Cellular Network Relay for Weak Signal Call Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cellular communication systems, uneven network deployment and varied terrains can result in weak or absent signal strength for communication devices, preventing calls from being established or maintained, necessitating a method for smart sharing of cellular networks to route calls effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a first communication device receives a call establishment request, enables call routing between a second and third device using a subscriber identification number, and utilizes multiple subscriber modules to establish and manage calls across different communication networks, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks, allowing for parallel call handling and network sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cellular network deployment is expanded to cover all regions, then signal strength and call reliability improve, but network infrastructure cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay communication device as an intermediary between the original communication device and the cellular network. This mediator device has strong cellular signal reception capability and relays calls for devices in weak signal areas, thereby improving call reliability without requiring expansion of cellular network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If relay communication is enabled between communication devices, then call routing capability in weak signal areas improves, but device functionality and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall routing capabilityVSAvoiddevice functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay communication device automatically detects the presence of communication devices in its vicinity and autonomously establishes relay connections when needed. The system self-manages the call routing without requiring complex manual configuration or user intervention, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing the perceived complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3285472B1System and method for sharing cellular networks for call routing
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3285472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3285472B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3285472B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of a system and method to share cellular communication networks to route calls are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment, the system includes a first communication device that receives a call establishment request via a first communication network that connect the first communication device with a second communication device. The call establishment request includes a subscriber identification number associated with a third communication device. Thereafter, a routing of a call between the second communication device and the third communication device is enabled by use of the subscriber identification number, via a second communication network associated with a first subscriber module of the first communication device. The establishment and/or routing of the call is based on the received call establishment request.