Location-Based Conference Call Router

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communications networks lack the capability to provide location-sensitive conference calling services, which would allow users to connect with others based on their geographic location, limiting the utility of location-based services in conferencing.

Innovation Solution

A location-sensitive conference calling system that includes a location-based conference call router (LBCR) with a processor and memory to receive location information from mobile devices, identify the appropriate conference call system component, and route communications to connect users based on their location, utilizing a route database and interactive voice response (IVR) systems for user input and data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional conference calling systems are used, then users can participate in conference calls, but the system cannot provide location-sensitive services or connect users based on geographic location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation-sensitive conference calling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional components: a location-based conference call router (LBCR) that receives location information, a route database that stores location-to-conference mappings, and conference bridges that handle actual calls. This segmentation allows location-sensitive functionality to be added without complicating the entire conference calling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LBCR acts as an intermediary component between mobile devices and conference bridges. It receives location information from devices, queries the route database to determine appropriate conference bridges, and routes calls accordingly. This intermediary layer enables location-sensitive services without requiring modifications to existing conference calling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If location information processing is added to conference calling, then location-based services are enabled, but the system requires additional components like LBCR and route database

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information utilizationVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LBCR performs multiple functions: it receives location information from mobile devices, queries the route database to map locations to conference bridges, and routes calls to appropriate conferences. This multi-functionality consolidates location processing and call routing into a single component, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The route database pre-stores mappings between location information and conference bridge identifiers. This preliminary organization of data allows the LBCR to quickly determine appropriate conference bridges without complex real-time calculations, simplifying the runtime processing architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the system routes calls based on location, then users can connect with others in their geographic area, but the system requires real-time location information processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall connection efficiencyVSAvoidlocation processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The route database pre-computes and stores mappings between location information (such as cell tower identifiers or geographic coordinates) and conference bridge identifiers. When a device provides location information, the LBCR can immediately query this pre-organized database and route the call without performing complex real-time location analysis, significantly reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of processing raw location data in real-time, the system uses simplified location representations (such as cell tower IDs or area codes) that serve as copies or proxies for detailed geographic information. These simplified representations can be quickly matched against the route database, enabling fast call routing while still providing location-based connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9473642B2Methods and systems for providing location sensitive conference calling

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing location based conference calling services on communications networks. Location information relating to a device is passed to a location sensitive conference calling system. The location sensitive conference calling system uses the location information to identify a conference calling system, or a conference bridge associated with a conference calling system, to which to connect the device. The device is connected with the conference calling system, or a conference bridge associated with the conference calling system.