Communication Line Selection Automation in Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication devices require manual selection of alternate lines for calls, which is inconvenient and prone to errors, as users must navigate menus to choose the correct line for different purposes or recipients.

Innovation Solution

A method and mobile device implementation that automatically select the appropriate communication line based on associated appointment categories, message addresses, or frequency of use, ensuring the correct line is used for outgoing calls by monitoring call initiations and using stored line selection information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual line selection through menu navigation is implemented, then users can choose the correct line for different purposes, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline selection accuracyVSAvoidcalling convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects the appropriate communication line based on pre-configured associations between contacts and lines, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The device serves itself by monitoring call initiations and autonomously determining which line to use based on stored line selection information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Line selection information is pre-configured and stored in the device, associating specific contacts or purposes with specific communication lines. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically retrieve and apply the correct line association when a call is initiated, without requiring real-time user decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual line selection is required, then users can control which line is used, but errors occur when users forget to select or select the wrong line

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline selection controlVSAvoidcorrect line usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors call initiation events and automatically retrieves the appropriate line association from stored information, providing feedback-based automation. The system observes user intent (call initiation) and automatically responds by selecting the correct line, eliminating human error while maintaining adaptability through pre-configured associations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automatic line selection based on appointment categories is implemented, then the correct line is automatically selected, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline selection automationVSAvoidline selection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The line selection module serves multiple functions: it stores line selection information, monitors call initiations, determines appropriate lines based on various criteria (contacts, appointment categories, frequency of use), and executes the call on the selected line. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single integrated module rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2096885B1Methods and apparatus for line selection in a communication device
Publication Date: 2010.09.22 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2096885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2096885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2096885B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for selecting a communication line from two or more lines on a communication device are described herein. The communication device comprises a display module, an input module, a line selection module, and a communication module for making a call over a network to a target recipient. In one broad aspect, a determination of which of the communication lines is the communication line associated with the selected one of at least two appointment categories for an appointment is made in the selection of a communication line accessible at the communication device on which an outgoing call may be placed.