Communication Client App Call Routing via Dummy URI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in managing communication events between user terminals with varying network connectivity and processor power consumption, particularly when determining whether a target device supports specific communication client applications for efficient call placement.

Innovation Solution

A communication client application that generates a dummy call URI to determine the presence of compatible communication client applications on the target device, allowing it to manage calls using the communication client app when available and hand off to native or other applications when necessary, while also providing options for installation and network selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the communication client application checks whether the target device supports the communication client application before placing a call, then call routing efficiency is improved, but the time required to place the call increases due to the additional check

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall routing efficiencyVSAvoidcall placement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the compatibility check in advance by generating a dummy call URI and querying the target device's capabilities before the actual call is placed. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the appropriate call placement strategy ahead of time, reducing the time penalty during actual call placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system caches the compatibility check results locally on both sending and receiving devices. This caching mechanism acts as a cushion that eliminates the need to perform repeated compatibility checks for the same contact, significantly reducing the time required for subsequent calls while maintaining routing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Measurement precision

If the system generates a dummy call URI to check target device compatibility, then call routing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall routing accuracyVSAvoidapplication structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dummy call URI mechanism serves multiple functions: it checks target device compatibility, determines the appropriate communication network (first or second network), and identifies the correct calling component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex checking mechanisms while maintaining high routing accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary database that stores compatibility information about target devices. This database acts as a mediator between the calling application and the target device, providing pre-collected compatibility data that simplifies the checking process while maintaining accurate routing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the communication client application manages calls over the first network when the target device has the application, then resource usage efficiency is improved, but the loss of information increases when the target device does not have the application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource usage efficiencyVSAvoidcall information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the call placement strategy based on real-time compatibility information. When the target device is determined to support the communication client application, calls are routed through the first network for efficient resource usage. When incompatibility is detected, the system automatically switches to alternative calling components or networks, preventing information loss by adapting to the target device's capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where compatibility check results are used to determine the appropriate call placement strategy. The feedback loop ensures that if the initial assumption about target device compatibility is incorrect, the system can detect this and switch to an alternative approach, thereby preventing call information loss while maintaining resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3269114B1Managing the placement of an outgoing call
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3269114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3269114B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3269114B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A user terminal associated with a first user, includes a communication client application for managing communications with at least one further user terminal over a first network. The communication client application is configured to: determine information associated with at least one further communication client application installed on the user terminal, the at least one further communication client application for managing communications with the at least one further user over a second network; determine with respect to at least one outgoing call whether a further user terminal at the call end point comprises the communication client application; and manage the placement of the call based on the determination of whether the further user terminal at the call end point comprises the communication client application.