Caller Line Identification Verification via Callback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users with multiple phone numbers want to manage their caller line identification (CLI) discreetly, as they may not wish to reveal their calling number to others, especially when using different services for outgoing and incoming calls, and existing methods are inadequate for verifying and changing CLI across various phone services.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a user interface to select and verify a desired phone number for display as CLI, using techniques such as random DTMF codes, phone call verification, and recitation of security information to ensure ownership and temporary association of the new number with the phone service, ensuring secure and user-controlled CLI management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a user wants to change their CLI to a desired phone number, then privacy is improved by not publishing the actual calling number, but verification security deteriorates because traditional methods cannot reliably verify ownership of the new CLI number
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification actions by sending a test call to the desired CLI number before allowing the change. This preliminary action verifies ownership without requiring the user to publicly disclose sensitive information, thus maintaining privacy while ensuring verification security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary verification mechanism that acts as a mediator between the user's privacy requirements and the security verification needs. The intermediary process uses automated test calls and verification codes to bridge the gap between protecting user information and confirming legitimate ownership of the new CLI number.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user wants to use different phone numbers for outgoing and incoming calls, then versatility is improved by having multiple number options, but device complexity deteriorates due to the need to manage and switch between multiple numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multi-functionality by enabling a single phone service account to support multiple phone numbers for both outgoing and incoming calls. Users can configure different numbers for different purposes (e.g., work, personal, temporary) while managing them through a unified interface, thus achieving versatility without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic number assignment where the CLI can be temporarily changed for specific durations or purposes. The verification process allows users to activate different numbers as needed, with the system dynamically adjusting which number is active for outgoing calls while maintaining the ability to receive calls on multiple numbers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a user wants to temporarily associate a phone number with their service, then adaptability is improved by allowing flexible number selection, but reliability deteriorates because temporary associations may be compromised by unauthorized changes
Solution Approach 1:
Before allowing temporary association of a phone number, the system performs preliminary verification by placing a test call to the desired number and requiring the user to answer and verify ownership. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized users can temporarily associate numbers with their service, maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic verification where temporary number associations are automatically revoked after a specified time period unless renewed. This periodic action ensures that temporary associations remain secure and can be revoked if compromised, while still providing the flexibility of temporary number usage when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of altering a caller line identification in a phone service is disclosed. The method includes receiving, via a user interface, a phone number from a user of the phone number. A to-be called phone number is then selected from a pool of phone numbers. The to-be called phone number is temporarily associated with the phone service for a selected period of time. The to-be called phone number is displayed on the user interface. Via the user interface, the user is requested to call back the displayed to-be called phone number within the selected period of time.