Group Call Setup via Temporary Endpoint Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current group call solutions in telecommunication networks are not user-friendly and require complex procedures, such as initiating multiple calls and using dedicated numbers, which can be time-consuming and do not provide a transparent mechanism for users to initiate group calls.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves sending a group call setup message from the calling end point to allocate a temporary end point, allowing the user to initiate a group call without being aware of the temporary end point, which facilitates the creation of a communication path between group end points using switching centers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional group call methods are used (calling each endpoint sequentially or using dedicated numbers), then group call functionality is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming for users

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser-friendliness of group call initiationVSAvoidTime required to initiate group call
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a group identifier as an intermediary that represents multiple endpoints. Instead of calling each endpoint individually or using complex conferencing systems, the user simply calls the group identifier, which automatically routes the call to all members of the group. This mediator abstracts the complexity of multi-party call setup from the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The group identifier serves multiple functions: it identifies the group of endpoints, initiates the group call, and coordinates the connection of all members. This single universal identifier replaces multiple individual call setup procedures, making the system both simpler and more efficient.

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

2Reliability

If dedicated numbers or multiple calls are used for group calls, then communication between all endpoints is established, but the device complexity and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCommunication establishment between group endpointsVSAvoidComplexity of group call setup mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity acts as an intermediary that receives the group call request with the group identifier, automatically establishes connections with all group members, and manages the call routing. This transfers the complexity from the user device to the network infrastructure, simplifying the user interface while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs the complex tasks of identifying group members, establishing individual call connections, and coordinating the group call setup without requiring user intervention. The network self-services the group call establishment process based on the group identifier provided by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If users are made aware of temporary endpoints and call setup procedures, then call routing can be managed, but the user experience becomes less seamless and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEfficiency of group call initiationVSAvoidTransparency of call setup process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The temporary endpoint serves as a transient intermediary that facilitates the group call setup but is automatically managed by the network. The user interacts only with the permanent group identifier, while the temporary endpoint handles the technical coordination in the background, maintaining both efficiency and transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network pre-configures the group identifier to associate with all group members before the actual call is initiated. This preliminary setup allows the user to simply dial the group identifier without needing to understand or configure any additional parameters, achieving both efficiency and user-friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2353285B1Method to manage group calls
Publication Date: 2017.11.08 ORANGE SA
  • EP2353285B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2353285B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2353285B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

In a telecommunication System, providing to a recipient end point a caller identification (CID) from a calling end point, the calling end point including a de fault CID and at least one additional CID. the method includes receiving a group call setup message from the calling end point, the group call setup message including the additional CID, allocating a temporary end point for the call, from a pool of available end points, sending contact data for the allocated temporary end point to the calling end point, processing a first call received from the calling end point to the temporary end point, processing a second call to the recipient end point using the additional CID as the calling CID, and joining the first and second calls to generate a call from the calling end point to the recipient end point.