Mobile Device Voice Call Setup Authentication via Data Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voice telephony systems face delays in call setup when using SIP authentication with mobile devices, particularly due to the need for multiple DTMF tones over the voice channel, which can take several seconds and hinder responsiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method where a mobile device indicates a call setup over a data channel, receives an authentication token, and if ANI information matches authorized user data, generates a trigger code with reduced DTMF tones, allowing the call to proceed without transmitting the authentication token over the voice channel, thereby reducing the number of DTMF tones exchanged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SIP authentication with multiple DTMF tones is used over the voice channel, then authentication reliability is improved, but call setup time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidcall setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the authentication token transmission from the voice channel to the data channel. The mobile device sends authentication tokens and receives responses over the data channel (IP-based connection), while the voice channel is used only for actual voice communication. This separation eliminates the time-consuming DTMF tone exchanges over the voice channel while maintaining authentication security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an application server as an intermediary that handles authentication between the mobile device and PBX. The application server receives authentication tokens from the mobile device via data channel, verifies them, and coordinates with the PBX to establish or reject calls. This intermediary streamlines the authentication process by centralizing token management and reducing direct DTMF exchanges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication tokens are transmitted over the voice channel using DTMF tones, then authentication security is maintained, but system responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsystem responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical DTMF tone transmission system with an electronic data-based authentication system. Instead of converting authentication tokens into audible DTMF tones that require sequential transmission over voice channels, the system transmits authentication tokens as digital data packets over IP-based data channels, enabling parallel and faster authentication processing.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary authentication actions over the data channel before establishing voice communication. The mobile device sends authentication tokens and receives verification responses through the data channel in advance, allowing the system to pre-authenticate users before allocating voice channel resources, thereby improving overall system responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple DTMF tones are exchanged over the voice channel for authentication, then authentication verification is ensured, but call setup efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication verificationVSAvoidcall setup efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the authentication verification process from the voice channel to the data channel. Authentication tokens are transmitted and verified electronically over IP-based connections, eliminating the need for multiple sequential DTMF tone exchanges. This extraction maintains authentication verification integrity while dramatically improving call setup efficiency by reducing the number of voice channel interactions required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2381665B1Systems and methods of voice call setup involving mobile devices
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2381665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2381665B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2381665B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile device can send a notification to place a call using a PBX (e.g., using SIP signaling) or receive a notification of call availability for the mobile device at the PBX. An authentication token is provided over a data channel for use in authenticating the mobile device when calling the PBX on a voice channel. However, when the mobile device calls the PBX (e.g., on a DNIS number, where ANI information is made available to an application server), if ANI information is found to correspond to the mobile device, the PBX can send tone(s) indicating that the mobile device can respond with an abbreviated validation tone, rather than the entirety of the authentication token. If the ANI information is not obtained or not matched, then a different tone(s) is sent, indicating to provide the authentication token. If the authentication token provided does not match or if the mobile device does not respond, the voice channel is not set up.