Wearable Call Hold Control With Contextual Caller Messaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smartphone and smartwatch communication systems lack flexible call management options, particularly for placing calls on hold and managing them through a wearable device, and do not allow for contextually relevant messaging to callers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables a smartphone to detect a linked wearable device, allow the user to place incoming calls on hold via the wearable, and send contextually relevant messages to the caller while the call is on hold, using AI-generated responses and user-selectable options on the wearable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If call management is performed only through smartphone, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation is worsened due to lack of flexible call handling options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments call management functionality between smartphone and wearable device. The wearable device handles call acceptance, hold placement, and message sending, while the smartphone maintains core telephony functions. This segmentation allows flexible call management through the wearable without requiring complex integration architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a message intermediary system where the wearable device can send contextual messages to callers during hold periods. This intermediary messaging capability enhances call management flexibility by providing communication options during wait times without requiring direct real-time voice interaction.
2Duration of action of moving object
If call hold duration is extended, then user preparation time is increased, but productivity decreases due to prolonged call delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action during call hold periods by enabling message sending to callers. Instead of passive waiting, the system actively communicates contextual information, prepares call details, and maintains engagement, making the hold period productive rather than wasted time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary actions during call hold periods, such as sending contextual messages to callers and preparing call information. These preliminary actions occur before the actual call connection, allowing users to organize thoughts and communicate necessary information in advance, improving overall call handling efficiency.
3Loss of information
If contextual messaging is added to call management, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases due to AI integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts AI processing capabilities from the wearable device and relocates them to the smartphone or cloud infrastructure. The wearable device simply triggers message generation and receives pre-processed contextual information, while the complex AI processing occurs remotely. This extraction reduces wearable device complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated message generation using AI. The system automatically analyzes call context, generates appropriate messages, and sends them without requiring manual user input. This self-service capability provides comprehensive contextual information while minimizing the complexity burden on the user interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device determines a wearable computing device is communicably linked and receives an incoming phone call. While linked and responsive to the call, the computing device sends an instruction to the wearable computing device to display a user-selectable option to activate an ask-to-hold feature. Upon receiving input from the wearable indicating activation, the computing device connects the phone call and places it on hold. While the call is on hold, the computing device sends a message to the caller device, indicating the callee will be available momentarily. The computing device may then obtain a second input, indicating a user selection to join the call, whereupon the computing device removes the phone call from hold to exchange voice audio. This provides flexible call management from the linked wearable, enabling features such as dynamic countdown timers, AI-generated messages, and options to extend hold time or terminate the call.