Dynamic Call Forwarding via Local Wireless Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional call forwarding services in mobile communication technologies require manual configuration of the forward-to number and cannot dynamically forward incoming calls to devices in the immediate area without prior knowledge of their numbers, leading to user inconvenience and increased clutter and expense with docking stations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that uses local area wireless communication protocols like IEEE 802.11 and BLUETOOTH to discover available devices in the vicinity, present a list of potential forward-to numbers to the user, and automatically initiate call forwarding requests to the cellular network, eliminating the need for manual configuration and docking stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of call forwarding is used, then the user can control the forward-to number, but the user must manually specify the number and cannot dynamically forward to devices in the immediate area
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically performs service discovery to find nearby devices and their telephone numbers without requiring manual user input. The system self-configures call forwarding by selecting an available nearby device and automatically initiating the forwarding request through the cellular network, eliminating the need for users to manually enter forward-to numbers while still maintaining user control over the process.
2Extent of automation
If a docking station is used for automatic call forwarding, then calls can be forwarded automatically, but the docking station increases clutter and represents added expense
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the call forwarding automation functionality from the physical docking station hardware and implements it through software-based service discovery and cellular network integration. The mobile device uses wireless communication protocols to automatically detect nearby devices and configure call forwarding without requiring any additional physical hardware, thereby eliminating clutter and extra expense while maintaining automatic forwarding capability.
3Reliability
If conventional call forwarding services are used, then calls can be forwarded to a designated number, but the service requires a docking station and increases clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical docking station system with a wireless communication-based solution. The mobile device uses service discovery protocols and wireless networks to automatically identify nearby devices and establish call forwarding without any physical docking infrastructure. This substitution maintains reliable call forwarding while eliminating the need for additional hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device as described herein is configured to support a wireless service discovery routine within a wireless local area. The service discovery routine identifies compatible devices in the vicinity of the mobile device, where the compatible devices represent potential forward-to devices for purposes of call forwarding for the mobile device. The mobile device receives one or more potential forward-to telephone numbers during the service discovery routine, selects a designated forward-to telephone number, and generates a call forwarding request that identifies the designated forward-to telephone number. The service discovery routine is carried out using one wireless communication protocol, and the call forwarding request is carried out using a different wireless communication protocol (e.g., a cellular protocol).