Call Answering System Identifying Unwanted Callers via Multi-Source Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for preventing unwanted phone calls are inadequate, as caller ID systems can be spoofed, call-blocking features are limited, and government telemarketing restriction lists are not fully effective.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a call records server to classify callers as wanted or unwanted based on information from multiple sources, including telephony devices and phone number data sources, and a call answering server that handles calls according to user preferences, such as rejecting or disposing of calls from unwanted callers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If caller ID systems are used to screen incoming calls, then recipients can identify the source of calls, but callers can spoof fake numbers or block their Caller ID information making identification ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a call answering server as an intermediary between the caller and the recipient's telephony device. This server collects caller information, analyzes it against multiple data sources including call patterns and user feedback, and determines whether a caller is unwanted before the call reaches the user. This intermediary layer provides more reliable identification than traditional Caller ID by analyzing behavioral patterns rather than relying solely on provided number information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where user responses to identified unwanted callers are collected and used to improve future identification accuracy. The call answering server learns from user feedback about which callers are actually unwanted, continuously refining its classification algorithms to improve both precision and reliability of caller identification over time.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional call-blocking features are used, then specific phone numbers can be blocked, but callers can use different numbers or block their own calling information to avoid blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of caller information before the call is connected to the user. The call answering server proactively collects data about the caller from multiple sources, analyzes call patterns, and determines unwanted status in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to block unwanted callers regardless of what number they use, as the analysis occurs before the call reaches the user and can identify patterns across different numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The call answering server implements a universal blocking mechanism that works across multiple data sources and analysis methods. Instead of relying on a single blocking method, the system combines call pattern analysis, information from multiple data sources, and user feedback into a unified approach that can identify and block unwanted callers regardless of the specific number or method they use to contact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If government telemarketing restriction lists are used, then recipients can be listed as people who do not wish to be called, but such lists are not fully effective to avoid unwanted telephone calls
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the caller identification problem into multiple independent analysis components. Instead of relying on a single restriction list, the call answering server analyzes multiple separate data sources including call patterns, information from various databases, and user-specific feedback. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall determination, creating a more reliable and effective unwanted caller identification system than any single list could provide.
4Measurement precision
If users manually retrieve and review voicemail messages from unwanted callers, then they can determine which calls are unwanted, but users spend real dollars and waste precious time on messages they do not want to listen to
Solution Approach 1:
The call answering server performs preliminary analysis of all incoming calls before they reach the user's voicemail system. By analyzing caller information, call patterns, and data from multiple sources in advance, the system identifies unwanted callers and routes them to automated disposal before the user has to manually review their voicemail. This preliminary action saves users both time and money by preventing them from having to listen to or retrieve messages from unwanted callers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically identifying and disposing of unwanted calls without requiring user intervention. The call answering server autonomously analyzes incoming calls, determines unwanted status based on collected data and patterns, and handles disposal according to user preferences. This automation eliminates the need for users to manually review voicemail messages from potential unwanted callers, freeing up their time and resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for identifying an unwanted caller using a call answering system. The method comprises receiving, by a call records server, information about callers from a plurality of telephony devices and one or more phone number data sources, classifying, by the call records server, one or more of the callers as either wanted or unwanted callers based on the received information, and storing, by the call records server, the received information and the classification of the one or more of the callers into a directory. The method further comprises identifying, by a call answering server, that a call from a given caller from a phone number to a receiving telephony device is from an unwanted caller by searching the directory, and handling, by the call answering server, the call from the given caller according to one or more preferences of the user, the one or more preferences including rejecting the call from the receiving telephony device, playing a recorded message, and disposing of the call.