Topic-Address Association for Temporary Number Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of temporary telephone numbers lack the ability to distinguish between multiple temporary numbers and their real number when receiving calls, as existing solutions like Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) are costly and limited in functionality, especially in SIP environments, and do not provide clear indication of which temporary number a caller used.
Innovation Solution
Associating a topic with each temporary address, allowing users to manage multiple temporary numbers and receive context information, such as the topic and temporary address, alongside calls, while keeping their real identity secret, through a system that includes a repository for storing and managing these associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If DNIS service is used to identify called temporary numbers, then call identification capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (SIP headers and message routing) to transfer DNIS information between the public network and private PBX without requiring traditional network attachment gear. The SIP protocol acts as a mediator that carries the called number information through the network in a standardized way, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while preserving call identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/network hardware-based DNIS delivery system with a software-based SIP messaging approach. Instead of using traditional network attachment gear and hardware switches to deliver called number information, the system uses SIP headers and message routing to convey the same information, substituting a software communication protocol for hardware-based mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple temporary numbers are used simultaneously, then privacy protection capability is improved, but user's ability to distinguish calls is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by delivering called number information back to the user's PBX system. When a call arrives at any temporary number, the system retrieves the DNIS information and feeds it back to the user through SIP messaging, allowing the user to see which temporary number was called and take appropriate action. This feedback loop resolves the information loss problem while maintaining multiple temporary numbers for privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the call identification information delivery process into distinct components: DNIS retrieval from the public network, SIP header construction, message routing through the SIP server, and final delivery to the user's PBX. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and makes the overall system more manageable and flexible.
3Loss of information
If traditional DNIS forwarding is used, then call identification is provided, but it can only be done at the last hop of the call
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the information delivery dynamic by using SIP messaging that can be routed flexibly at different stages of call setup. Instead of being locked into delivering DNIS information only at the final hop, the system can deliver called number information at various points during call establishment, allowing dynamic adaptation to different operational requirements and network configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A topic is associated with a temporary communications address such as a temporary telephone number. This assignment may be effected by the user when the temporary address is obtained by the user. Illustratively, a user who simultaneously uses a plurality of temporary addresses associates a different topic with each of those addresses. When a caller calls the temporary address, the call is redirected to the user's real address and the user receives the topic that is associated with that temporary address, and preferably also the called temporary address itself, along with the redirected call, and this information is either displayed or announced to the user. The information provides context for the call to the user, and may optionally be captured in call logs. Illustratively, when the user initiates a call via the temporary address or the topic, the temporary address or the topic is provided to the called party as the caller ID information. The user's identity is thus kept secret. The user may select the calling topic or temporary address from a display of the call logs of past calls that involved the topics and temporary addresses associated with the user's real address.