Wireless Communication Alert System for Out-of-Network Dispatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication systems, dispatchers and drivers often face challenges in communicating when the truck cab's wireless device is outside the wireless communication network, leading to disruptions in communication, especially in areas with limited or no signal coverage.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a first wireless communication device with a display indicator and a second wireless communication device connected via a data link, allowing the dispatcher to alert the user of the first device that communication is waiting or wanted by sending a signal through the second device, even when the first device is out of network, using a separate network with broader coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the driver uses a wireless communication device in the truck cab, then communication with the dispatcher is enabled, but communication fails when the device is outside the wireless network coverage area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to network coverage limitations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second wireless communication device as an intermediary that can receive communication requests when the first device is out of network coverage. This intermediary device acts as a mediator to transfer communication intent between the dispatcher and the driver, enabling communication reliability without requiring the driver to be continuously within network coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-device communication model to a multi-device distributed model. By adding another dimension of communication architecture (multiple devices across different networks), the system can maintain communication reliability even when one device is out of coverage, as the other device can still receive and forward communication requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the system uses a single wireless communication device, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot alert the driver when out of network coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication status informationVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into multiple independent wireless communication devices, each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows one device to handle communication while another monitors network status and can alert the driver of pending communications, preventing information loss without requiring a single complex monolithic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

One of the wireless communication devices serves as an intermediary that specifically monitors network coverage status and communicates with the driver about pending dispatch communications. This intermediary function is separated from the primary communication function, allowing the system to alert drivers effectively while keeping individual device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the driver remains outside network coverage to maintain operational flexibility, then the driver can access remote areas, but the driver cannot receive communication alerts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication alert delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second wireless communication device acts as an intermediary that can receive communication requests even when the first device (used for primary communication) is outside network coverage. This allows the driver to maintain operational flexibility by being able to operate outside network areas while still receiving reliable communication alerts through the intermediary device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds another dimension to the communication architecture by deploying multiple wireless communication devices that can operate independently. This dimensional expansion allows one device to be used for primary communication while another handles alert delivery, enabling the driver to maintain both operational flexibility and communication reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8874088B2Method and apparatus to indicate communication is wanted or waiting

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 OMNITRACS LLC

AI summary

An integrated communication system comprises a first communication device connected to a second communication device using a data link. When the first communication device is out of network, a dispatch center can indicate to the use a communication is waiting or wanted by sending a communication request signal to the second communication device. The second communication device transmits the communication request signal to the first communication device over the data link alerting the user of the first communication device to the requested communication.