Tone Replacement Module for Telephone Audio Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication providers face challenges in effectively communicating messages to users, as users tend to ignore or avoid messages, and mobile devices are sensitive to battery power depletion, necessitating a method to play audio messages on telecommunication devices without depleting battery life.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system and method that detects predetermined telephone tones and replaces them with audible messages, such as advertisements or announcements, using a tone detector interface and tone replacement module, which can be located on the device or remotely on a server, allowing for the playback of audio messages in place of standard tones like off-hook, DTMF, or ring tones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If standard telephone tones are played during call stages, then users can receive information about call status, but users tend to ignore or avoid these messages reducing communication effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of message delivery from standard audible telephone tones to customized audible messages. This parameter change transforms generic call status tones into engaging, personalized messages that capture user attention and improve communication effectiveness without requiring changes to the underlying telephone system architecture.
2Loss of information
If audio messages are played on mobile communication devices, then message delivery effectiveness is improved, but battery power depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by playing customized audible messages only at specific call stages when standard tones are generated, rather than continuous playback. This selective, periodic message delivery maintains effectiveness while minimizing battery power consumption by activating the audio message function only when triggered by specific telephone events.
3Ease of operation
If customized audible messages replace standard telephone tones, then user engagement increases, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the communication device to serve multiple functions: it continues to generate standard telephone tones for call status indication while simultaneously playing customized audible messages through the same audio output mechanism. This multi-functionality approach increases user engagement without requiring separate dedicated hardware components for message delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach where a message delivery mechanism acts as a mediator between the standard telephone tone generation and the customized message playback. This intermediary layer allows the device to maintain its原有 functionality while adding enhanced message delivery capabilities, managing complexity through modular integration rather than fundamental structural changes.
4Loss of information
If audible messages are provided in replacement of telephone tones, then message delivery effectiveness is improved, but reliability of standard telephone tone functionality may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by triggering customized audible messages only at specific, predetermined call stages when standard telephone tones are generated. This ensures that message delivery is synchronized with existing telephone protocol events, maintaining the reliability of standard tone functionality while enhancing it with customized messages at appropriate moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system detects the generation of standard telephone tones and uses this feedback to trigger corresponding customized audible messages. This feedback loop ensures that the customized messages are delivered in sync with standard telephone operations, maintaining the reliability and predictability of telephone tone functionality while enhancing message delivery effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented system and method for providing at least one audible message at a communication device in replacement of a pre-determined telephone tone. There is provided a tone detector interface for detecting the pre-determined telephone tone provided at the communication device; an audible messages database accessible to the tone detector interface and the communication device, the audible messages database storing the audible messages; and a tone replacement module in communication with the tone detector interface. The tone replacement module, in response to detecting the pre-determined telephone tone, may provide the audible message in replacement of the pre-determined telephone tone.