Method and apparatus for dynamically generating color ringback tones
AssigneeDialogic Corporation
InventorMartyn W. Davies
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for providing dynamically generated information to a caller during the ringing state of a telephone call. In one example, color ringback tones may be used in conjunction with text-to-speech technology and caller ID services to provide personalized audio messages. These messages may be generated in real time and may include information that may be useful to the caller, such as up-to-date status information (e.g., the status of the caller's voicemail inbox), news or other information.
Claims25
A method of providing information from a called system to a caller before a call to the called system is answered, the method comprising:
- receiving the information from the called system;
- converting the information into an audio signal;
- and
- playing the audio signal before the call is answered.
A system for providing information to a caller during a ringing state of a telephone call, the system comprising:
- a media channel;
- media server, coupled to the media channel, and constructed and arranged to output a media signal on the media channel during the ringing state of the telephone call;
- an application constructed and arranged to provide control information to the media server;
- and
- a text-to-speech apparatus coupled to the media server,
- wherein the media server is constructed and arranged to provide a text message to the text-to-speech apparatus based on the control information received from the application, and
- wherein the text-to-speech apparatus is constructed and arranged to provide an audio signal to the media sever, the audio signal being derived from the text message, and
- wherein the media signal comprises the audio signal.
A system for providing information from a called system to a caller during a ringing state of a telephone call, the system comprising:
- means for receiving the information from the called system and for generating a text message comprising the information;
- a text-to-speech apparatus constructed and arranged to convert the text message into a spoken message;
- and
- a media gateway constructed and arranged to play the spoken message during the ringing state of the telephone call.
A method of providing information from a called system to a caller during a ringing state of a telephone call, the method comprising:
- receiving the information from the called system;
- converting the information into an audio signal;
- and
- playing the audio signal during the ringing state of the telephone call.
A system for providing information to a caller before a call made by the caller is answered, the system comprising:
- a media channel;
- media server, coupled to the media channel, and constructed and arranged to receive call signal information and to output a media signal on the media channel before the call is answered;
- and
- a text-to-speech apparatus coupled to the media server,
- wherein the media server is constructed and arranged to provide a text message to the text-to-speech apparatus based on the call signal information, and wherein
- wherein the text-to-speech apparatus is constructed and arranged to provide an audio signal to the media sever, the audio signal being derived from the text message, and
- wherein the media signal comprises the audio signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.