Method for transferring a call

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for transferring a call. The method involves receiving, by means of an application, instructions to transfer a call from a first communication module to a second communication module, wherein the same telephone number or different telephone numbers is / are assigned to the first communication module and the second communication module; transmitting, by means of the application, a trigger with respect to the transfer of the call to a mobile radio network operator to which the first communication module and the second communication module are assigned; transmitting, by means of the mobile radio network operator, instructions to the second communication module to output an incoming call display or a signal; and transferring, by means of the mobile radio network operator, the call from the first communication module to the second communication module on the basis of a user input with respect to the incoming call display or signal.

Description

[0001] Call transfer procedure

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method for call transfer, a storage medium with an application for implementing the method, a mobile device with the storage medium, and a communication system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to call transfer between two communication modules that are assigned the same telephone number.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] The communicative networking of modern vehicles is becoming increasingly important. For example, a user can make phone calls and access cloud-based services using a communication module installed in the vehicle. The vehicle's communication module can, for example, include a SIM card that enables such connectivity via a mobile network, such as an LTE or 5G network.

[0005] In addition, users today often use a variety of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. If the user leaves the vehicle while a call is active in the vehicle, they may want to transfer the call to such a mobile device. However, this is not possible or is difficult to do, especially if the call is active on the vehicle's communication module and not on the mobile device. This can cause inconvenience for the user.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method for call transfer, a storage medium with an application for carrying out the method, a mobile device with the storage medium, and a communication system that enable efficient call transfer between two communication modules. Furthermore, it is an object of the present disclosure to ensure user-friendliness when transferring calls between two

[0008] to improve communication modules.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0010] According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for call transfer is specified. The method comprises receiving, by an application, an instruction to transfer a call from a first communication module to a second communication module, wherein the same telephone number is assigned to the first communication module and the second communication module or different telephone numbers are assigned; sending, by the application, a trigger relating to the transfer of the call to a mobile network operator to which the first communication module and the second communication module are assigned; sending, by the mobile network operator, an instruction to the second communication module to output a call incoming indication orSignaling; and handing over, by the mobile network operator, the call from the first communication module to the second communication module based on a user input related to the call incoming indication or signaling.

[0011] For example, if a user leaves a vehicle and is currently making a call using the vehicle's eSIM, they may want to transfer the call to their mobile phone or another device with the same phone number (or a pre-configured device with a different number). According to the invention, a dedicated trigger is used to transfer the call from the vehicle to the mobile phone, so that, for example, all of the user's devices with the same phone number are signaled. If the user accepts the call on the mobile phone, the call is transferred from the vehicle to the mobile phone.

[0012] According to the invention, the trigger is generated by the application. In other words, the trigger is not a modem trigger, such as a SIP invite. In particular, the call transfer is not triggered by the communication module of the transferring mobile device or its modem. This enables flexible, uncomplicated, and cost-effective call transfer independent of the specific modem architecture of the communication module of the transferring mobile device.

[0013] The first communication module and the second communication module are preferably assigned the same telephone number. In a further embodiment, the second communication module can be assigned a different telephone number than the first communication module. The term "telephone number" here refers to a sequence of numbers used to dial a target subscriber during a telephone call.

[0014] The term "application," as used in the present disclosure, refers to application software or an application program. In particular, the application is a computer program that independently provides the system-technical functionality according to the invention with respect to the trigger.

[0015] Preferably, the first communication module and / or the second communication module are configured to communicate wirelessly in a mobile network. The first communication module and / or the second communication module can be configured, for example, for communication according to the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) standard and / or the 5G standard. Communication via other common or future communication technologies is possible. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the mobile radio standard, and non-mobile radio standards may be used.

[0016] The term "mobile network operator" as used in the present disclosure generally refers to a network operator of a mobile network (mobile network operator or mobile network operator (MNO)). The mobile network operator can, for example, enable communication in a mobile network according to the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) standard and / or the 5G standard. Preferably, the first communication module comprises a first communication profile of the user. The first communication profile can, for example, be a first SIM profile or eSIM profile of the user.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the second communication module can include a second communication profile of the user. The second communication profile can be, for example, a second SIM profile or eSIM profile.

[0018] The SIM or eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) is a standardized method for securely embedding subscriber information in a communications module of a telecommunications device. Security and data confidentiality are crucial for communication via the eSIM. For this purpose, the corresponding communications module contains a standardized digital certificate. A multitude of different certificates exist worldwide, with a specific type of eSIM only functioning with a specific type of certificate.

[0019] However, the present disclosure is not limited to SIM profiles or eSIM profiles, and the first communication profile and / or the second communication profile may implement other IDs, which may, for example, be preconfigured by the user. An example of such an additional ID that may be used as a communication profile is a Microsoft Teams ID.

[0020] Preferably, the first communication module is included or integrated in a first mobile device. Additionally or alternatively, the second communication module can be included or integrated in a second mobile device.

[0021] Preferably, the first mobile device and / or the second mobile device are selected from the group comprising or consisting of a mobile terminal and a means of transportation. Preferably, the first mobile device is a means of transportation, such as a vehicle, and the second mobile device is a mobile terminal. Alternatively, the second mobile device may be a means of transportation, such as a vehicle, and the first mobile device may be a mobile terminal.

[0022] A mobile device is a device capable of wireless communication in a mobile network via local area networks (LANs), such as wireless LAN (WiFi / WLAN), or via wide area networks (WANs) such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Downlink / Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA, HSUPA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX). Communication via other current or future communication technologies is possible.

[0023] The term “mobile device” includes in particular smartphones, but also other mobile telephones or cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, notebooks, smart watches, smart glasses and all current and future electronic devices equipped with communication technology.

[0024] Preferably, the means of transport is a vehicle, and in particular a motor vehicle. The means of transport can be a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle), a ship, or an aircraft (e.g., a drone for passenger transport), but is not limited to these. The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., which are used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport.

[0025] Preferably, receiving an instruction to transfer a call from a first communication module to a second communication module comprises receiving a manual user input to transfer the call, in particular at the first mobile device or the second mobile device. In other words, the user can actively initiate or request a transfer of the call to the second communication module.

[0026] The user can enter the instruction on the first mobile device (e.g., a vehicle) or the second mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone). To do so, the user can use a user interface module of the first mobile device or the second mobile device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first mobile device or the second mobile device can indicate to the user via the user interface module that a call transfer is possible and provide the user with a corresponding selection. This indication of the call transfer option can be triggered by a user action, such as turning off an engine and / or reaching a destination and / or opening a vehicle door while a call is active.

[0028] The user interface module can comprise at least one output device and at least one input device. The user interface module can, for example, be a central information output and information input device of an infotainment system, such as a head unit or a pillar-to-pillar display, of a vehicle. The user interface module is preferably permanently installed in the vehicle.

[0029] The at least one output device can comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device can comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display or an OLED display. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one display device can comprise a projection device that is configured to display information directly in the driver's field of vision, in particular to project it onto a windshield. The at least one input device can comprise a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touch panel or touch pad, and / or a tactile input device, such as a switch (e.g. push switch and / or rotary switch) or other mechanically actuatable key elements.

[0030] Preferably, the user interface module of the first mobile device (e.g., the vehicle) or the second mobile device (e.g., the mobile phone) comprises or is a touchscreen providing the at least one output device and the at least one input device.

[0031] Preferably, receiving an instruction to transfer a call from a first communication module to a second communication module comprises receiving an automated instruction to transfer the call, in particular by the first mobile device or the second mobile device. For example, the application can receive a transfer trigger from the first mobile device or the second mobile device that represents the automated instruction. The transfer trigger can be, for example, turning off an engine and / or reaching a destination and / or opening a vehicle door.

[0032] Preferably, the application is assigned to the first communication module. In particular, the application can be integrated or implemented in the first communication module and / or the first mobile device. Alternatively, the application can be assigned to the second communication module. In particular, the application can be integrated or implemented in the second communication module and / or the second mobile device.

[0033] Preferably, the trigger comprises or is a code. The code is configured to cause the mobile network operator to transfer the active call from the first communication module to the second communication module. The code can be specific to the mobile network operator and / or predetermined by the mobile network operator. In some embodiments, the code can be a dialing sequence. The dialing sequence can consist of digits from 0 to 9 and / or special characters such as * (asterisk) or # (hash). In an exemplary embodiment, the code can be a dialing sequence that causes call forwarding.

[0034] In some embodiments, the user can enter the code or character string manually. In other embodiments, the user can make a manual input (e.g., press a button) that technically triggers the code or character string. In both cases, this manual input can be the previously explained receipt of a manual user input to transfer the call.

[0035] The call incoming indicator preferably comprises an acoustic indicator and / or a visual indicator and / or a haptic indicator. The acoustic indicator can be, for example, a ringtone. The visual indicator can be an indicator on a display indicating an incoming call. The haptic indicator can be a vibration.

[0036] Preferably, the mobile network operator sends the instruction to output a call incoming notification to at least one further communication module with the same telephone number as the first communication module and the second communication module. Alternatively, the at least one further communication module can be assigned a different telephone number than the first communication module and / or the second communication module.

[0037] In some embodiments, the additional communication module can be integrated into another mobile device of the user. For example, the first communication module can be integrated into a vehicle, the second communication module into a mobile phone, and the additional communication module into a tablet of the user.

[0038] Preferably, the mobile network operator can send the instruction to issue a call incoming notification to some, in particular all, communication modules with the same call number as the first communication module and the second communication module. For example, all of the user's devices can ring with the call number, allowing the user to choose which device the call should be transferred to.

[0039] Alternatively, the mobile network operator can send the instruction to display a call incoming signal to communication modules preselected by the user, for example, with the same phone number as the first communication module and the second communication module. For example, the user can specify in advance which devices should be signaled during a call transfer.

[0040] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be configured to run on one or more processors and thereby execute the call transfer method described in this document.

[0041] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium may comprise a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to execute the call transfer method described in this document.

[0042] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is provided. The software is configured to perform the method for call transfer when the software is executed on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0043] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium for call handover is provided.The storage medium comprises an application configured to be executed on one or more processors to perform the following: receive an instruction to transfer a call from a first communication module to a second communication module, wherein the first communication module and the second communication module are assigned the same telephone number or different telephone numbers; and send a trigger relating to the transfer of the call to a mobile network operator to which the first communication module and the second communication module are assigned, wherein the trigger is configured to initiate a sending of an instruction by the mobile network operator to the second communication module to output a call incoming indication, so that the call can be transferred from the first communication module to the second communication module based on a user input relating to the call incoming indication.

[0044] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile device is provided. The mobile device includes the storage medium for call transfer described in this document.

[0045] Preferably, the mobile device is a mobile terminal or a means of transport.

[0046] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes processors; and storage media connected to the processors and containing instructions executable by the processors to perform the call transfer method described in this document.

[0047] The communication system is particularly configured to execute the call transfer procedure described in this document. The call transfer procedure may implement the aspects of the communication system described in this document.

[0048] A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e. a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby drives an algorithm (process).

[0049] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The vehicle comprises (or is) the mobile device and / or comprises at least part of the communication system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles used to transport people.

[0051] Short description of the drawings

[0052] Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show:

[0053] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for call transfer according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0054] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a call handover from a vehicle to a mobile phone according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Embodiments of the disclosure

[0056] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method 100 for call transfer according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 schematically shows a means of transportation 20 and a mobile terminal 30 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the means of transportation 20 is a vehicle, and in particular, a motor vehicle.

[0058] The method 100 can be implemented by appropriate software that can be executed by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU). The method 100 comprises, in block 110, receiving, by an application APP, an instruction to transfer a call from a first communication module 200 to a second communication module 300, wherein the first communication module 200 and the second communication module 300 are assigned the same telephone number (alternatively, different telephone numbers can be assigned to the first communication module 200 and the second communication module 300); in block 120, sending, by the application APP, a trigger T relating to the transfer of the call to a mobile network operator 400 to which the first communication module 200 and the second communication module 300 are assigned;in block 130, the mobile network operator 400 sends an instruction A to the second communication module 300 to output a call incoming indication; and in block 140, the mobile network operator 400 transfers the call from the first communication module 200 to the second communication module 300 based on a user input regarding the call incoming indication.

[0059] In the example of Figure 2, the first communication module 200 is implemented in the vehicle 20, and the second communication module 300 is implemented in the mobile terminal 30. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first communication module 200 and the second communication module may be implemented in other devices, in particular mobile devices, of the user.

[0060] The first communication module 200 and / or the second communication module 300 can be configured to communicate wirelessly in a mobile network. The first communication module 200 and / or the second communication module 300 can be configured, for example, for communication according to the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) standard and / or the 5G standard.

[0061] In some embodiments, a first communication profile, such as a first eSIM profile, is present in the first communication module 200, and a second communication profile, such as a second eSIM profile, is present in the second communication module 300. The first communication profile and / or the second communication profile may be provided by the mobile network operator (MNO) 400.

[0062] The same telephone number can be assigned to the first communication module 200 or the first communication profile and to the second communication module 300 or the second communication profile. Alternatively, different telephone numbers can be assigned to the first communication module 200 or the first communication profile and to the second communication module 300 or the second communication profile. The term "telephone number" here refers to a sequence of digits used to dial a target subscriber during a telephone call.

[0063] In some embodiments, receiving the instruction to transfer the active call from the first communication module 200 to the second communication module 300 includes receiving user input from the user. The user input may, for example, occur in the vehicle 20 or the mobile device 30.

[0064] For example, the vehicle 20 includes an input unit 210, such as a touch-sensitive screen of an infotainment system. In another example, the input unit 210 may be configured for voice input. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the input unit 210 may include touch-sensitive and / or mechanical buttons or switches. The input unit 210 may be present, for example, on a center console of the vehicle 20.

[0065] In another example, the mobile device 30 includes the input unit. The input unit is preferably provided by a touch-sensitive screen of the mobile device 30.

[0066] Alternatively, the instruction to transfer the call can be generated automatically. For example, the APP can receive a transfer trigger that represents the automated instruction. The transfer trigger can be, for example, turning off an engine and / or reaching a destination and / or opening a vehicle door.

[0067] The APP application sends the trigger T to the mobile network operator 400. In some embodiments, the trigger T may include or be a dialing sequence. The dialing sequence may consist of digits from 0 to 9 and / or special characters, such as * (asterisk) or # (hash). In an exemplary embodiment, the code may be a dialing sequence that causes a call forwarding.

[0068] Upon receiving trigger T, the mobile network operator 400 sends instruction A to the second communication module 300 to output an incoming call indication, such as a ringtone. If the user accepts the call on the mobile phone 30, the active call is transferred from the first communication module 200 to the second communication module 300, allowing the user to continue the active telephone call without interruption.

[0069] According to the invention, a dedicated trigger is used to transfer the call from the vehicle to the mobile phone, so that, for example, all of the user's devices are signaled with the same telephone number. If the user accepts the call on the mobile phone, the call is transferred from the vehicle to the mobile phone. The trigger is generated by an application. In other words, the trigger is not a modem trigger, such as a SIP invite. In particular, the call transfer is not triggered by the communications module of the transferring mobile device or its modem. This enables flexible, uncomplicated, and cost-effective call transfer independent of a specific modem architecture of the communications module of the transferring mobile device.

[0070] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method (100) for call transfer, comprising: Receiving (110), by an application (APP), an instruction to transfer a call from a first communication module (200) to a second communication module (300), wherein the first communication module (200) and the second communication module (300) are assigned the same telephone number or different telephone numbers are assigned; Sending (120), by the application (APP), a trigger (T) relating to the transfer of the call to a mobile network operator (400) to which the first communication module (200) and the second communication module (300) are assigned; Sending (130), by the mobile network operator (400), an instruction (A) to the second communication module (300) to output a call incoming indication; and Transferring (140), by the mobile network operator (400), the call from the first communication module (200) to the second communication module (300) based on a user input related to the call incoming indication.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first communication module (200) has a first communication profile of the user and the second communication module (300) has a second communication profile of the user, in particular wherein the first communication profile is a first eSIM profile, and wherein the second communication profile is a second eSIM profile.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first communication module (200) is included in a first mobile device and the second communication module (300) is included in a second mobile device, in particular wherein the first mobile device and the second mobile device are selected from the group consisting of a mobile terminal (30) and a means of transport (20).

4. The method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein receiving an instruction to transfer a call from a first communication module (200) to a second communication module (300) comprises: Receiving a manual user input to transfer the call, in particular on the first mobile device or the second mobile device; or Receiving an automated instruction to transfer the call, in particular by the first mobile device or the second mobile device.

5. The method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the application (APP) is assigned to the first communication module (200), in particular wherein the application (APP) is integrated in the first communication module (200) and / or the first mobile device, or the application (APP) is assigned to the second communication module (300), in particular wherein the application (APP) is integrated in the second communication module (300) and / or the second mobile device.

6. The method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the trigger (T) comprises a code, in particular a dial sequence.

7. The method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the incoming call indication comprises an acoustic indication and / or a visual indication and / or a haptic indication; and / or the mobile network operator (400) sends the instruction (A) to output a incoming call indication to at least one further communication module, in particular wherein the mobile network operator (400) sends the instruction (A) to output a incoming call indication to all communication modules with the same call number as the first communication module (200) and the second communication module (300), or to communication modules previously selected by the user.

8. A storage medium comprising an application (APP) configured to be executed on one or more processors to perform the following: receiving an instruction to transfer a call from a first communication module (200) to a second communication module (300), wherein the first communication module (200) and the second communication module (300) are assigned the same call number or different call numbers; and to send a trigger (T) relating to the transfer of the call to a mobile network operator (400) to which the first communication module (200) and the second communication module (300) are assigned, wherein the trigger (T) is configured to initiate a transmission of an instruction (A) by the mobile network operator (400) to the second communication module (300) for outputting a call incoming indication, so that the call can be transferred from the first communication module (200) to the second communication module (300) based on a user input relating to the call incoming indication.

9. A mobile device comprising the storage medium according to claim 8, in particular wherein the mobile device is a mobile terminal (30) or a means of transport (20).

10. A communication system comprising: processors; and Storage media connected to the processors and containing instructions executable by the processors to perform the call transfer method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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