Local Alias Number Assignment for Prepaid Long Distance Accounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pre-paid long distance accounts require users to dial multiple numbers for long distance calls, lacking convenience and efficiency, and previous attempts to assign local 'alias' numbers have been complicated and unsuccessful without user or operator input.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically assigns local alias numbers to long distance numbers for pre-paid accounts using Caller-ID service, eliminating the need for users to dial account numbers or PINs, by associating available local alias numbers with pre-paid account and long distance numbers in a database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pre-paid long distance accounts are used, then users can make long distance calls with advance payment, but users must dial multiple numbers (access number, account number, PIN) which reduces convenience and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local alias number as an intermediary that maps to the long distance number. Instead of requiring users to dial the actual long distance number directly, the system uses this intermediary alias number that is easier to remember and dial, while the system automatically translates it to the correct long distance number and account.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the translation from alias number to long distance number without requiring user intervention. The automated number translation feature handles the complexity of mapping alias numbers to actual long distance numbers and managing account credentials, freeing users from needing to remember multiple numbers.
2Ease of operation
If automatic alias number assignment is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases due to database requirements and number management
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-assigns alias numbers to long distance numbers before the user needs to make a call. The automated number translation feature is configured in advance with the mapping relationships, so when a user dials an alias number, the translation happens automatically without requiring real-time database queries or complex management during the call process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-paid accounts require advance payment, then credit checks and residential addresses are eliminated, but users lose the ability to use traditional long distance account features
Solution Approach 1:
The local alias number serves multiple functions: it acts as a convenient dialing number, an account identifier, and a trigger for automated number translation. This multi-functional approach allows pre-paid account users to access traditional long distance features through a simplified interface, bridging the gap between the simplicity of pre-paid accounts and the functionality of traditional accounts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the dialing process for users, reduces misdialed calls, increases provider capacity, and lowers operational costs by allowing users to store alias numbers as speed dials, enhancing the user experience and network efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the system is able to confirm that the correct user is utilizing the account by decoding the caller's originating number through use of the caller identification ('Caller-ID' or 'CID') service
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assigning an alias telephone number to a long distance telephone number in connection with a pre-paid account, comprising obtaining from a user an account number, a long distance number and an originating call number; comparing said account number and long distance number against an alias number database to confirm that no local alias number has been assigned to said long distance number and account number combination; identifying from a pool of available local alias numbers a local alias number having the same area code, or an area code from the same calling area, as said originating telephone number; associating said available local alias number with said long distance number, said account number, and said originating telephone number; and sending a message to said user advising of the association of said local alias number with said long distance number, said call's originating telephone number, and said account number.