions into a single module, the patent avoids the complexity of multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mediation module operates autonomously to minimize user burden and system complexity. It automatically queries time information from the recipient's device or network records without requiring manual user input. The module self-determines appropriate communication timing based on pre-configured mediation conditions and presents users with pre-processed options, eliminating the need for complex user-side time management logic.
3Ease of operation
If the system automatically determines local time information and mediation conditions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to automatic communication sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial automatic actions to balance ease of operation with time efficiency. The mediation module automatically determines time information and mediation conditions, but the final communication decision remains with the user. The module presents filtered options based on time-appropriateness criteria, allowing users to quickly select from pre-processed choices rather than manually evaluating multiple time zone scenarios. This partial automation reduces operational complexity without excessive time consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for time-based mediation of wireless communications is provided to a user of a wireless communications device. The method involves determining local time information (110) associated with the recipient communication device in response to a user-initiated contact function (115); determining a mediation condition (120) based at least in part on said local time information; and if the mediation condition satisfies a predetermined criterion (130): providing, to a user of the wireless communication device, an indication of said mediation condition (155); presenting, to said user, a menu (160) of two or more options for contacting the recipient communication device using the wireless communication device; and initiating communication (170) in accordance with an option selected from said menu. The method can be implemented on an apparatus such as a wireless communication device.