Caller ID Server for PSTN Call Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to provide satisfactory caller identification over a public switched telephone network, especially when calls are forwarded from a work or office phone to a personal cell phone, leading to confusion and potential customer dissatisfaction, and VOIP calls offer diminished quality compared to PSTN calls.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows a user to place calls over a PSTN using a first device with a unique telephone number and caller ID, enabling the display of a predetermined caller ID on the recipient's device, which can differ from the native caller ID, and informing the recipient if the call is being forwarded, using a server to manage call placement and forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If calls are forwarded from a work or office phone to a personal cell phone, then the caller can be reached outside office hours, but the recipient cannot distinguish between direct calls and forwarded calls, leading to confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the PSTN and the mobile device. The server receives caller ID information from the PSTN, processes it to determine if the call is forwarded, and sends the enhanced caller ID information to the mobile device. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by preserving and enhancing caller identification information during call forwarding without requiring changes to the PSTN infrastructure.
2Loss of information
If VOIP is used to provide forwarded calls with complete information, then caller identification can be improved, but call quality becomes diminished and choppy compared to PSTN calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call information transmission from the voice call itself. Caller ID information is transmitted separately through the server using standard PSTN signaling, while the voice call maintains its original PSTN quality. This segmentation allows complete caller identification information to be provided without compromising call quality, as the information channel and voice channel are handled independently.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a mobile device displays the native caller ID, then the personal mobile number is revealed to the recipient, but if call forwarding is used to hide the number, then the recipient cannot see the original caller ID
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server receives the original caller ID from the PSTN, determines whether the call is forwarded, and sends this information back to the mobile device for display. This feedback loop allows the recipient to see the original caller ID and understand if the call is forwarded, while the personal mobile number remains hidden. The server processes and returns the appropriate information without exposing the user's personal number.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of providing caller identification (ID) over a public switched telephone network (PSTN). For outbound calls, the system and method enable a caller to provide a caller ID that differs from the native caller ID of their mobile phone. The system and method enable multiple phones tied to a single account to display the same caller ID for outbound calls. For forwarded inbound calls, such as calls being forwarded from an office, the system and method inform the recipient of the identification of the call as well as that the call is being forwarded. The system and method enable the recipient to have calls forwarded from more than one number and identify the identity of the caller as well as the specific number the call is being forwarded from.