Telecom Extension Service Dynamic Call Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with multiple telecommunications devices face challenges in staying connected, as callers often miss them due to difficulty remembering or accessing different directory numbers, and existing simultaneous ring services do not allow other devices to join an ongoing call.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunications extension service that uses the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) to simultaneously ring multiple designated telecommunications units, allowing any unit to join an incoming call once answered, and maintaining the connection while notifying other units of call status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If simultaneous ring service is implemented for multiple directory numbers, then the called party can answer the most accessible phone, but once one device is answered, other devices cannot join the call

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to answer call on most accessible phoneVSAvoidability of other devices to join ongoing call

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions from a static simultaneous ring mode to a dynamic conference call mode. When the first device answers, the system automatically transforms the call state, enabling additional devices to join the ongoing call by sending notifications to other simultaneously rung devices, allowing them to connect as conference participants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The host switch acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the calling party, the first answering device, and other simultaneously rung devices. It manages the call state transitions, sends notifications to potential joining devices, and facilitates their connection to the ongoing call without disrupting the existing connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple directory numbers are assigned to different devices, then the individual can be reached at multiple locations, but potential callers have difficulty remembering all directory numbers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereachability at multiple locationsVSAvoidcaller's ability to remember directory numbers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides multi-functionality by enabling a single directory number to route calls to multiple telecommunications devices simultaneously. This universal routing capability allows callers to use one familiar number to reach the called party at any location, while the system intelligently distributes the call to all associated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the call routing function across multiple devices while maintaining a unified directory number. Each device is segmented as an independent endpoint, but they all respond to calls directed to the single host directory number, eliminating the need for callers to remember multiple numbers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If conventional simultaneous ring service is used, then the called party can answer on any device, but the call connection is terminated for other devices once one device answers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to answer on any deviceVSAvoidmaintained connection for all devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system ensures continuity of the call connection by preventing termination when the first device answers. Instead of ending the call for other devices, the system maintains the connection alive and enables additional devices to join, ensuring continuous communication availability across multiple endpoints throughout the call duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple call connections into a single conference call structure. When the first device answers, the system combines this connection with potential connections from other simultaneously rung devices, creating a unified multi-party call that maintains all connections simultaneously rather than terminating them sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7630481B2Systems and methods for providing a telecommunications extension service for multiple telecommunications units

Publication Date: 2009.12.08 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A system and method provide a telecommunications extension service for a subscriber. The system allows a subscriber to identify one or more telecommunications units to serve as extensions of one of the subscriber's telecommunications units when a call is directed to the subscriber's telecommunications unit. A list of numbers associated with telecommunications units to serve as extensions is maintained by the subscriber and may be stored at a service control point. Upon receipt of a call directed to the subscriber's telecommunications unit, ringing is provided to the subscriber's telecommunications unit and the telecommunications units serving as extensions. After the call is answered by the first telecommunications unit to be answered, the remaining telecommunications units can join the in-progress call.