Telephony Configuration Intermediary Format
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring devices, especially during upgrades, are cumbersome and costly, requiring significant effort and often necessitate reinstallation, as they rely on complex conversion processes between different device formats and operating systems.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an intermediary format, such as a generic telephony vocabulary, to transfer configuration parameter values between telephony devices like PBXs, allowing for the conversion of configuration data from an old device to a new device without the need for specific conversion processes, by dumping raw numerical data and converting it through a common format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct conversion processes are used between different device formats, then configuration transfer can be performed, but the complexity of conversion processes increases and requires device-specific processes for each device pair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary format that serves as a common denominator between old and new device formats. Configuration data is first converted from the old device format to the intermediary format, then from the intermediary format to the new device format. This two-step conversion process through an intermediary reduces the overall complexity compared to creating direct conversion processes for every possible device pair, as the intermediary format captures the essential configuration elements in a standardized way that can be mapped to multiple device-specific formats.
2Manufacturing precision
If device-specific conversion processes are created for each device pair, then accurate configuration transfer is achieved, but the number of required conversion processes increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary format is designed with universal structure that can accommodate configuration data from multiple different old device formats and map to multiple different new device formats. This universal intermediary serves as a common platform that enables configuration transfer across various device pairs without requiring a unique conversion process for each combination. The intermediary format captures the essential configuration elements in a standardized way that can be mapped to multiple device-specific formats, making the conversion system multi-functional and scalable.
3Reliability
If comprehensive configuration data is captured from old devices, then complete configuration transfer is achieved, but the data format complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary format extracts and captures only the essential configuration elements that are necessary for device operation and functionality, rather than attempting to preserve every detail of the old device format. By selectively extracting the most important configuration parameters and relationships, the intermediary format achieves sufficient configuration completeness for reliable device operation while maintaining a simpler, more manageable data structure. This extraction approach filters out redundant or device-specific details that are not essential for the configuration transfer goal.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating an intermediate format for configuration values of telephony devices. The method includes collecting lists of configuration fields from a plurality of administrable devices; and generating a configuration file format, which includes more configuration fields than supported by any one of the administrable devices, based on the collected lists.