Communication Device Auto-Answer Logic for Hands-Free Safety

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users, especially those engaged in activities like driving or with physical disabilities, face difficulties in manually answering phone calls, as existing systems require manual intervention, which can be dangerous or impractical.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for automatically answering calls on a communication device, using a mobile device with a communication headset, where the device detects an incoming call and automatically connects it if a headset is present, or allows user override, with features to disable auto-answer if no voice is detected and after a predetermined number of failed connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual intervention is required to answer calls, then user control over calls is maintained, but safety and accessibility are compromised for users engaged in activities like driving or with physical disabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidautomatic call answering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting incoming calls and answering them without requiring user intervention. The communication device monitors for incoming calls and autonomously initiates the calling sequence, allowing users to remain engaged in other activities while still receiving and handling communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the automatic answering sequence and detecting call conditions before user intervention would be needed. The device is prepared in advance to automatically respond to incoming calls based on predetermined conditions, eliminating the need for manual response at the moment of the call.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automatic answering is implemented without conditions, then ease of operation is improved, but unintended connections and privacy issues may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic call answeringVSAvoidintended connection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its automatic answering behavior based on real-time conditions. It monitors whether the device is in a suitable state for automatic answering (such as whether a communication headset is connected) and modifies its response accordingly. This dynamic adaptation ensures that automatic answering only occurs when appropriate, preventing unintended connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to verify that automatic answering is appropriate before executing it. It monitors conditions such as headset connection status and user presence, and uses this feedback information to determine whether to proceed with automatic answering. This feedback loop prevents premature or inappropriate automatic connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automatic answering is enabled continuously, then productivity is improved, but user privacy and control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall handling efficiencyVSAvoiduser control over calls
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically enables or disables automatic answering based on current conditions such as whether a communication headset is connected. When a headset is detected, automatic answering is enabled to improve productivity; when no headset is connected, automatic answering is disabled to maintain user control. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between productivity and user control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of automatic answering based on detected conditions. It monitors parameters such as headset connection status and adjusts the automatic answering function accordingly. This parameter change allows the system to optimize productivity when conditions are appropriate while maintaining user control when they are not.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2702752B1System and method for automatically answering a call on a communication device
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2702752B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2702752B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2702752B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system and method for answering a call on a communication device is provided and includes: detecting an incoming call on the communication device, automatically answering the incoming call, and detecting whether an audio signal is received through the microphone of the communication device. Upon not detecting an audio signal, the call is disconnected.