Call Screening Device Using Random Number Challenge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers are frequently disturbed by automated telemarketing and debt collection calls, which are difficult to screen and trace, as existing methods like answering machines do not effectively differentiate between human and automated calls, leading to annoyance and potential harassment.

Innovation Solution

A call screening device with a random number generator and microprocessor that intercepts incoming calls, generates an N-digit string of numbers, and requires a response from the caller to proceed, terminating calls if the response is not timely or correct, effectively blocking automated calls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If automated answering machines are used to screen calls, then call screening capability is improved, but consumer disturbance and interruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall screening capabilityVSAvoidconsumer disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated call screening where the answering machine automatically detects and handles telemarketer calls without requiring the consumer to manually answer or screen each call, thereby improving screening capability while reducing consumer disturbance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from analyzing call patterns, voice recognition, and interaction responses to automatically identify and screen telemarketer calls, enhancing the screening capability while keeping the consumer out of the direct disturbance loop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional answering machines are used, then some call filtering is possible, but differentiation between human and automated calls is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall filtering capabilityVSAvoidhuman vs automated call differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple mechanical answering machine operations with electronic and computational methods including voice recognition algorithms, automated interaction analysis, and pattern recognition software to accurately differentiate between human and automated calls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters including voice tone analysis, response time measurement, interaction pattern recognition, and linguistic complexity assessment to create a multi-dimensional approach to identifying automated calls versus human callers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If consumers answer all calls to screen them manually, then call identification is possible, but time loss and interruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall identification accuracyVSAvoidtime spent screening calls

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of incoming calls including voice pattern recognition, caller ID analysis, and initial interaction assessment before the consumer needs to intervene, pre-identifying telemarketer calls to save the consumer's time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If automated call screening is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall screening efficiencyVSAvoidscreening system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions including voice recognition, pattern analysis, automated decision-making, and call routing into a single multi-functional screening system that handles various types of calls through unified processing, increasing productivity while managing complexity through integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9031210B2Device for non-intrusive screening of telephone calls and method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 C21 PATENTS LLC

AI summary

A telephone with a call screening device is able to screen automated calls by transmitting a message containing an instruction upon detecting an incoming call. The instruction from the call screening device requests that the calling party respond to the message correctly and in time before the call screening device allows the telephone to ring and the call answered. The instruction contains, inter alia, a string of randomly generated numbers that the calling party is asked to dial as part of his/her response. In the event that the response is not received in time or the response is incorrect, the call screening device terminates the call without the phone ever ringing.