Network Control Signal for Automatic Call Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telecommunications systems face issues where a terminated call can leave the other subscriber's connection busy, leading to missed calls and resource blocking, due to the current method of connection cleardown relying on the second subscriber actively releasing the line, which may not happen if they are unavailable or make an error.

Innovation Solution

A network-side control unit generates an additional control signal upon receiving a connection termination signal, which is transmitted to the second subscriber's terminal, allowing the terminal to automatically switch to an idle state, ensuring synchronous connection release with the network status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connection cleardown is initiated by the first subscriber and transmitted through the network to the second subscriber's local exchange, then the connection termination process begins, but the second subscriber's connection remains busy until they actively release it themselves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection release reliabilityVSAvoidsubscriber action requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic connection release without requiring manual intervention from the second subscriber. The terminal device monitors the connection state and automatically releases the connection when it detects that the first subscriber has terminated the call, transforming a manual operation into an automated self-service process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device receives connection control information from the network indicating that the first subscriber has terminated the call. Based on this feedback information, the terminal automatically releases its own connection, creating a closed-loop control system where the terminal's action is triggered by network feedback rather than manual user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the second subscriber fails to actively release the connection due to unavailability or incorrect operation, then the connection remains busy, but network resources are unnecessarily blocked and connection charges are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidconnection release delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device is pre-configured to automatically release connections based on network feedback. When the network transmits connection control information indicating termination by the first subscriber, the terminal is already prepared to immediately release the connection without waiting for manual intervention, thus preventing resource blocking before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal autonomously monitors connection state and automatically releases the connection when termination is detected, eliminating the need for manual subscriber action. This automated self-service mechanism ensures timely resource release and prevents network resource blocking caused by subscriber unavailability or errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If terminal-based solutions are used to detect voice band activities or handset position, then automatic connection release can be achieved, but the terminal device structure becomes comparatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic connection releaseVSAvoidterminal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex terminal-based detection mechanisms, the invention uses simple feedback from the network's connection control information. The terminal only needs to receive and process the network's indication that the first subscriber has terminated the call, which is a straightforward signaling operation that does not require complex sensors or detection algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network's connection control information serves as an intermediary that carries the termination status from the first subscriber to the second subscriber's terminal. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the terminal's task by providing ready-made connection state information, eliminating the need for the terminal to independently detect voice activities or handset position through complex sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2309711B1Method and device for call clearing in telecommunication networks
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP2309711B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The method involves controlling of clearing a network side call by a controlling unit (5) and merging a terminal (2) of a subscriber (B) over a subscriber connection line (4). An additional controlling signal is generated on completion of a connection of another subscriber (A). An independent claim is also included for a device for the execution of a call clearing method.