Wireless Network Presence Inference for UC Suites
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unified Communication (UC) suites in enterprise wireless networks lack integration with real-time user location and role information from wireless local area networks, leading to inaccurate presence status displays when users fail to update their calendars or roles.
Innovation Solution
A method and network device that determine a user's location and infer their status based on this information, using a triangulation method and access points, and then present or transmit this status to the UC suite through an API, integrating with the UC suite to display accurate presence information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If UC suite integrates with email client software to automatically update presence information, then presence status is updated automatically, but accuracy deteriorates when users fail to update their calendars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless network infrastructure (access points, controllers) as an intermediary to provide real-time location and role information about users. This mediator supplies accurate presence status data to the UC suite independently of calendar updates, resolving the contradiction between automated updates and accuracy.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If UC suite displays presence information based on calendar data, then presence status is maintained continuously, but accuracy deteriorates due to lack of real-time user status information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where wireless access points continuously monitor user location and role information, then feed this real-time data back to the UC suite. This feedback loop ensures presence information remains accurate and current without requiring manual calendar updates.
3Reliability
If enterprise wireless network collects real-time user location and role information, then accurate presence information can be provided, but system complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing wireless network infrastructure (access points and controllers) already deployed for network connectivity, making them serve the additional function of location and role tracking. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated tracking hardware, thereby limiting complexity increase.
4Reliability
If UC suite uses manual presence status updates, then information accuracy can be maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to user time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically collect and process presence information through wireless network monitoring of user location and role data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually update their presence status, improving productivity while maintaining accuracy through automated real-time tracking.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures accurate and real-time display of user presence and status within UC suites by leveraging wireless network infrastructure, reducing inaccuracies caused by calendar updates and enhancing communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Using a triangulation method or based on the AP with which the client is connected, the wireless network infrastructure can determine the location of the client
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method and a network device for advertising and profiling user location to unified communication suite in enterprise wireless environments. Specifically, a network device can determine a location of a first client device corresponding to a user. Based at least on the location of the first client device corresponding to the user, the network device can infer a status for the first user. Further, the network device can display, store and/or transmit the inferred status for the user on an enterprise wireless network. The status has not been explicitly indicated by the user.