Foot-Actuated Hands-Free Call Control System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free solutions for answering and ending calls are either incomplete or lack market acceptance, particularly for users who are occupied with their hands or have mobility impairments, as they require manual intervention or do not allow call screening.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free headset system integrated with a foot-operated, hands-free call answering and ending element that communicates electronically with a network interface device, enabling wireless or hardwired connectivity for convenient call management without breaking rhythm or using hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button on the headset or remote dial pad is used to answer/end calls, then call management function is achieved, but manual intervention is required which interrupts user's current task
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-push operation with a foot-actuated mechanism that uses foot movement to trigger call answering and ending functions. This substitution allows users to operate the telephone system without using their hands, thereby avoiding interruption of manual tasks being performed with hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foot-operated control device as an intermediary between the user and the telephone system. This intermediary device translates foot movements into electrical signals that control call answering and ending, providing a hands-free interface that does not require direct manual interaction with the telephone equipment.
2Ease of operation
If handset lifters are used to remotely answer telephones, then remote call answering is achieved, but the solution is incomplete and lacks market acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hands-free control system that can answer calls, end calls, and provide additional functions like redial, call-waiting, and flash capabilities through a single foot-operated interface. This multi-functional approach makes the solution complete and adaptable to various calling scenarios, unlike previous single-function handset lifters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple telephone control functions (answer, end, redial, call-waiting, flash) into a single integrated foot-operated control device. This combination provides a complete hands-free solution that addresses all common calling needs without requiring multiple separate devices or manual interventions.
3Extent of automation
If automatic call answering is set on cell phone or in call center, then hands-free operation is achieved, but call screening capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic control system where the level of automation can be adjusted by the user. The foot-operated interface allows selective activation of automatic answering for desired calls while maintaining the ability to manually screen and reject unwanted calls, providing flexible control between automatic and manual operation modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A telephone headset system having a network interface device, a head set including a headphone and a microphone, and a foot operated, hands free call answering and call ending element. The network interface device, headset, and call answering and call ending element are electronically in communication with each other.