Parallel Call Management with Live Answer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for managing multiple calls in communication networks are costly and inefficient, particularly when trying to reach multiple experts or emergency contacts, as they often require serial dialing or specialized equipment, which can lead to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that enables parallel and simultaneous calling of multiple parties, where an initial answer is detected and determined to be from a live person or machine, allowing for live conversation and managing other calls accordingly, with pre-recorded messages used for machines, and prioritizing live conversations while maintaining connections with other parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If serial dialing or specialized equipment is used to manage multiple calls, then call management is achieved, but response time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call management process by detecting which called party answers first and routing the call to them, while placing other answered parties on hold. This segmentation allows parallel call attempts to be managed through sequential handling of answered calls, improving response time while maintaining efficient call management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts call routing based on real-time conditions - detecting which party answers first and automatically routing the call to them. This dynamic approach eliminates fixed sequential dialing procedures, reducing response time while maintaining effective call management.
2Productivity
If serial dialing or specialized equipment is used to manage multiple calls, then call management is achieved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal call management method that works across standard telecommunication systems without requiring specialized equipment. The system can manage multiple simultaneous calls using existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive specialized hardware while maintaining efficient call management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses call forwarding and holding mechanisms that replicate existing call management capabilities rather than requiring new specialized equipment. By copying and adapting standard telecommunication functions, the system reduces costs while maintaining productivity.
3Loss of time
If parallel calling of multiple parties is enabled, then response time decreases, but call management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that identifies which called party answers first and automatically routes the call to them. This intermediary function simplifies the management of parallel calls by providing automatic routing logic, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining fast response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from call answer detection to dynamically adjust routing decisions. By monitoring which party answers and using that information to route the call appropriately, the system manages parallel calls efficiently without requiring complex predetermined routing logic.
4Productivity
If parallel calling of multiple parties is enabled, then call management efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service call routing system that automatically detects which party answers and routes the call without requiring complex external management. The system serves itself by using built-in detection and routing capabilities, improving efficiency while minimizing the need for complex external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed, herein, for managing multiple simultaneously placed calls by enabling calling, in parallel and simultaneously, a plurality of parties. An initial answer is detected from one of the plurality of parties and the initial answer is further determined to be from a live person or a machine-operated apparatus, such as an answering machine, voice-mail service. Where the initial answer is from a machine-operated apparatus a pre-recorded message is played; unlike where a live person has been detected. Therein, a live conversation is enabled where the initial answer is determined to be a live person. Finally, the method includes the simultaneous management of the other called parties while the live conversation with the initial live person is occurring.