User-Specific Calling Preferences for Multi-Device Reachability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with multiple communication devices often face challenges in reaching them through a single dialed number, as the desired recipient may not be available on the associated device at the time of the call, leading to inefficiencies in call management systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for establishing calling preferences that associate users with multiple communication devices, determine group preferences, and prioritize device ringing based on device types and user profiles, allowing for sequential or simultaneous ringing of devices according to user-specific preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication device is associated with a user, then the system is simple to manage, but the user may not be reachable when away from that device
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments user reachability by associating multiple communication devices (mobile phone, landline, voicemail) with a single user profile. When a call is received, the system divides the delivery path into sequential segments, attempting delivery to each device independently based on user preferences and availability, thereby improving reachability without requiring a single complex universal device
Solution Approach 2:
The call management system achieves universality by serving multiple communication devices through a single integrated platform. The system can route calls to mobile phones, landlines, or voicemail based on user preferences, allowing one system to manage diverse device types while maintaining simple user interaction through a unified interface
2Reliability
If multiple communication devices are associated with a user, then the user can be reached more reliably, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple device management functions into a single user profile. By combining mobile device, landline, and voicemail associations within one profile structure, the system reduces the complexity of managing multiple devices separately while maintaining the ability to route calls to any associated device based on user preferences and availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically determining which devices to ring based on user-defined preferences and real-time availability. The call management system autonomously selects the appropriate device sequence without requiring manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity of managing multiple devices while ensuring reliable delivery
3Reliability
If calls are routed to multiple devices simultaneously, then reachability improves, but the time required to reach the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic call routing by adjusting the device sequence based on real-time availability and user preferences. The call management system can adapt the ringing sequence dynamically - attempting primary devices first, then sequentially moving to secondary devices only if necessary, thereby optimizing both reachability and connection time through flexible, condition-based routing decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of establishing calling preferences for a user are provided. The method includes: defining a user profile containing an association between the user and two or more communication devices, each device having an associated device type; assigning the user to at least one group; obtaining group preferences associated with one or more of the user's groups; determining user preferences for the user based on the group preferences and the device types of the communication devices associated with the user; and storing the user specific preferences in a user profile associated with the user.