Second Line Service Platform Call Routing and Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively manage multiple phone numbers on a single device without requiring expensive dual-SIM phones or family plans, and existing virtual number services cannot accurately identify incoming calls as belonging to a secondary line without compromising source identification.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that routes calls through a third-party telecommunications device using a second line service platform, which queries a database to map primary and secondary numbers, allowing calls to be redirected and identified, enabling users to manage multiple lines without needing coordination with their primary service provider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a second line is added to a service plan on a single device, then the number of devices to manage is reduced, but the service plan cost increases and call source identification becomes unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third-party service platform as an intermediary between the primary service provider and the user's device. This platform hosts a virtual number service that allows users to have multiple lines on a single device without requiring expensive family plans from the primary carrier. The intermediary platform handles the complexity of multiple number management while keeping the user's primary service plan simple and cost-effective.
2Quantity of substance
If virtual number service is used, then service plan cost is reduced, but the ability to identify the source of incoming calls is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the third-party service platform receives incoming calls to the virtual number, identifies the calling party information, and then forwards this information to the user's device. The platform maintains a database mapping virtual numbers to actual calling parties, allowing the user's device to display accurate caller identification even though the call was originally directed to a virtual number. This feedback loop preserves call source information that would otherwise be lost.
3Loss of information
If dual-SIM phone is used, then call source identification is maintained, but the device cost and service plan cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the dual-SIM functionality through a third-party service platform. Instead of requiring a physical dual-SIM device with two separate SIM cards and two service plans, the system uses software-based virtual number technology that replicates the multi-line capability. The virtual number service copies the essential function of having multiple dedicated numbers while avoiding the need for multiple physical SIM cards and associated service plan costs.
4Loss of information
If virtual number service with dialable prefix is used, then call source identification is improved, but coordination with primary service provider is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the third-party service platform autonomously handles call routing and identification without requiring coordination with the user's primary service provider. The platform independently manages the virtual number, receives incoming calls, identifies calling parties, and forwards information to the user's device. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex inter-carrier coordination while still providing accurate call source identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for routing calls between a third party telecommunications device (“TD”) and a subscriber TD associated with a primary service and a second line service (“SLS”) involves associating the SLS number of the subscriber, the primary number of the subscriber and the primary number of a third party via a common relationship number. Calls directed from a third party to the SLS number of a subscriber are routed to an SLS platform and redirected to the subscriber TD. Calls directed from the subscriber TD to the third party use the relationship number to route the call to the SLS platform. The combination of the SLS number and the relationship number identifies the third party calling number for call completion. Calls can be directed to and from an SLS number of a subscriber TD without having to coordinate the provisioning of a call through the subscriber's primary service provider.