[asterisk-users] Verification number / code

[Steve Edwards]

Un-top-posting...

>> On Sat, 21 Nov 2009, Thomas Perron wrote:
>>
>>> I want to distribute a random number to each of the first 100 callers 
>>> to my IVR. This random number will be matched to their telephone 
>>> number. Where in Asterisk can I do this?  And, how?
>>>
>>> Logic.
>>>
>>> Call arrives. Context for announcement begins. You will receive a 
>>> authentication code at the end of the message. Then, if they press a 
>>> certain digit to confirm then I simply pass a code to them. These 
>>> codes are distributed to the first 100. The 101st call does not get a 
>>> code.

> On Sat, Nov 21, 2009 at 7:20 PM, Steve Edwards 
> <asterisk.org at sedwards.com>wrote:
>
>> I'm guessing you really don't want a random number since a random 
>> number generator can generate duplicates.
>>
>> "Matching" the number to their ANI also has issues. What if my ANI is 
>> blocked? What if I spoof my ANI? What if I call from a SIP phone?
>>
>> I would "pre-compute" the random numbers and store them in a database.
>>
>> When a call arrives, I would invoke an AGI that would lock the table, 
>> read the first value with a null ANI, update the row with the caller's 
>> ANI, and unlock the table.
>>
>> You could do it in dialplan, but I find database access in dialplan 
>> ugly.
>>
>> Alternatively, you could mung UNIQUEID (<number of seconds since 
>> Epoch>.<number of channels created by this instance of Asterisk>) to 
>> appear to the caller as random and then store that and their ANI in a 
>> database.
>>
>> What happens if Asterisk is restarted in the middle of your campaign?

On Sat, 21 Nov 2009, Thomas Perron wrote:

> that is a bit heavy for me.  how about some simple way to announce a 
> random number.  using RAND. and saydigit
>
> exten => s,1,Set(junky=${RAND(1,8)})

Um. OK. Use RAND and saydigit. And use some sort of counter to know when 
you've issued 100 numbers.

But...

) You may have duplicate random numbers.

) You may have issues counting the callers if you have more than 1 call 
arrive at close to the same time.

) If Asterisk restarts, how will you know how many numbers have been 
issued?

) You still have to handle the "matching" requirement.

I still think a "databased*" approach is the best approach. I'm sorry it's 
not within your current skill-set. Maybe this means you should invest some 
time learning the skills or hire someone who has them.

If this is a toy ("Guess a number..."), use RAND and saydigit. If this is 
a contest with some sort of prize or involves anything of value, use a 
database.

*) MySQL has a really neat generic lock facility that will come in handy. 
See get_lock(lock-name, timeout).

-- 
Thanks in advance,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Edwards       sedwards at sedwards.com      Voice: +1-760-468-3867 PST
Newline                                              Fax: +1-760-731-3000