Gesture-Based Call Forwarding via Device Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for forwarding calls between communication devices are cumbersome, requiring complex interactions on small displays and are rarely used due to their complexity, and are not easily generalizable to all communication devices outside of closed systems.

Innovation Solution

A method that identifies a second communication device based on the movement of the first device relative to it, allowing users to initiate call forwarding by simply moving their device in the direction of the intended device, using sensors to detect predetermined movement characteristics and determine the direction, and utilizing local connections or networks to switch the call.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual selection via keys or touch screen is used to forward a call, then the call can be transferred to another communication device, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming due to navigating through user interfaces on small displays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of call forwarding operationVSAvoidtime required for call forwarding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction with keys or touch screen with a gesture-based control system. The movement sensor detects hand movements and translates them into call forwarding commands, eliminating the need to navigate complex user interfaces on small displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies the target communication device based on the direction of the user's hand movement. Instead of requiring the user to manually select the destination device from a list, the system interprets the gesture direction to automatically determine which device should receive the forwarded call.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If call forwarding function is added to mobile phones with small displays, then call transfer capability is provided, but the device complexity and interface complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall forwarding capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex software interface for call forwarding is replaced with a simple physical gesture recognition system. The movement sensor and gesture interpretation system provide call forwarding functionality without requiring complex display interfaces or multiple menu navigation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If call forwarding is implemented in closed telephone systems with short intern numbers, then call forwarding works within the system, but the system cannot be easily generalized to forwarding calls to any communication device outside the closed system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall forwarding compatibilityVSAvoidsystem generalizability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gesture-based call forwarding system is designed to work with any communication device that can be detected by the movement sensor, not just devices within a closed telephone system. The system can interpret gestures to forward calls to various types of communication devices regardless of their specific protocol or network affiliation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach simplifies the call-forwarding process by eliminating the need for complex navigation on the first device, allowing intuitive call forwarding to any nearby device, improving user experience and flexibility in choosing better-suited communication devices for call quality and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a movement sensor is configured to detect a movement of the first communication device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP2802134B1Call-forward initiated by hand movement

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 SWISSCOM AG

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AI summary

Method, computer program and system for forwarding a call from a first communication device (1) to a second communication device (2), comprising the steps of: establishing a call at the first communication device (1); identifying the second communication device (2) on the basis of a direction of a movement of the first communication device (1) relative to the second communication device (2); and forwarding the established call to the second communication device (2). The movement corresponds to a hand gesture of the user.