Call Forwarding Feedback Mechanism for Device Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call forwarding systems do not notify the receiving device that calls are being forwarded from another device, nor do they allow the receiving device to accept, reject, or conditionally accept the forwarded calls.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with processing circuitry that enables call forwarding by generating a forwarding request and processing a forwarding response, allowing the receiving device to accept, reject, or conditionally accept the forwarded calls, and notifying the receiving device of the call forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If call forwarding is implemented without notification to the receiving device, then the call forwarding functionality is simple and automatic, but the receiving device cannot be aware of or control the forwarded calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving device sends a notification to the originating device when it receives a forwarded call. This feedback loop allows the originating device to be aware that calls are being forwarded to another device, resolving the information asymmetry while maintaining automatic call forwarding functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The network service acts as an intermediary that facilitates communication between the originating device and receiving device. It transports the notification message from the receiving device to the originating device, enabling awareness without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication protocols
2Loss of information
If the receiving device is notified of forwarded calls, then the user has awareness and control, but the system complexity increases due to additional signaling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing universal messaging infrastructure (SMS, MMS, instant messaging services) to convey call forwarding notifications. By reusing established multi-functional communication channels rather than creating a dedicated signaling protocol, the system gains awareness capability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system utilizes self-service characteristics of existing messaging services that automatically handle delivery, routing, and formatting. The network service simply needs to initiate the notification send, and the underlying messaging infrastructure handles the complex delivery mechanics autonomously
3Ease of operation
If call forwarding is enabled without user consent from the receiving device, then the originating device has full control, but the receiving device cannot manage or reject forwarded calls
Solution Approach 1:
The notification sent to the originating device serves as feedback that enables informed decision-making. The originating device user can now see which device is receiving forwarded calls and can choose to modify or cancel the forwarding arrangement, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of activation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary notification before the forwarded call is fully established. By notifying the originating device in advance that calls are being forwarded to another device, the system allows for preliminary control decisions to be made about the forwarding arrangement itself
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to enable, based on user input, a call forwarding functionality for voice calls, process, based on user input, an identification of a communication device to which voice calls are to be forwarded, generate, for transmission to the communication device via a network service, a forwarding request, and process, based on signaling received from the communication device via the network service, a forwarding response indicating whether the communication device has accepted the forwarding request.