Call Screening Device Parallel Ringing via Hook Flash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telephone call screening circuits fail to induce parallel handsets to ring after a call has been successfully screened, requiring a novel solution to connect a call screening device to any telephone extension within a home while enabling ringing at all connected handsets.
Innovation Solution
A call screening device with call handling electronics and stored screening criteria that picks up the line, executes screening criteria, and issues a hook flash command to ring all connected extensions upon a 'pass' result, using methods like reverse Turing tests, random number entry, or blacklists, and optionally playing messages before disconnecting upon a 'fail' result.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a call screening device is connected in-line between the PSTN and the local phone network, then the device can control call screening, but the device cannot induce ringing at parallel handsets connected to other extensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the PSTN's hook flash command as an intermediary mechanism. The call screening device sends a hook flash command through the PSTN to the local exchange, which then distributes the ringing signal to all parallel handsets. This intermediary approach allows the screening device to control ringing without requiring direct connection to all extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the PSTN connection serve multiple functions: it provides both call screening control and ringing induction capability. By leveraging the PSTN's existing infrastructure and commands, the single connection point can accomplish what would traditionally require multiple dedicated connections and separate ringing control circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a call screening device is connected to any telephone extension within a home, then the device can be flexibly installed, but the device cannot reliably induce ringing at all connected handsets
Solution Approach 1:
The PSTN acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures the ringing signal reaches all handsets. The hook flash command sent through the PSTN is processed by the local exchange, which reliably distributes the signal to all parallel extensions, ensuring consistent ringing behavior regardless of where the screening device is connected.
3Ease of operation
If existing call screening devices are used, then call screening functionality is provided, but discrete ring generators are required to induce ringing at handsets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PSTN connection serve multiple functions: it provides both call screening control and ringing induction capability. By leveraging the PSTN's existing infrastructure and commands, the single connection point can accomplish what would traditionally require multiple dedicated connections and separate ringing control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the ringing induction function from separate discrete ring generators and integrates it into the PSTN connection mechanism. By using the hook flash command already available in the PSTN infrastructure, the system eliminates the need for additional dedicated ringing control hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are disclosed herein which allow a telephone call screening device to be connected in parallel to the remaining extensions within a home.