In-band Modem Data Transmission via Gateway Audio Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for mobile communication devices face challenges in transmitting data when a data channel is unavailable, relying on slow DTMF protocols that can result in missing tones and false detection issues, limiting their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a gateway with a data processor to establish a third call leg between the gateway and a modem connected to a call control server, allowing data messages to be transmitted through an audio channel during an ongoing voice communication session, enabling efficient data transmission between a wireless handheld telephony device and a call control server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If DTMF protocols are used for data transmission when data channel is unavailable, then data can be transmitted, but the transmission speed is slow and reliability is poor due to missing tones and false detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddata transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary audio channel as a mediator for data transmission. Instead of using DTMF tones directly through the voice channel, the system modulates data onto the audio channel and uses a dedicated audio path between the mobile device and gateway, allowing reliable data transmission without the limitations of DTMF protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical DTMF tone-based system with an electronic modulation system. Data is transmitted through electronic signal modulation on the audio channel rather than through mechanical tone detection, eliminating the issues of missing tones and false detection inherent in DTMF protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a data channel is established during voice communication, then efficient data transmission is enabled, but the audio channel becomes unavailable for voice communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidvoice communication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication channel into separate audio and data paths. The audio channel remains dedicated to voice communication while a separate audio path is established for data transmission through the gateway, allowing both voice and data to coexist without interfering with each other

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-channel communication approach to a multi-dimensional communication architecture. By establishing a separate audio path through the gateway for data transmission while maintaining the original audio channel for voice, the system creates independent transmission dimensions that can operate simultaneously without conflict

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables reliable and efficient data transmission over an audio channel, overcoming the limitations of unavailable data channels and improving communication reliability during voice sessions.

Implementation Method 1

receive, at the gateway, the modulated control signals from the call control server via the established third call leg with the modem

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP2375716B1System and method for in-band modem to modem communication
Publication Date: 2012.05.30 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2375716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2375716B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2375716B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods and programmed instructions are disclosed useful for transmitting signals representing data messages to and from a wireless handheld telephony device along a first call leg of a communication session previously established between the wireless handheld telephony device and at least one second telephony device, the communication session being controlled by a call control server.