Smartphone Screen Lock Incoming Call Handling Method

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In smartphones with screen lock states, users face inconvenience in handling incoming calls without unlocking the device, leading to potential mis-touch activation of unintended functions after communication ends.

Innovation Solution

A method and device configuration that displays a full-screen incoming call frame when the device is in a screen lock state, allowing users to handle calls through input instructions, and automatically returns to the screen lock state after a predefined idle time post-handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device exits screen lock state to handle incoming call, then call handling convenience is improved, but screen lock protection function is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall handling convenienceVSAvoidscreen lock protection function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the screen lock state into two modes: a locked state for protection and an incoming call handling state for convenience. The system automatically transitions between these states based on call events, allowing call handling without full authentication while maintaining protection for other functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically exiting screen lock state upon detecting an incoming call and automatically returning to locked state after call handling. This eliminates the need for manual lock/unlock operations by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the device remains in screen lock state after call, then protection function is maintained, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen lock protection functionVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically returning to screen lock state after incoming call handling is completed. This eliminates the need for users to manually re-lock the device, maintaining protection while improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by automatically managing the screen lock state transitions based on call events. The device monitors call status and autonomously adjusts the lock state without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If the device uses small scale window for incoming call prompt, then screen space is saved, but information visibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen space utilizationVSAvoidcalling party information visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the display mode adaptable based on the current state. During incoming call handling, the system dynamically switches to full-screen mode to maximize information visibility, while returning to normal mode when not handling calls to preserve screen space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8155635B2Method for handling incoming call in screen lock state, communication device and recording medium thereof

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 HTC CORP

AI summary

A method for handling an incoming call in a screen lock state, a communication device and a recording medium thereof are provided. In the present method, when a communication device in a screen lock state receives an incoming call, the communication device exits the screen lock state and displays an incoming call frame. Then, the incoming call is handled according to an input instruction. After the completion of a handling of the incoming call, an idle time of the communication device that receives no operation is counted. When the idle time reaches a predefined value, the communication device returns to the screen lock state. As a result, a user may conveniently inspect and handle the incoming call even if the communication device is in the screen lock state.