Interface Device for IP-PBX Signal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

IP-PBX systems face inefficiencies in processing calls and services due to compatibility issues with endpoints using different signaling protocols, leading to limited feature functionality and resource constraints.

Innovation Solution

An interface device, or concentrator, is introduced to manage signals between IP-PBX and endpoints, capable of modifying and processing session control and media signals, thereby enabling interoperability and separating per-device and per-call services to alleviate resource constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the IP-PBX processes per-device services for multiple endpoints, then service functionality is improved, but computing resources are exhausted and processing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice functionalityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments service processing between two distinct components: the interface device handles per-device services (registration, device-specific configuration) while the IP-PBX handles per-call services (call routing, call-specific features). This segmentation prevents the IP-PBX from being overwhelmed by computationally intensive per-device operations, thereby maintaining high processing efficiency while preserving comprehensive service functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the IP-PBX supports endpoints with different signaling protocols, then compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases and resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device acts as an intermediary between endpoints with diverse signaling protocols and the IP-PBX. It performs protocol translation and signal modification, converting various endpoint protocols into a standardized format that the IP-PBX can process uniformly. This intermediary approach enables broad protocol compatibility without requiring the IP-PBX itself to become complex or support multiple protocols directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If per-device services are processed at the IP-PBX, then service integration is improved, but computational burden increases and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice integrationVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides service processing responsibilities: the interface device independently handles per-device services (endpoint registration, device capability management) while the IP-PBX focuses on per-call services. This segmentation enables parallel processing where device registration and call setup occur simultaneously without blocking each other, thereby improving overall processing speed while maintaining service integration through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2115977B1Methods and apparatus for controlling signaling associated with a private branch exchange within a session over internet protocol network
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 GENBAND US LLC
  • EP2115977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2115977B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2115977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method includes receiving a media signal at an interface device in communication with and disposed between an Internet Protocol private branch exchange (IP-PBX) and a first endpoint. The media signal is associated with the first endpoint and is associated with a session established between the first endpoint and a second endpoint within a session over internet protocol network. The session is established at least in part by the IP-PBX based on a session control signal received at the interface device from the first endpoint and sent from the interface device to the IP-PBX. The method also includes modifying the media signal at the interface device based on a per-device service associated with at least one of the first endpoint or the second endpoint.