Group Telephony Identifier Routing for Call Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication systems are inefficient in handling multiple communication devices and social networks within households or social units, leading to billing chaos and mismanagement of incoming and outgoing calls, as individuals often need to provide and manage multiple telephone numbers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that associates a telephone number or telephony identifier with a group of identities, allowing each identity to be reachable by placing a call to the identifier, with a database storing information for each identity related to call processing, enabling the system to determine and route calls accurately based on the intended identity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple telephone numbers are used for different communication devices, then each individual can be reached at their specific device, but it becomes inconvenient and inefficient for contacts to keep track of multiple numbers and leads to billing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication devices and their associated telephone numbers under a single group identifier. The system allows a group of communication devices to share a common telephone number, and when a call is placed to this shared number, the system determines which specific device should receive the call based on various criteria such as device availability, user preferences, or current usage patterns. This merging approach eliminates the need for contacts to manage multiple numbers while maintaining the ability to reach specific devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal group identifier that serves multiple functions: it acts as a shared contact point for all members of the group, enables intelligent call routing to specific devices, and provides a unified billing mechanism. This single identifier replaces the need for multiple individual telephone numbers while maintaining the functional capability to reach any specific device within the group, thereby achieving multi-functionality with a single element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different people in a household use different communication devices, then each person can communicate using their preferred device, but incoming calls intended for specific individuals are inefficiently handled and may be answered by the wrong person
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic call routing that adapts to the current state of communication devices and user needs. The system continuously monitors device availability, user preferences, and contextual information to dynamically determine which device should receive incoming calls. This dynamic approach allows the call routing to change based on real-time conditions, ensuring that calls are directed to the most appropriate device while maintaining the flexibility for users to communicate using their preferred devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user responses to calls (such as who answers, call patterns, and preferences) are used to refine and improve future call routing decisions. The system learns from past interactions and adjusts routing strategies accordingly, thereby improving the efficiency of handling incoming calls over time while preserving individual device usage preferences.
3Device complexity
If a single telephone number is shared by multiple individuals, then billing is simplified, but it becomes difficult to determine which specific individual should receive incoming calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call routing process into multiple decision stages while maintaining a unified billing structure. The system first routes calls to the shared group identifier for billing purposes, then applies segmentation logic to determine the specific intended recipient based on various criteria such as device availability, user preferences, time of day, and call patterns. This segmentation allows the system to maintain billing simplicity while achieving precise call routing to the intended individual.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary call processing layer that sits between the shared telephone number and the individual devices. This intermediary component analyzes call patterns, user preferences, and device status to intelligently determine which specific individual should receive the call. The intermediary maintains the simplified billing structure at the group level while enabling precise routing to the intended recipient, effectively bridging the gap between shared numbering and individualized call delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for processing calls. The system comprises a database including: a plurality of telephony identifiers; and for each telephony identifier, information regarding a group of persons that is associated with the telephony identifier, each person of the group of persons being reachable by placing a call to the telephony identifier, the information comprising, for each person of the group of persons, information related to processing of calls involving the person. The system also comprises a processing element having access to the database and being operative for: determining that a given call involves a particular person of the group of persons that is associated with a given one of the telephony identifiers; and processing the given call based on the information related to processing of calls involving the particular person. Also provided is a method for associating an additional telephony identifier with one or more identities of a group of identities that is associated with a telephony identifier, and a method for associating an additional identity with a telephony identifier that is associated with a group of identities.