Interactive Phone Call: Exploring Interactions during Phone Calls using Projector Phones

Despite all the benefits the mobile phone offers, during a phone call it largely remains unused. Access to its applications, services and vast amount of online information is prohibited since the user interface is engaged with an active call. In this paper we explore interactions during active phone calls to satisfy common scenarios and tasks and also support interpersonal distributed interactions between callers. Using a projector phone we project a virtual mobile phone interface from the bottom of the mobile phone whilst the user is holding the device to their ear. Combining this with touch technology we allow the user to directly interact with their mobile phone, applications and services during a call. By considering alternative forms of projection technology, for example an ear worn device which encompasses a pico projector and camera we can support two handed interaction between the projection and the physical mobile phone and provide multi-touch interactions in mobile settings, ideal for nomadic users. The paper presents several real life scenarios which benefit from the ability in being able to interact with a mobile phone during a call.