Multi-Device Phone Interface for Seamless Call Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for controlling phone operations on electronic devices are cumbersome, inefficient, and time-consuming, often requiring multiple key presses and interactions with multiple devices, which wastes user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A versatile user interface that allows efficient control of phone call operations across multiple devices, such as a cellular phone, wearable headset, and wearable multi-function device, using a touch-sensitive display and intuitive gestures to manage phone operations without the need for complex interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing techniques are used to control phone operations, then phone call functionality can be achieved, but the user interface becomes complex and time-consuming with multiple key presses and device interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines call control functionality across multiple devices (mobile phone, wearable device, headset) into a unified system. The wearable device can answer calls, and the mobile phone can automatically route calls to the wearable device, eliminating the need for separate interactions with each device and simplifying the overall user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone is designed to perform multiple functions beyond traditional call control, including automatically managing call routing to wearable devices, detecting headset connections, and coordinating with multiple devices simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate applications or manual configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing techniques are used to control phone operations across multiple devices, then comprehensive device control is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting headset connections and pre-configuring call routing before calls occur. The mobile phone proactively manages device coordination and call routing decisions, eliminating the need for continuous user input or complex real-time negotiations between devices, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone autonomously manages call routing and device coordination without requiring continuous user intervention. The system self-adjusts based on detected device states (such as headset connection), performing automatic routing decisions and reducing the computational overhead required for multi-device coordination.
3Reliability
If existing techniques are used for phone operations, then basic call functionality is maintained, but cognitive burden on the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile phone detects headset connections and automatically adjusts call routing based on this information. The wearable device provides feedback about its availability and connection state, allowing the system to automatically make intelligent routing decisions without requiring the user to manually manage each device's state.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device having a user interface for accessing phone features. The user interface accounts for whether the electronic device is connected to a companion cellular phone. The user interface accounts for a headset is available for use to carry on a call. The user interface permits transition between using one or more of cellular phone, headset, and/or the electronic device to be used for carrying on incoming or outgoing calls.