Hunt Group Messaging for One-Number Multi-Device Reply Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networks lack the capability to provide hunt group functionality for non-voice data paths, specifically failing to route non-voice data to multiple devices associated with a single mobile device number.
Innovation Solution
A network system and method that enables one-to-many communications by associating a set of computing devices with a single mobile device number, delivering messages to each device in the hunt group, allowing for replies to be transmitted and coordinated, with an escalation point if no response is received within a designated time window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single mobile device number is associated with only one device, then call routing is simple and direct, but hunt group functionality cannot be provided for non-voice data paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the message delivery process by introducing an application server that separates the routing logic from the message delivery mechanism. The application server divides incoming messages to a single MDN into multiple routed messages to different devices, enabling hunt group functionality without complicating the core number association structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The application server acts as an intermediary between the message delivery system and multiple devices. It receives messages intended for a single MDN and mediates their distribution to multiple devices in the hunt group, resolving the contradiction between simple number association and versatile messaging capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If messages are delivered to multiple devices simultaneously, then hunt group messaging capability is achieved, but message routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The application server provides multi-functionality by handling both voice and non-voice data paths, managing message routing to multiple devices, and coordinating reply collection. This universal component enables one-to-many communication without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the application server monitors message delivery status and collects replies from multiple devices. This feedback loop enables coordinated communication by tracking which devices have received messages and which have replied, managing routing complexity through systematic status tracking.
3Productivity
If the network monitors reply timing from multiple devices, then response coordination is improved, but network processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The application server implements partial monitoring by tracking only the essential reply timing information needed for hunt group coordination. It monitors whether devices have replied within expected timeframes without excessive processing of all message metadata, achieving response coordination efficiency with moderate network processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: receiving, via a network, a message addressed to a mobile device number (MDN); identifying, by the network, a set of hunt group devices associated with the MDN, the set of hunt group devices including at least a first hunt group device and a second hunt group device; transmitting, by the network, the message to each hunt group device in the set of hunt group devices; receiving, by the network, a reply to the message from the first hunt group device; transmitting, by the network, the reply to a sender of the message; and transmitting, by the network, the reply to at least the second hunt group device.