RCS Chatbot Reporting for Network-Level Unsolicited Call Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting and mitigating unsolicited calls in telecommunications networks are limited by slow response to changing spam patterns, reliance on third-party data, user consent issues, and lack of integration with native diallers, leading to insufficient data collection and ineffective call blocking.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a Rich Communication Service (RCS) chat-bot integrated with a network's VoLTE Telecom Application Server allows users to report unsolicited calls through predefined responses, providing a unique identifier and improving data collection without requiring additional permissions or third-party integration, enabling faster database updates and more accurate spam detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a static database with manual checking is used for spam call reporting, then the system is easy to maintain, but it cannot respond to fast-changing spam patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidresponse speed to spam patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated spam detection and reporting where user equipment automatically reports unsolicited calls to the network operator without manual intervention. The network operator's system automatically processes these reports, updates the database, and blocks future calls from identified spam numbers, creating a self-sustaining system that responds dynamically to new spam patterns while reducing maintenance burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where user equipment reports unsolicited calls, the network operator's system processes these reports to identify spam patterns, updates the database accordingly, and uses this updated information to block future spam calls. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid adaptation to changing spam patterns while maintaining systematic operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If a native dialler component is implemented on specific devices, then automated spam detection is achieved, but the scope is limited by the number of users with that specific device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidquantity of data collected
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides universal spam call reporting functionality across all user equipment in the network operator's network, regardless of device manufacturer or model. By implementing the solution at the network level rather than device level, the system achieves multi-functionality that serves all subscribers uniformly, dramatically expanding the scope of data collection beyond what any single device-specific implementation could achieve

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The network operator's system acts as an intermediary between user equipment and the spam database. User equipment reports unsolicited calls to the network operator's system, which then processes the information, updates the database, and distributes blocking information back to the network. This intermediary approach enables centralized data aggregation from all network users while maintaining a single source of truth for spam identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If users must accept Terms & Conditions and grant permissions for spam reporting services, then data privacy is protected, but user participation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata privacy protectionVSAvoiduser participation rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages existing trusted relationships between users and their network operators. Since users already have service agreements with their network operator and trust them with their communication data, the system can operate without requiring additional consent mechanisms. The network operator's existing infrastructure and user relationships provide the necessary trust foundation, enabling automatic reporting without reducing participation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the spam reporting functionality with the existing network operator-user relationship and infrastructure. Rather than creating a separate service requiring independent user consent, the spam reporting is integrated into the existing telecommunications service framework. Users already grant permission for their network operator to monitor and manage their service, so adding spam reporting to this existing authorized relationship eliminates the need for additional consent steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If calls are blocked using existing call barring services, then spam calls are filtered, but the system requires considerable maintenance and cannot respond in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespam call filteringVSAvoidsystem maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual, mechanical processes of exporting databases to call barring services with an automated electronic system. The network operator's system automatically receives spam reports, updates the database in real-time, and dynamically generates blocking information that is distributed to the network infrastructure. This electronic automation eliminates the need for manual database exports and system reconfiguration, reducing maintenance complexity while enabling real-time response

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous operation where spam reports are processed continuously, the database is updated continuously, and blocking information is generated and distributed continuously. Rather than periodic batch processing that requires system停机 for maintenance, the system operates continuously to detect, process, and block spam calls in real-time, eliminating maintenance interruptions while maintaining constant spam filtering protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

5Measurement precision

If third-party reputation databases are used, then spam detection capability is enhanced, but user data must be shared with third parties requiring additional consent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespam detection accuracyVSAvoiddata sharing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network operator's system serves as an intermediary that maintains the spam database independently without requiring third-party involvement. User equipment reports unsolicited calls to the network operator's system, which processes the information and maintains the database. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for third-party data sharing while preserving spam detection capability, as the network operator already possesses the necessary infrastructure and user trust to maintain an effective spam database

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network operator's system performs multiple functions: it serves as the communication network provider, maintains the spam database, processes spam reports, generates blocking information, and distributes updates to the network. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate third-party reputation services, consolidating all necessary functions within the existing network operator infrastructure and avoiding data sharing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12407775B2Method of reporting an unsolicited call to a network operator, and user equipment, network entities and telecommunications networks for performing the method
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 VODAFONE GROUP SERVICES LTD
  • US12407775B2 patent drawing
  • US12407775B2 patent drawing
  • US12407775B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Detecting, reporting and reducing unsolicited calls in a telecommunications network. Reporting an unsolicited call to a network operator of a telecommunications network. Receiving a message at a user equipment, UE, 500 of the telecommunications network. The message comprises: a unique identifier corresponding to a call to the UE 500 that has been initiated, and one or more pre-defined responses. Receiving at the UE 500 a selected a response of the one or more predefined responses indicating that the call is an unsolicited call. Sending a report to the network operator, the report comprising the unique identifier and the selected response.