Multicall Telephony Server Group Calling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephony systems are limited to one-to-one communication, failing to efficiently facilitate group conversations or calls to multiple people simultaneously, despite the need for such functionality in various social and business interactions.
Innovation Solution
A Multicall telephony system and method that allows a user to dial a service number, enter multiple telephone numbers or communication device addresses using delimiters and a terminator, with a server connecting these calls into a conference call, integrating with land-line, cellular, and Internet networks, and recognizing DTMF tones for seamless group communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional one-to-one telephone system is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the functionality to facilitate group communication is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple telephone endpoints. The server receives a list of telephone numbers from the initiating user, dials each number sequentially, and connects all answered calls into a conference bridge. This intermediary approach enables group communication functionality without requiring complex direct peer-to-peer connections between all participants, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the group calling process into distinct functional stages: (1) the initiating user dials a service number, (2) the server receives and processes the list of telephone numbers, (3) the server dials each number separately, and (4) the server connects answered calls into a conference. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, maintaining system simplicity while enabling complex group communication capability.
2Productivity
If multiple calls are placed manually one by one, then each call can be controlled individually, but the time required to connect multiple parties is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the server prepare and store the list of telephone numbers before initiating the calling process. When the user provides the list of numbers to call, the server pre-processes this information and automatically sequences the dialing operations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual call setup and significantly reduces the time required to connect multiple parties, as the server can efficiently manage the call sequence without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The server maintains continuous operation throughout the call setup process, seamlessly transitioning between dialing different numbers and connecting answered calls. The useful action of call setup continues without interruption or manual intervention, as the server automatically manages the entire process from receiving the number list to establishing the final conference connection. This continuity eliminates idle time and maximizes productivity.
3Ease of operation
If conferencing systems are used to connect multiple persons, then group communication is enabled, but the system does not serve the purpose of calling multiple people in the same manner as a single call
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a system that works with standard existing telephone hardware and networks without requiring specialized conferencing equipment. The server is designed to be universally applicable across different telephone systems (landline, mobile, voicemail) and can handle various calling scenarios. This multi-functional approach enables group communication using ordinary telephones while avoiding the complexity of dedicated conferencing hardware and software.
Data Source
AI summary
A Multicall telephony system has a first land-line telephone connected to a central switch in a land-line telephone network and a server executing SW on a processor from a non-transitory medium, the server also coupled to the land-line telephone system by a service telephone number. In operation a user dials the service telephone number, and when connected, dials two or more telephone numbers separated by delimiters and followed by a terminator character, and the server, executing the software, dials the two or more telephone numbers separated by delimiters in the call from the first land-line telephone, and connects answered calls in a conference with the call placed by the first land-line telephone.