IMS Application Server Notification for Multi-Device Number Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users carrying multiple computing devices to manage different phone numbers is cumbersome and wasteful, as existing systems do not efficiently notify application servers of communications made using device numbers assigned to one device but originated from another.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that conveys device information to an IMS application server, allowing multiple computing devices to share a single device number for making or receiving communications, with the server receiving notifications and storing accurate call records, even when the communication originates from a device with a different assigned number.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user carries multiple computing devices to manage different phone numbers, then the user can use different phone numbers on different devices, but this increases device complexity and user burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to use different phone numbersVSAvoidnumber of computing devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single computing device to perform multiple functions by allowing it to use multiple device numbers through the application server. The telephony client application on one device can register and use any number of device numbers, making the device universal for all communication needs rather than requiring separate devices for each number

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

Solution Approach 2:

The application server acts as an intermediary between the computing device and the telephony network. It maintains associations between device numbers and the computing device, enabling the device to use multiple numbers without carrying multiple physical devices. The server mediates call routing and notification delivery to resolve the contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If communications are made using a device number assigned to one device but originated from another device, then flexibility in communication is improved, but the application server cannot accurately track call records

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in communication originationVSAvoidcall record accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by notifying the appropriate application server when a communication is made using a device number. The telephony client application sends notifications to the application server associated with the device number being used, ensuring the server receives accurate information about the communication even when originated from a different device. This feedback mechanism preserves call record accuracy while maintaining flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The application server acts as an intermediary that tracks and records communications made using its associated device numbers. Even when a communication is originated from a device different from the one the number is assigned to, the server receives notification and maintains accurate call records by associating the communication with the correct device number through the notification mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3329457B1Conveying device information to application server servicing computing device associated with a communication
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 T MOBILE US INC
  • EP3329457B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3329457B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3329457B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When authorized, a user of a computing device, such as a smart phone, may place a communication using an originating number that is different from the number assigned to the computing device. An IMS application server that handles requests for the computing device associated with the originating number is notified when the telephone number assigned to the computing device is used by a different computing device. The notification to the IMS application server might include, but is not limited to device information, location information, and the like. After being notified of the communications terminated by other computing devices that are associated with the device number, accurate call records may be provided regarding the communications involving the originating number.