Multi-Modem Call Switching Across Different Call Protocols

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in implementing complete compatibility of multiple call protocols with a single modem component, necessitating multiple modems, and require seamless switching of modems during call transitions to maintain call quality.

Innovation Solution

The method and apparatus enable real-time switching of physical and data paths between multiple modems supporting different call protocols, allowing flexible call state transitions while ensuring uninterrupted call functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modem components are carried to implement compatibility of multiple call protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall protocol compatibilityVSAvoidmodem component quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single modem component to handle multiple call protocols through dynamic protocol adaptation. The system allows one modem to serve multiple protocol functions by implementing protocol conversion and switching mechanisms, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated modems for each protocol while maintaining comprehensive protocol compatibility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the protocol handling function from the modem hardware. Instead of requiring dedicated modems for each protocol, the system segments the communication functionality into protocol-specific processing layers that can be dynamically activated. This allows a single modem to be segmented into multiple virtual communication channels supporting different protocols simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If modem switching is implemented during call transitions, then call effect is maintained, but switching complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall effect continuityVSAvoidswitching control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing the second call connection before fully terminating the first call. The system prepares the alternative communication path in advance, validates its readiness, and then smoothly transitions between calls. This preliminary preparation ensures that call effect continuity is maintained while reducing the complexity of real-time switching decisions during active calls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary switching mechanism that manages the transition between different modem components and call protocols. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of protocol conversion, resource allocation, and connection management, thereby simplifying the overall switching control while ensuring reliable call effect continuity during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If real-time path switching is performed, then call quality is maintained, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall qualityVSAvoidprocessing energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by performing path switching at predetermined intervals and trigger events rather than continuously monitoring and adjusting. The system checks call quality parameters at specific intervals and only initiates path switching when predefined conditions are met, thereby maintaining call quality while significantly reducing processing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting switching thresholds and monitoring intervals based on call conditions. The system modifies its processing parameters adaptively, increasing monitoring frequency only when call quality degrades and reducing it when conditions are stable. This approach maintains high call quality while optimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary processing during stable call states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4697858A1Method and apparatus for call switching, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4697858A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4697858A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4697858A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a call switching method and apparatus, and an electronic device. The method is applicable to the electronic device. The electronic device includes a first modem configured to process data of a first call and a second modem configured to process data of a second call. The first modem and the second modem support different call protocols. The electronic device obtains a second call request when being in a first call state, and switches the first call to the second call in response to an operation of a user on the second call request. According to the call switching method in this application, the electronic device can carry a plurality of modems supporting different call protocols, and can flexibly switch between call states of different call protocols, to meet call requirements of the user.