Adaptive Ringtone Detector for Desk Phones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ringtone detection systems are bulky, require complex installations, and necessitate precise sensor placement, failing to automatically detect and learn new ringtones with minimal user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A compact communications system with a microprocessor-controlled ringtone detector that adaptively adjusts gain and filter parameters, using a sensor positioned optimally for electromagnetic signal detection, and a hook switch for remote call management, allowing for automatic detection, learning, and storage of new ringtones without calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ringtone detection systems are used, then ringtone detection capability is provided, but the device becomes bulky and requires complex installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveringtone detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice bulkiness and installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ringtone detector, hook switch, and communications device into a single integrated unit. The sensor, filter/amplifier stages, microprocessor, and memory are all contained within one compact housing that attaches to the telephone device, eliminating the need for separate bulky components and complex wiring arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions: detecting ringtones through the sensor, processing signals through filter/amplifier stages, determining ringtone characteristics, storing learned ringtones in memory, controlling hook switching, and communicating with external devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into one compact unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ringtone detection systems are used, then ringtone detection is provided, but precise sensor placement is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveringtone detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The microprocessor dynamically adjusts the gain and filter parameters of the filter/amplifier stages based on the detected ringtone characteristics. This adaptive processing compensates for variations in sensor position and sensitivity, allowing the system to function correctly regardless of the exact sensor placement on the telephone device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically learns and stores ringtone characteristics through the memory without requiring user intervention or calibration. The microprocessor autonomously processes the sensor signals, determines ringtone patterns, and adapts the filter parameters, eliminating the need for precise manual sensor placement or user-configured calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ringtone detection systems are used, then ringtone detection is provided, but user interaction is required for calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveringtone detection capabilityVSAvoidcalibration requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic ringtone learning and storage without requiring user participation. The microprocessor continuously monitors the sensor input, processes the signals through the filter/amplifier stages, identifies ringtone patterns, and stores the characteristics in memory autonomously, eliminating all calibration steps that would traditionally require user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The microprocessor continuously feedback-adjusts the filter parameters based on the detected ringtone characteristics. This closed-loop control allows the system to automatically optimize its detection performance and learn new ringtones in real-time without external intervention, replacing manual calibration with automated adaptive processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If automatic ringtone learning is implemented, then detection accuracy improves, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveringtone detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing function is segmented into distinct stages: signal detection by the sensor, filtering and amplification by the filter/amplifier stages, characteristic determination by the microprocessor, pattern recognition, and storage in memory. This modular approach organizes the complex processing tasks into manageable segments, making the system more manageable and maintainable while achieving high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy installation and operation with minimal user interaction, detecting and learning new ringtones efficiently, and managing calls remotely, while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor positioned optimally for electromagnetic signal detection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2202950B1Adaptive ringtone detector
Publication Date: 2015.12.09 GN NETCOM AS
  • EP2202950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2202950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2202950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communications system and a method of detecting and learning new ringtones in an automatic manner, comprising a desk phone (1), a hook switch, a ringtone detector (3), and a communications device (2). In a first embodiment a mechanical hook switch device is connected to the desk phone (1), and in a second embodiment an electronic hook switch unit (9) is connected to the desk phone (1). The ringtone detector (3) adaptively sets the filter and amplifier parameters according to the sensor position and pick-up sensitivity. The ringtone detector (3) automatically detects and learns the characteristics of new ringtones. The communications device (2) may comprise a base station (6) and a headset (7).