Virtual MSC Gateway Voicemail Playback Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing voicemail systems for mobile devices face delays and unreliability in message playback due to the inherent limitations of Short Message Service (SMS) messaging, which can result in incorrect message playback, non-responsive systems, and delays, especially when data coverage is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a virtual Message Service Center (VMSC) to establish a permanent data connection between the voicemail system and the mobile device, ensuring fast and reliable message delivery through acknowledged transmissions, allowing the voicemail system to queue messages for immediate playback upon user request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SMS messaging is used to notify the voicemail system of incoming calls, then the system can send notifications to mobile devices, but the transmission is slow and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Virtual Message Service Center (VMSC) gateway as an intermediary between the mobile device and the voicemail system. The VMSC maintains a permanent data connection with the voicemail system, acting as a mediator that enables fast and reliable message transmission without relying on SMS protocols. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a dedicated communication channel that is both quick and dependable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a permanent data connection between the VMSC and the voicemail system before any voicemail notification needs to be sent. This pre-established connection allows messages to be transmitted immediately when needed, eliminating the delay and reliability issues associated with setting up SMS transmissions at the moment of notification.
2Productivity
If a permanent data connection is established between the VMSC and voicemail system, then message transmission becomes fast and reliable, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VMSC gateway is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both messaging notifications and maintains the permanent data connection to the voicemail system. By consolidating these functions into a single gateway, the system achieves fast and reliable voicemail setup without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The gateway serves multiple purposes, making the added complexity worthwhile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SMS messages are used for notification, then the system can operate without data coverage, but message delivery is slow and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The VMSC gateway serves as a mediator that provides a permanent data connection pathway independent of standard SMS protocols. This intermediary enables the system to maintain reliable message delivery even when conventional data coverage is unavailable, as the gateway establishes its own dedicated communication channel with the voicemail system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that enables faster, more reliable setup of voicemail message playback for a mobile device is provided. A mobile device receives an message that alerts the user that a voicemail message has been received. When a user dials into the voicemail system to retrieve the message, a message is sent from the mobile device to the voicemail system to tell the voicemail system to queue-up the message for playback. The message proceeds from the mobile device through a relay to a virtual Message Service Center (MSC) gateway over a high-speed GPRS connection. The virtual MSC gateway sends the message to the voicemail system over a permanent or substantially permanent connection. Communications are acknowledged to increase reliability. The voicemail system is ready to play the message when the voice call is received.