Telephony Function Transfer via Server Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of wireless handheld telephony devices face challenges in temporarily transferring telephony functions, such as voice capabilities and command and control functions, to other devices, particularly in scenarios where security, comfort, or cost considerations necessitate the transfer of communications from a wireless device to a landline or stationary device.

Innovation Solution

The system and method involve servers or telecommunications devices configured to process signals for transferring voice capabilities and additional telephony functions from wireless handheld devices to second devices, using data processors and communications subsystems to manage the transfer and setup of voice communications sessions, enabling seamless integration and control between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If telephony functions are transferred from wireless handheld device to landline device, then security and cost are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between the wireless handheld device and the landline device. The server receives telephony functions (voice capabilities, command and control functions) from the wireless device and relays them to the landline device, enabling secure transfer while centralizing complexity management on the server side rather than requiring complex modifications to the end devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct device-to-device communication with network-based communication mediated by a server. This substitution of the communication mechanism allows for centralized control, authentication, and function management, improving security while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.

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

2Loss of energy

If telephony functions are transferred from wireless handheld device to landline device, then cost is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless usage costVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic function transfer and session management through the server, which handles authentication, function allocation, and communication routing without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service approach maintains user convenience while enabling cost-effective landline usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The server mediates the transfer of telephony functions, automatically managing the complexity of switching between wireless and landline devices. Users simply initiate the transfer, and the server handles the rest, maintaining ease of operation while reducing wireless usage costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If telephony functions are transferred between devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice interchangeabilityVSAvoidtransfer mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server provides a universal platform that can transfer telephony functions between different types of devices (wireless handheld, landline, etc.). This multi-functional approach allows various device combinations to work together through a single standardized interface, improving adaptability without requiring device-specific complex transfer mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2355474B1Transfer of telephony functions associated with a wireless handheld telephony device to another telephony device
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2355474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2355474B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2355474B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Transfer of telephony functions associated with a wireless handheld telephony device to another telephony device. The application relates to the transfer of one or more telephony functions associated with a wireless handheld telephony device to a second telephony device. For example, a user may be assigned a temporary office or "hotel cube" when visiting a corporate office. The hard phone located in the temporary office may have an unused extension with no specific identity. The user may wish to transfer some or all of their user identity to the hard phone. Actually, the "telephony functions" relate to the handling of incoming and outgoing communications by said wireless handheld telephony device and said second telephony device. Said transfer is also referred to as "pairing". In some embodiments, after the "pairing", only the voice stream is transferred to the second telephony device whereas the remainder of telephony functions, such as those functions related to command and control of a communication, remain with wireless handheld telephony device. In other embodiments, after the "paring", voice data and other information as well as command and control functions of wireless handheld telephony device (111) may be handled by second telephony device (101). In other embodiments, transferal may also be a duplication of one or more telephony functions, such that such functions may be available both on the wireless handheld telephony device and on the second telephony device, rather than a strict transferal of functions. Thereby, if an incoming communication is received, both telephony devices may ring simultaneously and the user may be able to decide on which device to accept the incoming communication. Furthermore, voice communication may already be ongoing between wireless handheld telephony device and a third telephony device when the one or more functions are transferred to second telephony device. For example, if the voice stream is to be transferred to second telephony device, the voice stream of the ongoing communication will be transferred to second telephony device when the devices are paired.