Token-Based Call Bypass Mechanism for Selective Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call-blocking technologies inadequately distinguish between wanted and unwanted calls, often blocking desired calls due to limitations in whitelisting and caller identification, particularly with robocalls and calls from unknown or unregistered numbers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a token-based system that allows authorized devices to bypass call-blocking functions by transmitting and receiving tokens, which can be audio-encoded or sent via non-audio data channels, ensuring that desired calls can be identified and allowed through while blocking unwanted ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If call-blocking functions are implemented to filter unwanted calls, then unwanted calls are blocked, but desired calls from unknown or unregistered numbers are also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by issuing tokens to authorized devices before the actual call occurs. When a call arrives, the system checks for the presence of a valid token in advance, allowing desired calls from authorized devices to bypass blocking while maintaining the call-blocking function for unauthorized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The token acts as an intermediary mechanism between the call-blocking function and the incoming call. Instead of directly blocking all calls from unknown numbers, the system uses tokens as a mediator to verify authorization, allowing selective bypassing of the blocking function for authenticated devices.
2Reliability
If whitelisting is used to allow specific callers, then desired calls are allowed, but the system becomes complex and requires manual management
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically issuing tokens to authorized devices and validating them at call time. This eliminates the need for manual whitelisting management, as the system autonomously handles token distribution and verification, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable call acceptance for authorized devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If call-blocking functions filter all unknown numbers, then robocalls are blocked, but return calls from callers with multiple numbers are also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system issues tokens to authorized devices in advance, enabling them to bypass call-blocking functions. This preliminary authorization allows return calls from callers with multiple numbers to be successfully delivered, as the token validates their authorization before the call reaches the blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The token serves as an intermediary that distinguishes between harmful robocalls and authorized return calls. By verifying the token's presence and validity, the system adapts its behavior to allow authorized devices to bypass blocking while maintaining protection against unwanted calls.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method for enabling calls to bypass call-blocking functions may include (1) transmitting, from the computing device that is configured with a call-blocking function, a token to an additional device owned by an individual who is to be allowed to bypass the call-blocking function of the computing device, (2) receiving, by the computing device, a request from an unknown device to initiate a call to the computing device that would be blocked by the call-blocking function, (3) determining that the request to initiate the call includes the token, and (4) enabling the call from the unknown device to the computing device to bypass the call-blocking function in response to determining that the request includes the token. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.