Real-Time Voicemail Screening via Three-Way Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voicemail systems do not allow for real-time control of a call while a voicemail is being created, limiting users' ability to interact with incoming messages in real-time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a feature that enables users to listen to and control incoming voicemail messages in real-time by establishing a three-way bridge between the caller, the called communication device, and the voicemail system, allowing users to choose to answer, ignore, or listen to the message as it is being recorded, with the option to mute the microphone for screening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional voicemail systems are used, then calls are automatically routed to voicemail after a number of rings, but users cannot listen to or control the message in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a three-way bridge before the voicemail recording is complete, allowing the user to listen to the message as it is being recorded. This preliminary setup of the communication bridge enables real-time access without waiting for the recording to finish and store the message first.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a three-way bridge as an intermediary mechanism that connects the caller, called party, and voicemail system simultaneously. This intermediary structure enables the user to listen to the voicemail in real-time while the message is being recorded, resolving the time delay issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users can listen in on voicemail in real-time, then user interaction and control are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way bridge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables real-time listening, allows user control decisions (answer, ignore, listen), and maintains voicemail recording capabilities. This multi-functionality approach increases adaptability while managing complexity through a single integrated mechanism.
3Speed
If the user answers the call during voicemail recording, then immediate communication is achieved, but the caller may not finish their message
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the call flow based on user decisions made during the three-way bridge. The user can choose to answer immediately for speed, or wait for the message to complete for information integrity. The bridge maintains flexibility to accommodate different user needs without forcing a single outcome.
Data Source
AI summary
Allowing a user of a communication device to have real-time control as a voicemail is being generated is provided. An incoming call to a communication device may be sent to voicemail; however, rather than waiting for the message to be deposited into the voicemail system followed by subsequent retrieval, a user of the called communication device/called party may have an option to listen to the message as it is being created and stored. During the process of listening in on the message being deposited in the voicemail system, the user/called party may have options in real-time to take the call, ignore the call, listen to the call, and the like. Alternatively, the user/called party may take the call (answer) as the voicemail is being deposited without listening in on the voicemail as it is being deposited.