Shared Group Number Call Routing for Active Member Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems are inefficient for reaching members of a group with distinct phone numbers, as callers often have to try individual numbers or leave voicemails, as these systems typically route calls to a single answering point without considering active or inactive status, limiting the chances of immediate connection.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a group of wireless user equipment (UE) devices with unique phone numbers to be associated with a shared group number, enabling calls and messages to be forwarded to active members, ringing simultaneously if multiple are active, and delivering messages to all members, regardless of status, increasing the likelihood of a timely response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calls are routed to a single answering point, then the system structure is simple, but the chances of immediate connection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single answering point into multiple member UEs within a group. Instead of routing all calls to one answering point, the system divides the answering function across multiple devices (UE1, UE2, UE3, etc.), each capable of receiving and answering calls. This segmentation increases connection success rate while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated call distribution logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual UEs into a unified group structure with a shared group number. Multiple member UEs are combined into a single logical entity that can be accessed by callers through one group number, while internally distributing calls to active members. This merging approach maintains simplicity for callers while enabling multiple answering points.
2Reliability
If callers try individual phone numbers sequentially, then each individual can be reached directly, but the time required to connect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing a group structure with multiple member UEs before calls are made. When a caller dials the group number, the system has already prepared the distribution list of active members, eliminating the need for sequential trial calls. The call is immediately distributed to multiple potential answerers simultaneously, reducing connection time while maintaining high success rate.
3Productivity
If a shared group number is implemented with simultaneous ringing, then the chances of prompt answer increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated call distribution and status monitoring. Member UEs automatically report their active/inactive status to the network, and the system autonomously routes calls to available members without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. This self-service mechanism enables simultaneous ringing and efficient call distribution while keeping the system manageable through automated rather than manual control.
Data Source
AI summary
A group database can maintain information about member user equipments (UEs) that are part of a group associated with a shared group number. One or more of the member UEs can be associated with distinct phone numbers that are different from the shared group number. One or more communication servers can route incoming calls and text messages sent to the shared group number to one or more member UEs based on the information in the group database, such as routing incoming calls only to member UEs indicated as being active members of the group in the group database.