Dynamic Telephone Number Allocation for IoT Emergency Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices without statically assigned telephone numbers cannot communicate via public switch telephone networks (PSTN) for calls to or from emergency services, due to delays in reassignment of telephone numbers caused by network and regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamically allocating telephone numbers to user devices, such as IoT devices or computing devices, for a specified time period, allowing them to send and receive voice calls. The allocated number is then returned to a pool of available numbers or reserved for other devices when the time period expires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If telephone numbers are statically assigned to devices, then communication reliability is improved, but number reassignment delays worsen when devices are decommissioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic telephone number allocation where numbers are temporarily assigned to devices for specific time periods or service durations. When devices are decommissioned or time expires, numbers automatically return to the pool for reallocation, eliminating static assignment delays while maintaining communication reliability during active service periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of telephone number assignment from permanent/static to temporary/dynamic. By introducing time-based validity periods and automatic expiration mechanisms, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable communication (needs stable assignment) and enabling fast reassignment (needs flexible reallocation)
2Productivity
If telephone numbers are dynamically allocated, then reassignment speed is improved, but communication stability worsens for devices without static numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary binding of telephone numbers to devices during authorized service periods. This preliminary action establishes stable communication pathways before service begins, while automatic expiration and reassignment mechanisms prepare for future reallocations, balancing stability during service with flexibility for reassignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a number management system as an intermediary that coordinates between devices, networks, and number pools. This intermediary maintains stable mappings during authorized periods while enabling seamless transitions during reassignment, resolving the contradiction between communication stability and reassignment speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices without static numbers are enabled for PSTN communication, then device versatility is improved, but network complexity worsens due to number management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal number allocation system that serves multiple device types (IoT, mobile, fixed) and multiple communication scenarios (emergency services, regular calls, data transmission). This single multi-functional system enables diverse devices to access PSTN without static numbers while managing complexity through standardized procedures applicable across all device types
Data Source
AI summary
A telephone number (TN) from a group of telephone numbers may be assigned/allocated to a user device (e.g., an internet-of-things (IoT) device, a computing device, a sensor, a smart meter, a tablet, a network device, a session initiation protocol (SIP) device, a web real-time communication (webRTC) enabled device, and/or any other device that is configured for communication (e.g., voice communication, video communication, signal communication, etc.) for a time period (e.g., the duration of timer, etc.) during which the TN may be used to make and/or receive calls. Once the time period expires the TN may be placed in a group of telephone numbers available to be assigned/reassigned to user devices.