Bio-signal Based Mode Switching for Mobile Communication Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Recent electronic devices, such as mobile communication terminals, lack the ability to automatically switch between receiver, speaker, and video modes during calls due to touch protection features that prevent accidental mode changes, limiting user flexibility during voice communication sessions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating biometric sensors to detect user bio-signals, allowing the electronic device to automatically switch modes or control communication session volumes based on these signals, enabling seamless transitions between receiver, speaker, and video modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If touch protection function is activated to prevent accidental mode switching, then reliability of preventing unnecessary touch input is improved, but ease of operation for intentional mode switching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bio-signal detection as an intermediary mechanism between user intent and mode switching. The biometric sensor detects physiological signals (heart rate, skin conductance) that change when the user intentionally interacts with the device, serving as a mediator that distinguishes intentional from accidental touches without requiring the user to disable touch protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based mode switching system with a bio-signal-based detection system. Instead of relying on physical contact mechanics that are difficult to differentiate between accidental and intentional inputs, the system uses physiological signal detection to determine user intent, enabling mode switching without mechanical touch interaction
2Measurement precision
If manual mode switching is required during calls, then control precision over device modes is improved, but loss of time for mode switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user intent through bio-signal monitoring before mode switching is needed. By continuously monitoring physiological signals during the call, the system is already aware of the user's state and can immediately execute mode switching when the appropriate bio-signal pattern is detected, eliminating the time delay associated with manual switching operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If bio-signal detection is added to enable automatic mode switching, then adaptability of the device is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of biometric sensors that serve multiple functions: they can detect presence, authenticate users, and now detect mode switching intent. By using the same sensor hardware for multiple purposes, the patent adds adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the sensor infrastructure already exists for other biometric functions
Data Source
AI summary
A method by an electronic device may include detecting a bio-signal related to a user of the electronic device from at least one biometric sensor of the electronic device, and switching a mode or controlling a volume of a communication session between the electronic device and another electronic device based on at least part of the bio-signal. Other embodiments are also possible.