Multi-Mode Mobile Station Call Notification via Network Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-mode mobile stations, which can communicate using multiple wireless access technologies, pose challenges in notifying them of incoming calls due to their ability to switch between different networks, leading to missed calls when they are inaccessible via the initially attempted network.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that transmit a first notification message via a first wireless network and, if unsuccessful, a second notification message via a second wireless network, ensuring that multi-mode mobile stations are alerted to incoming calls regardless of their network usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wireless network is used to notify the multi-mode mobile station of an incoming call, then the notification process is simple, but the call may be missed if the mobile station is inaccessible via that network
Solution Approach 1:
The notification process is segmented into multiple independent attempts, each targeting a different wireless network. The system divides the single notification task into sequential steps: first attempting to send a notification message via the mobile station's primary network, and if that fails, then attempting to send via an alternative network. This segmentation ensures that the mobile station can be reached regardless of which network it is currently accessible through.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by attempting to notify the mobile station through multiple networks in a predetermined sequence before concluding that the call cannot be delivered. Rather than waiting for a single notification attempt to fail and then trying another approach, the system proactively prepares and executes multiple notification paths in advance, ensuring that the mobile station is notified through whichever network it is currently accessible through.
2Reliability
If multiple notification attempts are made through different networks, then the likelihood of reaching the mobile station increases, but the time and resources required for notification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The notification process uses periodic action by implementing time-based intervals between notification attempts. The system sends the first notification message via the primary network, waits for a predetermined time period to determine if the message was received, and only then proceeds to send a second notification message via the alternative network. This periodic approach prevents continuous, redundant attempts and optimizes the timing of each notification effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by implementing a limited number of notification attempts (exactly two attempts as specified in the claims) rather than continuously retrying indefinitely. The patent defines specific conditions under which each attempt is made and establishes clear termination criteria, ensuring that the notification process does not consume excessive time or resources while still providing sufficient redundancy to reach the mobile station.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode mobile station includes a first interface for wireless communication with a first wireless network, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), and a second interface for wireless communication with a second wireless network, such as a wireless wide area network (WWAN). When a call is placed to the multi-mode mobile station, a softswitch or other controller attempts to establish the call with the multi-mode mobile station via the first wireless network. If this attempt is unsuccessful because the multi-mode mobile station is inaccessible via the first wireless network, the controller then attempts to establish the call via the second wireless network.