Virtual PBX Location-Based Call Routing via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual PBX systems are not well-suited for routing and controlling calls based on the geographic location of mobile devices, as they typically lack awareness of the geographical location of terminals.
Innovation Solution
A virtual PBX server manages calls using location-based forwarding rules and BLA redirection rules, allowing a single extension to appear on multiple mobile devices and routing calls based on the geographic location of location-aware mobile devices, enabling the creation of decentralized offices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vPBX systems are used, then call management is simple, but the system cannot route calls based on geographic location of mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location server as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between conventional vPBX systems and location-based call routing requirements. The location server receives location information from mobile devices and provides it to the vPBX system, enabling geographic-based call routing without fundamentally redesigning the entire system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the vPBX system handles call management, while the location server handles location information processing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, reducing overall system complexity while enabling location-based routing capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If location awareness is added to vPBX system, then call routing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The location server acts as a dedicated intermediary that handles all location-related operations, including receiving location data from mobile devices, processing location information, and providing it to the vPBX system. This separation allows the vPBX system to maintain its simplicity while achieving precise location-based call routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices monitor the same extension, then call availability increases, but call management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal call management approach where multiple mobile devices can monitor the same extension number through the BLA mechanism. Each device in the BLA group can receive and answer calls for the monitored extension, providing redundant call availability and flexibility without requiring complex device-specific configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vPBX server manages calls in a bridged line appearance (BLA) group. A BLA group can include extensions for location-aware mobile devices. The vPBX server contains location based forwarding rules that can be applied together with BLA redirection rules in managing incoming calls. A single extension can appear as a user interface element (e.g., an icon or button) on multiple mobile devices. Using the user interface element, a primary user can view a secondary user's status, including the secondary user's location information. The vPBX server allows the primary user to redirect the incoming calls to devices in accordance with the forwarding rules and the redirection rules.