VoIP Call Diversion for Mobile Devices Without Cellular Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cellular radio coverage is uneven, leaving areas without service, rendering cellular phones useless in areas like oceans, deserts, or forests, and alternative satellite connections are costly and inconvenient, preventing users from accessing their own phone services and data.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that interconnects mobile devices with a remote server via an IP link, providing a unique VoIP number for call diversion when cellular coverage is absent, allowing mobile devices to receive and manage calls through a VoIP server, even in areas without cellular network connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If satellite terminals are used for communication in areas without cellular coverage, then communication service is available, but costs increase and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication service availabilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the cellular network and the mobile device. When cellular coverage is unavailable, the server receives calls directed to the user's MSISDN number and forwards them via VoIP through satellite IP connection, bridging the gap between traditional cellular infrastructure and satellite communication without requiring the user to directly operate satellite terminals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables a single mobile device to function in both cellular and satellite environments. By implementing a dual-mode communication architecture that automatically switches between cellular network and satellite-based VoIP depending on availability, the device maintains universal communication capability without requiring separate terminals for different environments

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

2Reliability

If satellite terminals are used for communication in areas without cellular coverage, then communication service is available, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication service availabilityVSAvoidcommunication costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses satellite communication only partially - specifically when cellular coverage is unavailable. The server monitors network availability and selectively routes calls through satellite VoIP only when necessary, avoiding continuous satellite connection and associated costs while maintaining communication reliability in coverage zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If call diversion to VoIP number is implemented, then incoming calls are received in absence of cellular coverage, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall reception capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device automatically detects cellular coverage status and triggers call diversion to the VoIP number without user intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of coordinating between cellular network, server, and VoIP infrastructure, presenting a simple unified interface to the user while handling complex routing decisions autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3039840B1Communication system and method for mobile devices in the absence of cellular coverage
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 RAMEL
  • EP3039840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3039840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3039840B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication method for a mobile device of the cellular type, comprising the steps of: interconnecting the mobile device to a remote server for the management of calls by way of an IP data link (for example through satellite devices); receiving from the remote server instructions for managing data transmission in the absence of connectivity with the cellular network; and receiving a telephone number, relating to a user, on a server of the VoIP type which is different from the MSISDN telephone number of the device; sending the operator of the cellular network a request for Call Forwarding Not Reachable to the telephone number associated with the VoIP user, the incoming calls directed to the telephone number associated with the mobile device; and receiving the incoming calls on the mobile device in the absence of cellular coverage.