Digital Voice Call Redirection via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The convergence of computing and communications technology has created a challenge in determining the most appropriate device to communicate with a user at a given moment, as multiple voice-capable devices associated with a phone number need intelligent management to optimize call routing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system for digital voice call redirection, comprising modules that provide a first identifier for a voice terminal device, determine proximity to another device via location modules, and redirect calls using address and routing modules when the first device is not within predefined proximity, utilizing protocols like Bluetooth or GPS for proximity determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voice-capable devices are associated with a phone number to provide communication flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A call redirection server acts as an intermediary between the telephone network and multiple user devices. The server receives calls destined for the user's phone number, determines the most appropriate device to route the call to based on various criteria, and forwards the call accordingly. This intermediary approach allows multiple devices to be associated with a single phone number while managing the complexity centrally on the server rather than in the user's devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple device identifiers with a single phone number and establishing routing criteria in advance. The call redirection server maintains a registry of user devices and pre-defines routing rules based on device types, user preferences, and contextual information. When a call arrives, the server already has the necessary information to quickly determine the appropriate routing decision without complex real-time calculations.
2Reliability
If call routing decisions are made in real-time based on device proximity and accessibility, then call reliability is improved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where user devices periodically report their status, location, and accessibility information to the call redirection server. The server uses this feedback to maintain an up-to-date view of device availability and make informed routing decisions. This continuous feedback loop ensures reliable call delivery while distributing the information gathering burden to the user devices themselves rather than requiring the server to continuously query all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
User devices autonomously determine and report their own proximity and accessibility status to the call redirection server. Each device monitors its own operational state, location information, and connectivity status, then provides this information to the server when requested or according to a reporting schedule. This self-service approach reduces the information processing load on the server by leveraging the capabilities of the user devices themselves.
3Measurement precision
If proximity determination uses wireless protocols like Bluetooth or GPS, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses proximity determination protocols selectively rather than continuously. The call redirection server requests proximity information from user devices only when needed for call routing decisions, such as when a call arrives and multiple devices are candidates for routing. Between call events, devices do not need to maintain active proximity monitoring, thereby reducing energy consumption while still providing accurate proximity data when required.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods provide digital voice call redirection. A configuration module associates a phone number with a first identifier of a first voice terminal device and a second identifier of a second voice terminal device provided by an address module. A location module determines whether the first device is within a predefined proximity to the second device, such as by detecting connectivity between the devices, over a personal area network (“PAN”). A routing module redirects a digital voice call to a call module of the first device using the first identifier when the first device is not within the predefined proximity to the second device. Otherwise the routing module directs the call to a call module of the second device using the second identifier.