DTMF Module Encoding Caller ID for Mobile Enterprise Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices often face difficulties in receiving identifying information about incoming communications, especially when these communications are routed through enterprise networks independently of the originating network, leading to challenges in providing the necessary information to the mobile device.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a DTMF module within an enterprise communications platform to generate and transmit DTMF messages to mobile devices, including identifying keys or numbers based on whether the communication source has an enterprise-assigned number, allowing the mobile device to display the source information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communications are routed through an enterprise network independently of the originating network, then communication routing flexibility is improved, but providing identifying information to the mobile device becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) server as an intermediary component between the enterprise PBX and the mobile device. This CTI server receives call detail records from the PBX, processes identifying information about the communication source, and transmits this information to the mobile device via the mobile network. The intermediary enables the enterprise network to provide identifying information without compromising the independent routing flexibility.
2Reliability
If a DTMF module is used to transmit identifying information, then information transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) module within the enterprise PBX for a dual purpose: traditional voice communication and transmitting identifying information to mobile devices. By making the DTMF module multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for information transmission, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the usage parameters of the DTMF module by encoding identifying information (such as caller ID, location, or communication type) into DTMF tones. This allows the same physical module to convey different types of information - traditional voice signals for communication and encoded data for identifying information transmission - thereby improving reliability without adding complex new transmission mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing identifying information about the source of an incoming communication to a mobile device is provided. An incoming communication is received by an enterprise network and a connection is established to the mobile device. A DTMF message is sent to the mobile device by the enterprise network. If the source of the incoming communication has an enterprise-assigned number then the DTMF message comprises an identifying key corresponding to the key field of a profile list comprising enterprise-assigned numbers and an identifying information entry for each enterprise-assigned number in the list. If the source of the incoming communication does not have an enterprise-assigned number, the DTMF message comprises an identifying number for the source of the incoming communication. If DTMF is not available on the mobile device, similar logic may be employed using, for example, ANI manipulation.