Mesh Network Telephone Base Station for Directory Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directory assistance services in public switched telephone networks are inefficient due to the need for operator interaction, leading to high costs and limited user convenience, as subscribers often need to repeat searches for phone numbers and lack permanent recording of obtained information.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a mesh network with ZigBee or 2.4 GHz connectivity, allowing VoIP telephones to send search queries to remote servers, which search databases and return results, enabling voice or text-based searches and providing caller ID transmission for callback services, while integrating with various home automation and security systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated operator technology is used to reduce service provider costs, then service provider profitability is improved, but subscriber convenience and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mesh network as an intermediary between the subscriber's telephone and the directory assistance database. This intermediary enables direct peer-to-peer communication, allowing the telephone to access database information without traditional operator intervention or complex automated menus, thus improving both efficiency and user convenience simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network infrastructure serves multiple functions: it provides directory assistance, enables direct database access, supports both wired and wireless telephones, and facilitates peer-to-peer communication. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate automated operator systems while maintaining high efficiency
2Reliability
If traditional directory assistance service is used with operator interaction, then service reliability is maintained, but loss of time and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network establishes direct communication pathways between telephones and the database before the actual search is needed. The system pre-configures network connections and communication protocols, enabling immediate direct access to directory information without time-consuming operator setup or sequential menu navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical operator-based system with an automated mesh network communication system. This substitution eliminates human intervention delays and enables direct electronic queries to the database, significantly reducing search time while maintaining service reliability through automated error handling and protocol management
3Device complexity
If traditional telephone systems are used, then device complexity is low, but loss of information deteriorates due to lack of permanent recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds database access capabilities directly within the telephone system through the mesh network. The telephone contains both its traditional telephony functions and integrated database communication modules, creating a nested structure where information can be permanently stored and retrieved without adding external complexity to the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network creates digital copies of directory information that can be permanently stored in the telephone's memory. Instead of relying on transient operator readings, the system generates and saves permanent digital records of phone numbers and contact information, eliminating information loss while maintaining system simplicity through automated data capture
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed having one or more mesh network appliances (such as ZigBee appliances); a mesh network telephone base station in communication with the mesh network appliances, the mesh network telephone base station including a telephone jack wired to a plain old telephone service (POTS) or a public switched telephone network (PSTN) land-line; and a telephone in communication with the one or more mesh network appliances including the mesh network telephone base station.