NFC-Based Active Call Transfer Between Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telephony systems require pre-configuration and multi-step procedures to transfer active phone calls between devices, limiting the ability to transfer both incoming and outgoing calls without pre-configured devices and restricting transfers to specific devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Near Field Communication (NFC) to transfer call and device configuration information between devices, allowing users to initiate call transfers by 'tapping' one device with another, enabling seamless call transfer between any NFC-capable devices without pre-configuration, regardless of call initiation type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-configuration and multi-step procedures are used to transfer active phone calls between devices, then call transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall transfer reliabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the presence of a second device near the first device during an active call and pre-establishing the necessary communication parameters and configuration data. This eliminates the need for users to manually pre-configure devices or follow multi-step procedures, as the system prepares all necessary transfer parameters in advance through automatic detection and initialization of communication channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If pre-configuration is required for call transfer, then call transfer reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universality by enabling call transfer functionality across any devices equipped with NFC capabilities, regardless of device type, manufacturer, or operating system. The NFC-based configuration information exchange creates a universal communication protocol that allows the first device to transfer calls to any nearby second device without requiring pre-configuration or device-specific setup, thus achieving both reliability and broad adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically detecting the second device, retrieving necessary configuration information through NFC, and initiating the call transfer process without requiring user intervention for device pairing or configuration. The devices self-configure the transfer parameters and establish communication channels autonomously, eliminating the need for manual pre-configuration while maintaining reliable call transfer across diverse device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual multi-step procedures are used for call transfer, then call transfer control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall transfer convenienceVSAvoidtransfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the time-consuming manual configuration and multi-step transfer procedures by replacing them with automatic NFC-based device detection and configuration information exchange. The complex setup steps are removed from the user interaction flow, leaving only a simple user action (such as tapping devices together or selecting a transfer option) to initiate the call transfer, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing transfer time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes manual mechanical operations (button sequences, device pairing, configuration input) with automatic electromagnetic field-based NFC communication. The NFC technology enables instantaneous wireless exchange of configuration information and transfer parameters, replacing lengthy manual procedures with a single tap or proximity-based interaction, thus achieving both ease of operation and rapid call transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables effortless transfer of active phone calls between devices using NFC, eliminating the need for pre-configuration and multi-step procedures, allowing transfers to any NFC-capable device, thereby enhancing user convenience and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

Near Field Communication (NFC) may be utilized to transfer configuration and call information between the two devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2774351B1Transferring an active call to another device
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP2774351B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2774351B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2774351B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In general, this disclosure describes techniques for transferring an active telephone call between devices using short-range wireless communication. In one example, a method includes, while the first device and a second device are connected to a telephone call, obtaining, by the first device and from a third device using short-range wireless communication, configuration information associated with the third device, sending, by the first device, a message to a call controller in order to connect the third device to the telephone call, wherein the message includes at least a portion of the configuration information associated with the third device, and disconnecting the first device from the telephone call after the third device is connected to the telephone call.