Multi-User Call Setup Using Dynamic Bridge Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems require extensive setup and user involvement for establishing multi-user calls, such as conference calls, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when a large group needs to be connected.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows multiple users to be connected on a multi-user call without prior setup by using a feature code for group calls, dynamically allocating a conference bridge, and excluding users based on time, day, or location, while overriding exclusions for emergency or priority calls, and indicating unavailable users with messages or tones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conference bridge is established in advance for conference calls, then the conference call can be set up with predetermined parameters, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and requires extensive prior configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining groups of users and their exclusion criteria (time of day, day of week, location) in advance. When a group call is initiated, the system already has the group composition and exclusion rules ready, allowing rapid connection without real-time setup delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines which users to include or exclude based on pre-configured criteria without requiring manual intervention. The communication system self-manages the group call establishment by autonomously applying exclusion rules and connecting appropriate users, eliminating the need for extensive prior configuration by operators.
2Ease of operation
If each participant dials into the conferencing system with a conference code, then users can join the conference call, but the process requires users to remember and manually dial in, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the dialing and code-entry tasks from the user's responsibilities. By automatically connecting users based on their group membership and availability, the system removes the burden of manual dialing and code memorization, improving both ease of operation and establishment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system acts as an intermediary that automatically manages user connections. Instead of users directly dialing into the conference bridge, the system mediates the connection process by automatically establishing calls to appropriate group members based on pre-configured criteria, eliminating manual intervention requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the communication system excludes users based on time, day, or location criteria, then the group call can be dynamically optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves the complexity issue by performing preliminary configuration of exclusion criteria (time of day, day of week, location) during group setup. Once configured, these rules are automatically applied without requiring real-time complex decision-making, allowing dynamic optimization while maintaining manageable system complexity.
4Productivity
If the communication system dynamically allocates a conference bridge, then the call can be established quickly without prior setup, but the system must manage dynamic resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic conference bridge allocation where bridges are allocated on-demand based on group call initiation rather than being pre-established. The system dynamically determines the number of ports needed based on the number of available users and allocates resources accordingly, achieving fast call establishment while managing complexity through demand-driven resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for establishing a multi-user call in a communication system. The communication system receives a call request to establish a group call with a shared group of users. The communication system determines which of the plurality of individual users should be excluded from the call and connects each of the group of included users to establish a multi-user call. The communication system preferably indicates that a unit was not currently available, for example by playing a prerecorded message, playing a tone and also preferably indicates why a unit was not available.