Reverse Signaling via Caller ID for Network Handoff Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network protocols face challenges in providing effective signaling mechanisms for end users to seamlessly transition between cellular and enterprise networks, particularly during handoffs, leading to issues with communication session synchronization and real-time data processing.

Innovation Solution

A reverse signaling pathway is established using a specially formatted caller ID segment to enable mobile devices to recognize and respond to incoming data, allowing for proper synchronization of communication flows and addressing network conditions without requiring additional infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional network protocols are used for handoffs between cellular and enterprise networks, then network compatibility is maintained, but signaling capability and real-time communication synchronization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling capabilityVSAvoidnetwork compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the caller ID field as an intermediary carrier to transmit signaling information between the network and mobile device. By embedding signaling data within the caller ID segment of existing call protocols, the system enables reliable real-time communication synchronization without requiring new dedicated signaling infrastructure, thus maintaining network compatibility while improving signaling capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The caller ID field, traditionally used only for displaying caller information, is repurposed to carry multiple functions including signaling data transmission, call synchronization, and network condition indication. This multi-functionality allows the existing protocol structure to support enhanced signaling capabilities across different network types without compromising compatibility

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

2Reliability

If additional infrastructure is deployed to improve signaling pathways, then real-time communication capability is enhanced, but network cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time communication capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables mobile devices to self-configure and process signaling information by leveraging existing caller ID display capabilities. The mobile device's inherent ability to process and display caller ID information is utilized to render signaling data, eliminating the need for additional dedicated signaling infrastructure or complex device modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Existing network infrastructure and mobile device components are made multi-functional by using the caller ID system to simultaneously perform its traditional display function and new signaling transmission function. This approach enhances real-time communication capability while avoiding the costs and complexities of building separate signaling infrastructure

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

3Productivity

If caller ID is used to carry signaling data, then signaling pathway efficiency is improved, but data encoding capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling pathway efficiencyVSAvoiddata encoding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter usage of the caller ID field by encoding signaling information within its structure. By modifying how the caller ID data is formatted and interpreted, the system enables efficient signaling transmission while maintaining the field's original characteristics, thus improving signaling pathway efficiency without fundamentally limiting encoding capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The caller ID segment is divided into functional portions, with specific segments allocated for different types of signaling information. This segmentation allows multiple signaling parameters to be transmitted simultaneously through the caller ID field, enhancing both efficiency and encoding versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8180334B2System and method for leveraging a caller ID to provide a reverse signaling pathway in a network environment
Publication Date: 2012.05.15 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US8180334B2 patent drawing
  • US8180334B2 patent drawing
  • US8180334B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for providing signaling in a network environment is provided that includes receiving, at a mobile station, a new call from a mobility application, the new call including a caller ID segment associated with an existing call for the mobile station. The method further includes evaluating data included in the caller ID segment in order to perform an activity related to the data provided in the caller ID segment.