Sub-Call Window Interface for Non-Interrupting Task Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smartphones suspend current tasks when an incoming call is received, requiring users to restart their activities after answering the call, which is inconvenient and disrupts ongoing operations like messaging or multimedia usage.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic apparatus with a touch display screen and processing unit that displays a sub-call window interface during incoming calls, allowing users to answer or deny calls without suspending their current tasks, featuring control keys for communication operations within the existing task interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the smartphone switches to the call interface when an incoming call is received, then the user can answer the call, but the current task is suspended and must be restarted
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into a main task interface and a sub-call window interface. The call interface is divided into a separate window that can coexist with the task interface, allowing users to answer calls without leaving the current task. This segmentation enables simultaneous access to both call functionality and task functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The call interface is nested within the task interface as a sub-window. The sub-call window is displayed on top of the current task interface, creating a layered structure where the call interface is contained within the task interface. This nesting allows the call interface to be accessible while the task interface remains visible and operational in the background.
2Ease of operation
If the smartphone switches to the call interface when an incoming call is received, then the user can answer the call, but the current task interface is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The interface structure is made dynamic by allowing the call interface to switch between full-screen mode and sub-window mode. The system can adaptively change the call interface display based on user interaction, transitioning from a suspended state to an active sub-window state. This dynamic behavior provides flexibility in how the interface adapts to different user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same interface can display either the full task interface or the call interface, or both together in a combined layout. This multi-functionality allows the interface to adapt to different operational modes without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each function.
3Productivity
If the smartphone displays one interface at a time, then the interface is simple, but the user cannot perform multiple tasks simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The interface transitions from a single-dimensional full-screen display to a two-dimensional layered structure. By introducing the sub-window dimension, the system can display multiple interfaces simultaneously at different spatial layers. This dimensional change enables multi-tasking by allowing the call interface and task interface to coexist in the same screen space without overlapping conflicts.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handheld electronic apparatus and an incoming call processing method of the handheld electronic apparatus are provided. When an incoming call is received, a type of an operating interface displayed on a touch display screen is determined; according to the type of the operating interface, it is decided whether to display a sub-call window interface on the operating interface.