Automatic Call Relaying via Physical Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing call forwarding mechanisms require complex manual setup and are easily forgotten, making it difficult for users to automatically relay calls from one telephone number to another, especially when the devices are not in close proximity or when the user is unaware of the secondary device's number.
Innovation Solution
Automatically detecting the physical relationship between two electronic communication devices and comparing it to a predetermined condition to relay calls from one device to another, with the option to send a message to the original device indicating the call was relayed, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual call forwarding setup is used, then call relaying functionality is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to complex configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the physical relationship between telephones and configures call forwarding without user intervention. The telephones self-identify and establish relay relationships based on detected proximity or connection states, eliminating manual setup complexity while maintaining the call relaying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of physical relationships between telephones before call forwarding is needed. By pre-establishing the relay relationships based on detected conditions, the system prepares the call routing in advance, so when a call arrives, the forwarding is already configured without requiring real-time manual setup.
2Ease of operation
If automatic call relaying is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but loss of information increases as users may not be aware of the relayed call
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user about relayed calls through notifications or status indicators. When a call is automatically relayed from one telephone to another, the original telephone or the user receives information about the relay event, preventing loss of information while maintaining automatic operation.
3Reliability
If call forwarding is configured manually, then reliability of call delivery is improved, but loss of time increases due to setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The telephones automatically configure call forwarding relationships by detecting their physical connection or proximity. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time-consuming manual setup process while ensuring reliable call delivery by establishing the relay path automatically based on actual physical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic configuration of call forwarding when telephones are connected or in proximity, preparing the relay path in advance. This preliminary action occurs before any calls need to be relayed, eliminating setup time while ensuring the forwarding configuration is ready and reliable when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing alternate communication paths for telephone calls. Calls directed to a telephone are relayed to a second electronic communication device, which may be a second telephone, based on the physical relationship of the telephone and the second device. According to one aspect, the physical relationship is automatically detected and compared with one or more conditions. When one of the conditions is met, an incoming call directed to the telephone is relayed to the second electronic communication device. Detection of the physical relationship may include detecting whether the telephone and the second device are in close proximity, whether one or both of the telephone and the second device is moving, or other aspects of the relationship.