Call Forwarding Authorization via Network Switch Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call forwarding systems do not require authorization from the recipient's party, leading to unwanted calls being forwarded without consent.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an authorization service that requires confirmation from the party receiving forwarded calls by sending an authorization request message to the Call Forwarding Server, which updates the call forwarding record only upon receiving a valid authorization response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If call forwarding is activated without authorization, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to unwanted calls being forwarded without consent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization by sending a notification message to the second telephone number before activating call forwarding. The activation is conditional upon receiving an authorization response, thus preventing unwanted calls in advance while maintaining ease of operation through automated preliminary checks
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch acts as an intermediary between the first and second telephone numbers. It receives the activation code, sends authorization requests to the second number, and only completes the forwarding activation after receiving authorization. This intermediary role resolves the contradiction by mediating the activation process to prevent harmful effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If authorization is required for call forwarding, then the object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional authorization messages and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch performs multiple functions: it detects activation codes, routes calls, sends authorization requests, and processes authorization responses. By making the switch multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated authorization devices, thus limiting complexity increase while effectively preventing unwanted calls
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing communication infrastructure and message routing mechanisms to handle authorization. The authorization process leverages the network's own messaging capabilities rather than introducing external complex verification systems, thus reducing the increase in device complexity while still preventing unwanted calls
3Reliability
If authorization messages are sent to the second telephone number, then the reliability of call forwarding activation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to the authorization process
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends authorization requests and processes responses in the background during call setup procedures. By skipping the need for explicit user interaction and rushing through automated message exchanges, the patent improves activation reliability while minimizing the time loss to the user
Data Source
AI summary
A call forwarding server in a telephony network is configured to provide an authorization function during activation of a call forwarding service. In response to receiving a forwarding request including initiating and terminating telephone numbers (TN), the call forwarding server generates and sends a request for the terminating TN to obtain authorization for the forwarding service. In response to receiving an authorization response for enabling call forwarding, the call forwarding server enables call forwarding for the initiating TN by updating a call forwarding record to include an entry including the initiating TN and the terminating TN. Communications placed to the initiating TN are automatically forwarded to the terminating TN once the forwarding service is enabled.