Ringback Trigger Signal for Interactive Content Download
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Solution Overview
Problem
The potential of ringback tones in telecommunications has not been fully utilized beyond customization, limiting carriers' ability to develop new services and revenue streams, despite advancements in intelligent client stations and VoIP networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that transmit a trigger signal during the ringback period to initiate content downloads from a network server, allowing for customized and interactive services that reward users and increase call volume-related revenue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ringback tones are used for traditional customization services, then service variety is improved, but service potential and revenue streams remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ringback tone system is extended to perform multiple functions: traditional customization service, trigger signal transmission, and content download initiation. The same ringback infrastructure is used to deliver diverse content types (ringtones, images, videos, applications) to calling parties, transforming a single-function service into a multi-functional platform that generates multiple revenue streams.
Solution Approach 2:
Content is prepared and stored on network servers in advance, and the trigger mechanism is pre-configured within the ringback tone structure. When a call is initiated, the system is already poised to automatically download and deliver relevant content to the calling party without requiring additional user actions or delays during call setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trigger signals are transmitted during ringback period, then user engagement is improved, but call setup time may be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger signal is transmitted periodically within the ringback tone structure, utilizing the existing periodic nature of ringback tones. The trigger information is embedded at specific intervals within the tone sequence, allowing the calling party's device to detect and process the trigger without extending the overall ringback duration, thereby maintaining user engagement while minimizing time loss.
3Extent of automation
If content download is initiated during call setup, then service interactivity is improved, but network load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The content download function is extracted as a separate, optional process that occurs parallel to call setup. Rather than blocking call establishment, the system extracts the content delivery function into an independent data transmission channel, allowing voice call setup to proceed while content downloads in the background, thus maintaining interactivity without critically increasing network load on the voice path.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple content types are supported, then service versatility is improved, but device compatibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by allowing different calling parties to receive different content types based on their specific device capabilities and user preferences. The network server assesses the calling party's device characteristics and selectively delivers appropriate content formats (ringtones for basic phones, images or videos for smartphones), ensuring service versatility while maintaining compatibility across diverse device types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for causing a calling client station to obtain content from a network server in response to a trigger signal received by the client during the ringback period for a call. The trigger signal is transmitted from a ringback server to a calling client station during the ringback period of call setup, whereby the trigger signal, once received and recognized by the calling client station, causes the station to request and obtain content from a network server. In another aspect, a method for providing content to a calling client station by transmitting a trigger signal to the calling client station during call setup, thereafter receiving at a network-based content server a request from the calling client station, generated in response to the trigger, for a content-download, and providing the content-download in response to the request.