Telephone Number Verification via Call Origin Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for verifying telephone numbers, such as SMS-based and call-based verification, are costly, slow, and require user intervention, making them inefficient and susceptible to deception.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that detects incoming verification calls and transmits the originating number to a server for verification, allowing automatic confirmation of a subscription telephone number without user intervention and at no cost to the user or service provider.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SMS-based verification is used, then verification can be performed, but it is costly and slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the SMS-based verification mechanism with a voice call-based verification mechanism using IVR systems. The voice call system delivers verification codes through automated phone calls, substituting the text message delivery mechanism. This resolution achieves verification while reducing time loss because voice calls can be answered and verified more quickly than SMS, and the automated IVR system provides immediate verification code delivery without waiting for text message delivery and manual entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If call-based verification is used, then verification can be performed, but it is costly and requires user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoiduser intervention required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service verification through automated IVR systems that automatically deliver verification codes and guide users through the verification process without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically calls the user's phone number, presents the verification code through the IVR menu system, and completes the verification process automatically. This eliminates the need for user intervention in initiating and managing the verification process, while maintaining high reliability through automated code delivery and validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional verification methods are used, then verification can be performed, but costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidverification cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal verification system using the telephone network that can serve multiple purposes: delivering verification codes, providing user notification, and enabling authentication. The IVR system acts as a multi-functional platform that combines verification code delivery, user identification, and authentication confirmation in a single integrated process. This universal approach reduces costs by eliminating the need for separate SMS infrastructure and manual verification processes, while maintaining verification accuracy through the reliable telephone network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3275165B1Methods and systems for verifying users by telephone numbers
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 SINCH MOBILE AB
  • EP3275165B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3275165B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3275165B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A verification process is executed between a software-controlled communication device (10) and a software-controlled server (14) in a network to verify that an unconfirmed telephone number (MY#), which is transmitted to the server (14), corresponds to an actual subscription telephone number and that this subscription telephone number is assigned to the communication device (10). In the verification process, the server (14) initiates a verification call to the unconfirmed telephone number (MY#) from a selected calling telephone number (CALLER#). The communication device (10) intercepts the verification call, identifies the originating telephone number (ORIGIN#), and transmits the originating telephone number (ORIGIN#) to the server (14). The verification succeeds if the originating telephone number (ORIGIN#) matches the calling telephone number (CALLER#).