Social Network Call Management Using Relationship Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call management systems lack the ability to effectively filter and manage incoming calls based on complex relationships beyond a single level of friendship or association, often requiring manual updates and limited options for handling calls from unknown or nuisance callers.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes social network information to process incoming calls by obtaining subscriber preferences and caller attributes, allowing for nuanced call management based on defined relationships and attributes, such as friendship levels, group memberships, and specific call handling rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple approved caller list is used to manage calls, then the system is easy to operate and update, but it cannot handle complex relationships beyond a single level of friendship or association
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested relationship levels where friends can have friends of friends, creating a multi-level social network structure. The system stores relationships in hierarchical levels (Level 1: direct friends, Level 2: friends of friends, etc.) allowing call management to extend beyond simple one-level connections while maintaining organized data structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds temporal and contextual dimensions to call management by allowing preferences to be set for different time periods (e.g., business hours vs. after hours) and different relationship levels. This transforms the simple binary approve/block model into a multi-dimensional decision framework considering both relationship depth and time context.
2Extent of automation
If manual updates to the approved caller list are required, then the system remains simple, but users must frequently intervene to maintain accurate call filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves caller information from the social network database without requiring manual updates to approved lists. When a call arrives, the system queries the social network for the caller's profile and relationship information, automatically determining whether to permit or block the call based on pre-set preferences and relationship levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors social network changes and automatically updates relationship information in the call management system. When new friends are added or relationship statuses change in the social network, the system receives feedback about these changes and automatically adjusts the call filtering decisions without requiring manual reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only binary call handling options (allow or block) are provided, then the system remains simple, but it cannot provide nuanced call management based on relationship levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments call handling into distinct processing stages: (1) retrieve caller information from social network, (2) determine relationship level, (3) apply time-based filters, (4) execute appropriate action. This segmentation allows complex decision logic to be broken down into manageable steps, each handling a specific aspect of call management based on relationship depth and temporal context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts call handling behavior based on real-time conditions including relationship level and time of day. Instead of static approve/block rules, the system adapts its response based on whether the caller is a friend, friend of friend, acquaintance, or stranger, and whether the call arrives during business hours or after hours, creating flexible, context-aware call management.
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, an apparatus in the form of a data processing system and a computer program product for social network based call management. In one illustrative embodiment, the computer implemented method comprises receiving an incoming call from a caller for a subscriber, and obtains preferences for the subscriber, wherein the preferences describe a caller relationship to the subscriber. Using a location provided in the preferences for the subscriber, the computer implemented method locates attributes for the caller. The computer implemented method processes the call in accordance with the attributes and the preferences.