Internet Protocol Converter for VoIP Call Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current call routing systems are complex, limited to technology-savvy users, and lack sufficient security, requiring manual call setup and permanent internet connection, restricting access to VoIP users and occupying communication links, preventing simultaneous use by multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables authorized users to communicate with VoIP users worldwide through a web-based interface, using a conversion device to alter call forwarding settings and convert protocols, allowing any internet-capable device to initiate calls to VoIP users without needing a personal PSTN or home computer, using a proprietary internet converter (PIC) that interfaces with ISP infrastructure for secure and automatic call routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual call setup procedures are used with existing call routers, then call routing between PSTN and VoIP is achieved, but user complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall routing capabilityVSAvoidcall setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated call router system that acts as an intermediary between users and the call routing infrastructure. This mediator automatically performs call setup, protocol conversion, and routing decisions based on user credentials stored in a database, eliminating the need for users to manually configure call parameters and follow complex setup procedures while maintaining versatile call routing capabilities between PSTN and VoIP networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service functionality by automatically retrieving user credentials from a database, autonomously establishing call routing parameters, and managing the entire call setup process without user intervention. The call router independently handles authentication, protocol conversion, and connection establishment, allowing users to simply initiate calls without dealing with technical complexities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If permanent internet connection and home computer are required for VoIP access, then VoIP call routing is enabled, but device complexity and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVoIP access capabilityVSAvoidrequired hardware infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the core VoIP access functionality from the requirement of having a permanent home computer and internet connection. By separating the call routing intelligence into a database-driven system that can be accessed from any device, the invention removes the necessity for users to maintain dedicated hardware infrastructure, allowing VoIP access from mobile phones, laptops, or any internet-capable device without permanent installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by designing a platform that can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity rather than requiring dedicated hardware. The call router accepts requests from diverse devices (mobile phones, laptops, tablets) and provides unified VoIP access through a standardized interface, making the system multi-functional and device-agnostic while maintaining secure access control through stored credentials

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If external hardware call router devices are used with USB or wireless interfaces, then PSTN and VoIP interconnection is achieved, but security provisions against unauthorized access worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePSTN-VoIP interconnectionVSAvoidsecurity against abuse
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements preliminary security actions by pre-storing authenticated user credentials in a secure database before any call routing operations. The call router verifies user authentication against these pre-stored credentials before allowing any PSTN-VoIP interconnection, preventing unauthorized access attempts from occurring in the first place rather than reacting to security breaches after they happen

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If home PSTN connection is occupied by WD calling home PSTN for call routing, then call routing through external hardware is enabled, but simultaneous use by multiple users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall routing functionVSAvoidsimultaneous user capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the call routing function into independent, database-driven virtual channels that can operate simultaneously without interfering with each other. Each user's call routing is handled as a separate, isolated process authenticated against the central database, allowing multiple users to establish concurrent PSTN-VoIP connections through the same external hardware device without occupying a single shared communication link

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8446901B2Communication system for VoIP using an internet protocol converter
Publication Date: 2013.05.21 SHOO 533 LTD
  • US8446901B2 patent drawing
  • US8446901B2 patent drawing
  • US8446901B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A proprietary internet converter (PIC) is disclosed, which allows a calling party end-user device with internet access such as a mobile telephone, to initiate voice communication with a called party VoIP (Voice Over Internet protocol) end-user device. The ID (Internet Device with a built-in PIC) converts the protocols used by the calling party end-user device so that the switch that routes calls to the called party VoIP end-user device understands instructions sent from the calling party end-user device. The switch has a call forwarding function. The calling party gives the calling party user name (e.g. ISP user name/contact or VoIP user name/contact) to the PIC over the internet. The PIC then sets call forwarding function on the switch, for that particular calling party, so that an incoming call from the calling party is automatically forwarded to the ISP user or VoIP user defined by the calling party.