Caller ID Modification System for Local Callback Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telephone and email communications, the party being contacted may incur long distance charges when attempting to call back the Originator, as the displayed caller ID often shows a non-local number, leading to unnecessary long distance tolls.
Innovation Solution
A system processes communications to identify matching database entries based on predetermined rules, selecting a local or closer telephone number for the Target to reduce or eliminate long distance charges by modifying the caller ID to display a local callback number.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Originator uses their main telephone number in the caller ID field, then the Target can reliably identify and contact the Originator, but the Target incurs long distance charges when calling back
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the Originator's telephone numbers into multiple categories (main number and local area numbers) and selectively displays different numbers based on the Target's location. The caller ID field is segmented to show either the main number or a local number depending on which is more appropriate for the specific calling scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by selecting telephone numbers that are local to the Target's area code when available. This ensures that the displayed caller ID number has the same area code as the Target, making the callback a local call rather than a long distance call, while still maintaining reliable identification of the Originator.
Solution Approach 3:
The system introduces an intermediary component (local number service) that acts as a mediator between the Originator's main number and the Target. This intermediary local number allows the Target to callback without long distance charges while still reaching the Originator through the telephone network's routing capabilities.
2Loss of energy
If the Originator uses a local telephone number for the Target area, then the Target can callback without long distance charges, but the Originator must maintain multiple telephone numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality by creating a single automated system that performs multiple functions: it receives the Target's area code, queries the database for local numbers, selects the appropriate number, and modifies the caller ID field. This single system replaces what would otherwise require manual management of multiple telephone numbers by the Originator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically selecting and displaying the appropriate local telephone number based on the Target's area code without requiring manual intervention from the Originator. The automated number selection process eliminates the need for the Originator to manually track and manage multiple local numbers for different geographic areas.
3Ease of operation
If the system modifies the caller ID field dynamically, then the Target receives the most appropriate callback number, but the communication system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-populating a database with the Originator's local telephone numbers organized by geographic area codes before the actual calling process. This pre-organization of data allows for rapid, automated selection during the calling process without adding significant complexity to the real-time communication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a relatively simple intermediary component (number selection service) that handles the complexity of dynamic caller ID modification. This intermediary sits between the Originator's telephone system and the Target, managing the database queries and number selections while presenting a simple interface to both sides.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer for processing a call originated by a call originator to a call target. The computer includes memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code and processor for executing the program code stored in the memory. The program code includes code for processing a telephone number of the call target, code for accessing a database storing a plurality of outgoing telephone numbers, code for identifying one of the plurality of outgoing telephone numbers based on the telephone number of the call target, and code for originating the outbound call to the call target and including the identified outgoing telephone number into a caller ID field of the outbound call.