Media Playback Device Call Handling via Wireless Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often miss incoming calls when their phone is out of reach, as current mobile devices lack a seamless way to handle calls using media playback devices like wireless headsets, which are commonly used during activities like workouts.

Innovation Solution

A media playback device system that establishes a connection with a communication device to receive incoming call indications, provides alerts, and allows users to accept or reject calls through a user interface on the media playback device, while also securely accessing restricted data and resuming media playback after the call.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users rely on mobile devices to handle incoming calls, then call handling capability is maintained, but users may miss calls when the device is out of reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall handling reliabilityVSAvoidcall accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments call handling functionality from the mobile device and transfers it to the media playback device. The media playback device can independently receive incoming call indications, display alerts, and process call actions (accept/reject) without requiring the mobile device to be physically accessible to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The media playback device acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the user during call handling. It receives call data from the mobile device via wireless communication, presents the call interface to the user, and transmits user actions back to the mobile device, enabling call management when the phone is out of reach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If media playback devices are used for call handling, then call accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall accessibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The media playback device is enhanced with multi-functionality to handle both media playback and telecommunication functions. By integrating call handling capabilities into an existing media device, the system avoids adding dedicated hardware and leverages the device's existing processing, display, and communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The media playback device autonomously handles call processing tasks including receiving call indications, displaying call information, presenting user interface options, and transmitting user responses. This self-service capability eliminates the need for direct mobile device involvement during call handling, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If call handling is integrated into media playback devices, then call accessibility improves, but security risks for restricted data increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall accessibilityVSAvoiddata security risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication credentials are pre-stored in the media playback device's secure element before call handling operations begin. This preliminary setup enables automatic authentication during call processes without requiring users to manually enter credentials, thereby preventing credential exposure and maintaining security while enabling seamless call access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8892088B2Systems and methods for handling incoming calls on a media device

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 HTC CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments for handling an incoming call are disclosed. One embodiment is a method implemented in a media playback device. The method comprises establishing, by the media playback device, a connection with an output device and streaming, by the media playback device, audio content to the output device. The method further comprises receiving, by the media playback device, an indication from a communication device of an incoming call received by the communication device and responsive to receiving the indication, providing, by the media playback device, an alert corresponding to the incoming call.