Unified Messaging Service Automatic Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inefficiencies and errors in managing multiple voice messaging services, requiring manual configuration and registration, which is time-consuming and prone to errors due to differing standards and requirements across various services.

Innovation Solution

A unified messaging service that enables automatic registration and configuration of voice mail services, allowing users to access and forward calls without manual intervention, using a client application to communicate with a UM server for seamless integration and aggregation of voice messages from various sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually register and configure multiple voice messaging services, then they can access voice messages from various sources, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveManual configuration processVSAvoidTime spent on registration and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic registration and configuration without user intervention. The client application autonomously registers with the UM server, retrieves access numbers, and configures call forwarding rules based on predefined criteria, eliminating the need for manual user configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures call forwarding rules and registration parameters before the user needs to access voice messages. The client application automatically sets up forwarding rules for different call states (busy, unanswered, unavailable) and retrieves access numbers in advance, so users can immediately access messages without configuration delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If users manually configure call forwarding for different call states, then calls can be routed to voice messaging services, but the process requires extensive user knowledge and is error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCall forwarding configurationVSAvoidConfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The client application automatically configures call forwarding rules for different call states (busy, unanswered, unavailable) without user intervention. The system autonomously determines the appropriate forwarding numbers and settings based on the call state, eliminating user errors and the need for specialized knowledge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides a universal configuration approach that handles multiple call states (busy, unanswered, unavailable) and different voice messaging services through a single automated process. The client application implements a standardized methodology that works across different services and networks, making the configuration process universally applicable and error-free

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If users access multiple disparate voice messaging services, then they can retrieve messages from all sources, but they must check multiple sources which is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMessage retrieval capabilityVSAvoidTime to check multiple sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines access to multiple disparate voice messaging services through a single unified interface. The client application aggregates message retrieval from different services (employer, personal mobile operator, home landline) into one location, allowing users to access all messages through a single access number without checking multiple sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The UM server provides universal message retrieval capability that works across different voice messaging services and networks. The system implements a standardized access methodology that can retrieve messages from any service through a single interface, making the retrieval process universally applicable and eliminating the need to check multiple sources

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If access numbers change based on service changes or user location, then the service can adapt to new conditions, but manual re-registration becomes increasingly difficult and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveService adaptation capabilityVSAvoidRe-registration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The client application automatically detects changes in access numbers and service configurations, and performs re-registration without user intervention. When access numbers change due to service updates or user location changes, the system autonomously retrieves new access numbers and updates forwarding rules, eliminating the need for manual re-registration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors access numbers and service configurations, and automatically responds to changes by updating its registration and forwarding settings. The client application receives feedback about number changes from the UM server and automatically adjusts its configuration, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changes without user involvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10721358B2Message forwarding and retrieval with a single messaging service
Publication Date: 2020.07.21 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US10721358B2 patent drawing
  • US10721358B2 patent drawing
  • US10721358B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method and system of integrating a user's voice mail onto a single voice messaging service, e.g., a Unified Messaging (UM) service, such that a client may access this single source for voice mail retrieval, even where such voice mails are from a variety of sources, e.g., work, mobile phone, etc. A user, or the user's mobile operator, need only agree to accept the service, and the registration and configuration requirements for providing the service and forwarding calls to the service are automatically configured. The user's existing “speed dial” key or other setting for retrieving voice mail may also be automatically configured to the access number(s) for the service. Configurations may monitor the status of the service and update access and/or forwarding numbers. Voice mail forwarding and settings may also be automatically reverted back to the user's original service.