Method and apparatus for providing enhanced communications

摘要

Call service centers typically require a user to confirm its identity by manually entering identification. An embodiment of the present invention uses a client device's identification to identify a user securely without requiring a user to enter identification manually. The client device's automatic numbering identification (ANI) number is an example of identification of the user, and the client device's media access control address is an example of information used, as an encryption key, to verify that the ANI number is not spoofed. In one embodiment, the client device provides the ANI number to a data server prior to a call, and the data server provides information to enable enhancement of the call either by sending the information to the call center directly or via the client device. Benefits of embodiments of the present invention include a reduced load on call service centers, reduced call time, and increased user satisfaction.

主权项

1. A method for providing enhanced communications, the method comprising:
by a data server, in response to a call request initiated by a client device: obtaining, via a data channel, a call request information from the client device before establishing an authenticated voice channel; obtaining client device information associated with the call request information stored in a database of the data server, wherein the client device information is different than the call request information; dynamically generating authenticating information; encrypting the authenticating information with the client device information as an encryption key; forwarding the encrypted authenticating information to be decrypted by the client device; forwarding the authenticating information to the interactive voice response server for comparing decrypted authenticating information received by the interactive voice response server from the client device; and establishing the authenticated voice channel by the interactive voice response server with the client device when the authenticating information matches the decrypted authenticating information.