Viral Ringback Media Distribution via Trigger Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications systems do not fully leverage the potential of ringback tones for new services and features beyond customization, limiting carriers' ability to generate revenue and provide value to subscribers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for virally distributing customized ringback media among subscribers in a service provider network, where a trigger signal during call setup allows subscribers to acquire and share ringback media, enabling fee-based acquisition and increased call volume revenue for carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If carriers implement traditional ringback tone storage and playback systems, then ringback tones can be delivered to subscribers, but the system cannot generate additional revenue streams or provide expanded services beyond basic customization
Solution Approach 1:
The ringback server is enhanced to perform multiple functions: traditional ringback tone playback, trigger signal reception during ringback period, and automatic subscriber rights acquisition. This multi-functionality allows the existing infrastructure to support both basic and advanced services without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby increasing service capability while managing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic rights acquisition where the subscriber's client station autonomously sends trigger signals during the ringback period to acquire rights to ringback media. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex provisioning systems, allowing the network to expand services while keeping the control system relatively simple
2Quantity of substance
If carriers charge fees for customized ringback tones, then revenue can be generated, but subscribers face additional costs that may reduce call volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a hybrid pricing model where basic ringback tones remain free or low-cost, while premium or customized tones carry fees. This partial application of fee-charging ensures that the majority of calls (using free tones) maintain high volume, while a subset of premium services generates additional revenue without significantly impacting overall call productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter of ringback media quality and variety based on pricing tiers. Free subscribers receive standard ringback tones, while paying subscribers gain access to customized or premium media. This parameter change allows the carrier to segment the market and generate revenue from willing payers without deterring the broader user base from placing calls
3Adaptability or versatility
If subscribers can manually select and acquire customized ringback tones, then service customization is enabled, but the process requires active subscriber participation and does not propagate automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the client station with the capability to automatically send trigger signals during the ringback period. The rights acquisition process is pre-programmed into the client software, so when a subscriber listens to a ringback tone, the acquisition mechanism is already in place and requires minimal additional user action, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enabling customization
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where subscribers who acquire rights to ringback media can subsequently have those tones played back to them or other subscribers. This feedback mechanism creates a viral propagation effect where customized tones spread organically through the network, reducing the need for active subscriber participation in each acquisition while maintaining high customization capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple ringback tones with customization features, then service versatility increases, but the infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of ringback tone storage, playback, and rights management into a single integrated ringback server platform. By combining these previously separate functions, the system supports multiple ringback media varieties without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity, as the same server handles all media types through unified processing and delivery mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the viral distribution of ringback media. A trigger is transmitted from a calling client station to a ringback server during the ringback period of call setup, whereby in response to receipt of the trigger by the ringback server, the subscriber associated with the calling client station is granted the right to the particular ringback media played out during the ringback period. Upon receiving the trigger, the ringback server may request that an indication that the right has been granted be stored in the subscriber's account record. Subsequent to the granting of the right to the particular ringback media to the subscriber, callers to the subscriber may be presented with the particular ringback. Further, these callers may also request to acquire the right to the particular media via the same trigger-initiated process.