Communication Server Intermediary for Real-Time Call Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack efficient methods for users to connect for real-time communications, such as telephone conversations, chat, and video conferencing, particularly in providing anonymity, payment management, and convenient scheduling for both callers and callees.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to create a call button or phone number for real-time communication, enabling anonymity, payment processing, and scheduling, with features like click-to-call functionality, queue management, and persistent reachability, using VoIP technology and interactive voice response systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional telephone system is used for real-time communication, then direct connection between users is established, but user anonymity cannot be preserved and business management aspects burden the users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication server as an intermediary between callers and callees. The server manages call connections, payment processing, and scheduling without revealing user identities. Callers interact with the system through a user interface that handles authentication and connection setup, while the server maintains anonymity by not exposing actual user identities during communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated payment processing where callers are charged based on pre-configured rates without manual intervention. The server automatically manages call duration tracking, billing calculations, and payment collection. Scheduling features allow users to set preferred call times in advance, and the system automatically manages appointment bookings without requiring real-time coordination.
2Ease of operation
If payment processing and scheduling features are added to enable convenient real-time communication, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server is designed as a multi-functional platform that handles not only call connection but also payment processing, scheduling management, user authentication, and billing. This consolidated approach avoids the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity despite the diverse capabilities provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface acts as an intermediary layer between users and the complex backend systems. It presents simplified controls for payment methods, scheduling preferences, and call initiation, while the server handles the complex coordination of multiple subsystems in the background, shielding users from underlying complexity.
3Ease of operation
If anonymity features are implemented for callers and callees, then user privacy is protected, but direct communication capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server serves as a confidential intermediary that establishes connections without exposing user identities. The system uses temporary identifiers or masked contact information during the communication process, allowing users to interact while their real identities remain protected. The server manages the connection routing without requiring users to share personal information.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses to provide services to people who wish to make connections for real time communication, such as live telephone conversation, chat, video conferencing, etc. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a seller with a code to be embedded in a document, the document to be distributed by the seller, the code to generate a display of a call button when the document is displayed; in response to a selection of the call button, initiating a process to make a telephonic connection between the seller and a buyer; and charging the buyer on behalf of the seller for a service delivered by the seller over the telephonic connection to the buyer.