Caller ID Forwarding via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to provide satisfactory caller identification over a public switched telephone network, especially when calls are forwarded from a work or office phone to a personal cell phone, leading to confusion and potential customer dissatisfaction, and VOIP calls offer diminished quality compared to PSTN calls.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow a processor to identify calls between devices, send notifications with caller identification, and receive responses over a communication network, enabling multiple phones to display the same caller ID for outbound calls and informing recipients about call forwarding, using a server to manage caller ID and call forwarding between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If calls are forwarded from a work or office phone to a personal cell phone, then the caller can reach the recipient outside office hours, but the cell phone displays only the forwarded number's caller ID instead of the original caller's ID, causing confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives the original caller ID information from the calling device and forwards it to the recipient's device along with the forwarded call. This mediator preserves the original caller identification through the call forwarding process, allowing the recipient to see both the original caller's ID and the forwarded number's ID, thereby eliminating the information loss that occurs in traditional call forwarding systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the caller identification information into distinct components: the original caller's identification and the forwarded number's identification. By separating these information elements and transmitting them through different channels (original caller ID through the server, forwarded number ID through the call forwarding mechanism), the system ensures that both pieces of information are preserved and displayed to the recipient without confusion
2Measurement precision
If VOIP systems are used to provide forwarded calls with complete caller ID information, then caller identification accuracy improves, but call quality becomes diminished and choppy compared to PSTN calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a server as an intermediary that handles only the caller ID information transmission separately from the voice call path. The server communicates caller identification data through signaling channels while the actual voice call is routed through the reliable PSTN network. This separation allows complete caller ID information to be transmitted without degrading voice call quality, as the mediator handles information exchange independently from the media stream
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the communication into two independent paths: one for voice transmission through the PSTN (ensuring high call quality) and another for caller ID information transmission through the server (ensuring complete and accurate information delivery). This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, avoiding the quality issues associated with VOIP while maintaining accurate caller identification
3Ease of operation
If a professional uses their personal mobile device to place calls, then they can reach clients outside the office, but the recipient sees the professional's personal mobile number due to caller ID, which they may not want to disclose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that acts as a caller ID masking service. When a professional places a call from their mobile device, the server receives the call and transmits a customized caller ID to the recipient that does not reveal the professional's personal mobile number. The server mediates between the caller's desire to use their personal device and the recipient's need for appropriate caller identification, protecting the caller's personal information while enabling mobile calling
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy or alias of the caller's identification information that can be displayed to recipients without exposing the actual personal mobile number. Instead of transmitting the real personal number, the server transmits a copied or substituted caller ID that serves the same functional purpose of identifying the caller to the recipient while protecting the caller's personal information from exposure
Data Source
AI summary
A first voice communication device for forwarding calls to a second voice communication device. The first device comprises a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store a first device ID associated with the first device and a second device ID associated with the second device. The processor is configured to transmit, to the second device, a message configured to (1) associate the first device ID with the first device, and (2) associate an audio prompt with the first device; detect an incoming call to the first device; determine whether the memory comprises the second device ID; if and when the second device ID is present, then: automatically forward the incoming call to the second device; and automatically cause the audio prompt to be played on the second device; and automatically cause the first device ID to be displayed on second device.