Context-Aware Call Routing via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional telephone systems lack flexibility in routing incoming calls, as they are typically fixed and do not consider factors like the callee's security system state, location, or time of day, making it cumbersome for users to manage calls across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that route incoming messages, such as phone calls, based on context-sensitive information, including the state of a callee's security system, location, time, and user preferences, using sensors like motion detectors and RFID badges to dynamically determine call destinations, allowing for convenient call management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed telephone routing is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but call routing flexibility and adaptability to user environment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a call routing server as an intermediary between the telephone network and the user's devices. This server receives incoming calls, queries the user's current state (location, security system status, occupancy) from various sensors and databases, and dynamically determines the optimal routing destination. This mediator approach enables flexible adaptability without requiring complex logic in the user's home equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously collects feedback from multiple sources including motion detectors, RFID badges, security systems, and location services. This feedback loop provides real-time information about user presence and environmental conditions, allowing the call routing server to dynamically adjust routing decisions based on current state rather than static configurations.
2Ease of operation
If manual call forwarding configuration is used, then some routing flexibility is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs call routing decisions without requiring user intervention. Users simply configure their preferences once (e.g., which devices are available for calling), and the system autonomously determines routing based on real-time conditions such as whether the user is home, in a meeting, or traveling. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual call forwarding changes while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Users perform preliminary configuration by registering their available devices and basic routing preferences in advance. The system then uses these pre-configured parameters combined with real-time sensor data to automatically make routing decisions, eliminating the need for users to manually reconfigure routing settings in response to changing conditions.
3Reliability
If calls are always routed to home phone, then call reliability is maintained, but loss of time occurs when user is away or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The call routing is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors user location and availability through RFID badges, motion detectors, and other sensors, and automatically adjusts the routing destination in real-time. This ensures calls are reliably delivered to wherever the user currently is, whether home, office, or traveling, eliminating missed calls without requiring manual intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If context-sensitive routing is implemented, then call routing adaptability improves, but device complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: sensor devices (motion detectors, RFID readers) that collect data, a database that stores user profiles and device information, a call routing server that processes routing logic, and endpoint devices that receive calls. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability through their coordinated interaction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to receive calls at desired locations, ensuring that calls are routed appropriately based on their environment and preferences, reducing missed calls and disturbances, while allowing for flexible call handling and recording options.
Implementation Method 1
a motion detector (e.g. an infrared sensor) may be used to determine where to send a message
Implementation Method 2
a security system may track a user's location by noting which door a user has opened with his RFID badge
Data Source
AI summary
Incoming messages, such as phone calls, may be routed to destinations based on a variety of factors, such as the state of the callee's security system, the date and time, the identity of the caller, and the number of recent call attempts by the caller. Potential destinations include all or a subset of the phones associated with a subscriber and outside phones, such as cellular phones operated by third parties. The rules used to route calls may be defined or modified via a web interface.