Unified Communication Server Interface Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in providing unified interfaces for diverse client devices, limiting third-party innovation, lacking subscription models, and inadequate permission management, which complicates user experience and service accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A Client Application Server (CAS) with modules like client communication, status determination, operation determination, object management, and permissions, enabling unified communication across various devices and services, providing a cohesive interface, subscription services, and advanced permission management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different interfaces are provided for different client devices (IP phone, personal computer, mobile phone), then each device can access services through its native interface, but the system complexity increases and users must learn multiple methods to perform the same tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal interface architecture where a single standardized interface handles requests from multiple different client devices (IP phones, personal computers, mobile phones). The system uses a unified request processing mechanism that translates device-specific protocols into a common internal format, allowing one interface to serve multiple device types without requiring separate specialized interfaces for each device category.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (interface adapter or protocol translator) that sits between diverse client devices and the core service system. This intermediary converts various device-specific interfaces into a standardized intermediate format, enabling seamless communication without directly exposing the complexity of multiple device protocols to the core system or users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If services are closed to third-party developers, then system security and stability are maintained, but innovation and new service capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidservice extensibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service system into core stable components and extensible plug-in components. The core system maintains stability and security controls, while allowing third-party developers to create modular service extensions that interface with standardized APIs. This segmentation enables independent development and testing of new services without compromising the stability of the core system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic service architecture where the system can adaptively load, activate, and manage services based on demand and authorization. Third-party services can be dynamically registered, enabled, and configured without requiring system reconfiguration or compromising core stability. The system dynamically adjusts service availability and access controls based on user permissions and service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a subscription model is not implemented, then service access is simple and direct, but users cannot selectively subscribe to specific services or receive targeted updates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice selection flexibilityVSAvoidservice management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service subscription system where users can independently browse available services, select desired subscriptions, and manage their own service profiles through an automated interface. The system automatically processes subscription requests, manages service allocations, and sends targeted updates based on user preferences without requiring manual administrative intervention for each subscription action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system automatically monitors user service usage patterns, service availability changes, and preference updates. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts service recommendations, sends targeted notifications about relevant service updates, and optimizes service delivery according to actual user needs and behavior patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If permission management is not implemented, then service access is unrestricted and simple, but administrators cannot control or modify client permissions or provide targeted error messages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermission control capabilityVSAvoidaccess simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary permission configuration where administrators pre-define permission templates, service access rules, and error message protocols before users attempt to access services. These pre-configured permission sets and access control policies are automatically applied when users request services, eliminating the need for real-time permission negotiations and maintaining simple user access while enforcing comprehensive administrative control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a permission management intermediary layer that sits between users and service resources. This intermediary automatically validates user permissions, enforces access control policies, and provides standardized error messages when access is denied. It transparently handles complex permission checks without requiring users to understand or manage permission configurations directly, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling detailed administrative control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9455946B1Server for providing unified communications
Publication Date: 2016.09.27 MITEL NETWORKS INC
  • US9455946B1 patent drawing
  • US9455946B1 patent drawing
  • US9455946B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A unified communication server or Client Application Server (CAS) comprises a client communication module, a status determination module, an operation determination module, an object manager, and a permissions module. The CAS enables communication between a client device and a plurality of communication services. The CAS receives requests for services from the client devices. The CAS interacts with a plurality of service providers offering different functionality and responds to requests or provides listings of available services in a unified manner despite the service offerings and service providers being disparate. The present invention also includes a number of methods including a method for operating a unified communication server, a method for generating a list of possible operations, a method for determining the status of a user and a method for determining permissions of a user.