Dual-Mode Handset Call Routing via Number Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in seamlessly transitioning calls between cellular and VoIP modes, leading to unnecessary overhead expenses for VoIP providers due to active trunk connections, which are not directly billable to subscribers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where dual-mode phones can store or substitute dialed numbers associated with VoIP providers, allowing for handoffs between cellular and VoIP connections, enabling calls to be routed through the PSTN and subsequently transferred to VoIP networks when IP access is available, potentially terminating the cellular connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calls are routed through cellular network with trunk connections, then call delivery is reliable, but VoIP providers incur unnecessary overhead expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a number translation mechanism where the cellular network translates the subscriber's private number to a public number, acting as an intermediary that enables VoIP routing without requiring persistent cellular trunk connections. This mediator function allows calls to be delivered reliably through VoIP infrastructure while eliminating unnecessary cellular network overhead expenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-mode phones use single number for both cellular and VoIP, then service portability is improved, but call handoff complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the numbering system into private numbers (used by subscribers) and public numbers (used by networks). This segmentation allows dual-mode phones to maintain a single private number for portability while the network handles public number translation, thereby reducing call handoff complexity through automated number substitution rather than complex protocol handoffs.
Solution Approach 2:
The number translation service acts as an intermediary that simplifies the dual-mode operation. Instead of implementing complex handoff protocols in the phone, the network's number translation mechanism automatically manages the transition between cellular and VoIP modes, reducing device complexity while maintaining service portability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If VoIP providers maintain active trunk connections, then call continuity is ensured, but unnecessary charges accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic number translation at call initiation rather than maintaining continuous active trunk connections. The translation service periodically translates numbers when calls are established, ensuring call continuity through on-demand translation while avoiding unnecessary charges by not maintaining persistent cellular network connections when VoIP is available.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions, including systems, methods and/or software, for providing handoffs between cellular providers and VoIP providers. In some cases, for example, upon the initiation of a call from a dual-mode cellular phone, the cellular network (and/or a component thereof) may be configured to store the dialed number and/or substitute a predetermined number for the dialed number. The predetermined number may be associated with a VoIP provider's system. Hence, in a particular embodiment, the call may be routed (e.g., via the PSTN) to the VoIP provider's system, which may be configured to obtain (perhaps from an application server) the original dialed number and/or to route the call (e.g., via the PSTN) to the original dialed number. If the dual-mode phone subsequently obtains IP access, a VoIP connection may be established between the VoIP system and the phone and/or a handoff may be performed (e.g., in the VoIP system) to transfer the call from the cellular connection to the VoIP connection. Optionally, the cellular connection may be terminated.