Selective Call Routing and Blocking via Rule-Based Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VoIP systems lack advanced call handling mechanisms that can dynamically manage calls based on participant availability, online presence, and personalized preferences, leading to inefficient call routing and handling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where call handling rules are accessed and applied based on participant information, including electronic calendars, online presence, and call preferences, to determine the manner in which calls should be handled, allowing for features like call blocking, rerouting, and tone settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If basic call routing is implemented in traditional VoIP systems, then call connectivity is achieved, but call handling efficiency and user control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a call handling rules database and rule-based routing mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the caller and the called party. The system retrieves and applies predefined rules (such as do-not-disturb, call forwarding, voicemail routing) to determine call handling actions, thereby improving call handling efficiency without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic in the core routing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring call handling rules and user preferences in a database before calls occur. User-specific routing rules, availability status, and preference settings are established in advance, allowing the system to quickly retrieve and apply appropriate handling actions when calls are received, rather than making complex decisions in real-time during call setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic call management features are added, then user control and personalization are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call handling functionality into distinct modular components: a rules database storing user preferences and handling actions, a rule retrieval mechanism, and an action execution engine. This segmentation allows the system to provide dynamic and personalized call management by combining simple, well-defined modules rather than requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The call handling rules database serves multiple functions: storing user availability status, maintaining do-not-disturb preferences, managing call forwarding rules, and tracking voicemail routing preferences. This universal database structure supports various call handling scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Managing an outgoing telephone call includes receiving a request for a telephone call to a first call participant from a second call participant. A list that is specified by the second call participant is accessed. The list specifies users of an electronic communications system for which contact information is maintained. Whether the first call participant is included in the list of users is determined. A group of one or more of the users included in the list of users with which the first call participant is associated is identified when the first call participant is included in the list of users. A rule associated with the identified group that indicates a manner in which electronic communications of the first or second call participants should be handled is accessed, and a manner in which the call should be handled that is in accordance with the accessed rule is identified.