Call Hold Communication Mechanism for Mobile User Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current call waiting features for mobile phones are limited, leading to user stress from juggling multiple calls, annoyance from silent holds, and confusion or offense from abrupt call terminations or lack of communication with incoming callers.

Innovation Solution

A menu is presented on the mobile phone display allowing users to place an incoming call on hold and send communications, such as interactive videos, to the incoming caller, thereby managing multiple calls more effectively and maintaining communication with the incoming caller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user answers the incoming call and places the active call on hold, then the user can communicate with the incoming caller, but the user experiences stress from juggling multiple calls and the held caller experiences annoyance from silence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall managementVSAvoidmulti-call juggling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the call handling process by introducing a dedicated hold period where the incoming call is separated from the active call. During this hold period, the system can independently manage communications with the incoming caller while the user continues the active call, eliminating the need to juggle multiple active conversations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism (such as text messaging or pre-configured messages) that acts as a mediator between the held caller and the user. This intermediary allows the held caller to receive communications without requiring the user to actively manage multiple simultaneous conversations, reducing user stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the user declines the incoming call and continues with the active call, then the user can complete the active call without interruption, but the incoming caller experiences confusion or offense from abrupt termination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive call completionVSAvoidcaller confusion or offense
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary communication with the incoming caller before the call is declined. The system can send pre-configured messages or initiate communication sequences that explain the situation to the incoming caller, preventing abrupt termination from causing confusion or offense.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the user can provide explanations or communications to the incoming caller during the hold period. This feedback loop allows the incoming caller to understand why their call is being held or declined, reducing confusion and potential offense.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the user is given the option to send a text message to the incoming caller, then the user can communicate with the incoming caller, but the message may be too formal for personal calls or too informal for business calls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidmessage appropriateness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different communication styles and message types for different call scenarios. The system can detect the nature of the incoming call (personal vs. business) and automatically select or suggest appropriate message templates, ensuring the communication is appropriately tailored to the specific situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic message selection where the communication method and content can adapt based on the call context. The system can dynamically adjust the level of formality, message type, and communication style based on factors such as the caller's identity, call duration, and user preferences, making the communication versatile across different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12219091B2Enhanced call waiting for user equipment
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US12219091B2 patent drawing
  • US12219091B2 patent drawing
  • US12219091B2 patent drawing

AI summary

While a first UE is engaged in an active call with a third UE, the first UE may receive an incoming call from a second UE. An option is presented on a display of the first UE to place this incoming call on hold. In response to receiving touch input selecting the option to place the second UE on hold, one or more communications may be sent to the second UE on hold, such as interactive or non-interactive video or audio. As a result, the call experience may be enhanced. In particular, the user of the first UE may no longer incur the stress that comes with either having to flip back and forth between calls or make a decision whether to decline an incoming call. And the user of the second UE may be more likely to wait on hold until the first call has ended.