IP Telephony Proximity Detection for Automatic Call Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IP telephony systems require manual intervention for users to change call profiles based on their presence or absence at a workstation, which is impractical for users with unpredictable work patterns.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically detects a user's proximity to their workstation using a short-range mobile transmitter and receiver, switching between 'in-office' and 'away' profiles to direct calls accordingly, utilizing Bluetooth technology for presence detection and updating user profiles in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual profile changes are required for users to switch between in-office and away modes, then call routing can be controlled, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate due to the impracticality of manual intervention for unpredictable work patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user presence at the workstation using a receiver and transmitter, and self-adjusts the call profile without requiring user intervention. The receiver monitors for the user's transmitter signal, and the system autonomously switches between in-office and away profiles based on detection results, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the receiver continuously monitors for the user's transmitter signal, and based on the presence or absence of this signal, automatically adjusts the call profile. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to user location changes without manual input.
2Extent of automation
If automatic presence detection is implemented using Bluetooth technology, then automation of call management is improved, but device complexity increases due to addition of receiver and transmitter components
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal Bluetooth communication protocol that can be implemented in various devices (mobile phones, laptops, tablets) that users already possess. The receiver and transmitter components leverage existing Bluetooth hardware and protocols, allowing the system to achieve automatic presence detection without requiring specialized or complex custom-built detection devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless and automatic call management by ensuring calls are routed to the correct device (fixed or mobile) based on the user's location, enhancing user availability and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
detecting whether a short range, mobile transmitter corresponding to the user is within a predetermined distance of the station
Data Source
AI summary
Fixed station equipment automatically determines whether a telephony user is in close proximity to the station and then automatically adopts a profile that properly directs calls according to whether the user is “in-office” or is “away.” Call controls are automatically set corresponding to predetermined profiles of the user, and the station includes a computing device and a fixed telephone outlet. It is detected whether a short range, mobile transmitter corresponding to the user is within a predetermined distance of the station. When the transmitter is within the predetermined distance, then a near-station profile is adopted for the user, wherein the near-station profile directs calls within the IP telephony system to the fixed telephone outlet. When the transmitter is not within the predetermined distance, then an away profile is adopted for the user, wherein the away profile directs at least some calls within the IP telephony system to the user via a wireless communication system.