Telecommunications Switch Robocall Screening via Media Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing volume of robocalls poses a significant annoyance and risk of scams, as existing technologies lack effective methods to screen, detect, and prevent their connection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in a computer system with a processor and memory that uses a telecommunications switch to route calls through a media server, which prompts callers to enter a response and analyzes their input using voice recognition and AI to determine if the call is unwanted or illegal, thereby blocking forbidden calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If calls are routed directly through the network, then call connection speed is improved, but robocalls cannot be effectively screened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media server as an intermediary component in the call path. The media server intercepts calls between the originating and terminating parties, allowing evaluation of call legitimacy without blocking the overall call flow. This mediator enables screening functionality while maintaining relatively fast call establishment through efficient evaluation processes.
2Reliability
If a media server is introduced to screen calls, then robocall detection capability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media server performs multiple functions: it evaluates calls for robocall characteristics, interacts with callers through media prompts, and routes calls appropriately. By consolidating these functions in a single component rather than adding multiple separate systems, the patent reduces overall network complexity while maintaining robust robocall detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If all calls are evaluated by a media server, then robocall screening accuracy is improved, but call processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation service applies partial evaluation to all calls, focusing on key robocall indicators rather than exhaustive analysis of every call characteristic. This selective evaluation approach maintains high screening accuracy for detecting robocalls while reducing processing time compared to comprehensive analysis of all call parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may provide techniques to screen for, detect, and prevent connection of robocalls. For example, in an embodiment, a method, implemented in a computer system comprising a processor, memory accessible by the processor, and computer program instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor, may comprise receiving, at a telecommunications switch, a request to initiate a call from an originating party, selecting, at the telecommunications switch, from a list of terminating carrier networks, a media server, routing, at the telecommunications switch, the request to initiate the call to the media server, forwarding, from the media server, a media prompt requesting the originating party to enter a response to the media prompt, and when the originating party does not enter a correct response to the media prompt, forwarding, from the media server, an indication that the call is forbidden.