VoIP Find-Me Service Parallel Sequential Call Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers lack a find-me service that offers the flexibility of both parallel and sequential calling, which is available in conventional telephony networks, limiting user options for managing call routing across multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

A software-based find-me service that allows users to specify multiple communication devices for sequential and parallel calling, with prioritization of these devices, enabling simultaneous calls to be sent to multiple devices until answered or timed out, using a call manager to manage the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If forking service is used to enable multiple phones to receive the same call, then user availability is improved, but call routing flexibility is limited to parallel calling only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall routing flexibilityVSAvoidservice configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic call routing where the system automatically switches between parallel and sequential calling modes based on real-time conditions. The call manager dynamically adjusts routing behavior by monitoring answer status and timeout conditions, transforming a static routing system into an adaptive one that can handle both forking and find-me scenarios through a unified service framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The unified call routing service combines both forking and find-me functionality into a single service platform. By using a common service architecture that supports multiple calling modes (parallel and sequential) through configurable parameters, the system eliminates the need for separate service implementations and provides universal call routing capabilities across different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If sequential calling is implemented with multiple devices, then user availability is improved, but call setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall delivery reliabilityVSAvoidcall setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring call routing priorities and device sequences in advance. The call manager maintains pre-established routing tables and device hierarchies, allowing it to quickly initiate sequential calling without real-time decision delays. This pre-positioning of routing information reduces call setup time while maintaining reliable sequential delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous call routing action by eliminating idle time between sequential call attempts. When a device does not answer or times out, the system immediately transitions to the next device in the sequence without unnecessary delays, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the call routing process and minimizing total call setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If parallel calling to multiple devices is enabled, then user availability is improved, but network resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalling mode flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the call manager continuously monitors call answer status and device response times. This real-time feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust parallel calling behavior, terminating calls to devices that have already answered or are unlikely to answer, thereby reducing unnecessary network resource consumption while maintaining calling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of calling parameters such as timeout values, priority levels, and parallel/sequential mode selection. These parameter modifications enable the system to optimize network resource usage based on current conditions, reducing resource consumption during parallel calling by adjusting timing and routing parameters in response to real-time system state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8179791B2Sequentially calling groups of multiple communication devices based on user-specified lists of communication devices having assigned priorities

Publication Date: 2012.05.15 ALVARIA INC

AI summary

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a find-me service for VoIP. The find-me service allows a user to specify multiple communication devices. Further, the find-me service allows a callee to assign a priority to each communication device specified or in the alternative allows the callee to place the specified communication devices in prioritized lists. Multiple communication devices can have an identical priority level or can be placed in the same priority list. When the user is called, the call is processed by a software based call manager that initiates the find-me service. The call manager sends the call to all of the communication devices with the highest priority. This allows a single call to be sent to multiple communication devices simultaneously. If there is no answer at any of the communication devices the call manager sends the call to all of the communication devices on the list with the next sequential priority level.