Location-Based Call Forwarding via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile device users may be unreachable due to device unavailability, such as being turned off or out of range, posing challenges especially in emergency situations, as existing technologies do not effectively forward calls to alternate recipients based on location.
Innovation Solution
A location-based call forwarding technique that identifies and forwards calls to an alternate recipient within proximity of the intended call recipient's location using a call-management server, which determines unavailability and utilizes calendar data, GPS, and other location services to redirect calls to individuals or establishments where the intended recipient is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If call forwarding is implemented to alternate recipients, then call reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A call management server is introduced as an intermediary between the calling device and the mobile device. The server receives call requests, determines availability status, and forwards calls to alternate recipients when the mobile device is unavailable. This intermediary handles the complex logic of availability detection and call routing, reducing the complexity burden on the mobile device itself while improving call reliability through multiple routing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring alternate recipients and their location information before the mobile device becomes unavailable. When unavailability is detected, the call management server immediately has ready-made alternate routing paths, avoiding the need for real-time complex decisions and reducing processing complexity during critical moments.
2Reliability
If location-based call forwarding is implemented, then call reliability is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of call routing from direct to indirect, using location information not for precise positioning but for determining proximity to alternate recipients. The call management server uses location data to assess whether an alternate recipient is sufficiently near the mobile device to warrant receiving the forwarded call, rather than requiring high-precision location for the calling device itself. This approach improves reliability while accepting lower measurement precision requirements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple data sources are used for location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The call management server is designed with multi-functionality, handling call routing decisions, availability detection, location-based proximity assessment, and alternate recipient identification all within a single system. By consolidating these functions in one server rather than distributing them across multiple devices or systems, the patent improves location determination precision through comprehensive data sources while actually reducing overall system complexity through centralization.
Data Source
AI summary
A location-based call forwarding method comprises, in response to determining that an intended call recipient is unavailable to receive a call from a caller, identifying an alternate call recipient located within a predetermined proximity of a current location of the intended call recipient, and forwarding the call to the alternate call recipient. The alternate call recipient may be identified by determining a person with whom the intended recipient is meeting or an establishment where the intended recipient is situated. This information may be extracted from various sources such as a calendar, social network site, or device-generated location data.