Relationship-Based Discount Telephonic Rate Program
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Solution Overview
Problem
In controlled facilities, detainees face challenges in communicating with the outside world due to security concerns and high communication costs, which can discourage communication and increase recidivism rates, lacking viable alternatives that balance security and communication needs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for self-selection into familial or relationship-based discount telephonic rate programs, allowing eligible individuals to receive discounted phone call rates by verifying relationships and providing preferential pricing for family members and other associated individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If discounted call rates are provided to all detainees, then communication frequency increases and recidivism decreases, but security risks increase due to potential abuse by non-family contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated call rates based on the relationship between the detainee and the caller. Family members receive discounted rates while non-family members pay standard rates. This is achieved by implementing relationship verification procedures that determine eligibility for discounted rates, thereby localizing the benefit to specific groups with legitimate communication needs while maintaining security controls.
2Reliability
If relationship verification is implemented for discounted rates, then security is improved by preventing abuse, but system complexity increases due to verification procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing relationship verification procedures before granting access to discounted call rates. The system pre-establishes which callers are eligible for discounted rates by verifying their relationship to the detainee in advance. This allows the system to automatically apply the appropriate rate structure without complex real-time decisions, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If standard call rates are charged to all callers, then security control is maintained, but communication costs discourage family members from contacting detainees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pricing parameter (call rate) based on the caller's relationship to the detainee. Family members are granted access to a different pricing parameter (discounted rate) compared to standard callers. This parameter differentiation maintains security controls through verification while improving ease of operation for legitimate family communications by reducing their financial burden.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment provides for a computer-implemented method for self-selection into a familial-based discount telephonic rate program. The method includes receiving an indication that a person is related to a current participant of the familial-based discount telephonic rate program and adding a person to the familial-based discount telephonic rate program as a relative to a current participant. The computer-implemented method further includes providing discounted telephone call rates for phone calls between the person and the current participant.