Automated Multi-Device Hot Desking via Central Switch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hot desking technologies are manual and inefficient for users with multiple devices, requiring repeated logon procedures for each device when switching or transferring services.

Innovation Solution

An automated system for central switching that maintains a list of user devices, automatically detecting device usage and assigning user features and properties, allowing for automatic hot desking across multiple devices based on listed devices, location, or declared associations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual hot desking registration is used for single device, then user features can be assigned to a specific device, but the process becomes inefficient and requires repeated logon procedures when users switch between multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehot desking registration processVSAvoidrepeated logon procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs hot desking registration without user intervention. The central switch detects device usage and autonomously assigns user features and properties, eliminating the need for manual logon procedures each time a user switches devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple devices for each user in advance. When a user picks up any of their registered devices, the system has already prepared the feature assignment, enabling immediate access without requiring logon procedures at the moment of device switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If hot desking is extended to multiple devices, then users can access features from any connected device, but the system complexity increases requiring automated detection and assignment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device supportVSAvoidautomated hot desking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The central switch is designed to handle multiple device types and communication protocols universally. It can detect and manage various devices (landline, mobile, VoIP) through a single automated hot desking mechanism, providing multi-device support without requiring separate systems for each device type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where the central switch monitors device usage status, detects when a user picks up a device, and automatically adjusts feature assignments in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the complex automated management to respond dynamically to user actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated hot desking is implemented, then manual registration is eliminated and feature assignment becomes seamless, but the system requires sophisticated detection capabilities to identify device usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehot desking feature assignment efficiencyVSAvoiddevice usage detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual registration mechanics with automated electronic detection. Instead of users physically registering devices, the central switch uses electronic signaling and communication protocols to automatically detect device usage and identify which user is associated with each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The central switch acts as an intermediary between users and their devices. It mediates the detection process by intercepting call signals and device usage patterns, then automatically matching devices to users based on pre-configured associations without requiring direct user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2242244B1Extended hot desking features for multi-device users
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 MITEL CORP
  • EP2242244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2242244B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An extension of U.S. Patent No. 5,657,377 to provide "hot desking" features for multi-device users. Within the present application, a number of automatic hot desking registrations are provided in which users are assigned multiple devices on a permanent basis. A private branch exchange or central switch can be provided with a list of these devices and can relieve the user of the requirement of registration by detecting use of these devices and assigning user features and other pertinent system properties e.g. as an indication of location for find mc/follow me services. The extension allows for automatically hot desking using a listed device, hot desking based on a location associated with a listed device, and hot desking using declared associations of listed devices.