Mobile Caller ID Enrichment via Query Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems fail to provide adequate and consistent information about a calling party due to variations in technology, carrier relationships, and network standards, limiting the information available to the called party beyond what is stored on their device or licensed from their carrier.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables mobile devices to receive enhanced caller information by querying a query processing server using available communication channels, accessing local databases, and correlating information from remote third-party data sources to provide detailed information about callers, including names, pictures, and other identifiers, independent of carrier-provided data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If mobile devices rely on carrier-provided caller information systems, then basic caller ID information can be obtained, but the information is inconsistent and inadequate across different networks and carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a database server as an intermediary component that receives caller information requests from multiple mobile devices and providers, aggregates information from various sources including third-party databases, and returns comprehensive caller information. This intermediary resolves the inconsistency problem by providing a centralized, standardized information source that all devices can access regardless of their carrier or network type.
Solution Approach 2:
The database server is designed to serve multiple functions: it handles requests from different carriers and networks, integrates information from multiple sources (carrier databases, third-party databases, user-generated content), and provides a universal interface to all mobile devices. This multi-functionality ensures consistent information delivery across diverse network environments while maintaining compatibility with existing carrier systems.
2Loss of information
If mobile devices query remote third-party data sources for enhanced caller information, then comprehensive information can be obtained, but network dependency increases and information may be unavailable when channels are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: mobile devices that initiate requests, carrier networks that route calls, database servers that process queries, and multiple information sources including third-party databases. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while enabling comprehensive information gathering through coordinated system operation.
3Reliability
If mobile devices store queries locally when communication channels are unavailable, then information can be retrieved when connectivity is restored, but storage and processing overhead increases on the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by having mobile devices pre-store query templates and identification data locally before connectivity issues occur. When a call is received and the network is unavailable, the device can immediately formulate and store the information request locally. Once connectivity is restored, the pre-stored query is automatically transmitted to the database server, eliminating delays and reducing the need for complex real-time processing during connectivity interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing enhanced information to a mobile communication device regarding a calling device is described. The system and method includes receiving an incoming call request at a mobile communication device including the identifier of the calling device. An information request is then formulated including the identifier of the calling device. The information request is transmitted from the mobile communication device to the query processing center via a data communication channel. A response is then obtained from the data processing center and transmitted to the mobile phone via the data communication channel. The response received from the data processing center includes the requested information related to the calling device.