Multi-Display Call Answering by Hinge Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices with multiple displays face challenges in adapting device functions to different physical states while maintaining a consistent user experience, particularly when handling phone calls, as certain functions are more amenable to specific display orientations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-display computing device that adjusts user interfaces and device functions based on its current pose and operating state, using sensor systems to determine the relative orientation of its displays and adapt the user interface accordingly, guiding users to operate the device in orientations more suitable for phone calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device provides multiple display orientations for phone calls, then the adaptability to different physical states is improved, but the complexity of adapting device functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of device functions based on real-time detection of display orientation and physical state. The system automatically adjusts which display is active for phone calls, switches between displays during calls, and modifies audio routing based on the current configuration, making the device behavior flexible and context-aware without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as active display selection, display activation timing, and audio output routing based on detected physical state parameters. By monitoring orientation angles and display positions, the system modifies its behavior parameters to optimize phone call functionality for each specific configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the device automatically answers calls based on display orientation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of call handling decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring automatic answer behavior based on detected display orientation. When the device is held in a specific configuration (e.g., display angled for hands-free use), the system proactively sets up automatic answer functionality before the call arrives, making the operation seamless while maintaining user control through configurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can confirm or modify automatic answer decisions. The interface provides visual and auditory feedback to indicate when automatic answer is active, and allows users to override the automatic behavior if needed, ensuring both ease of operation and reliability through user-in-the-loop validation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device transfers user interface between displays, then the adaptability to different operating states is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preparation for UI transfer by pre-loading the user interface onto the destination display before the actual transfer is needed. When a display switch is detected or anticipated, the interface elements are already positioned and ready, eliminating delays and making the transition instantaneous from the user's perspective.
Solution Approach 2:
The UI transfer process is designed to continue useful actions without interruption. The user interface maintains its functional state during the transition, and the transfer occurs in the background without pausing call operations or user interactions. The useful action of communicating with the user is continuous while the technical transfer of interface elements occurs concurrently.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples that relate to calling on a computing device are disclosed. One example provides a computing device, comprising, a first display a second display, a sensor system a logic subsystem and a storage subsystem comprising instructions executable by the logic subsystem to output, via one or both of the first display and the second display, a notification of an incoming phone call at the computing device, and based on output from the sensor system indicating a relative angle between the first display and the second display being changed to an angle greater than a predetermined angle, answer the incoming phone call.