Simulated Stutter Dial Tone for IP Telephony Voicemail Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network voicemail systems cannot provide an audible indication of new voicemail messages to users with packet-based telephony devices, such as IP phones, as they lack the capability to transmit stutter dial tones over packet-based networks.
Innovation Solution
A packet-based telephony device with a simulated stutter dial tone generator module that detects new voicemail notifications and generates a simulated stutter dial tone when the device is taken off-hook, providing an audible indication to the user that new messages are waiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional PSTN central office switch provides stutter dial tone, then users receive audible indication of new voicemail messages, but packet-based telephony devices cannot receive this indication because the network cannot transmit stutter dial tones over packet-based networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simulated stutter dial tone that replicates the acoustic characteristics of the traditional PSTN stutter dial tone. The simulation module generates audio signals mimicking the cadenced pattern (typically 2 seconds of dial tone followed by silence, repeated) to provide the same audible notification function without requiring actual PSTN signaling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical/signaling mechanism of traditional PSTN stutter dial tone transmission with a software-based audio generation system. Instead of using network signaling protocols to transmit dial tone signals, the system uses local audio synthesis and playback through the device's audio output interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visual indicators are used to notify users of new voicemail messages, then packet-based devices can provide notification, but users who cannot see visual indicators do not receive adequate notification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal notification system that provides audible stutter dial tone indication accessible to all users regardless of visual capability. The simulated stutter dial tone serves as a universal alert mechanism that works for both visually impaired users and those who simply cannot see display indicators, making the notification system inclusive and multi-functional.
3Loss of information
If the packet-based telephony device generates simulated stutter dial tone locally, then audible notification is provided to users, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the packet-based telephony device to self-generate the stutter dial tone simulation without requiring external signaling infrastructure. The simulation module uses the device's own audio processing capabilities to synthesize and playback the notification tone, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependencies on traditional PSTN signaling paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a method for providing a simulated stutter dial tone includes receiving a new voicemail notification message at a packet-based telephony device. The new voicemail notification message indicates that a new voicemail message is waiting in a voicemail box associated with a user of the packet-based telephony device. The method further includes detecting an off-hook status of the packet-based telephony device, and generating a simulated stutter dial tone signal by the packet-based telephony device in response to receiving the new voicemail notification message and detecting the off-hook status. The method further includes providing the simulated stutter dial tone signal to an audio reproduction device.