Dynamic Conference Bridge Routing VoIP and PSTN Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conferencing technologies require complex actions and specific information from participants to join a conference call, often necessitating expensive third-party services and limiting utility, especially in VOIP communications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamic conferenced communications that allows participants to join a conference by dialing a known contact number, eliminating the need for special actions or information, using a network of servers including a conferencing server, CTI server, and web server to facilitate connections across various communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional conference calling services are used, then conference functionality is enabled, but participant complexity and required special actions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages conference call routing and participant connection without requiring manual configuration. When the host enables conference mode, the system self-configures the call flow, automatically connects subsequent callers to the conference, and manages the conference bridge without participant intervention beyond simple dialing.
Solution Approach 2:
The host performs preliminary configuration by enabling conference mode before the conference begins. This advance setup pre-configures the system to automatically route all incoming calls to the conference bridge, eliminating the need for participants to perform any special actions during the actual conference setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized conference services are deployed, then conferencing capability is provided, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates conference calling functionality into the existing VoIP infrastructure and telephone network, allowing the same system to handle both regular calls and conference calls. The conference bridge operates as a multi-functional component that can serve multiple purposes: routing individual calls, managing conference connections, and interfacing with the PSTN and VoIP networks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into unified components: the conference bridge integrates call routing, participant management, and network interfacing; the system merges PSTN and VoIP networks into a single conferencing platform; and it combines host configuration with automatic participant admission into one streamlined process.
3Reliability
If access codes and verification procedures are required, then security is improved, but ease of joining conference decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring participants to actively provide verification information to join, the system inverts the approach by automatically verifying and admitting callers based on pre-configured host settings. The burden of verification shifts from participant action to system automatic processing, maintaining security while simplifying the participant experience to simple dialing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dynamic conferenced communications, comprising a communication application server that handles interactions between conference participants, a communications bridge that receives interactions from participants via the Internet or other data networks, and a telephony switch that receives and handles interactions from participants via a telephone network, and a method for providing dynamic communications conferencing.