Cloud PBX Call Flip via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional phone systems cannot seamlessly transfer active calls from one device to another, especially when both devices share the same extension or phone number, often resulting in busy signals or voicemail instead of successful call continuation.
Innovation Solution
A hosted PBX system with call flip functionality allows users to transfer active calls between devices sharing the same extension by identifying the user's devices, ringing only the other devices, and using SIP blind call transfer requests to maintain call continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional phone systems are used to transfer calls, then call transfer functionality is provided, but call continuity is lost when transferring between devices with the same extension
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a server as an intermediary that manages the call flip operation. The server receives the call flip request from the first device, identifies the user's devices, places the call on hold, rings the second device, and transfers the call while maintaining continuity. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling seamless transfer between same-extension devices without losing call continuity.
2Reliability
If call flip functionality is implemented, then call continuity is maintained during device transitions, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically identifying the user's devices based on the extension, automatically placing the call on hold, automatically ringing the appropriate second device, and automatically completing the transfer. This automation reduces the complexity burden on the user while maintaining call continuity through the sophisticated call flip mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If traditional call transfer is used, then simple transfer operation is provided, but busy signals or voicemail occur instead of successful call continuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by first identifying all devices associated with the user's extension before attempting the transfer. It then places the original call on hold and proactively rings the second device before completing the transfer. This preliminary identification and preparation prevent busy signals and voicemail by ensuring the second device is ready to receive the call, while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a cloud-based unified communications solution and collaboration platform is provided that includes private branch exchange (PBX) business phone service, among other services, in one interface. Furthermore, in an example embodiment, this cloud-based unified communications solution enables a feature called “call flip,” which allows a user to transfer an active phone call from one device of the user to another device of the same user, without disconnecting the phone call, and despite both devices sharing a common extension or phone number. More particularly, the system is able to detect that a user wishes to perform a “call flip”, identify the device from which the user is attempting to perform the call flip, identify the other devices associated with the user, and then ring only the other devices and not the device from which the user is attempting to perform the call flip.