Soft Push-to-Talk Button with Call Hang Time Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic communications devices with push-to-talk functionality often rely on mechanical input mechanisms and call hang time indicators, which can be cumbersome and require additional network coordination, limiting user interface flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a graphical user interface with a soft push-to-talk button and a call hang time indicator on a touch screen, allowing for visual representation of call hang time proximity to the button, enabling electronic processor-controlled push-to-talk channel management without mechanical inputs and network-specific indicators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical input mechanisms are used for push-to-talk functionality, then the device provides reliable transmit/receive mode control, but the device complexity increases and user interface flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush-to-talk functionalityVSAvoidmechanical input mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input mechanisms (physical buttons, switches) with a graphical user interface displayed on a touch screen. The GUI includes visual indicators for call hang time and soft buttons for push-to-talk control, eliminating the need for mechanical components while maintaining reliable transmit/receive mode control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If network-specific call hang time indicators are implemented, then the call hang time is clearly indicated to users, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to various networks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall hang time indicationVSAvoidnetwork compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal graphical user interface that displays call hang time indicators in a standardized visual format (e.g., progress bars, animated icons) that works across multiple communication networks. The GUI adapts to different network types (Push-to-Talk over Cellular, land mobile radio, etc.) while maintaining consistent user feedback mechanisms, eliminating the need for network-specific indicator hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If mechanical input mechanisms and network-specific indicators are used, then the push-to-talk functionality is reliable, but the ease of operation is reduced due to cumbersome interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush-to-talk functionalityVSAvoiduser interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces cumbersome mechanical input mechanisms with intuitive graphical user interface elements on a touch screen. Users can interact with soft buttons and visual indicators through touch input, providing a more natural and easier operating experience while maintaining reliable push-to-talk functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The graphical user interface automatically displays call hang time indicators and push-to-talk status information without requiring users to interpret mechanical positions or external indicators. The system self-updates the visual display based on communication state, reducing the cognitive load and operational complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9788172B1Call hang time indicator for an electronic communications device

Publication Date: 2017.10.10 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An electronic communications device including a transceiver, a touch screen display, and an electronic processor and a method for controlling same. The method includes generating, with the electronic processor, a graphical user interface including a soft push-to-talk button and a call hang time indicator, indicating visually a call hang time, in proximity to the soft push-to-talk button. The method also includes displaying the graphical user interface on the touch screen display, receiving, from the touch screen display, a first input selecting the soft push-to-talk button, and, in response to receiving the first input, establishing a push-to-talk channel via the transceiver.