Mobile Terminal Sensor-Driven Communication Initiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile terminal devices require multiple steps for users to initiate communication with a specific contact, such as placing a call or sending an email, which can be cumbersome, especially when responding to contacts who have already communicated.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mobile phone terminal device with a controller, action determination unit, and sensors (acceleration and proximity) that allow users to initiate communication by selecting a direct communication area on the screen and bringing the device close to their ear, automatically determining the appropriate action based on user input and sensor data to reduce the number of steps required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional menu-based communication initiation is used, then communication functionality is complete, but the number of steps required is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of steps to initiate communicationVSAvoidoperation procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads communication options (call, mail, etc.) into a queue before the user actually initiates communication. When the user selects a contact and performs a simple action like pressing the earpiece, the pre-loaded options are automatically executed in sequence, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple menu layers at the moment of communication initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication initiation process is automated through the action determination unit that automatically selects and executes communication methods based on pre-stored settings and current context. The system serves itself by autonomously determining whether to initiate a call, send mail, or perform other communication actions without requiring manual menu navigation, reducing operational steps while maintaining functional completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic communication initiation is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but risk of incorrect action increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of communication initiationVSAvoidaccuracy of action execution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the action determination unit continuously monitors user actions, sensor data (acceleration, proximity), and communication history to dynamically adjust communication initiation decisions. This feedback loop ensures that automated actions align with user intent by verifying contextual cues before executing communication commands, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The communication initiation system dynamically adapts its behavior based on real-time conditions including user actions, device orientation, communication history, and pre-stored preferences. Rather than rigid automatic execution, the system flexibly determines the appropriate communication method by weighing multiple dynamic factors, ensuring accurate action execution while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication options are provided, then adaptability is high, but decision complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication method optionsVSAvoidselection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments communication options into distinct, pre-configured categories (call, mail, other communication means) with dedicated handling procedures. Each communication type is processed independently through specialized routines, allowing the system to maintain high adaptability across multiple communication methods while reducing selection complexity by presenting segmented, manageable options rather than a monolithic choice set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal device integrates multiple communication functions (telephone calling, mail sending, other communication means) into a single unified interface. The action determination unit universally handles all communication types through a common decision-making framework that adapts to the specific situation, allowing the system to provide versatile communication options while maintaining a simple, consistent user interaction model.

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 solution significantly reduces the number of steps needed to initiate communication, allowing users to quickly place calls or switch to other communication methods by simplifying the process through sensor-driven automation.

Implementation Method 1

an acceleration sensor that acquires magnitude of user actions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a proximity sensor that detects whether or not the mobile terminal device is close to the user's ear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3664426B1Mobile terminal device
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3664426B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3664426B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3664426B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A mobile terminal device (100) comprising: a communication processor (102) that is configured to conduct wireless communication processing; an operation unit (107) that is configured to receive an instruction input from a user for selecting a communication contact; a displacement detector (132) that is configured to detect a magnitude of displacement in orientation of the mobile terminal device; a proximity sensor (131) that is configured to detect the proximity of an object; and a controller (110) configured to cause the communication processor (102) to conduct the wireless communication with the selected communication contact according to the detected magnitude of displacement and the detected proximity of the object.