Automatic Line Selection in Multi-Line Communication Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication devices require users to manually select alternate phone lines for calls, which is inconvenient and prone to errors, as they need to navigate through menus, increasing the likelihood of accidental wrong line selection.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented in mobile devices to automatically determine and select the appropriate communication line for outgoing calls based on priority rankings, which can be pre-set or determined by usage frequency, associated categories, or message addresses, allowing for seamless line selection without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual line selection through menu is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects the appropriate communication line based on pre-configured criteria (such as recipient category, time of day, or usage patterns) without requiring manual user intervention. The line selection process is performed autonomously by the communication device, eliminating the need for users to navigate menus and reducing time consumption while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Communication lines are pre-configured with associated criteria, categories, or priorities before actual calls are made. This preliminary setup enables the system to automatically determine the correct line to use based on pre-established rules, eliminating the need for manual selection during the call initiation process and reducing operational time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual line selection through menu is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental wrong line selection

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs autonomous line selection based on pre-configured criteria, eliminating human error in the selection process. By removing manual intervention, the system achieves higher reliability in line selection while the underlying complexity management remains handled by the device's automated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and learn from usage patterns, allowing it to automatically adjust and optimize line selection decisions over time. This feedback loop improves reliability by adapting to user behavior and minimizing errors, while the complexity of implementing feedback is managed through the device's control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication lines are supported, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual selection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines which communication line to use based on pre-configured criteria such as recipient category, time of day, or usage patterns. This self-service approach enables the device to adapt to different calling scenarios without requiring manual user intervention, thus maintaining high adaptability while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The line selection system dynamically adapts to different calling scenarios by automatically adjusting the selected communication line based on real-time conditions and pre-established criteria. This dynamic behavior allows the device to handle multiple line requirements flexibly while eliminating the need for manual selection, improving both adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8583126B2Methods and apparatus for line selection in a communication device
Publication Date: 2013.11.12 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • US8583126B2 patent drawing
  • US8583126B2 patent drawing
  • US8583126B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for selecting a communication line from two or more lines on a communication device are described herein. The communication device comprises a display module, an input module, a line selection module, and a communication module for making a call over a network to a target recipient. In at least one broad aspect, priority rankings are determined based on a number of factors and selection of a communication line accessible at the communication device on which an outgoing call may be placed is made based on the priority rankings. A list of communication lines ordered by priority rankings may also be displayed.