System and method for efficiently transporting dual-tone multi-frequency/multiple frequency (dtmf/mf) tones in a telephone connection on a network-based telephone system

Abstract

A method and system in a network telephony system for transporting audio signals with lower delay when DTMF is not present. The method of transporting audio signals determines whether DTMF signals are included in the audio signal, or are likely to be transported according to the called or calling parties. A delay is imposed in the audio when DTMF signals are sensed or determined to be present as indicated by the calling party, the destination telephone number, the called party, and various other indicators. A timer may be used to trigger a reduction and elimination in the audio delay after an initial period in the call for calls in which DTMF signaling is used for an initial period of the call. The timer may also trigger the reduction and elimination in the audio delay when no DTMF signals have been received after a period of time. The system uses a DTMF detector to sense DTMF signals in the audio signal and to signal the delay generator to impose a delay in the audio stream. The delay generator may impose the delay by elongating the time between talk-spurts or by inserting fill packets in the audio stream. The delay may be removed from the audio stream when DTMF is not likely to be present.