Telephone System Shared Calling Number Dynamic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of communication devices leads to a proliferation of unique 10-digit calling numbers, making it difficult for individuals or groups to be reached efficiently and resulting in privacy issues, as existing systems require each device to have a separate number.
Innovation Solution
A telephone communication system where multiple devices share the same calling number, with one device active and others in stand-by mode, allowing on-the-fly redirection using a code or PIN, enabling seamless switching between active and stand-by modes to manage incoming calls and maintain privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each telephone device is assigned a separate 10-digit calling number, then each device can be independently identified and called, but the number of calling numbers increases substantially making it difficult to remember and manage multiple numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple telephone devices under a single shared calling number, allowing multiple devices (home phone, cell phone, work phone, etc.) to be identified by one common number. This eliminates the need for separate 10-digit numbers for each device while maintaining the ability to independently identify and reach each device through the shared number system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared calling number serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the group of devices, routes incoming calls to the appropriate active device, and enables outgoing calls from any device in the group. This universal number replaces multiple specialized numbers, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If call forwarding is used to forward incoming calls to another number, then the caller can reach the intended person, but the caller may stay on the line for a long period and only allows a message to be left with the final calling number
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the active device among multiple phones based on availability and user preference. When a call comes in, the system automatically routes it to the currently active device rather than forwarding through multiple static numbers. This dynamic activation reduces call waiting time and allows the caller to reach the intended person quickly without staying on hold.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages call routing without requiring manual intervention from the caller. The active device status is monitored and updated automatically, and incoming calls are automatically directed to the correct device based on the current active status, eliminating the need for callers to wait or leave messages at intermediate numbers.
3Device complexity
If multiple devices share the same calling number, then the number of calling numbers is reduced, but privacy issues arise as anyone can potentially access any device
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes active device status in advance before calls are routed. Users can pre-set which device is active or the system automatically determines active status based on criteria such as device availability, user location, or time of day. This preliminary establishment of active status ensures that calls are only routed to authorized, currently active devices, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining the shared number benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and updates the active device status based on feedback from the devices and users. When a device becomes unavailable or a user changes their preference, the system receives feedback and adjusts the active status accordingly. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures that calls are always routed to the appropriate authorized device, maintaining privacy while enabling shared number functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A telephone communication system for reducing the number telephone of assigned numbers while allowing for increased availability of individuals and method of using the telephone communication system. The telephone communication system has at least two telephones and each telephone may be placed in activated mode or in the alternative, stand-by mode. The at least two telephones have one and only one active calling number per device and the active calling number for each device is identical to the calling number of the other device(s). A switch is capable of transferring a call from a previously activated phone to a newly activated phone utilizing an on-the-fly-redirect feature.