IMS Call Forking to Multiple Associated Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional IMS networks typically forward incoming calls to a single default device, limiting users' ability to choose which device to receive calls based on environmental factors and personal preferences, such as battery level or connection speed.
Innovation Solution
The system implements call forking technology within the IMS network, allowing incoming calls to be routed to multiple associated devices based on user-defined and service provider-defined rules, such as device location, battery life, and connection bandwidth, enabling calls to be forwarded to the most suitable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional IMS networks forward incoming calls to a single default device, then the system complexity is reduced and call routing is simplified, but user flexibility and call management capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call routing process into multiple independent paths by implementing call forking, which divides a single incoming call into multiple parallel routing attempts to different devices. This allows the system to maintain simple default routing while simultaneously providing multiple device options, resolving the contradiction between routing simplicity and user flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic call routing where the system can adaptively select which device receives the call based on real-time conditions such as device availability, user preferences, and environmental factors. This dynamic approach enables the system to switch between simple default routing and complex multi-device routing as needed, balancing operational simplicity with adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system routes calls to multiple devices based on environmental factors, then user flexibility and call management are improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring user preferences and device associations before calls arrive. The system stores user-defined rules about which devices should receive calls under specific conditions, so when a call comes in, the system can quickly evaluate these pre-set criteria without complex real-time decision-making, reducing processing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary call forking mechanism that acts as a mediator between the incoming call and multiple potential receiving devices. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of multi-device routing by implementing a standardized evaluation process that considers device availability, user preferences, and environmental factors, thereby managing system complexity while providing flexible call routing.
3Ease of operation
If calls are forked to multiple devices simultaneously, then user choice and convenience are enhanced, but call establishment time and network resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially attempting to establish calls to multiple devices in a predetermined order rather than simultaneously. The system tries the first preferred device, and if that fails or is unavailable, it proceeds to the next device in the sequence. This periodic approach maintains user convenience by offering multiple options while reducing overall call establishment time compared to simultaneous attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing staged call forking where not all devices are contacted simultaneously, but rather a subset of devices is attempted based on user preferences and device availability. The system can stop the forking process early if a device successfully answers, avoiding unnecessary network resource usage and reducing call establishment time while still providing adequate user choice.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method that fork incoming calls to a destination device or a device that is associated with the destination device is disclosed. The system receives a request to register multiple device for IMS services, receives an incoming call to a destination mobile device, identifies one or more associated mobile devices, and determines one or more forked devices. The system transmits a first notification to each forked device, the first notification indicating that the forked device may accept or reject the incoming call request, and the system receives an acceptance or rejection from one or more forked devices.