Dynamic Call Termination Input for Communication Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio and video communication apparatuses face issues with premature termination of calls, leading to confusion and unnecessary costs, as users often inadvertently end calls shortly after they are established but not yet accepted by the recipient.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus introduces a second functionality for terminating calls only after a predetermined period or upon explicit user confirmation, using distinct input means and visual cues to inform users of the call status, thereby reducing accidental hang-ups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the second input means is used to terminate a call immediately upon activation, then the operation is simple and fast, but premature termination occurs leading to confusion and unnecessary costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall termination operationVSAvoidcall termination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The functionality of the second input means changes dynamically based on call status. During the ringing phase, it terminates the call; during the connected phase, it prompts for confirmation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system both responsive and accurate at different operational stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback about the call establishment status to determine the appropriate response to the second input means activation. When a call is just established, the system feedback triggers a confirmation request, preventing premature termination while maintaining operational simplicity through context-aware behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If the apparatus provides immediate call termination upon second input means activation, then the response time is short, but call costs are incurred and confusion occurs due to premature termination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall termination response timeVSAvoidunnecessary call costs and confusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary check of the call establishment status before executing the termination action. This preliminary assessment prevents harmful premature terminations by identifying calls that are not yet fully established, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs and confusion while maintaining fast response for legitimate termination requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the second input means has a single fixed function, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot prevent premature call termination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput means functionalityVSAvoidcall termination control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second input means is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an immediate termination button during ringing and as a confirmation prompt trigger during connected calls. This universal design maintains low device complexity while enhancing reliability through context-dependent behavior adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10250758B2Apparatus and methods for audio and/or video communication

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 RINGCENTRAL INC

AI summary

An improved apparatus for audio and/or video communication includes first input means for calling another apparatus for audio and/or video communication, and second input means for terminating a call. The apparatus is configured to assign a first functionality to the second input means and a second functionality different from the first functionality to the second input means. Activation of the first and second functionality is dependent upon a status of the audio and/or video communication.