Asymmetric Call Blocking via Relay Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively prevent incoming calls to mobile devices within a small area while allowing outgoing transmissions with minimal public inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A selective call blocker system that uses a receiver, transmitter, and controller to wirelessly set parameters for mobile devices, blocking incoming calls while enabling outgoing calls by acting as a relay, utilizing directional antennas to minimize external interference and maintain connectivity within a designated zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a jamming device is used to block all mobile phone signals within an area, then incoming calls are blocked, but outgoing calls are also blocked and all cellular activity is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cellular communication function into two separate paths: incoming calls are blocked by the jamming device while outgoing calls are routed through a relay server. This segmentation allows selective control over different communication directions, enabling incoming call blocking without affecting outgoing call capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A relay server acts as an intermediary for outgoing calls. The mobile device's outgoing calls are redirected to the relay server which then forwards them to the destination, bypassing the jamming effect. This intermediary enables outgoing calls to function normally even while the device operates in a jammed environment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a quiet zone system redirects incoming calls to voicemail and blocks outgoing calls, then incoming calls are prevented, but outgoing transmissions are also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides call handling into two separate mechanisms: incoming calls are redirected to voicemail through the quiet zone system while outgoing calls are routed through a relay server. This segmentation allows each direction of communication to be handled differently, preventing incoming calls while maintaining outgoing call functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay server serves as an intermediary that enables outgoing calls to bypass the quiet zone restrictions. By routing outgoing calls through this external server, the system maintains outgoing call capability even while the device is within the quiet zone area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a jamming device blocks all cellular signals in a large area, then communication interference is achieved, but the area coverage becomes too large and affects unrelated devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies jamming only locally to block incoming calls to specific target devices, rather than creating a broad coverage area. The relay server handles outgoing calls on an individual device basis, allowing the jamming effect to be confined to minimal necessary coverage while maintaining functionality for specific users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the communication control function so that incoming call blocking is applied selectively to individual devices or small groups, while outgoing calls are handled individually through the relay server. This segmentation reduces the required jamming coverage area compared to traditional broad-area jamming systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method prevents reception of calls to a mobile cellular device within a relatively small area or zone, with minimal inconvenience to the public by also permitting outgoing transmissions. The mobile cellular device has a wirelessly settable parameter associated therewith enabling establishment of an inbound call. A selective call blocker includes a receiver, a transmitter, and a selective call blocking controller cooperating with the receiver to determine the wirelessly settable parameter. The selective call blocking controller also cooperates with the transmitter to wirelessly change the wirelessly settable parameter to selectively block an inbound call to the mobile cellular device and without defeating the capability of the mobile cellular device to establish an outbound call.