The ALAN System

The ALAN System is a solution for blocking robocallers. There are two components: the ALAN System and the ALAN System Bypass Service.

The first component, the ALAN System, provides a method for determining if a caller is a human or a robot by utilizing methods similar to a Turing test. When a call is received, the ALAN System IVR/Automate Attendant picks up. A language is picked and questions are posed to determine if a human is on the other end. Callers that pass can ring through. Optionally, the CallerID information can be whitelisted from future tests to a call recipient to streamline future call flow.

The second component, the ALAN System Bypass Service, provides a secure method to allow authorized robocallers to continue to make automated calls. ALAN System users have PINs that are regenerated periodically and sent to a cloud service clearinghouse through the PSTN or Internet. The clearinghouse provides authorized business subscribers access to customer numbers and a hash per phone number which is derived by the subscriber's CallerID and the customer phone number's private PIN. The Bypass Service subscriber can then dial an ALAN System user and when the distinctive tone is received automated dialing software will send the hash as an extension. The subscriber must send the same callerID information, as well. The ALAN System will compare this hash to one that it generates using its own private PIN and the callerID information. If they match, the call is allowed. Abusers can more easily be traced using the CallerID information and have sanctions imposed by the FTC. Hashes are only good until the PINs are periodically refreshed and only for a particular CallerID. PINs can change frequently.

Together, both components allow for a robust system to combat robocallers while allowing authorized callers to continue using autodialing software.