Multi-Call Interface Highlighting for Reduced Cognitive Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-call functionality in communications devices often confuses users by providing numerous options for establishing a second call without dropping the first call, leading to cognitive loading and potential confusion regarding the first call's details.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit in a portable electronic device displays a user-selectable option to return to the first party, highlighted with contrasting color, allowing users to easily manage multiple calls by accessing a contacts list or dialing keypad, and providing a consistent intuitive interface for merging calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple call options are provided to users, then call management functionality is improved, but user confusion and cognitive loading increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and highlights only the essential information (first party identifier and return option) from the complex multi-call interface, separating it from other call management options. This extraction reduces cognitive load by presenting only the most critical information needed to return to the first call, while maintaining full functionality through the highlighted option.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using visual highlighting (contrasting color) specifically on the option to return to the first call and merge calls. This localized enhancement draws user attention to the most important function without requiring changes to the entire interface, thereby reducing confusion while preserving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive options for establishing a second call are provided, then call establishment versatility is improved, but cognitive loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by preserving and displaying the first party identifier before the user initiates a second call. By maintaining this information in a highlighted, easily accessible format, the system ensures users can recall first call details without relying on memory, thereby preventing information loss while allowing extensive call establishment options.
3Ease of operation
If a simple interface is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but call management functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a highlighted option that serves multiple functions: it identifies the first call, provides a return mechanism, and enables call merging. This single highlighted element consolidates multiple call management functions into one intuitive interface element, maintaining simplicity while preserving full multi-call functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control circuit, during a call via a wireless transceiver with a first party, permits a user to establish a call via the wireless transceiver with a second party apart from the call with the first party and then, during at least a part of a call-establishment process to establish a call with the second party, displays via a touch-screen display a user-selectable option to return to the call with the first party. This user-selectable option can comprise, at least in part, a moniker for the first party. The control circuit may obtain this moniker by accessing a contacts list. If desired, this user-selectable option can be colored a color that contrasts with other displayed proximal colors then presently displayed on the touch-screen display in order to highlight the user-selectable option's availability.