Presence-Based Call Forwarding and Audio Muting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems lack an efficient mechanism to automatically forward telephone calls based on user presence information and manage audio rendering during calls, leading to difficulties in locating users and handling audio volumes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically forwards telephone calls to the computing device where the user is most likely present, based on presence information, and includes a muting system to manage audio rendering by subscribing to presence and call events, allowing for seamless call forwarding and audio management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual call forwarding is used to redirect calls to mobile devices, then calls can be forwarded to alternative locations, but the system requires manual intervention and user memory to update forwarding destinations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall forwarding operationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the user's current location and forwards calls without manual intervention. The call forwarding destination is dynamically updated based on presence information from the user's mobile device, eliminating the need for manual configuration and user memory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors presence information from mobile devices and uses this feedback to automatically update call forwarding destinations. When a mobile device checks in or updates its location, the system receives this feedback and automatically redirects calls to the new destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If sequential call forwarding is used to contact multiple telephone numbers, then all possible destinations are attempted, but the process takes excessive time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall delivery reliabilityVSAvoidcall setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively determines the user's current location and pre-configures the call forwarding destination before an incoming call arrives. This eliminates the need for sequential trial-and-error calling by having the correct destination ready in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical sequential calling process with an automated presence-based routing mechanism. Instead of mechanically trying multiple numbers in sequence, the system uses electronic presence information to directly route calls to the active device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous call forwarding is used to contact multiple telephone numbers at once, then the user can answer from any device, but additional telephone lines are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall answering flexibilityVSAvoidtelecom infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the call forwarding functionality by device type and presence state. Instead of simultaneously routing calls to all possible devices, it segments the routing based on which device is currently active or most appropriate for receiving the call.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The call forwarding destination is dynamically adjusted based on real-time presence information. The system transitions from static multi-line configurations to dynamic single-line routing that adapts to the user's current device state and location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If presence information is not monitored in real-time, then system resources are conserved, but the initiating participant cannot know when to place a call

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem energy consumptionVSAvoidcall placement delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device performs periodic presence checks and updates its location information at scheduled intervals. This periodic action balances energy consumption with the need to maintain accurate routing information, avoiding continuous monitoring while ensuring timely call delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS7616750B2Method and system for forwarding telephone calls based on presence information

Publication Date: 2009.11.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A call forwarding system forwards telephone calls based on presence information of a user as reported by computing devices associated with a telephone number. When a telephone system receives an incoming call directed to one of the telephone numbers of the user's computing devices, it sends an incoming call event to each computing device. Upon receiving the incoming call event from a telephone system, each computing device determines whether the user is most likely present at that computing device based on the presence information. When a computing device determines that the user is most likely present at that computing device, it sends a notification to the telephone system to forward the incoming call to the telephone number associated with that computing device to effect the automatic forwarding of a call based on presence information.