Communicating With Dtmf

[Guest Bill Compton]

I hope some of you have realworld experience with this one.

 

I have an applicaton that users normally use the internet to check the status of something.

 

But some new clients don't have Internet access.

 

1) I want to have a customer call one of my clients.

2) the caller id is recorded at the client's site (using VoiceGuide)

3) i want to place the customer on hold using the telco's 3-way calling feature.

4) I want to switch-hook, then dial a server running VoiceGuide

5) The server sees the caller id and recogizes it as one of my clients

6) It answers the phone and issues a tone.

7) the calling VoiceGuide computer at the client's site recognizes that as it's prompt to give a 10 digit number in DTMF

8) My server receives the DTMFs and then looks up the data.

9) The data (a 5 digit code) is sent back to the client's computer via DTMF

10) switch-hook and back to caller's session.

 

I live in Florida with a fairly fast telco. How long should the above process take. I am trying to judge if it is an acceptable delay for the customer.

 

Any input would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Bill Compton

[SupportTeam]

6) It answers the phone and issues a tone.

 

100ms (or even shorter) DTMF tone is adequate here...

 

7) the calling VoiceGuide computer at the client's site recognizes that as it's prompt to give a 10 digit number in DTMF

 

Standard modems is to have each tone on for 100 ms, and a pause of 100ms in between - so 10 digits would take 2 seconds to play. Dialogic cards can have the DTMF times set, and many phone systems will recognize a 50ms DTMF tone with a 50ms pause - so you could play the whole 10 digits in one second.

 

8) My server receives the DTMFs and then looks up the data.

 

I imagine the database lookup would take about half a second...

 

9) The data (a 5 digit code) is sent back to the client's computer via DTMF

 

around one second, or half a second if you use the faster tones and your modem/card can recognize them.

 

10) switch-hook and back to caller's session.

 

hookflash takes about 100ms usually.

 

So when you add the above that’s between 2.5 and 4 seconds.

 

you will still need to add the time taken by point 4 into the equation.

 

Please note that soon you will also be able with VoiceGuide to make an external call on another line and bridge the two calls together - so you will not need to use the 3way calling feature but can have a direct connection.