Dynamic Caller ID Masking via Intermediary Number Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phone systems lack dynamic and temporary allocation of phone numbers, limiting the ability to create different identifiers for callers, and existing caller ID systems require active user updates and do not support automatic association between callers and recipients, especially across different networks.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an association database and a processing manager to determine if a source is associated with a recipient device, displaying an established identifier if associated, or a masked identifier based on privacy settings, with integration of Location-Based Services and network address book access to manage communications and routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic and temporary allocation of phone numbers is implemented, then the ability to create different identifiers for callers is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a number allocation system that acts as an intermediary between callers and the traditional PSTN network. This system dynamically assigns temporary phone numbers to callers, enabling different identifiers for the same caller across different recipients while managing the complexity centrally rather than distributing it across individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic number allocation where phone numbers are temporarily assigned and reassigned based on real-time communication needs. This allows the same caller to have different identifiers at different times or when communicating with different recipients, providing adaptability without permanently increasing system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic association between callers and recipients is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of abuse and fraud increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors communication patterns and automatically updates associations between callers and recipients based on observed interactions. This automatic association improves ease of operation while the feedback loop allows the system to detect and respond to potential abuse or fraud by adjusting associations dynamically.
3Reliability
If number masking is supported, then privacy protection is improved, but the reliability of caller identification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary actions by establishing privacy settings and number masking rules before communications occur. The system pre-configures which callers should have their numbers masked and to whom, allowing privacy protection to be implemented reliably without losing essential caller identification information for legitimate communications.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying an identifier of a source on a recipient device in communication with the source, the system comprising an association database defining at least one source associated with the recipient device; and a processing manager arranged to process communications from the source to the recipient device and arranged to access the association database to determine if the source is associated with the recipient device and, if so, to display an established identifier of the source, otherwise to determine the privacy settings of the source and display a further identifier on the recipient device in accordance with the determined privacy settings is disclosed.