Mobile Call Logging via Set-Top Box Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices often go unanswered when users are not in close proximity, leading to missed calls, as existing technologies lack effective methods to log and notify users of incoming calls in situations where the device is inactive and not in use.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device logging and tracking system that communicatively associates mobile communication devices with receiving devices, such as set-top boxes, to log and notify users of unanswered calls through data transmission and processing, utilizing transceivers for short-range communication and motion detection to determine periods of inactivity and non-motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mobile communication device is kept away from the user or set down during activities, then the user has freedom of movement and can engage in other activities, but the user will miss phone calls directed to the mobile device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiving device (such as a set-top box or base station) as an intermediary between the mobile communication device and the user. This receiving device monitors the mobile device's status, detects unanswered calls, and communicates call information to the user through alternative channels (visual displays, audio outputs, or notifications on other devices), thereby mediating the information loss when the mobile device is separated from the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the receiving device continuously monitor the mobile device's activity status, detect periods of inactivity, and provide real-time notifications to the user about incoming calls. This feedback loop ensures the user is informed of call status even when the mobile device is not in their possession, resolving the information loss problem
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile communication device is not in close proximity to the user, then the user can use the device freely without carrying it, but existing technologies lack effective methods to log and notify users of incoming calls
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device serves as a reliable intermediary that maintains connection with the mobile device and provides dependable call notification through multiple channels (visual displays on TV screens, audio through speakers, or notifications on connected devices), ensuring call notification reliability regardless of the mobile device's proximity to the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by enabling call notification through multiple different devices and channels (smartphones, tablets, computers, TV displays, audio speakers), allowing the notification function to work reliably across various platforms and situations, thereby maintaining call notification reliability while supporting flexible device usage
3Loss of information
If a receiving device is introduced to log and notify calls, then call information can be tracked when the mobile device is inactive, but the system complexity increases with additional devices and communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a traditional set-top box or base station and a call monitoring/notification device. By leveraging existing hardware capabilities (processors, displays, speakers, network interfaces) for dual purposes, the system achieves call logging capability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the call monitoring and notification functions with the existing receiving device infrastructure. Instead of adding separate dedicated hardware, the system combines call logging capabilities into devices that already perform other functions (such as set-top boxes or base stations), thereby achieving call information tracking while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device logging and tracking system permits a communicative association between a mobile device and a receiving device. When the mobile device communicates data including an indication of an unanswered call to the receiving device, the receiving device is configured to store the data in a memory. The memory may be local or remote from the receiving device. The receiving device may then communicate information associated with the unanswered call to a first electronic device, which may be an appliance, a gaming system, another mobile communication device, or some other device having computing capability.