Subscriber Profile Assessment for Robo-Call Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for blocking telemarketing and Robo-calls are ineffective due to limitations in Do Not Call list compliance, number blocking capabilities, and the ability to detect and prevent automated calls on mobile and VoIP devices, as telemarketers often use changing numbers to circumvent blocking systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilizes the Service Control Point (SCP) in intelligent telecommunications networks to assess subscriber profiles and play digital audio tracks indicating call failure to telemarketers and Robo-dialers, effectively terminating unwanted calls before they reach the subscriber, using digital audio tracks and dual-tone multi-frequency signals for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual number blocking is used, then some telemarketing calls can be blocked, but the system is easily circumvented by telemarketers using changing numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the called party's profile before the call is completed, determining in advance whether to play the digital audio track. This preliminary action prevents the call from reaching the subscriber while maintaining the ability to adapt to different calling patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses Automated Number Identification (ANI) to receive feedback about the calling party's number, which is then assessed against the called party's profile. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically respond to changing numbers and maintain blocking effectiveness
2Reliability
If Do Not Call lists are used, then some compliance can be achieved, but many exceptions and non-compliance reduce effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by playing a digital audio track that causes computer-generated and Robo-dialed calls to terminate before reaching the subscriber. This pre-emptive measure counteracts the harmful effect of non-compliant telemarketing calls without relying on external list compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the called party to self-protect by allowing them to opt-in to have their profile assessed and digital audio tracks played against incoming calls. This self-service approach eliminates reliance on external Do Not Call list enforcement
3Reliability
If carrier-based blocking is implemented, then calls can be filtered, but the complexity of intelligent networks and mobile technology complicates call origination and completion
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the call blocking function from the complex intelligent network infrastructure and implements it through a simpler mechanism: playing a digital audio track through the existing carrier network. This extraction maintains filtering capability while reducing dependence on complex network intelligence
Data Source
AI summary
A system for defeating computer-generated, telemarketing, and Robo calls is provided. An originating switch receives a call from a calling party and determines a call route to a called party. The call is received at a destination switch and the profile of the called party is assessed. If the called party is not a subscriber to the system, the call is then passed or connected to the called party. If the called party is a subscriber to the system, a digital audio track is played back to the calling party. The audio track indicating a call failure that can be detected by the source of computer-generated, telemarketing, and Robo calls. The signals are of such a nature that the calling party would determine that the number is not a valid number and remove it from a calling list. If a called party is not a subscriber, the call simply continues to the called party without interjection of any digital audio track. The system also may require the entry of dual-tone multi-frequency signals by the calling party to differentiate from those calls to be terminated.