Location-Based Feature Control for Multi-Device Communication Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SIP systems lack the ability to grant feature control to specific devices based on the user's location, leading to unauthorized access and misuse of features like call forwarding or voicemail, as users can only be in one location at a time despite being logged into multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A feature control module that identifies the user's location and grants feature control to the communication device nearest to the user, using methods such as sensor detection of secondary devices or analysis of appointment calendars, to ensure that the device the user is likely using has control over communication sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If parallel forking is implemented allowing users to be logged into multiple devices simultaneously, then user accessibility and convenience are improved, but security and feature control are worsened as unauthorized users could access features on endpoints logged into by other users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by granting feature control rights to specific devices based on their location relative to the user, rather than uniformly across all devices. The system identifies which device is physically nearest to the user and grants that device local feature control authority, while other devices maintain only basic communication capabilities. This resolves the contradiction by making feature control security location-dependent rather than device-dependent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location identification system as an intermediary between the user and feature control rights. This intermediary determines physical proximity and uses it to mediate which device receives feature control permissions. The location-based intermediary layer prevents unauthorized access while maintaining parallel forking benefits, as it dynamically assigns control based on real-time spatial relationships rather than static device assignments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all communication devices are assigned the same AOR to enable parallel forking, then service flexibility is improved, but device differentiation and feature control are worsened as no device can be granted exclusive control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making feature control assignment dynamic rather than static. Devices dynamically gain or lose feature control rights based on their real-time location relative to the user. The system continuously monitors device proximity and adjusts control permissions accordingly, allowing the same AOR to be used across multiple devices while dynamically determining which device receives elevated privileges at any given moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for feature control assignment from device identity to spatial location. By using location as the controlling parameter rather than device ID, the system maintains service flexibility through parallel forking while introducing a new dimension for differentiation. This parameter change allows multiple devices to share an AOR yet still have differentiated control rights based on their physical position relative to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system comprises a plurality of communication devices and a feature control module. The plurality of communication devices reside at a plurality of locations associated with a user and are operatively associated with a communication network. The feature control module is configured to identify a location of the user, identify at least one of the communication devices at the plurality of locations, and grant feature control for a communication session to at least one communication device based on the identification of the location of the user.