Call Answering Server for Seamless Conference Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conference call systems require participants to have access to specialized conference numbers, room identifiers, and passcodes/PINs, which can be difficult to obtain and enter, especially for individuals on-the-go.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows participants to join a conference call by dialing or sending a request to the host's known number, with a call answering server handling the connection and eliminating the need for additional details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If participants use traditional conference call systems with dedicated conference numbers, room identifiers, and passcodes, then conference call functionality is enabled, but participant accessibility and ease of joining deteriorates due to complex information requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a call answering server as an intermediary between the host device and participant devices. This server automatically manages conference call connections by receiving forwarded calls from participants, identifying the associated conference, and establishing connections without requiring participants to manually input complex conference details. The intermediary handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the call answering server to automatically identify participants and connect them to the appropriate conference calls without human intervention. The server uses automated processes including call forwarding detection, participant identification through address books or databases, and automatic connection establishment, eliminating the need for manual conference number entry or passcode verification by participants.
2Productivity
If participants are required to access and input conference call details manually, then conference security and identification are maintained, but time to join conference call increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring call forwarding rules on the host device and maintaining pre-established associations between participant devices and conference calls in address books or databases. When a participant calls, the system has already prepared the routing logic and identification data, enabling immediate automatic connection without requiring real-time information retrieval or manual input during the joining process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conference call systems use specialized conference numbers and identifiers, then conference call management is enabled, but ease of use deteriorates for individuals on-the-go who cannot easily access or remember these details
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling conference call joining through a universal method: standard phone calls to the host's number. The call answering server handles multiple functions including receiving conference join requests, identifying participants, managing connections, and providing conference services all through a single unified interface. This allows participants to use their existing phones and calling capabilities without needing specialized conference call devices or remembering multiple different types of identifiers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing a conference call, the system comprising a call answering server configured to receive a call from an attendee device that has been forwarded from a host device, identify a conference call associated with the host device for the attendee device to join, receive a request from the attendee device to join the conference call, and connect the attendee device to the conference call.