Ear Biometric Motion Detection for Hands-Free Call Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing call control systems for wireless telephones, such as mobile and cordless phones, are inconvenient as they require manual operation to switch between lines, use speakerphone, answer calls, or manage call holds, especially when the user is walking or driving.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use biometric information from the user's ears to detect changes in motion and position, allowing for automatic call control operations such as switching between lines, answering calls, and managing call holds without manual intervention, utilizing visual, sonic, or motion detection techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual button operation is used for call control, then call switching can be performed, but the user cannot operate while walking or driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs call control operations automatically by detecting the user's ear position and motion state without requiring manual button presses. The telephone self-monitors its own position relative to the user's ear and autonomously executes call switching, speakerphone activation, and call holding based on detected motion patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical button pressing with automatic detection systems including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ear position sensors. These systems detect motion and position changes to trigger call control functions, eliminating the need for mechanical user interaction while maintaining full call control capability.
2Ease of operation
If the user takes the telephone away from their ear to manually switch lines, then call control is possible, but the operation becomes inconvenient during walking or driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors ear position and motion state in advance, so when a call control operation is needed, the telephone is already prepared to execute the command immediately based on pre-detected motion patterns, eliminating the time delay associated with manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback by monitoring ear position and motion state, allowing the telephone to automatically adjust and execute call control operations based on real-time detection of user intent, eliminating the need for separate manual activation steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus perform call control by obtaining initial biometric information of ears of a user of a handheld audio device; detecting a change in the biometric information of the ears of the user; determining a position and motion of the handheld audio device by analyzing the detected change in biometric information; and performing call control based on the determined position and motion. Further, the method and apparatus perform a first call control operation in response to the determined motion and position if the handheld audio device is communicating with a first endpoint and a second call control operation if communicating with a second endpoint. In addition, the method and apparatus change an internal call control operation of a handheld audio device by determining motion and a position of the handheld audio device. Also, the method and apparatus control internal operations of an endpoint by determining motion and position of the handheld audio device without terminating communication with the handheld audio device wherein the endpoint is one of a voice messaging system, conferencing system, or telephone operator.