Voicemail Redirection Control via Call Timing Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unintentional connections to voicemail result in additional call charges for callers, even if no message is left, due to default activation and lack of control over voicemail redirection, leading to unnecessary charges and filled voicemail boxes with contentless messages.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow callers to store a timer value per destination to prevent voicemail redirection by using flags and information elements in call setup messages, enabling control over voicemail connections and disconnections based on stored timer values and flags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voicemail is activated by default and automatically forwards unanswered calls, then the called party can receive voice messages, but the caller incurs additional call charges without intending to leave a message
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection during call setup to determine whether the called party is likely to reach voicemail before the call is actually connected. Based on this preliminary assessment, the system can prevent the call from reaching voicemail, thereby avoiding unintentional charges while maintaining voicemail availability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the caller and the voicemail system. This intermediary layer analyzes call patterns and timing to predict voicemail connection likelihood, acting as a mediator that can intercept calls before they reach voicemail and prevent unwanted charges
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the called party deactivates voicemail to avoid receiving unwanted messages, then unintentional message delivery is prevented, but the caller must go through additional steps to deactivate/activate the service
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic detection and prevention of unwanted voicemail connections based on call timing and patterns, eliminating the need for manual deactivation by the called party. The system serves itself by automatically identifying and blocking calls likely to reach voicemail, providing a hands-free solution that maintains ease of operation
3Productivity
If the call is automatically forwarded to voicemail when the called party does not answer, then the voicemail system can process the call, but the caller is charged for a predefined amount of money even if no message is left
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection during call setup to determine whether the called party is likely to reach voicemail before the call is actually connected. Based on this preliminary assessment, the system can prevent the call from reaching voicemail, thereby avoiding unintentional charges while maintaining voicemail availability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the detection function from the traditional voicemail connection process. By separating the detection of likely voicemail connections from the actual connection mechanism, the system can identify and remove problematic calls before they incur charges, while preserving legitimate voicemail deliveries
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system for call party-controlled avoidance of voicemail redirection, the method comprises the steps of initiating a first call from a call party's system to a called party's system, an initiation of a timer to calculate a timer value once this call has reached the called party's system and is ringing, a termination of the timer once a connection with the voicemail of the called party's system is established or the first call is answered or the first call is terminated unanswered, a storage of the timer value and the called party's system; an initiation of a second call from the call party's system to the called party's system, an activation of the stored timer value once the second call has reached the called party's system and is ringing until the stored timer value expires and a disconnection of the second call to avoid redirection to voicemail of the called party's system.