PBX Phone Number Resolving Server for Unknown Caller ID Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phone number filtering systems in telecommunications are ineffective for handling unknown caller IDs, as they require manual configuration and cannot automatically categorize or route calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Innovation Solution
A centralized phone number resolving server maintains a database categorizing phone numbers, allowing clients to look up unknown caller IDs and process calls based on associated categories, with users able to register numbers and update categories through a user interface, enabling automatic call filtering and routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of known phone numbers is used for call filtering, then call filtering can be implemented for programmed numbers, but the system cannot effectively handle unknown caller IDs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary categorization of phone numbers by storing them in a database with associated categories (e.g., spam, telemarketer, personal) before calls are made. This pre-categorization enables automatic recognition and filtering of unknown numbers during call operations, resolving the contradiction between filtering effectiveness and adaptability to unknown numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized server acts as an intermediary between the phone system and the database of categorized phone numbers. The server receives caller ID information, queries the database for categorization, and returns routing instructions. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to handle unknown numbers effectively while maintaining reliable filtering through centralized intelligence.
2Extent of automation
If a centralized database system is implemented for phone number categorization, then automatic resolution of unknown calls is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex database management and categorization logic are extracted from individual phone systems and consolidated into a separate centralized server. This extraction allows local phone systems to remain relatively simple while delegating the automated categorization functionality to the external server, reducing local device complexity while maintaining high automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized server provides universal service to multiple phone systems and users through a single database infrastructure. By creating a multi-functional system that serves various clients with different needs through a common platform, the patent reduces overall system complexity while enabling automatic categorization across the entire network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If phone numbers are categorized into multiple categories, then call routing options increase, but configuration and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-service by allowing them to submit phone numbers for categorization and provide feedback on call experiences. This user-generated content automatically updates the database, eliminating the need for manual configuration and maintenance of category assignments. The multi-category system becomes easy to operate because the categorization is driven by community feedback rather than manual administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users report call experiences (e.g., marking numbers as spam or legitimate). This feedback is processed to automatically update phone number categorizations in the database. The feedback loop enables the system to adapt and improve routing options over time without increasing configuration difficulty, as the categorization evolves automatically based on collective user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A private branch exchange (PBX) server determines a caller identification (ID) of a voice call received from a first phone system attempting to reach a second phone system. The PBX server transmits a request to a remote phone number resolving server for categorizing the caller ID. In response to a response received from the remote phone number resolving server indicating one or more categories associated with the caller ID, the PBX server processes the voice call based on the one or more categories.