Apparatus and method for encoding telephone ringing signals

Abstract

An encoded telephone signalling apparatus and method provides pleasant, relatively distinct and quickly distinguishable personalized call destination information and distinctive call origin information signals within an audible ringing pattern. The ring pattern or envelope is partitioned into two segments, the first segment providing call destination and identifying which party should answer the call, the second segment providing call origin information. The second segment contains information such as, for example, whether the call is an inside call (intercom), an outside call (central office), or a priority call. Within the first segment, call destination information is encoded in a melodic contour pattern. Within the second segment, call origin information is encoded by varying the number of pulses obtained from a single frequency audio signal which is syncopated to the melodic contour pattern provided by different audio frequencies in the first segment.