Authorization Code Call Screening System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for screening incoming telephone calls are inefficient and intrusive, as they often disrupt users by ringing, and may consume valuable time, especially for urgent calls.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that activates a do-not-disturb mode using authorization codes, where callers input a second code to confirm the call, and if matching, a notification is sent to the user, allowing them to decide whether to answer or forward to voicemail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional call screening methods are used (checking caller ID or forwarding to voicemail), then users can identify incoming calls, but the telephone rings disrupting users and valuable time is consumed for urgent calls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall screening convenienceVSAvoidtime consumption for urgent calls
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring authorization codes and establishing a do-not-disturb mode before incoming calls occur. When a call comes in, the authorization code verification is already in place, allowing immediate screening without requiring user intervention to check caller ID or set up voicemail forwarding, thus saving time for urgent calls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically verifying authorization codes and routing calls without requiring user intervention. The telephone system itself performs the screening function by comparing the caller-provided code with the pre-stored authorization code, eliminating the need for users to manually check caller ID information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional call screening methods are used, then users can identify incoming calls, but the telephone rings disrupting users' activities (watching television, eating dinner, sleeping)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall screening capabilityVSAvoidcall disruption to user activities
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The authorization code serves as an intermediary mechanism between the incoming call and the user. Instead of directly ringing the user's telephone, the system mediates through code verification first. Only after successful verification does the system notify the user, effectively filtering out unwanted calls before they can disrupt user activities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a do-not-disturb mode in advance, configuring the authorization code verification process before any disruptive calls can occur. This preliminary setup ensures that subsequent calls are screened automatically without interrupting user activities such as watching television, eating dinner, or sleeping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If authorization code verification is implemented, then only authorized calls can reach users, but the system complexity increases with code management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall authorization accuracyVSAvoidauthorization code management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authorization code system serves multiple functions: it acts as an identification mechanism, an authentication tool, and a routing decision-maker. By using a single versatile code system, the patent avoids the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high authorization accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8325898B2System and method for screening incoming telephone calls
Publication Date: 2012.12.04 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC
  • US8325898B2 patent drawing
  • US8325898B2 patent drawing
  • US8325898B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A do-not-disturb mode is entered in response to an identifier and a first authorization code is received. A call is received from a caller whereafter the caller is prompted to input a second authorization code. If the first and second authorization codes are the same, a notification is generated to notify a called party that a telephone call is being received.