Automated Telephone Call Blocking via Callback Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for blocking unwanted telephone calls from inmates or correctional facilities are labor-intensive, prone to accidental or fraudulent blocks, and lack a secure and automated process for verification and documentation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that receives a request to block calls, provides a confirmation code, initiates a confirmation call to the blocked number, and establishes a block only if the confirmation code is received, using a profile and PIN system to verify the requesting party's authority and reduce fraudulent blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple block request method is used (e.g., pressing a DTMF digit), then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to accidental or fraudulent blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by calling back the requested number and requiring the answerer to provide a confirmation code before the block is actually implemented. This preliminary action prevents accidental or fraudulent blocks while maintaining operational simplicity for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where a confirmation code is provided to the caller, then verified by calling back the requested number and comparing the code entered by the answerer. This feedback loop ensures that only authorized parties can initiate blocks, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Productivity
If automated processing is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity is worsened due to verification systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service automation where the telephone network itself performs the verification by calling back the requested number and capturing the confirmation code from the answerer. This eliminates the need for complex external verification systems while maintaining high productivity through fully automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing multi-functionality of the telephone network to perform multiple tasks: initial call routing, confirmation code delivery, verification call initiation, and code comparison. This universal approach achieves automated processing without adding specialized verification equipment, thus improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Loss of time
If no confirmation process is used, then the loss of time is reduced, but the object-generated harmful factors are worsened due to fraudulent blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The confirmation code is provided in advance to the caller during the initial block request call. This preliminary action allows for rapid verification during the callback without adding significant time to the overall process, while effectively preventing fraudulent blocks by requiring the answerer to enter the pre-provided code.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented systems and methods for controlling the blocking of telephone calls are disclosed. A person, for example, bothered by calls from a prison inmate may desire to block future call attempts from that inmate or even desire to block all calls from the confinement/correctional institution at which the inmate is housed. To reduce accidental and fraudulent call blocking, various techniques are used to verify that the party requesting the block is, in fact, the party in control of the telephone number requested to be blocked. Embodiments herein enable call blocking using systems that require little or no human interaction to process a block request, reduce or eliminate accidental blocks via a callback confirmation process, create a documentation trail via the use of a profile and PIN system used for the processing of a block, and/or reduce fraudulent blocks by parties other than those authorized to do so via CNAM (Caller ID) verification.