Telephone Exchange Spam Filtering Algorithm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies are inadequate in effectively identifying and defending against unwanted telephone calls, as existing spam filters are primarily designed for email and not suited for telephone calls, and the increasing prevalence of spam calls due to cost-effective call tariffs and advanced voice-based systems poses a significant threat to users.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes a database-driven algorithm in the telephone exchange to analyze caller information, mark calls as unwanted if a threshold is exceeded, and initiate defensive measures such as warning messages, caller identification, call center verification, or blocking, with a trainable machine learning model that updates in real-time using user feedback and internet data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a Bayesian classifier method is used for spam filtering, then the hit rate exceeds 95%, but manual classification of approximately 1,000 emails is required initially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehit rateVSAvoidmanual classification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary manual classification of approximately 1,000 emails to train the Bayesian classifier before automated filtering begins. This preliminary action establishes the foundation for high-accuracy automated spam detection, resolving the contradiction by accepting initial time investment to achieve sustained high hit rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The Bayesian classifier is designed to be self-learning, automatically improving its spam detection capabilities after the initial training phase. The system continuously learns from classified emails without requiring ongoing manual intervention, maintaining high hit rates while eliminating the need for continuous manual classification work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If flat-rate plans are used for telephone calls, then the cost-to-benefit ratio for unsolicited calls increases, but this leads to large-scale spam calls without significant costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of callsVSAvoidspam call impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A telephone exchange-based filtering system acts as an intermediary between callers and called parties. The system intercepts incoming calls, analyzes them using spam detection algorithms, and blocks unwanted calls before they reach the user. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by preventing spam calls from reaching users while allowing legitimate calls to pass through, regardless of flat-rate pricing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis and blocking of spam calls before they can impact the user. By detecting and preventing unwanted calls in advance using various indicators (call patterns, number databases, user feedback), the system counteracts the potential harm of large-scale spam calling enabled by flat-rate plans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If intelligent voice-based systems are used to imitate real people, then the realism of spam calls increases, but detection becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverealism of spam callsVSAvoidspam detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system moves spam detection beyond simple voice analysis to multiple dimensions including call pattern analysis, number database checking, user feedback mechanisms, and behavioral indicators. By analyzing calls from multiple dimensions rather than relying solely on voice characteristics, the system can detect sophisticated voice-based spam calls that imitate real people.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates user feedback loops where users can report spam calls, which then feeds back into the filtering algorithms to improve detection accuracy. This continuous feedback mechanism helps the system adapt to evolving spam tactics, including sophisticated voice-based systems, by learning from real-world examples provided by users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing email spam filters are applied to telephone calls, then the filtering approach is inconsistent with call characteristics, but adapting filters requires significant modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter applicabilityVSAvoidfilter modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal filtering framework at the telephone exchange that can handle multiple types of spam detection (voice-based, pattern-based, database-matching) within a single platform. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different spam types without requiring separate filtering systems, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical email filtering approach with an electronic, algorithm-based telephone call filtering system. By using software-based analysis and automated decision-making at the telephone exchange, the system achieves email-like filtering capabilities tailored to telephone call characteristics without requiring complex manual adaptation of existing email filter hardware or software.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3629567B1Method for automated suppression of spam telephone calls
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3629567B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a system for the automated identification and blocking of unwanted telephone calls, comprising the following steps: • Registration of a caller's telephone line by a telephone exchange upon a call, • Starting an algorithm in the telephone exchange before the call is routed to the recipient, - wherein the algorithm accesses a database containing information, in particular spam identification data, about telephone lines, - wherein the algorithm uses the information stored in the database to analyze the caller's telephone line with regard to a possible unwanted call and marks it as an unwanted call if a threshold is exceeded, • Initiating technical blocking measures by the telephone exchange if the call is an unwanted call.the defensive measures protect the person being called from the unwanted call.