VoIP Alias Management for Caller Identification and Policy Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in VoIP telephony face challenges in managing calls due to limited control over their contact information, as existing systems rely on caller identification tied to devices rather than the actual caller, leading to anonymity and inadequate call management options beyond blocking or allowing calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for VoIP communication networks that allow users to configure multiple aliases dynamically, associating each with local policies for managing calls, enabling personalized call handling and privacy control, including forwarding, blocking, and custom announcements, independent of the calling device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If Caller ID is used to identify callers, then caller identification is provided, but the system is tied to the calling device rather than the calling party, resulting in caller anonymity and inadequate call management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call management system by introducing multiple aliases that can be assigned to different callers. Instead of treating all calls uniformly or relying on device-based identification, the system divides call handling into alias-specific segments, each with its own policy rules. This allows differentiated management of calls from different callers even when they use the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by associating specific policies with specific aliases. Each alias can have customized call handling instructions (forward to voicemail, block, allow, etc.), allowing the system to treat different callers differently based on local policy definitions rather than applying uniform device-based rules.
2Loss of information
If multiple telephone numbers are provided for different contacts, then call identification is improved, but the number of aliases is limited and configuration is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the alias system universal by allowing any caller to be assigned any alias from a predefined set, rather than requiring separate telephone numbers for each contact. The same alias infrastructure serves multiple purposes: identification, policy routing, and call management, replacing the need for multiple dedicated phone numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing users to freely create, modify, and assign aliases at any time without being constrained by fixed telephone number assignments. The alias-to-caller mappings are dynamic and can be changed as needed, providing flexibility that static number-based systems cannot offer.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If calls are blocked from unrecognized numbers, then unwanted calls are reduced, but legitimate calls from unrecognized devices are also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having users pre-assign aliases to callers they expect to receive calls from. Instead of reacting to each call by blocking or allowing it based on device recognition, the system has already established the appropriate policy for each alias beforehand, ensuring legitimate calls are routed correctly before they arrive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of aliases between the caller's device and the user's call handling. Rather than directly blocking calls from unrecognized devices, the system uses aliases as mediators to identify and route calls appropriately, preventing false positives where legitimate callers are blocked.
4Loss of information
If Caller ID is disabled by the calling party, then caller anonymity is maintained, but call identification and management become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by having the caller select an alias that represents their identity or purpose for the call. Instead of relying on the caller's actual phone number or name (which may be hidden), the system uses a copied identifier (the alias) that the caller chooses from a list, preserving identification capability even when traditional Caller ID is disabled.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for providing multiple aliases and associated policy profiles for a user of a VoIP communication system. The user configures a multitude of aliases by the user wishes to be contacted, and associates with each alias a policy stored at a user terminal. The aliases are stored within the network so as to be associated with contact information for the user terminal. A proxy processes call requests by determining the contact information associated with an alias entered by a caller, and forwards the call request to the user terminal associated with the contact information. The user terminal determines the alias used by the caller, and processes the connection request in accordance with the policy. The invention allows users to add and delete aliases in order to effect temporary and private contact information. Calls can be handled depending on which alias was used by a caller, rather than on an identification of the device used by the caller. The proxy may also store proxy policies in association with the aliases and process call requests accordingly, such as billing a call request to a customer account specified by the proxy policy corresponding to the alias entered by a caller.