Automated Event Notification System via PSTN Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for providing event services to registered end users are inefficient, requiring direct dialing and maintaining lines open, leading to high charges for interactive voice response (IVR) services and limited accessibility through standard telephony links.
Innovation Solution
A system that retrieves user preference information to send automated notifications and reminders, allowing end users to register and join events via standard telecommunications switches, minimizing IVR charges and enabling multiple users to access events through PSTN connections without the need for a single dialer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct dialing and line maintenance methods are used to provide event services to end users, then individual user access is enabled, but high IVR charges and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification server as an intermediary component that mediates between the event source and multiple end users. Instead of requiring a complex single dialer to directly connect to each user, the notification server receives event notifications and distributes them to registered users through their communication devices, thereby reducing the complexity of the dialer system while maintaining ease of user access.
2Productivity
If automated notification systems are implemented, then event service efficiency improves, but IVR service charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where end users register their communication device information with the notification server in advance. When an event occurs, the notification server automatically retrieves the registered user information and sends notifications without requiring manual dialing or IVR service intervention. This automation eliminates the need for expensive IVR services while maintaining high event service efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users are connected through a single dialer, then resource utilization improves, but access limitations and service charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the notification distribution function from the dialer system. Each end user has their own communication device with registered information, and the notification server independently notifies each user based on their individual registration. This segmentation allows multiple users to access events simultaneously without being constrained by a single dialer's capacity, eliminating access limitations and reducing service charges.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed of transmitting live event notification information to a user device. One example method may include retrieving event user preference information from an event user database based on prestored user preferences. The method may also include transmitting an initial event notification message to an end user communication device based on the event user preference information to notify the end user of an upcoming event and receiving a response message from the end user communication device indicating a current availability of the end user. The user device may receive notification information via more than one communication channel and respond in a number of different ways.