Multimode Handset Protocol Switching for Voice Quality

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication technologies, such as WiFi, suffer from poor voice quality and security issues, while cordless telephones offer better voice quality but are limited in range and require costly infrastructure for home use.

Innovation Solution

A multimode handset capable of switching automatically between mobile telephone communications protocols and cordless telephone protocols, including analog and Internet Protocol, to optimize voice quality and security by seamlessly transitioning between communication paths based on signal strength within a home proximity zone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cordless telephone is used within home proximity zone, then voice quality is improved, but range is limited and infrastructure cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice qualityVSAvoidrange
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handset is designed with dual communication capabilities - it can operate as a mobile telephone using cellular networks and as a cordless telephone using local POTS infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the same device to adapt between different communication modes depending on the user's location and needs, resolving the contradiction between voice quality (better in cordless mode) and range (limited in cordless mode).

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between mobile and cordless communication modes based on the handset's location and signal conditions. When within home proximity zone with available POTS infrastructure, it operates in cordless mode for optimal voice quality. When outside this zone, it automatically transitions to mobile mode to maintain connectivity, thus adapting the communication path based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If WiFi communications are used, then cost is reduced, but voice quality and security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidvoice quality and security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) infrastructure as an intermediary communication path between the handset and the network. Instead of directly using WiFi for voice communication, the system routes calls through the reliable POTS network when available, thereby maintaining high voice quality and security while still benefiting from the lower cost of WiFi for data communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If automatic switching between communication protocols is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol switching capabilityVSAvoidcommunication path management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handset autonomously monitors its own location and signal conditions to determine the optimal communication mode. It automatically selects whether to use mobile or cordless protocols without requiring user intervention or complex manual configuration. The device self-manages the switching process based on pre-configured parameters and real-time conditions, reducing the operational complexity despite maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8831583B2System and method for a multimode handset for transferring telephone calls between mobile and cordless modes
Publication Date: 2014.09.09 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC
  • US8831583B2 patent drawing
  • US8831583B2 patent drawing
  • US8831583B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multimode handset and method that includes a first communications path adapted to communicate using a mobile telephone communications protocol, a second communications path adapted to communicate using a local cordless communications protocol, and a processing unit in communication with the first communications path and the second communications paths and configured to switch between the first communications path and the second communications path during a telephone call.