Conference Routing via Automatic Number Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conferencing systems require participants to manually dial a dedicated conferencing number and enter a code, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when handling multiple participants and varied conferencing features.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications network with a routing device that receives a request to access a collaboration conference, identifies the user's communication device through Automatic Number Identification (ANI), associates the device with a user account, and connects the device to a specific collaboration conference event based on its identifier, eliminating the need for manual entry of access codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If participants manually dial a dedicated conferencing number and enter a code, then the conferencing system can be accessed, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-associating communication device identifiers with user accounts and conference preferences before the conferencing session begins. When a participant initiates a call, the routing device has already prepared the routing information based on pre-stored associations, eliminating the need for manual code entry and reducing join time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically routing participants to the appropriate conference bridge based on their device identifier without requiring manual intervention. The routing device autonomously matches the identifier to user accounts and determines the correct conference destination, making the process efficient and eliminating cumbersome manual steps
2Device complexity
If the system requires manual entry of conference codes, then access control is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the manual code entry step from the conferencing access process. By using pre-associated device identifiers, the system removes the need for participants to manually input conference codes, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining access control through the automated routing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The routing device performs multiple functions: it identifies the communication device, associates it with user accounts, retrieves conference preferences, and routes to the appropriate conference bridge. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate manual steps into a single automated process
3Productivity
If the system automatically routes based on device identifiers, then efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary routing by pre-associating device identifiers with user accounts and conference preferences before actual conferencing sessions begin. This advance preparation enables rapid automated routing without requiring complex real-time decision-making, improving productivity while managing system complexity through pre-computed routing information
Solution Approach 2:
The routing device serves as an intermediary between the communication network and conference bridges. It mediates the routing process by matching device identifiers to appropriate conferences based on pre-stored associations, enabling efficient automated routing without requiring the conference bridges themselves to become more complex
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for routing one or more requests to join or initiate a collaboration conference based on at least an identifier of a requesting device. In one embodiment, a telecommunications network obtains an identifier, such as the telephone number, of a device requesting to join or initiate a collaboration conference. The identifying information is then compared to a database of user accounts maintained by the network. The network may then prompt the user of the requesting device to join a particular conferencing bridge or provide particular conferencing features based on the one or more preferences associated with the user's account. A response to the prompt may be received and then acted upon by the network to connect the requesting device to a collaboration conference and/or provide the one or more conferencing features to the requesting device.