Availability Status Manager for Location-Based Call Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual Private Branch Exchange (vPBX) systems are not well-suited for routing and controlling calls based on the geographic location of mobile devices connected to them, lacking effective management of availability status and call routing.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a positioning system within mobile devices to determine their location, coupled with an Availability Status Manager (ASM) in the vPBX system, which uses geographic information to manage call routing and availability status, allowing for rules-based actions on incoming calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vPBX systems are used for call management, then basic call routing is supported, but location-based call routing and availability status management are not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Positioning System (PS) and an Availability Status Manager (ASM) as intermediary components between the mobile device and the vPBX system. The PS determines geographic location of mobile devices, and the ASM uses this location information to manage call routing and availability status. This intermediary approach enables location-based call routing without fundamentally redesigning the entire vPBX system architecture.
2Productivity
If location-based call routing is implemented, then intelligent call management is achieved, but additional positioning system integration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The Positioning System is integrated into existing mobile devices that are already part of the vPBX network, allowing these devices to serve dual purposes: standard telephony functions and location determination. The ASM also performs multiple functions including receiving location information, determining availability status based on location, and managing call routing decisions, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If availability status is determined based on geographic location, then dynamic call routing is enabled, but continuous location tracking increases system resource usage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous location tracking, the system updates the availability status and triggers call routing decisions based on periodic location checks or event-driven updates (e.g., when the mobile device enters or exits predefined geographic areas). This periodic approach maintains dynamic call routing capability while significantly reducing the energy consumption and resource usage associated with constant location monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer program products for utilizing location information in a virtual private branch exchange (vPBX) system are described. In some implementations, the vPBX system can use the location information to determine an availability status of a user of a mobile device (e.g., out of the office, in the office, at home, busy, and the like). The vPBX system can obtain the geographic coordinates of the mobile device and correlate these coordinates with known coordinates for locations associated with the user (e.g., the user's office, home, or other predefined locations). An inference of the user's availability can then be determined based on the correlation (e.g., whether the user is currently out of the user's office, at the user's home, or at another location). The user's availability can be made available to other users associated with the vPBX system, and can be used for call management (e.g., routing).