Caller Identity Verification Using Certificates to Block Robocalls

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The proliferation of robocalls is difficult to curb due to the complexity of telephone call propagation through multiple carriers and networks, making it challenging to trace their origins and enforce regulations.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunication system uses a combination of security certificates and external storage locations, such as blockchains, to verify caller identity by retrieving and verifying identity information using public keys, flagging verified callers, and blocking unverified calls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If telecommunication carriers and regulators attempt to curb robocalls through traditional regulation, then regulatory control is established, but the measures fail due to the complexity of call propagation through multiple carriers and networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobocall control effectivenessVSAvoidcall propagation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of caller identity by obtaining and validating a security certificate before the call is routed through the network. This advance verification establishes trust credentials that persist throughout the call propagation, allowing downstream carriers to verify caller authenticity without re-traversing the entire verification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a security certificate as an intermediary artifact that mediates between the caller and the network. This certificate contains cryptographic proof of identity that can be independently verified by any carrier in the call path, eliminating the need for complex inter-carrier coordination and trust relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system verifies caller identity using security certificates and multiple identity information sources, then call verification robustness is enhanced, but the processing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall verification robustnessVSAvoidverification processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system obtains and validates the security certificate in advance, before the call needs to be processed. This preliminary verification ensures that the cryptographic credentials are current and valid, preventing the need for time-consuming verification operations during the actual call setup phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical verification processes with cryptographic verification. Instead of manually checking multiple identity databases and cross-referencing information, the system uses public key cryptography to efficiently verify caller identity through digital signatures on the security certificate, dramatically reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the system blocks calls from unverified callers, then robocalls and fraud are reduced, but legitimate calls may be incorrectly blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobocall and fraud reductionVSAvoidlegitimate call delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The security certificate serves as an intermediary that carries cryptographic proof of legitimacy through the network. Rather than blocking calls based on suspicious patterns or incomplete verification, the system allows calls through if valid cryptographic proof is present, ensuring that legitimate callers with proper credentials are not mistakenly blocked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback in the form of verification status to downstream carriers and ultimately to the recipient. This allows the network to make informed decisions about call handling based on actual verification results rather than making blanket blocking decisions, reducing false positives while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260039746A1Intelligently verifying telephone calls using authenticated identity information

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 NUMERACLE INC

AI summary

Telephone calls can be automatically verified by a telecommunication system using identity information about the caller. For example, a telecommunication system can receive a communication associated with a caller requesting to make a telephone call to a recipient. The communication can include a reference to a security certificate. The telecommunication system can access the security certificate, the security certificate having a public key and a document identifier. The telecommunication system can retrieve identity information from a storage location using the document identifier. In response to verifying the identity information using the public key, the telecommunication system can flag the caller as verified.