Dynamic Call Screening Greylist System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call-blocking technologies are inadequate in effectively managing unsolicited telemarketing calls, as they often require static lists, may prevent desired calls, and do not account for dynamic changes in caller behavior, limiting their ability to capture all telemarketing calls and relying on user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic 'greylist' system that maintains a communal list of suspect caller IDs, with scoring and rules-based management, allowing users to manually add or remove numbers, and automatically flagging potential telemarketers based on collective user experiences, while maintaining a whitelist and blacklist for personal control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static call-blocking lists are used, then implementation is simple, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to new telemarketing tactics and has high false positive rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic call-blocking system that automatically updates blocking parameters based on real-time analysis of calling patterns, rather than relying on static pre-configured lists. The system continuously adapts to new telemarketing tactics by learning from incoming calls and modifying its blocking behavior accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-updating by automatically analyzing calling patterns and adjusting its own blocking parameters without requiring manual intervention. It autonomously learns from new telemarketing tactics and modifies its behavior to block emerging patterns while preserving legitimate calls.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aggressive blocking parameters are used, then more telemarketing calls are blocked, but desired calls are also prevented from reaching users
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts blocking parameters based on analyzed calling patterns rather than using fixed aggressive thresholds. By continuously monitoring and adapting parameters such as call frequency thresholds, time-of-day restrictions, and number pattern recognition, the system optimizes the balance between blocking telemarketers and preserving legitimate calls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user responses to blocked calls (whether they were actually telemarketing or legitimate) are used to refine future blocking decisions. This feedback loop continuously improves the accuracy of blocking parameters, reducing false positives while maintaining effective telemarketer blocking.
3Ease of operation
If manual call management is required, then users have control over blocking decisions, but user intervention is needed for every call screening decision
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic analysis of incoming calls against learned patterns before presenting options to the user. It pre-processes call data, identifies potential telemarketing patterns, and prepares blocking recommendations in advance, reducing the user's decision burden while maintaining control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously handles the bulk of call screening decisions by automatically analyzing patterns and making blocking determinations without user intervention. It only engages the user when uncertain decisions are needed or when confirmation is required, significantly reducing manual input while preserving user control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for screening telephone calls to a subscriber telephone number comprises a screening list of telephone numbers assigned to suspect callers and rules defining when a telephone number will be added to or removed from the screening list or ‘greylist,’ and/or modifying a screening value to be assigned to a telephone number in the greylist. Data relating to calls is received from subscribers and processed, and the telephone number is screened in accordance with the rules, based on the screening value assigned to the telephone number and optionally a selected subscriber tolerance level. Subscribers may add any telephone number to a personal list of telephone numbers to be blocked (blacklist) or telephone numbers to be accepted (whitelist).