Mobile Device MT Call Barring via WLAN Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for silencing mobile phones in quiet areas either fail to selectively block only mobile-terminated calls or disrupt other communication services, leading to battery drain and service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile device associates with a WLAN AP and notifies the telecommunications network to block only mobile-terminated calls, allowing other communication services to remain functional, and reverses the block when leaving the quiet area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a mobile phone blocker is employed to block RF signals, then incoming call requests are blocked, but other communications signals are also blocked causing the mobile phone to be unable to make outgoing calls, receive and send short messages and e-mails, and surf the Internet
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the call blocking function by distinguishing between mobile-terminated calls (MT calls) and other communication services. The system selectively blocks only MT calls while allowing mobile-originated calls (MO calls), short messages, and internet access to continue normally. This is achieved through network-based call management that identifies and filters specific call types based on signaling parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by enabling MT call barring only when the mobile device is detected to be in a quiet area (such as lecture halls, cinemas, libraries). The system determines the device's location through WLAN association information and applies the blocking function selectively in these specific regions, while maintaining normal call services in other areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a mobile phone blocker is employed to block RF signals, then incoming call requests are blocked, but the mobile phone will attempt to increase its power level to search for available cells when camping on no cell, resulting in unnecessary consumption of battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism through the base station and network server that mediates between the mobile device and the call blocking function. The network server receives location information from the base station, determines whether MT call barring should be applied, and controls the blocking function accordingly. This intermediary approach prevents the mobile device from attempting to search for cells when in quiet areas, as the blocking is implemented at the network level rather than requiring device-level RF blocking.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the user manually switches the mobile phone to silent mode, then the ringtone is prevented, but the user may forget to turn the mobile phone back on and restore the ring settings, resulting in potentially missing incoming calls
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by automatically enabling MT call barring when the mobile device associates with a WLAN access point in a quiet area. The system monitors the device's location through WLAN information and automatically applies or removes the blocking function without requiring user intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually switch between silent mode and normal mode, and ensures that call services are restored automatically when leaving quiet areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs feedback mechanisms where the network server continuously monitors the mobile device's association status with WLAN access points. When the device disconnects from the WLAN in a quiet area, the network receives feedback and automatically removes the MT call barring function. This feedback loop ensures that call services are restored timely when the device leaves quiet areas, preventing missed calls.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a method for call management, performed by a processing unit of a mobile device, is introduced. A telecommunications network is notified to block MT (mobile-terminated) calls through a base station after the mobile device has successfully associated with a WLAN (wireless local area network) AP (access point) deployed in a region in which noises should be avoided or limited, so as to avoid sounding a ringtone in response to a receipt of a paging reques