Analog Audio Tone Bridge for Packet Network Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for transmitting analog audio tone-based communications over packet data networks, such as Modem Passthrough and Modem Relay, face challenges with jitter, delay, and packet loss, particularly in IP networks and wireless data services, which can lead to errors and failures in legacy systems like alarm systems and POS terminals.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that decodes incoming analog signals, processes them according to preprogrammed rules, and transmits them over a packet data network, allowing for regeneration of analog signals at the receiving end, while accommodating varying network delays and packet loss, using advanced DSP techniques to minimize timeouts and ensure continuous communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analog audio tone-based communications are transmitted over packet data networks using conventional methods (Modem Passthrough or Modem Relay), then transmission capability is achieved, but jitter, delay, and packet loss occur leading to errors and failures in legacy systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that acts as a bridge between legacy analog systems and packet data networks. This intermediary captures analog audio signals, converts them to digital format, and transmits them as data packets over the network, thereby protecting the original analog signals from network-induced jitter and packet loss while enabling modern network transmission capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog signal transmission system with a digital signal processing system. By converting analog audio tones to digital data packets for network transmission and back to analog at the receiving end, the system eliminates the direct analog path that is susceptible to jitter and packet loss, substituting it with robust digital processing and error handling mechanisms
2Reliability
If legacy systems are upgraded to eliminate jitter and packet loss issues, then transmission reliability improves, but equipment replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface device that can work with multiple legacy systems (alarm systems, POS terminals, etc.) without requiring system-specific modifications. This multi-functional approach allows a single type of intermediary device to protect various analog systems when connecting to packet networks, reducing overall implementation costs compared to custom solutions for each legacy system
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning an intermediary device at the network interface point, the solution protects multiple legacy systems simultaneously without requiring changes to each individual system. This centralized approach to eliminating jitter and packet loss issues reduces total implementation cost compared to upgrading each legacy system individually
3Productivity
If network transmission parameters are optimized for speed, then data rate increases, but jitter and packet loss worsen affecting legacy system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment in the intermediary device, where transmission parameters such as packet size, transmission interval, and error correction levels are automatically adjusted based on real-time network conditions. This allows the system to optimize for speed when network conditions are good while maintaining reliability when conditions deteriorate, preventing timeouts in legacy systems
Data Source
AI summary
An automated telecommunications system includes a first system operable to receive PSTN compatible audio frequency signals, to decode and interpret said incoming signals according to the message format and a modem protocol being used, and transmit digital messages to a second system over a packet data network. Said second system receives and interprets digital messages incoming from the first system, encodes and regenerate outgoing audio frequency signals. The system may be bi-directional and operate over a packet based data network, such as for example an Internet protocol (IP) based network, a satellite based network, or an IP based cable or wireless network. The functionality of said first and second systems may be combined at a single location and operate with a VoIP network to allow modem signals to pass across the VoIP system.