Ad-hoc Group Call Initiation via Concatenated PTT Number Sequences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-to-talk wireless mobile devices require preconfigured selective dynamic group calls, limiting the ability to initiate ad-hoc group calls without predefined groups, as users must individually select numbers from an address book.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allow users to initiate selective dynamic group calls by entering a sequence of concatenated PTT numbers or contact names, using a unique identifier to distinguish between private and group calls, enabling on-the-fly configuration and ad-hoc group call initiation without pre-defined SDG lists.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users must preconfigure SDG groups with each participant's PTT number stored in an address book, then call reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to the requirement of predefined groups and manual number entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall reliabilityVSAvoidease of initiating ad-hoc calls

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of PTT numbers against the address book before call initiation, ensuring reliability while allowing ad-hoc calls. The address book is pre-configured with valid PTT numbers, and the system automatically verifies entered numbers against this pre-prepared list, combining the safety of preconfiguration with the flexibility of on-demand calling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically validates entered PTT numbers against the address book without requiring manual group configuration. Users simply enter PTT numbers, and the system self-verifies them, eliminating the need for users to manually create and manage SDG groups while maintaining call reliability through automatic validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If users individually select numbers from an address book to initiate group calls, then call accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual selection process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall accuracyVSAvoidtime to initiate call

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the call initiation process into two independent parts: (1) user input of PTT numbers, and (2) automatic validation against the address book. This segmentation allows users to quickly input numbers without manual browsing while the system handles verification, reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy through separate validation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of browsing and selecting contacts from the address book is replaced with an automated electronic validation system. Users enter PTT numbers directly, and the system automatically checks them against the address book database, substituting manual selection with automated verification to reduce time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the system requires pre-defined SDG lists, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens due to inability to create ad-hoc calls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure complexityVSAvoidability to create ad-hoc groups

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static pre-defined SDG groups to dynamic ad-hoc group formation. Users can dynamically create groups on-demand by entering PTT numbers, and the system dynamically validates and processes these temporary groups without requiring permanent configuration, enabling flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through automated validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The address book serves multiple functions: it acts as both a contact storage mechanism and a real-time validation database for ad-hoc calls. This multi-functionality allows the system to support both traditional pre-configured groups and new ad-hoc groups using the same infrastructure, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2200354B1Initiating a selective dynamic group call from a wireless mobile application

Publication Date: 2019.05.22 BLACKBERRY LTD

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AI summary

A method and a wireless mobile device for initiating selective dynamic group (SDG) calls in an application on a push-to-talk (PTT) capable wireless network using a concatenated sequence of PTT mobile numbers. The PTT mobile numbers are separated by PTT call identifiers in a concatenated sequence. The PTT mobile numbers are validated and a PTT SDG call sequence is generated using the plurality of validated PTT mobile numbers when a call initiator input is received. The PTT SDG call is then initiated on the wireless network to the PTT mobile numbers in the sequence.