Segmented Wireless Device for Wearable Incoming Call Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular phones are too large and heavy to be conveniently worn due to the inclusion of components like keypads and displays, which are not essential for supporting only incoming calls, and existing small size solutions like pagers and Bluetooth transponders do not meet the need for independent incoming call support and cooperative outgoing call functionality.

Innovation Solution

A wireless telecommunication device comprising a small foreground unit and a background unit, physically separated but in local communication, where the foreground unit supports incoming calls independently and cooperates with the background unit to support outgoing calls, with the foreground unit being designed for minimal size packaging such as a pen or wristwatch and lacking a keypad or display, and the background unit providing standard cellular telephony services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cellular phone includes a keypad and display to support both incoming and outgoing calls, then the device can perform full telephony functions, but the device size and weight increase making it inconvenient to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelephony function supportVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate units: a foreground unit (small, wearable) and a background unit (larger, stationary). The foreground unit handles incoming calls independently while the background unit provides additional functionality for outgoing calls, allowing the system to deliver full telephony capabilities without requiring the wearable component to be large and heavy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a cellular phone includes a keypad and display to support both incoming and outgoing calls, then the device can perform full telephony functions, but the device physical size increases making it inconvenient to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelephony function supportVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate units: a foreground unit (small, wearable) and a background unit (larger, stationary). The foreground unit handles incoming calls independently while the background unit provides additional functionality for outgoing calls, allowing the system to deliver full telephony capabilities without requiring the wearable component to be large and heavy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of stationary object

If a pager or Bluetooth transponder is used to reduce device size, then the device can be made small and wearable, but it cannot independently support incoming calls with full functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoidincoming call support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate units: a foreground unit (small, wearable) and a background unit (larger, stationary). The foreground unit handles incoming calls independently while the background unit provides additional functionality for outgoing calls, allowing the system to deliver full telephony capabilities without requiring the wearable component to be large and heavy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foreground unit acts as an intermediary between the wearable form factor and full telephony functionality. It independently handles incoming calls and coordinates with the background unit for outgoing calls, mediating between the constraints of small size and the requirements of full functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8755846B2Wireless telecommunication device and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A wireless telecommunication device including a foreground unit, and a background unit that is physically separated from the foreground unit and in local communication with the foreground unit. The foreground unit is provided to support incoming calls independently of the background unit. Furthermore, the foreground unit and the background unit cooperate to support outgoing calls. The scope of the invention also includes a method for doing business by offering the foreground unit for sale in a packaging having a form factor selected from the group consisting of: a pen, a pen cap, a wristwatch, and a necklace.