Proximity-Based Call Management Using Wireless Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile phone users face inconvenience and higher costs when receiving calls on their mobile devices compared to landline phones, and existing systems require physical docking, which can lead to device deterioration and limited compatibility with diverse phone models.

Innovation Solution

A proximity-based call management system using wireless technologies like Bluetooth to detect the presence of mobile devices near base stations, allowing seamless call forwarding and conference calling between mobile and landline phones without the need for physical connections, enabling single-number reach and reducing wear on devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical docking is used to connect mobile phones with base stations, then call forwarding between mobile and landline phones can be achieved, but device deterioration occurs and compatibility with diverse phone models is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall forwarding reliabilityVSAvoidphone model compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical docking system with a wireless communication system. Base stations use wireless protocols (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular communication) to detect and communicate with mobile phones, eliminating the need for physical connectors. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable call forwarding functionality while achieving universal compatibility across all phone models that support the wireless protocol.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary layer between the mobile phone and base station. Instead of direct physical connection, the system uses wireless signals as an intermediary to transmit call forwarding commands and status information. This intermediary approach maintains system reliability while being universally compatible with diverse phone models through standardized wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical docking is used to connect mobile phones with base stations, then call forwarding can be established, but device lifespan is reduced due to wear from repeated connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall forwarding functionalityVSAvoiddevice lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical wear by replacing the physical docking mechanism with wireless communication. Base stations and mobile phones communicate through electromagnetic fields without physical contact, completely removing the wear and tear associated with repeated plugging and unplugging of connectors. This extends device lifespan while maintaining full call forwarding functionality.

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

3Ease of operation

If mobile phones are used to receive calls, then users can be reached at all times and places, but call costs are higher and quality of service is degraded compared to landline phones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility and accessibilityVSAvoidwireless minutes consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic call routing that automatically switches between mobile and landline reception based on the user's location and proximity to base stations. When the user is near a base station (indicating they are at home or office), the system dynamically routes calls to the landline phone, conserving wireless minutes. When away from base stations, calls are routed to the mobile phone to maintain accessibility. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between mobility and cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If call forwarding is implemented between mobile and landline phones, then users can receive calls on preferred devices, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall reception flexibilityVSAvoidcall management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated call routing that operates without user intervention. The system continuously monitors proximity to base stations through wireless communication and automatically determines the optimal call reception device. Users simply need to be within proximity of their home or office base station; the system handles all call forwarding logic automatically. This self-service approach provides call reception flexibility while minimizing the complexity burden on users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 users to receive calls on their preferred landline phones while saving wireless minutes, supports diverse phone models, and extends device lifespan by eliminating the need for physical docking, providing seamless mobility and cost-effective single-number reach capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity sensor 115 to sense whether a mobile device 110 is within a proximity zone 101

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8326276B2Proximity based call management
Publication Date: 2012.12.04 SBC KNOWLEDGE VENTURES LP
  • US8326276B2 patent drawing
  • US8326276B2 patent drawing
  • US8326276B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is disclosed for proximity-based call management that includes sensing a proximity event between a first device associated with a first network and a second device associated with a second network, sending a first communication address for the first device from the first device to the second device over a wireless communication path between the first device and the second device, and signaling the second network from the second device to establish a conference call between the first device and the second device. A proximity based call management apparatus is disclosed including a processor coupled to a memory, a proximity sensor in data communication with the processor, a network interface in data communication with the processor, and a computer program stored in the memory for execution by the processor, the computer program comprising instructions proximity-based call management.