Caller Reputation Server CNAM Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nuisance telephone calls, particularly from telemarketers and fraudsters, are a growing issue due to the ease with which they can place high volumes of unsolicited calls, and existing Caller ID Name (CNAM) technology is insufficient to help called parties evaluate the nature of incoming calls.

Innovation Solution

A method and computer system that intercepts CNAM queries from carrier platforms, determines reputation information about caller numbers, and injects this information into the CNAM data, allowing called devices to delay or block potentially nuisance calls by providing a reputation message alongside the caller's identity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If CNAM information is provided to identify caller identity, then caller identification capability is improved, but the ability to evaluate whether a call is a nuisance remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecaller reputation informationVSAvoidcall evaluation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds reputation information within the existing CNAM information structure. The reputation server intercepts CNAM queries and injects reputation data into the CNAM response, nesting additional information within the established protocol framework without requiring separate communication channels or system overhauls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reputation server as an intermediary component between the CNAM database and the carrier platform. This mediator intercepts CNAM queries, enriches them with reputation information, and returns the enhanced data, thereby bridging the gap between basic caller identification and comprehensive call evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If reputation information is added to CNAM data, then call screening capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall management capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing CNAM system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both basic caller identification and advanced call screening purposes. The reputation server leverages the established CNAM infrastructure to deliver enhanced functionality, allowing the system to perform multiple functions through a unified approach rather than requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the CNAM system to self-enhance by having the reputation server intercept and modify CNAM queries automatically. The system uses its own existing resources (CNAM query infrastructure) to deliver additional value, with the reputation information being injected seamlessly into the existing data flow without requiring external intervention or complex integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If call delay functionality is implemented to allow reputation checking, then call screening accuracy is improved, but call setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenuisance call detection accuracyVSAvoidcall setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs reputation information retrieval in advance during the call setup phase, before the called party needs to make a decision about answering. By intercepting the outgoing CNAM query and obtaining reputation data beforehand, the system prepares screening information proactively, allowing for rapid decision-making once the call is established without adding significant delay to the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3571828B1Using CNAM injection to deliver caller information
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 HIYA INC
  • EP3571828B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3571828B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3571828B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A carrier platform sends a query requesting CNAM information associated with a call to a CNAM database. A caller reputation server intercepts the query from the carrier platform to the CNAM database. The caller reputation server determines reputation information for the call. The reputation information indicates the likelihood that the call is a nuisance call. The caller reputation server further generates a reputation message describing the reputation information and sends the reputation message to the carrier platform in response to the query. As a result, the carrier platform sends the reputation message to a called device.