Wireless Network Policy Management via Trust-Based Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for blocking unwanted calls in wireless networks are inefficient, as they require manual updating of block lists, can only block a limited number of numbers, and are easily bypassed by callers, leading to continued unwanted communications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for maintaining communication policy settings in a wireless network that includes a common policy database and an override policy database, allowing for automatic modification of call acceptance based on trust levels and user requests, with indicators determining the level of automation in updating the policy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual updating of block lists is used, then users can control which numbers are blocked, but the process is time-consuming and requires continuous user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically updates block lists by monitoring incoming calls and identifying unwanted callers, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The network infrastructure performs self-service by automatically learning and updating blocking rules based on call patterns and user behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where call outcomes (answered, rejected, voicemail) are monitored and used to automatically adjust blocking policies. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from user responses and continuously improve block list accuracy without manual input.
2Device complexity
If a limited number of phone numbers are blocked, then the blocking system remains simple to manage, but unwanted calls from unblocked numbers continue to reach users
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking system is enhanced to handle multiple functions: it blocks individual numbers, identifies patterns in unwanted calling behavior, and automatically expands block lists based on learned patterns. This multi-functional approach allows the system to combat various types of unwanted calls without proportionally increasing user-manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of call patterns and proactively adds numbers to block lists before unwanted calls can reach the user. By anticipating and pre-blocking potential unwanted callers based on pattern recognition, the system prevents harmful communications before they occur.
3Ease of operation
If callers can easily bypass blocking by using new numbers, then the blocking system remains simple to use, but the effectiveness of call blocking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of calling patterns and proactively blocks numbers that exhibit unwanted behavior before they can successfully reach the user. By anticipating bypass attempts and pre-blocking suspicious numbers, the system maintains effectiveness without requiring complex user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors call outcomes and uses feedback to detect and block bypass attempts. When voicemail responses or other indicators suggest a number is being used to circumvent blocking, the system automatically learns from this feedback and updates blocking rules to prevent future bypass attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method of modifying policy settings in a network having a plurality of subscriber devices. An embodiment includes a plurality of base stations, each capable of wirelessly transmitting across a geographic region and a server. A cell-phone, capable of roaming between regions, is operable to establish a wireless link with the base stations and through the base stations, with the server. The network contains a communication policy determining from which other communication devices a subscriber device can receive voice calls. The communication policy is updated, by the server, based on requests from the subscriber devices. Once a request is received from a subscriber device, the determination whether to update the communication policy can be based on a record of rejections respective to the caller requested to be blocked. Alternatively, the communication policy can be updated according to a trust policy maintained on the server respective to the subscriber device making the request; the trust policy represents the procedure to follow when a request is received from that subscriber device.