Virtual PBX Call Routing for Shared Subscriber Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small businesses and households with a single telephone line face challenges in allowing internal communications among members while maintaining ease of external call handling, leading to additional technology maintenance and cost burdens.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a virtual PBX feature that distinguishes between external inbound and internal calls, routing external calls to all endpoints associated with a customer and internal calls to specific endpoints based on control instructions, eliminating the need for additional PBX systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a PBX or key system is used to allow internal communication among members, then internal communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines external call handling and internal communication capabilities into a unified system. The network element integrates the functions of a traditional PBX with modern IP-based communication, allowing both external calls to the directory number and internal calls between extensions to be handled through a single platform without requiring separate hardware systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network element provides multiple functions including receiving external calls to a directory number, routing calls to multiple endpoints, handling internal calls between extensions, and providing call management features. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for different communication needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a PBX or key system is used to allow internal communication among members, then internal communication capability is improved, but maintenance burden and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal communication capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical PBX hardware systems with a software-based network element that operates on IP networks. This substitution eliminates the need for physical switching equipment, reducing maintenance requirements and allowing for easier updates and scalability through software rather than hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If calls are routed through a PBX requiring extension identification, then internal communication is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to caller inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal communication capabilityVSAvoidcaller convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary routing based on the called party's directory number before the call reaches the user. The network element automatically determines which endpoint should receive the call based on pre-configured associations between directory numbers and endpoints, eliminating the need for callers to manually identify extensions or navigate complex routing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Quantity of substance

If a single telephone line is shared among multiple members, then cost is reduced, but internal communication capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of telephone linesVSAvoidinternal communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension to single-line communication by implementing an IP-based overlay network. While members share a single traditional telephone line for external connectivity, the system creates a virtual communication layer that enables internal calls between members through the IP network, effectively adding internal communication capability without requiring additional physical telephone lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10171889B2Method and system for managing internal and external calls for a group of communication clients sharing a common customer identifier

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 BCE

AI summary

A method and network element for implementing a virtual PBX feature for a customer associated with a plurality of endpoints. The method comprises receiving information regarding a call. Based on the information regarding the call, it is determined if the call is an external inbound call or an internal call that identifies a particular one of the endpoints. Responsive to determining that the call is an external inbound call, the call is caused to be routed to the plurality of endpoints associated with the customer, while responsive to determining that the call is an internal call that identifies a particular one of the endpoints, the call is caused to be routed to the particular one of the endpoints. This allows members of a small business or household to share a common external subscriber line, while also allowing the members to reach one another with ease.