PSTN Caller Identification via Name Resolution Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PSTN systems require exhaustive authentication processes for bill payments, which hinder the convenience of telephonic bill payment services despite storing relevant caller information in databases like the LIDB.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a name resolution adapter within the PSTN to identify callers and retrieve billing information from external data communications sources, allowing for streamlined bill payment processing without exhaustive authentication, by linking to a bill payment management system and databases like the LIDB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaustive authentication procedures are implemented for bill payment, then security and reliability are improved, but ease of operation and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the caller using automated telephone identification services before the bill payment process begins. The caller's name and account information are retrieved in advance from databases using the called party's information, so that when the caller connects, their identity is already established and authentication is streamlined.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the caller to be automatically identified and authenticated through the telephone network's existing data infrastructure. The caller simply needs to place a call to the bill payment service, and the system automatically retrieves their information without requiring them to manually provide extensive personal data.
2Reliability
If extensive authentication information is collected, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system retrieves and prepares authentication information in advance by querying databases with the called party's information before the caller connects. This preliminary data retrieval eliminates the need for time-consuming authentication during the actual call, as the caller's identity is already verified.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary automated identification service and database infrastructure to handle the authentication process. Instead of directly collecting extensive information from the caller, the system mediates through external data sources that already contain the necessary authentication data, significantly reducing authentication time.
3Productivity
If the LIDB database is utilized for caller information, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the existing LIDB database infrastructure, which was originally designed for other telephony functions, to also handle bill payment authentication. By making the database serve multiple purposes, the system improves productivity without adding separate dedicated systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the SCP (Service Control Point) and STP (Signaling Transfer Point) as intermediaries to access the LIDB database. These existing network components act as mediators that handle the complexity of database access and information retrieval, allowing the bill payment system to leverage the LIDB without directly managing its complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for processing bill payments in a PSTN. The method of the invention can include, responsive to answering a telephone call from a caller over the PSTN, identifying the caller from a data communications source external to the telephone call and retrieving billing information for the identified caller. Once the billing information has been retrieved for the identified caller, the payment of a bill can be processed based upon the billing information. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the identifying step can include identifying the caller based upon identifying information for the caller received through a data communications link from a name resolution adapter disposed within the PSTN. For instance, the identifying step can include identifying the caller based upon identifying information retrieved from a LIDB and transmitted by the name resolution adapter.