Server-Based Virtual Switchboard for Mobile Multi-Line PBX Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phone systems, particularly PBX systems, are limited in providing multi-line capabilities to mobile users outside the office, as they are tied to specific desk phones and do not fully leverage cellular and VoIP technologies, restricting feature access and usability.
Innovation Solution
A multiple call session system that includes a server with a virtual switchboard and a controller, allowing a host mobile phone to remotely access and control multiple voice paths over a communications network, enabling multi-line capabilities and advanced PBX features on cellular devices through a server-side system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PBX features are integrated into cellular phones via VoIP, then multi-line capabilities and advanced features become available to mobile users, but the cellular data network must handle much more bandwidth and maintain consistent performance during peak traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PBX functionality into two parts: server-side PBX features that remain on the network infrastructure and client-side features that are implemented on the cellular phone. This allows the system to provide multi-line capabilities without requiring the cellular data network to handle all voice traffic, as voice calls use the traditional voice network while only control signals use the data network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the cellular phone and the PBX system. The server handles the heavy lifting for voice routing and PBX features, while the cellular phone only needs to communicate control signals to the server. This intermediary approach protects the cellular data network from handling full voice bandwidth while still enabling multi-line capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lines and PBX features are available on cellular smartphones via VoIP, then users can access full PBX functionality remotely, but future applications will likely require installation on both caller and receiver devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex PBX feature implementation from the cellular phone and places it on the server side. The cellular phone only needs basic VoIP client functionality to communicate with the server, while the server handles all complex PBX features including multi-line capabilities, conferencing, and call management. This reduces the complexity requirements for the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal server-based PBX system that can serve multiple users and devices simultaneously. The server handles all PBX features for multiple lines, allowing any cellular phone with a basic VoIP client to access the full range of PBX functionality without requiring device-specific applications or installations.
3Ease of manufacture
If static extensions are tied to fixed lines in the organization, then phone system features are built into a particular user's phone set, but employees working outside the office lose access to full PBX features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static extension-to-line mapping into a dynamic system where extensions can be dynamically assigned to different devices and locations. The server-based architecture allows extensions to be reassigned to different cellular phones or devices based on user location and availability, enabling employees to access PBX features regardless of their physical location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of extension assignment from fixed to flexible. Instead of hardcoding extensions to specific physical lines, the system uses software-based extension assignment that can be changed dynamically through the server. This allows the same extension to be assigned to different devices at different times, maintaining ease of configuration while improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple call session system and method for a mobile phone device is disclosed. The system comprises a server and a host mobile phone. The server has a virtual switchboard for simultaneously communicating with a plurality of external voice devices over corresponding voice paths on a communications network and a controller connected to the virtual switchboard for controlling the voice paths. The server further includes a memory for storing at least one call flow, the memory being in communication with the controller of the server. The host mobile phone is in communication with the server over a mobile network for remotely accessing the voice paths, via the switchboard, and for sending a command signal to the controller, to activate one of the at least one call flow for any one of the voice paths, in order to independently control any one of the voice paths from the host mobile phone.