Distributed Auto-Dialer Trunk Group Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-dialer systems face challenges in efficiently placing a large number of calls over a public switched telephone network without causing trunk group and switch blocking, limiting their capacity and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an auto-dialer interconnected with an end office switch via a trunk group and local loop lines, utilizing switch concentrator circuit information to determine call order and prevent blocking, with a controller managing instructions and call information across multiple auto-dialers in different end offices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single central auto-dialer is used in one end office, then device complexity is reduced, but trunk group blocking and switch blocking occur when placing large numbers of calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single auto-dialer system into multiple distributed auto-dialers, each located in different end offices. This segmentation allows call placement to occur simultaneously across multiple locations without congesting a single trunk group or switch, thereby eliminating blocking while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point call placement model to a multi-point distributed model by adding the spatial dimension of multiple end offices. This dimensional expansion allows parallel call placement across different geographic locations, increasing capacity without proportionally increasing complexity at any single location.
2Reliability
If multiple auto-dialers are distributed across different end offices, then trunk group blocking and switch blocking are eliminated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each distributed auto-dialer is designed as a universal module that can operate independently in any end office. The auto-dialers perform the same multi-functional tasks (call placement, number generation, blocking prevention) across all locations, allowing the system to scale by simply replicating proven functional units rather than designing complex centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where each auto-dialer monitors its local trunk group and switch status, and adjusts its call placement timing accordingly. This localized feedback allows each distributed unit to autonomously prevent blocking without requiring complex centralized coordination, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Productivity
If calls are placed in rapid succession from a single location, then productivity is high, but trunk group capacity is exceeded causing blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call placement function across multiple distributed auto-dialers, each handling a portion of the total call volume. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high overall productivity by parallelizing call placement across multiple locations while keeping individual trunk group loads manageable and below capacity thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and storing subscriber numbers and call timing information at each distributed auto-dialer location. This allows each auto-dialer to independently manage its call sequence and timing, placing calls in rapid succession locally without interfering with other locations, thereby maintaining high productivity without exceeding trunk capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and a computer-readable storage media for placing a plurality of calls with a common message to a plurality of subscribers are provided. The systems, methods, and a computer-readable storage media include receiving an instruction to place the plurality of calls with the common message to the plurality of subscribers. The instruction includes call information that identifies the plurality of subscribers. One of the plurality of auto-dialers for placing each of the plurality of calls based on the call information is determined, and an instruction is transmitted to each of the plurality of auto-dialers based on results of the determination. The plurality of auto-dialers places the plurality of calls to the plurality of subscribers based on the instruction transmitted to each of the plurality of auto-dialers.