User Status Server for Intelligent Message Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current auto-reply systems in telecommunication networks are inefficient, leading to redundant communications and wasted time as senders only learn of recipients' unavailability after receiving an auto-reply, and may duplicate work if alternate contacts are not properly informed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that tracks and shares users' availability status through a user status server, which disseminates current status information among network users, enabling intelligent message routing options based on recipient availability, including sending to alternate contacts when the recipient is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If auto-reply is sent only once to indicate recipient unavailability, then the system remains simple, but senders waste time learning of unavailability after receiving auto-reply and may duplicate work
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively notifying senders of recipient unavailability before the sender sends the message. The user status server disseminates availability information to other users in advance, so senders are informed before sending occurs, eliminating the need to wait for auto-reply and potentially duplicate work.
2Device complexity
If senders wait for auto-reply to learn recipient unavailability, then the system remains simple, but redundant communications and duplicated work occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously updating and disseminating user availability information to other users through the user status server. This feedback mechanism ensures that senders receive real-time information about recipient availability, allowing them to make informed decisions about message routing without waiting for auto-reply.
Solution Approach 2:
The user status server acts as an intermediary that collects, stores, and disseminates availability information between users. This intermediary component centralizes the management of status information and distributes it to relevant users, improving information flow without requiring complex point-to-point communication systems.
3Productivity
If the system provides detailed availability tracking and sharing, then communication efficiency improves, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user status server performs multiple functions within a single system component: it tracks user availability status, stores status information, disseminates information to other users, and provides data for message routing decisions. This multi-functionality improves communication efficiency while avoiding the need for multiple separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method routes messages based on an intended recipient's availability to receive messages. Each network user's current status is determined by tracking when the user activates and deactivates an auto-reply feature. The user's current status, return date and alternate contact(s) are specified in the auto-reply and stored and updated on a user status server which periodically communicates to each user the current status information for each contact listed in that user's address book. When the current status information indicates that the intended recipient is unavailable, message routing options are presented to the sender. These options include sending the message to the user regardless of the intended recipient's current unavailability, not sending the message at all, routing the message to at least one specified alternate contact, sending the message to the intended recipient while sending a copy of the message to the alternate contact.