Device Management Tool for Telephony Integration in Virtual Meetings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtualized meeting software lacks the capability to manage telephony devices such as VOIP phones and voice conference devices, as it is not configured for these features, preventing seamless integration and management within unified communications as a service (UCaaS) platforms.

Innovation Solution

A device management tool is implemented to configure and manage telephony and video devices, including firmware upgrades, to enable them to operate on virtual meeting room platforms, leveraging existing architectures and integrating with UCaaS systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtualized meeting software is designed to provide a shared space for users to conduct virtual meetings, then it enables remote collaboration and communication, but it lacks the capability to manage telephony devices such as VOIP phones and voice conference devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice management capabilityVSAvoidsoftware configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtualized meeting software is enhanced to perform multiple functions by integrating telephony device management capabilities. The software now not only supports virtual meetings but also manages VOIP phones and voice conference devices through a unified interface, allowing one system to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate management tools

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

Solution Approach 2:

A device management module acts as an intermediary between the virtualized meeting software and telephony devices. This module enables the software to communicate with and manage telephony devices without requiring complex direct integration, simplifying the overall system architecture while expanding functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If telephony services are delivered via on-premises solutions, then service reliability is maintained, but remote workers and mobile users are unable to rely upon them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidremote access capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The service delivery model transitions from a single on-premises dimension to multiple dimensions by adding cloud-based virtualized meeting room platforms. This allows the same telephony services to be accessed both locally through on-premises infrastructure and remotely through cloud-based platforms, enabling users to connect from any location while maintaining service reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The telephony service infrastructure is segmented into multiple independent components: on-premises telephony systems and cloud-based virtualized meeting room platforms. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently, ensuring that remote workers can access services through the cloud platform while on-premises systems continue to provide reliable local service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate communication services are implemented by different service providers, then service specialization is achieved, but information must be manually passed by users from one service to the next

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice integrationVSAvoidmanual information transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate communication services are merged into a unified virtualized meeting room platform that integrates telephony, video conferencing, and messaging capabilities. This consolidation eliminates the need for users to manually transfer information between separate services, as all communication functions are available within a single integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11977873B2Device management tool
Publication Date: 2024.05.07 ZOOM COMMUNICATIONS INC
  • US11977873B2 patent drawing
  • US11977873B2 patent drawing
  • US11977873B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for use in a device management provisioning tool includes assigning a device to an account. The method includes determining whether the device requires a firmware upgrade. If the device requires a firmware upgrade, the method includes building an application package. The method includes transmitting the application package to the device to perform the firmware upgrade. The method includes connecting the device to a virtualized meeting software platform based on the firmware upgrade.