AIN Teleconference Pass Code Security via Intelligent Peripheral

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Solution Overview

Problem

Teleconferencing systems face high costs due to the need for separate voice response units (VRUs) and other equipment for pass code security, which offsets the savings from integrating bridges into central office switches.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an AIN-based network with an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) for voice functions and a Service Control Point (SCP) to access subscriber profiles, allowing for pass code security without a separate VRU, by using a specific digit string trigger to initiate IP functions and connect callers to a teleconferencing bridge only if a valid pass code is entered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate Voice Response Unit (VRU) is added to provide pass code security, then security capability is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepass code securityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the VRU functionality with the existing AIN switch by utilizing the IP and SCP components that are already part of the AIN architecture. The IP handles voice announcements and digit collection, while the SCP manages pass code verification, merging security functions into the existing switching infrastructure rather than adding separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The AIN switch's IP and SCP components are designed to perform multiple functions including call routing, voice messaging, and now pass code security verification. By making these components universal and multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for dedicated VRU hardware while maintaining security capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If VRU equipment is placed at the switch to enable pass code entry, then security function is improved, but cost savings from integrated bridges are offset

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepass code security functionVSAvoidoverall system cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing AIN capabilities and resources to provide security functions without requiring additional specialized equipment. The IP and SCP components serve themselves by handling security verification as part of their normal operational workflow, eliminating the need for separate VRU investments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional separate VRU system is used, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the security verification function with the existing AIN switch infrastructure by utilizing the IP for voice interactions and the SCP for database access and validation. This integration maintains security reliability while reducing the number of separate equipment components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7596215B2System and method for teleconference pass code security at a telecommunications switch

Publication Date: 2009.09.29 QWEST COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Pass code security is provided for a teleconference call in an AIN-based telecommunications network. Participants to the conference call dial in to a bridge at a Service Switching Point (SSP). If a trigger is detected on the line associated with the bridge, a Service Control Point (SCP) is queried, which in turn causes an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) to generate a voice message asking the caller for a pass code. If a valid pass code is entered by the caller and received at the IP, the SSP connects the caller to the bridge.