RU2500082C2 - Method and system for replacing standard ringback tones with personal ringing tones (versions) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: information technology.

SUBSTANCE: voice call is initiated from the communication device of a caller to the communication device of the called subscriber. The incoming call signal is intercepted by the communication device of the called subscriber. A connection is set up between said devices. The communication device of the called subscriber plays, on the telephone communication channel, one of predetermined media files located in the media library of the communication device of the called subscriber and blocks the standard ringback tone.

EFFECT: playing a personal ringing tone from the device of a caller or called subscriber.

10 cl, 2 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of services and capabilities specifically designed for wireless communication networks, namely, the replacement of standard call send control signals with an individual response waiting signal.

The current level of technology

Recently, services for replacing a call control signal (Ring Back Tone (RBT) services) provided to subscribers of a mobile communication network have become very widespread. This service allows mobile network subscribers to replace a traditional call control signal (i.e., a periodic periodic tone that is played to the subscriber during an outgoing call until the calling subscriber is connected to the called subscriber) with any other tone, such as a melody or audio message. Typically, this service is provided by the voice platform of the carrier.

An example of the provision of such a service is, for example, the method described in patent RU 2384966 C2, 03/20/2010. In this solution, in order to provide call control signal replacement signal services (RBT services) to the mobile communication network subscribers, the mobile communication system comprises a call control signal replacement service provision system. The RBT service delivery system may be implemented as part of a single hardware-software device, such as an application server, or may consist of several devices interconnected by communication channels. In addition, such a system allows subscribers to become subscribers to the service, according to which subscribers have the opportunity to select and assign a particular melody that will be played to these subscribers when they establish a connection with any other subscribers (i.e., any specific subscriber and / or group of subscribers).

However, all existing solutions are aimed at the fact that the subscriber of the service interacts with the RBT service delivery system through: short text messages (SMS, USSD), multimedia messages (MMS), or through the WAP or WEB service, or using the interactive voice response service (Interactive Voice Response, abbreviated IVR). One way or another, the subscriber of the service first forms his profile, which determines the rules assigned by the subscriber to provide call control signals to callers, and subsequently has the ability to edit his profile. All information about service subscribers (i.e. their profiles) is stored in the RBT service delivery system or other servers located remotely. The set of various melodies and audio, multimedia signals that are used by subscribers as call control signals is stored either in the mentioned RBT service delivery system or in another remote storage device, for example, a media content storage device.

Thus, at present, similar services are provided only by mobile operators. Audio files can only be played from operator platforms.

Disclosure of invention

The problem to which the claimed invention is directed, is the ability to replace or suppress a standard call control signal without using the operator’s hardware platform and at the same time provide the caller with the ability to listen / view various media content through the internal hardware and software circuit of the mobile device.

The technical result, the development of this invention is aimed at, is to simplify the system for reproducing audio or other media files while waiting for a user response due to the availability of means on the devices of subscribers to ensure playback of audio or other media files without the participation of platforms of cellular, fixed and other network operators .

The proposed methods and systems are based on the installation of an appropriate application or functionality incorporated in the manufacture of communication devices (telephones) that provide the service of replacing a call signal with a communication device of either the calling or called subscriber.

In one embodiment of the claimed invention, when the caller initiates a voice call to the communication device of the called subscriber, the application installed on the communication device of the called subscriber intercepts the incoming call signal, opens the connection and starts transmitting one of the predefined media files in the media library over the telephone channel called party communication devices. In this case, the standard call signal supplied by the telecom operator is blocked, and the caller does not hear it. When the called subscriber “picks up the phone”, the program receives the corresponding signal from the operator’s equipment, stops playing media content and transfers control to the voice mechanism of the called subscriber’s communication device. Content management for playback is carried out directly by the called subscriber through the appropriate media content management program. In this program, the user can assign different media files to different subscribers and, in addition, can assign different rules for playing them, depending on various factors, such as subscriber’s identification information, time of day, day of the week, etc.

In another embodiment of the claimed invention, when the caller initiates a voice call to the communication device of the called subscriber, the application installed on the communication device of the calling subscriber intercepts the outgoing call and starts playing the media content pre-installed on the communication device of the calling subscriber to the calling subscriber. In this case, the standard call signal supplied by the telecom operator is blocked, and the caller does not hear it. When the called subscriber “picks up the phone”, the program receives an appropriate signal from the operator’s equipment, stops playing media content and transfers control to the voice mechanism of the calling subscriber’s communication device. Playback control is carried out directly on the caller’s device through the media content management program. In this program, the user can assign different media files to different subscribers and, in addition, can assign different rules for playing them, depending on various factors, such as subscriber’s identification information, time of day, day of the week, etc.

Thus, the application interacts closely with the hardware of the communication device and performs the functions of a transceiver pseudo-device. In addition, there should be media content in the storage of the subscriber’s communication device, which can be used as a substitute for the standard call control signal, for example, mp3 melody, sound recording, video, image.

Terms and Definitions

APPENDIX - a program for telephones designed to perform certain user tasks and designed for direct interaction with the user. The application can be installed directly by the manufacturer at the time of production of the telephone, or by the subscriber independently by downloading to the telephone by any means.

USER - a person who uses the application to perform a specific function.

PHONES - mobile phones with the functions of a personal computer. Including phones running on the following operating systems: Android, Bada, BlackBerry OS, iOS, Linux, Maemo, MeeGo, Palm OS, Series 40, Series 60, Symbian, Symbian UIQ, webOS, Windows Phone / Mobile, as well as other Operating Systems.

OPERATING SYSTEM - a set of control and processing programs that, on the one hand, act as an interface between devices of a computer system and application programs, and on the other hand, are designed to control devices, manage computing processes, efficiently distribute computing resources between computing processes and organize reliable computing.

OPERATOR'S PLATFORM - a hardware-software complex designed to replace a standard call send control signal with an individual answer waiting signal, within which a musical, voice or other sound message is played.

CALLING SUBSCRIBER - the subscriber of any telecom operator who initiates a phone call to another subscriber number.

CALLED SUBSCRIBER - the subscriber of any telecom operator who receives a telephone call from the calling subscriber.

SUBSCRIBER - user of mobile or other communication services.

WEB SERVER - a computer (or special computer equipment) that is dedicated and / or specialized for performing certain service functions.

"DIRECT" type of media file playback, in which, when making a call, the caller listens to the media file that the subscriber who receives the call has established.

“REVERSE” type of media file playback, in which, when initiating outgoing calls, the caller hears the media file that he installed himself, and not the media file that the called subscriber has set for himself.

MEDIA PACKAGE - a set of voice, sound files or other sound messages, video or image files.

APPLICATION SALES STORE - a repository (database) that allows telephone owners to order various applications through WEB, WAP resources, as well as other means.

WEB, WAP - PORTAL INTERFACES - a set of electronic documents (files) of a private person or organization in a computer network, united under one address (domain name or IP address).

SYNCHRONIZATION - the process of bringing to one value one or more parameters of different objects.

SOCIAL NETWORK - multi-user WEB site. A WEB site is an automated social environment that allows a group of users to share a common interest.

MEDIAKONTENT (MEDIAFILE) - sound (audio) / video / graphic file for listening or viewing.

BANNER - a graphic image of an advertising character.

USER'S QUESTIONNAIRE - polling the user of the application.

GRAPHIC STATUS (avatar) - an image that identifies the user when making a call, sending an information message, displayed on the screen of the telephone.

ADVERTISING - information distributed in any way, in any form and using any means, addressed to an indefinite number of persons and aimed at attracting attention to the object of advertising, the formation or maintenance of interest in it and its promotion in the market.

USER PROFILE - a resource located in the operating or other memory of a user's phone or on a WEB server, which contains personal (unique) information about a custom media file, settings and other user information related to the application’s functionality.

SERVICE FOR REPLACING A STANDARD SIGNAL FOR SENDING A CALL SENDING A CALL - a service for replacing a standard signal for sending call control to a media file.

MOBILE COMMERCE - the general name for various commercial services (except communication services) that use a mobile phone as the main user interface. The process is carried out using telephones through a remote (Internet, GPRS, etc.) connection. Mobile commerce, as a rule, is a hardware-software solution for automating the processes of interaction with remote users.

QIWI PAYMENT SERVICE - a payment service designed to pay for various everyday services. A feature of the QIWI service is that payment can be made both in cash on the QIWI network of payment terminals, and through an Internet service and an application for mobile devices. In fact, the user can make payment from his account in the system, being in a convenient place for him and at a convenient time.

TARIFICATION OF MT BY MESSAGE - SMS-message sent to the user's telephone through the connection of the operator’s equipment.

SMS MESSAGE (short message service) is a technology that allows the reception and transmission of short text messages and the transmission of short text messages by mobile phone.

OPERATOR - a legal entity that provides communication services on the basis of an appropriate license / permit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 presents an embodiment of the invention, providing for the called subscriber means to provide a service for replacing a call signal.

Figure 2 presents an embodiment of the invention, providing the caller has the means to provide a call signal replacement service.

The implementation of the invention

Figure 1 presents an embodiment of the invention, providing for the availability of funds for the provision of the replacement service of the call signal on the side of the called subscriber. In this embodiment of the service, replacing the response wait signal is as follows.

The caller (A) initiates a voice call to the subscriber’s device (B).

The application installed on the device of the called subscriber (B) intercepts the incoming call signal (a), opens the connection and starts playing through the telephone channel, for example, one of the predefined ringtones (b, c) located in the media library of the called subscriber.

Content management for playback is carried out directly by the called subscriber through the appropriate media content management program. In this program, the user can assign different melodies, videos, images to different subscribers, and, in addition, can assign different rules for playing them, depending on various factors, such as subscriber’s identification information, time of day, day of the week, etc.

Figure 2 presents an embodiment of the invention, providing for the availability of funds for the provision of call signal replacement services on the calling party side. In this embodiment of the service, replacing the response wait signal is as follows.

The caller (A) initiates a voice call to the subscriber’s device (B).

The application installed on the device of the calling subscriber (A) intercepts the connection with the subscriber (a) and starts playing the pre-installed media content to the caller (b). In this case, the standard call signal supplied by the telecom operator is extinguished, and the caller does not hear it.

When the called subscriber “picks up the phone”, the program receives the corresponding signal from the operator’s equipment, stops playing the media content and transfers control to the voice mechanism of the calling subscriber’s device (A).

Playback control is carried out directly on the caller’s device (A) through the media content management program. In this program, the user can assign various ringtones, videos, images waiting for a call to various subscribers.

The application provides the user with the opportunity to select the type of media package playback:

- "STRAIGHT";

- “BACK”.

The media file is played until the caller stops waiting for a response or until the fixed or mobile subscriber to whom the telephone call is initiated accepts or rejects the call. The application reproduces media packages located in the operating or other memory of the application (telephone set), or from the resources of the WEB server database.

Application installation

Installation (installation) of the application in the telephone of the subscriber is possible as follows:

- in the manufacture of a telephone or in the framework of pre-sale preparation of the telephone;

- By ordering from various app stores;

- from a personal computer;

- in a different way.

After ordering the application, the user needs to install the application (installation) on his telephone.

Application management

After installing the application, the user is given the opportunity to select and assign any other media package in addition to or instead of the pre-installed media packages. Installing each new one or updating an existing media package is possible as follows:

- through app stores;

- through the Web, Wap - portal interfaces, going from your computer or from the telephone by synchronizing with the user profile;

- synchronization with a personal computer;

- as well as in any other affordable way.

It is possible to update existing media packages at the user's request via wireless networks, including through the operator’s cellular network. The application will initiate a request to update media packages. You can update both all media packages, and each media package individually.

When updating the application or downloading new media packages, the selected media packages are installed on the user's telephone, media files are downloaded via the web / wap connection, as well as in other ways. There are no restrictions on the number of media pack changes. For prolonged use by the user of a single media package, the application offers to periodically change the current media package through informative user notification.

The user has the right at any time to replace the installed media package or, in addition to previously established media packages, install other media files.

Application features

- The application allows the user, when making a phone call, to replace the standard call send control signal with an individual waiting signal, within which an image, video, music, voice or other sound message (media file) is played.

- The application has the ability to integrate with the predefined functionality of the telephone (diary, notes, calendar, event planner, etc.). For example, if the user has a mention in the calendar about the birthday of another subscriber, the application will automatically initiate a congratulation request or any other informing of the subscriber.

- The application allows you to exchange information with other users of the application (send text messages, sound signals, images, videos, and also perform actions such as joint drawing or games). Information exchange is possible with the installed application for all participants in the exchange of information, in the instant messaging service of the Internet, in social, entertainment, social and entertainment, professional networks.

- The application allows the exchange of media packages with other users via wireless networks, including the operator’s network.

- The application reflects in the form of notifications all the actions of other users (installation of a media package, including a list of tunes installed to replace call waiting signals, removing packages / applications).

- Using the application, you can send another subscriber a link to download the application (send the application wirelessly, including using the network of a mobile operator).

- The application allows you to make calls to other users who have installed the application, as well as calls to subscribers of other mobile and fixed communication operators.

- An application can, for a specific event (holiday, new year, etc.), offer the user to install a particular media package.

- The application allows you to set media packages and graphic statuses for a specific user, subscriber, including other playback modes.

- The application allows you to determine the location of the user by displaying him on the map.

Cost and payment procedure

The application involves the use of free or paid basis.

Free use of media packages implies the presence of advertising in the application:

- banner advertising;

- advertising media files that replace the standard signal for sending call control with an individual signal for waiting for a response, within which an advertising message is played.

Paid mode is available for a fee.

The user has the right at any time to suspend the service of replacing call waiting signals, as well as the use of media packages.

Subscriber billing is possible in the following ways:

- MT SMS tariffication;

- mobile commerce;

- payment service QIWI;

- as well as other payment systems.

When choosing the conditions for the provision of services for replacing the standard signal for monitoring the call send with an individual signal for waiting for a response, a questionnaire is conducted on the subject of individual work settings and functional features of the application.

The terminology used here is intended only to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific example. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be clear that the terms “contains” and / or “comprising”, “includes” and / or “including” and similar terms when used in this description determine the presence of certain properties, integral units, stages, operations, elements and / or components, but they do not eliminate the presence or addition of one or more other properties, whole, stages, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that instead of the specific embodiments shown, any configuration that is designed to achieve the same purpose and that the invention has other uses in other environments can be presented. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.

Claims (10)

1. A method of replacing standard call send control signals with an individual answer waiting signal, comprising the steps of:
initiate a voice call from the communication device of the calling subscriber to the communication device of the called subscriber;
intercepting the incoming call signal using the communication device of the called subscriber;
establish a connection between these devices; and
using the called subscriber’s communication device, one of the predefined media files located in the media library of the called subscriber’s communication device is played over the telephone channel; and
block the standard call send control signal. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the predefined media files is played over the telephone channel until the caller stops waiting for a response, or until the called subscriber accepts or rejects the call. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that they additionally lose an advertising message over the telephone channel. 4. A system for replacing standard call send control signals with an individual answer waiting signal, comprising at least one calling device and at least one calling device, characterized in that
said communication device of the calling subscriber is configured to initiate a voice call to said communication device of the called subscriber;
the called communication device of the called subscriber is configured to intercept the incoming call signal, establish a connection between the specified devices, play one of the predefined media files in the media library of the called communication device of the called subscriber via the telephone channel, and block the standard call send control signal. 5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the called communication device of the called subscriber is configured to control media content for playback. 6. A method of replacing standard call send control signals with an individual answer waiting signal, comprising the steps of:
initiate a voice call from the calling device to the device of the called party;
intercepting the outgoing call signal using the communication device of the caller;
establish a connection between these devices; and
by means of the calling subscriber’s apparatus, one of the predefined media files located in the media library of the calling subscriber’s communication device is lost and the standard call send control signal is blocked. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the predefined media files is lost by the calling subscriber’s apparatus until the calling subscriber stops waiting for a response or until the called subscriber accepts or rejects the call. 8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that they additionally lose an advertising message by the caller’s apparatus. 9. A system for replacing standard call send control signals with an individual answer waiting signal, comprising at least one calling device and at least one calling device, characterized in that
the said communication device of the calling subscriber is configured to initiate a voice call to the said communication device of the called subscriber, intercept the incoming call signal, establish a connection between these devices, play one of the predefined media files located in the media library of the said communication device of the calling subscriber, and block the standard send control signal call. 10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the said communication device of the caller is configured to control media content for playback.

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