WO2017037590A1

WO2017037590A1 - Method and system for providing network operator independent ring back tones

Info

Publication number: WO2017037590A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/055095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manish Kumar Jain; Gaurav Goyal
Original assignee: Comviva Technologies Limited
Priority date: 2015-08-28
Filing date: 2016-08-26
Publication date: 2017-03-09
Also published as: IN2015DE02708A; ZA201507546B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing network operator independent ring back tones RBT. Receiving, by the first calling device, a start-trigger from the ring back tone server to start playing the first ring back tone. Playing, by the calling device, the first ring back tone stored in the local memory of said first calling device. The said first ring back tone is selected by the user of the called device corresponding to a first contact stored in the contact list of said called device.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING NETWORK OPERATOR INDEPENDENT

RING BACK TONES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the field of mobile communications. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing network operator independent ring back tones.

BACKGROUND

Ring Back Tone (RBT) services, now a days, have become an important value added service in the field of mobile communications. As social network is increasing at a rapid pace, a called user wants to share his/her personalized ring back tones to play on the calling device as a ring back tone during a call from the calling party to the called party. In addition, both the calling party and the called user wants operator independent optimized deployment methods for providing said ring back tones.

The existing prior arts disclose systems and methods for providing ring back tones that are network operator dependent. In addition, the existing prior arts disclose systems and methods wherein the ring-back tone for one or more contacts is set by the calling party device for one or more users and is played as a ring back tone during a call from the calling party device to the called party device.

Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a system and method that is network- operator independent and provides personalized ring back tone services wherein the called user can define a ring back tone to be played on the calling party device during a call from a calling party device to a called party device.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Apart from overcoming the disadvantages discussed above, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing personalized ring back tone wherein the user can avail network operator independent ring back tones.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing personalized ring back tones wherein a called user can select/define ring back tones for one or more contacts stored/not-stored in the contact list of said called device. The selected ring back tones are transmitted to a ring back tone server wherein the said ring back tone server transmits said ring back tones to calling devices corresponding to said contacts. The said ring back tones may be transmitted to the calling devices along with permission for local storing and local playing during a call involving the calling device and the called device. Another object of the invention is to provide a system and method wherein said calling device and called device interact with the ring back tone server at the time of a call for providing personalized ring back tones. The said calling device and called device interact with the ring back tone server via network operator independent triggers. The said triggers are sent/received via data communication mode or non-data communication mode.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method wherein the ring back tone services are provided by the calling device without interacting with the ring back tone server at the time of the call.

These and other objects as well as advantages will be more clearly understood from the detailed description taken in conjugation with the accompanying drawings and claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the invention, the present invention as embodied and broadly described herein, comprises a system and method for providing network operator independent personalized ring back tones.

According to one aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a system and method wherein a first ring back tone is selected for a first contact by the called device. The said first contact is contact information of a first calling device. In one alternative, different ring back tones are selected corresponding to different contacts stored in contact list of said called device. In another alternative, a single ring back tone can be selected for multiple contacts stored in said contact list. In yet another alternative, different ring back tones can be selected for different groups in said contact list wherein each group comprises one or more contacts. In yet another alternative, a single ring back tone can be selected for all the contacts stored in the contact list. In yet another alternative, a ring back tone can be selected for all contacts not stored in the contact list of said called device. In yet another alternative, a generic ring back tone can be selected for all the calls received on the called device. In yet another alternative, a specific ring back tone can be set for calls from specific callers not stored in contact list of said called device by entering a contact number on an interface provided by said ring back tone application. It would be understood that the ring back tone can also be selected using a combination of the alternatives discussed above. According to another aspect of the invention, if no RBT is selected by called device for the first calling device or the RBT application/module is not installed/inbuilt in the said called device, default RBT will be played on the calling device. The default RBT can be part of an application/module installed/inbuilt in the said calling device or is received by the ring back tone server with permission for local storing.

According to another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a system and method wherein said first ring back tone is transmitted to a ring back tone server by the called device. The said ring back tone server, thereupon, transmits said first ring back tone to the first calling device along with permission for local storing and local playing during a call involving the calling device and the called device.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a system and method for providing personalized ring back tones wherein network operator independent triggers are sent from the calling device and the called device to the ring back tone server at the time of call. The said triggers are sent via a data communication mode or a non-data communication mode.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a system and method for providing personalized ring back tone wherein network operator independent triggers are sent from the ring back tone server to the calling device at the time of call. The said triggers are sent via a data communication mode or a non-data mode.

According to another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a system and method wherein the ring back tone services are provided by the calling device without interacting with the ring back tone server at the time of the call.

These and other aspects as well as advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjugation with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

To further clarify advantages and aspects of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a network operator independent system 100 for providing personalized ring back tones, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates the constructional details of a mobile communication device 200, which can act as either a calling device 120 or a called device 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a computing system 300, which can act as a server for providing network operator independent ring back tones, in accordance with an embodiment the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400, implemented at the first calling device for providing a network operator independent personalized ring back tones, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500, implemented at the first calling device for providing a network operator independent personalized ring back tone, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary method 600, implemented at a called device for providing network operator independent personalized ring back tone, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary method 700, implemented at a ring back tone server for providing network operator independent personalized ring back tone, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a use case for providing personalized ring back tones wherein the ring back tone (RBT) application is installed in the calling device and the called device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a use case for providing personalized ring back tones in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, wherein the data communication mode of the said first calling device and data communication mode of said called device is switched on at the time of call.

Figure 10 illustrates a use case for providing personalized ring back tones in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, wherein the data communication mode of the said first calling device is switched off and data communication mode of said called device is switched on at the time of call.

Figure 11 illustrates a use case for providing personalized ring back tones in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, wherein the data communication mode of the said first calling device is switched on and data communication mode of said called device is switched off at the time of call. Figure 12 illustrates a use case for providing personalized ring back tones in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, wherein the data communication mode of the said first calling device and data communication mode of said called device is switched off at the time of call.

Figure 13 illustrates a use case for providing personalized ring back tones in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, wherein the calling device interacts with an RBT application/module for providing network operator independent ring back tones in accordance with the present invention.

It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term "some" as used herein is defined as "none, or one, or more than one, or all." Accordingly, the terms "none," "one," "more than one," "more than one, but not all" or "all" would all fall under the definition of "some." The term "some embodiments" may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments.

Accordingly, the term "some embodiments" is defined as meaning "no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments." The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to "includes," "comprises," "has," "consists," and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language "MUST comprise" or "NEEDS TO include." Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way it may still be referred to as "one or more features" or "one or more elements" or "at least one feature" or "at least one element." Furthermore, the use of the terms "one or more" or "at least one" feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as "there NEEDS to be one or more . . . " or "one or more element is REQUIRED."

Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.

Reference is made herein to some "embodiments." It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfill the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non- obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to "a first embodiment," "a further embodiment," "an alternate embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "multiple embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "further embodiment", "furthermore embodiment", "additional embodiment" or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.

Figure 1 illustrates a network operator independent system 100 for providing personalized ring back tone, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The said system comprises atleast one called device 110, atleast one calling device 120 and atleast one ring back tone server 130. The said calling device 120 and said called device 110 are mobile communication devices capable of communicating with each other via a circuit communication mode or a data communication mode. The data communication mode sends data over Internet Protocol (IP) network.

The said called device 110 and the calling device 120 interact with the ring back tone server 130 via a data communication mode. In absence of a data communication mode, the said called device 110 and calling device 120 interact with the ring back tone server 130 via a non-data communication mode. The said non-data communication mode sends data using means including SMS mode and the likes. The ring back tone server 130 also interacts with the called device 110 and the calling device 120 via a data communication mode or a non- data communication mode.

Figure 2 illustrates the constructional details of a mobile communication device 200, which can act as either a calling device 120 or a called device 110. The said mobile communication device 200 may include one or more of: a processing unit 201, a memory unit 202 having a ring back tone (RBT) application/module 203 for providing personalized ring back tones and related data 204 involved therein, a user interface 205, a communication interface 206 an antenna assembly 207 and a smart card 208.

The processing unit 201 may include one or more processors, microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or the like. The processing unit 201 may control the operation of the said mobile communication device 200 and its components. The memory unit 202 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and/or other type of memory to store data and instructions that may be used by the processing unit 201. The memory unit 202 includes a Ring Back Tone (RBT) application/module 203 and corresponding RBT data 204. More specifically, the RBT application 203 may be a pre-installed application or may be downloaded from a server hosting such an external application. In an alternative implementation, the functionality provided by the RBT application may be implemented inbuilt in the device 200. A dedicated RBT module 203 may be provided in the device 200 for that purpose. The RBT application/module 203 may include one or more of routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks, functions or implement particular abstract data types. The RBT data 204, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by the RBT application/module 203.

The user interface 205 may include mechanisms for inputting information to the device 200 and/or for outputting information from the device 200. Examples of input and output mechanisms might include a speaker to receive electrical signals and output audio signals; a camera lens to receive image and/or video signals and output electrical signals; a microphone to receive audio signals and output electrical signals; buttons (e.g., control buttons and/or keys of a keypad) to permit data and control commands to be input into the device 200; a display to output visual information; a light emitting diode; a vibrator to cause the device 200 to vibrate etc.

The communication interface 206 may include any transceiver-like mechanism that enables the device 200 to communicate with other devices and/or systems. For example, the communication interface 206 may include a modem or an Ethernet interface to a LAN. The communication interface 206 may also include mechanisms for communicating via a network, such as a wireless network. For example, the communication interface 206 may include a transmitter that may convert baseband signals from the processing unit 201 to radio frequency (RF) signals and/or a receiver that may convert RF signals to baseband signals. Alternatively, the communication interface 206 may include a transceiver to perform functions of both a transmitter and a receiver. The communication interface 206 may connect to the antenna assembly 207 for transmission and/or reception of the RF signals.

The antenna assembly 207 may include one or more antennas to transmit and/or receive RF signals over the air. The antenna assembly 207 may, for example, receive RF signals from the communication interface 206 and transmit them over the air and receive RF signals over the air and provide them to the communication interface 206. In one implementation, for example, the communication interface 206 may communicate with new generation cellular network, older generation cellular network, and/or with one or more other cellular networks.

The device 200 may perform certain operations. The device 200 may perform these operations in response to the processing unit 201 executing software instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as the memory unit 202. A computer-readable medium may be defined as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device may include spaces within a single physical memory device or spread across multiple physical memory devices. The software instructions may be read into the memory unit 202 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via the communication interface 206. The software instructions contained in the memory unit 202 may cause the processing unit 201 to perform processes described herein. Alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The processing unit 201 may communicate with a smart card 208. For example, the processing unit 201 may receive instructions from the smart card 208 and may perform the received instructions. In one example, the smart card 208 may instruct the processing unit 201 to provide particular information to a particular element of environment, for example, new generation cellular network via the communication interface 206 and/or to request particular information from a particular element of such environment. As another example, the processing unit 201 may receive, via the communication interface 206, particular information for smart card 208 from a particular element of network environment, for example, a provisioning server and/or may receive a request for particular information about smart card 208 from a particular component of the network environment. As yet another example, when the device 200 powers up, the smart card 208 may take control and may instruct the processing unit 201 to perform one or more operations.

Although Figure 2 shows a number of components of the device 200, in other implementations, the device 200 may include fewer components, different components, differently arranged components, or additional components than depicted in said Figure 2. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of the device 200 may perform the tasks described as being performed by one or more other components of the device 200. In one embodiment, the device 200 acts as a called device 110 for receiving calls from one or more calling devices and for interacting with the ring back tone server 130. Said called device 110 comprises: a processing unit 201, a communication interface unit, a memory unit 202 coupled with the processing unit 201, the memory unit 202 having an RBT application/module 203 for: (i) storing atleast a first contact in a contact list wherein the said first contact corresponds to a first calling device, (ii) selecting a first ring back tone or information pertaining to selection of said first ring back tone corresponding to said first contact, (iii) transmitting said first ring back tone or information pertaining to selection of said first ring back tone to the ring back tone server, (iv) sending a call receive and/or a call connect/call disconnect trigger to the ring back tone server.

In one alternative, a different ring back tone is selected for each contact stored in said contact list. In another alternative, a single ring back tone is selected for multiple contacts stored in said contact list. In yet another alternative, a single ring back tone is selected for all the contacts stored in the contact list. In yet another alternative, a ring back tone is selected for all the contacts not stored in the contact list of said called device. In yet another alternative, a generic ring back tone can be selected for all the calls received on the said called device. In yet another alternative, a specific ring back tone can be set for calls for specific callers not stored in contact list of said called device by entering a contact number on the interface provided by said ring back tone application.

In another embodiment, said device 200 acts as said first calling device for making outgoing calls to the said called device and interacting with the ring back tone server. Said first calling device comprises: a processing unit 201, a communication interface unit, a memory unit 202 coupled with the processing unit 201, the memory unit 202 having an RBT application/module 203 for: (i) receiving, from the ring back tone server, a first ring back tone, in response to satisfaction of atleast one pre-determined criterion, said first ring back tone selected by the said called device or a default ring back tone in case (a) ring back tone is not selected by the called device or (b) ring back tone application/module is not installed/inbuilt in the said called device (ii) local storing of said first ring back tone, (iii) sending a call initiation trigger to the ring back tone server, (iv) receiving a start trigger from the ring back tone server for local playing of the said first ring back tone, (v) receiving a stop trigger from the ring back tone server to stop playing the ring back tone on call connection, (vi) playing of the ring back tone by the said RBT application module on the calling device. Figure 3 illustrates a computing system 300 for providing a network operator independent ring back tone, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In one preferred implementation, the computing system 300 may be a network operator independent server 300 that can perform the method 400, 500, 600 and 700 described in conjunction with Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7. In an alternative implementation, the server 300 may be deployed in operator premises to serve the subscribers of the network operator without requiring any trigger from the network operator. In another implementation, the server 300 may be implemented as a distributed system, wherein a network operator independent component interacts with a component deployed in operator premises to exchange cross operator information. The server 300 may be an application server hosting an application for providing ring back tones, such as a ring back tone (RBT) application 303. In one specific implementation, the server 300 may be implemented as a cloud based solution.

The computing system 300 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computing system 300 to perform any one or more of the methods disclosed. The computing system 300 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, for example, using a network to other computing systems or peripheral devices.

In a networked deployment, the computing system 300 may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computing system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computing system 300 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a network server, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single computing system 300 is illustrated, the term "system" shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

The computing system 300 may include a processing unit 301 e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processing unit 301 may be a component in a variety of systems. For example, the processing unit 301 may be part of a standard personal computer or a workstation. The processing unit 301 may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analysing and processing data. The processing unit 301 may implement a software program, such as code generated manually (i.e., programmed).

The computing system 300 may include a memory unit 302, such as a memory unit

302 that can communicate via a bus 303. The memory unit 302 may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory unit 302 may include, but is not limited to computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. In one example, the memory unit 302 includes a cache or random access memory for the processing unit 301. In alternative examples, the memory unit 302 is separate from the processing unit (301), such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or other memory. The memory unit (302) may be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include a hard drive, compact disc ("CD"), digital video disc ("DVD"), memory card, memory stick, floppy disc, universal serial bus ("USB") memory device, or any other device operative to store data. The memory unit (302) is operable to store instructions executable by the processing unit (301). The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described may be performed by the programmed processing unit (301) executing the instructions stored in the memory unit (302). The functions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firm-ware, microcode and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like.

As shown, the computing system 300 may or may not further include an output unit 304, such as an audio unit and/or a display unit. The examples of the display unit include, but are not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, a printer or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information. The output unit 304 may act as an interface for the user to listen/see the functioning of the processing unit 301, or specifically as an interface with the software stored in the memory unit 302 or in a removable storage device. Additionally, the computing system 300 may include an input unit 305 configured to allow a user to interact with any of the components of system 300. The input unit 305 may be a number pad, a keyboard, or a cursor control device, such as a mouse, or a joystick, touch screen display, remote control or any other device operative to interact with the computing system 300.

The computing system 300 may also include a disk or optical drive unit 306. The disk drive unit 306 may include a computer-readable medium 307 in which one or more sets of instructions 308, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions 308 may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described. In a particular example, the instructions 308 may reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory unit 302 or within the processing unit 301 during execution by the computing system 300. The memory unit 302 and the processing unit 301 also may include computer-readable media as discussed above.

The present invention contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions 308 or receives and executes instructions 308 responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network 309 can communicate voice, video, audio, images or any other data over the network 309. Further, the instructions 308 may be transmitted or received over the network 309 via a communication port or interface 310 or using the bus

303. The communication port or interface 310 may be a part of the processing unit 301 or may be a separate component. The communication port or interface 310 may be created in software or may be a physical connection in hardware. The communication port or interface 310 may be configured to connect with the network 309, external media, the output unit

304, or any other components in the computing system 300 or combinations thereof. The connection with the network 309 may be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection or may be established wirelessly as discussed later. Likewise, the additional connections with other components of the system 300 may be physical connections or may be established wirelessly. The network 309 may alternatively be directly connected to the bus 303.

The network (309) may include wired networks, wireless networks, Ethernet AVB networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, 802.1Q or WiMax network. Further, the network (309) may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols. In an alternative example, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement various parts of the computing system 300.

Also, the computing system 300 may or may not further include an RBT management unit 311. The said RBT unit 311 is configured for maintaining one or more users accounts including information pertaining to name of the subscriber (user of the calling device and called device), contact number of the said subscriber, locally stored ring back tones of said subscriber, previously selected ring back tones of said subscriber, purchased ring back tones by said subscriber, ring back tones uploaded by a system administrator for selection by the subscriber, application usage data and contacts. The said RBT unit 311 is configured to interact with the communication interface unit for presenting a selection of ring back tones to the called device such as a list of previously selected ring back tones, ring back tones uploaded by a system administrator and the likes as discussed above. The said RBT unit 311 is further configured for presenting a selected ring back tone to a calling device.

The present invention can be implemented on a variety of electronic and computing systems. For instance, one or more examples described may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application- specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

Any one or more of the methods or logic as described may be implemented in part by software programs executable by a computing system. Further, in a non-limited example, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computing system processing can be constructed to implement various parts of the computing system 300.

The computing system 300 is not limited to operation with any particular standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) may be used. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed are considered equivalents thereof.

In one embodiment, the computing system 300 is implemented as a ring back tone server 130 for providing a ring back tone. Said ring back tone server 130 comprises: a communication interface 310 for sending/receiving one or more triggers to/from the calling device and the called device, a memory unit 302 for storing the ring back tones defined by the called device and sent to the ring back tone server. In addition, the ring back tone server also stores a selection of ring back tones that can be presented to the called device. In one alternative, the ring back tone server presents a selection of ring back tone to the called device for selection of a ring back tone corresponding to a single contact. In another alternative, the ring back tone server presents a selection of ring back tone for selection of a ring back tone corresponding to multiple contacts stored in the contact list. In another alternative, the ring back tone server presents a selection of ring back tone for selection of a ring back tone corresponding to all the contacts stored in the contact list. In yet another alternative, the ring back tone server presents a selection of ring back tone to the first calling device if no RBT is selected by called device or the RBT application/module is not installed/inbuilt in the said called device.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400 implemented at the first calling device for providing a network operator independent personalized ring back tone, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

At step 401, the method comprises receiving, by the first calling device, a start- trigger from the ring back tone server to start playing the first ring back tone. At step 402, the method comprises playing, by the calling device, the first ring back tone stored in the local memory of said first calling device. The said first ring back tone is selected by the user of the called device corresponding to a first contact stored/not- stored in the contact list of said called device. The said first contact corresponds to contact information of said first calling device. The RBT application/module installed/inbuilt in the said calling device, receives the start trigger to start playing of the ring back tone. In case no start trigger is received by the RBT application/module, default network ring back tone is played on the said calling device.

In one alternative, if no RBT is selected by called device for the first calling device or the RBT application/module is not installed/inbuilt in the said called device, default RBT will be played on the calling device. The default RBT can be part of application/module installed/inbuilt in the said calling device or is received by the ring back tone server with permission for local storing.

In another alternative, said start trigger is received by the calling device via data communication mode. In another alternative, said start trigger is received by the calling device via non data communication mode. In yet another alternative, said start trigger is initially received by the calling device via a data communication mode. The said calling device, on receipt of said start trigger, sends an acknowledgement to the ring back tone server in relation to receipt of said start trigger. In case the ring back tone server does not receive an acknowledgement within a pre- determined time, another start trigger is sent to the calling device again via non data communication mode.

In yet another alternative, the said RBT application may be a pre-installed application or can be an external application requiring download and installation. In another alternative, the same functionality may be provided inbuilt in said calling device using a dedicated RBT module, i.e., there is no need to separately download an external application in said alternative implementation.

In another embodiment, said method further comprises, receiving, by the calling device, a stop trigger from the ring back tone server as shown at step 403. At step 404, the method comprises stopping, playing of the first ring back tone, in response to said stop trigger. In case no stop trigger is received by the said calling device, the RBT application/module installed/inbuilt in the said calling device intelligently stops the playing of the ring back tone on call connection of the said calling device with the said called device or on call disconnection by the said called device.

In one alternative of said embodiment, said stop trigger is received by the calling device via data communication mode. In another alternative, said stop trigger is received by the calling device via non data communication mode. In yet another alternative, said stop trigger is initially received by the calling device via a data communication mode. The said calling device, on receipt of said stop trigger, sends an acknowledgement to the ring back tone in relation to receipt of said stop trigger. In case the ring back tone server does not receive an acknowledgement within a pre-determined time, another stop trigger is sent to the calling device via non data communication mode.

In another embodiment, said method further comprises, detecting, by the first calling device, placing of a call from said first calling device to the called device as shown at step 405. At step 406, the method comprises sending, by the calling device, a call initiation trigger indicating that a call has been placed from the first calling device to the said called device.

In one alternative, said call initiation trigger is sent via a data communication mode. In another alternative, said call imitation trigger is sent via a non-data communication mode. Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 implemented at the first calling device for providing network operator independent personalized ring back tone, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

At step 501, the method comprises detecting, by the first calling device, placing of a call to the called device. At step 502, the method comprises playing of the first ring back tone in response to said detection. The said ring back tone is detected by the ring back tone (RBT) application/module.

In one alternative, the said first ring back tone is selected by the user of the called device corresponding to a first contact stored/not stored in the contact list of said called device. The said first contact corresponds to contact information of said first calling device.

In another alternative, if no RBT is selected by called device for the first calling device or the RBT application/module is not installed/inbuilt in the said called device, default RBT will be played on the calling device. The default RBT can be part of application/module installed/inbuilt in the said calling device or is received by the ring back tone server with permission for local storing.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of detecting, by the calling device, connection or disconnection of said call with said called device as shown at step 503. In such cases, the RBT application/module detects said connection/disconnection of call and stops playing the ring back tone on the first calling device.

As can be seen, the method illustrated in Figure 5 does not interact with the ring back tone server at the time of call to provide personalized ring back tones. The calling device, by means of said RBT application/module, provides personalized ring back tones without interacting with the ring back tone server at the time of call.

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary method 600 implemented at a called device for providing network operator independent personalized ring back tone, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

At step 601, the method comprises receiving, by the called device, a call from the first calling device. At step 602, the method comprises sending, by the called device, a call- receive trigger to the ring back tone server indicating receipt of said call. At step 603, the method comprises sending, by the called device, a call connect/call disconnect trigger to the ring back tone server indicating connection of said call between the calling device and the called device or call disconnection by the said called device. In case of call connection, the said call between the calling device and the called device is via one of a circuit communication mode and a data communication mode.

In one alternative, said call receive trigger and call connect/call disconnect trigger are sent via a data communication mode. In another alternative, said call receive trigger and call connect/call disconnect trigger are sent via a non-data communication mode.

In another embodiment, the called device does not interact with the ring back tone server at the time of call. In such a case, no triggers are sent from the called device to the ring back tone server. One example of such a case is when the RBT application/module installed/inbuilt in the first calling device provides personalized ring back tones without interacting with the ring back tone server at the time of call (discussed in method 500, Figure 5).

In another embodiment, said method further comprises selecting, by the called device, the first ring back tone or information pertaining to selection of the first ring back tone corresponding to the first contact stored/not stored in the contact list of said called device as shown at step 604. At step 605, the method comprises transmitting, by the called device, said first ring back tone or information pertaining to selection of the said first ring back tone to the ring back tone server, thereby enabling the ring back tone server to transmit the selected ring back tone to the first calling device along with permission of local storing and local playing during a call involving the calling device and the called device. The said ring back tone may be an audio, video or image ring back tone or any combination thereof.

In one alternative, different ring back tones are selected corresponding to different contacts stored in said contact list. In another alternative, a single ring back tone can be selected for multiple contacts stored in said contact list. In yet another alternative, different ring back tones can be selected for different groups in said contact list wherein each group comprises one or more contacts. In yet another alternative, a single ring back tone can be selected for all the contacts stored in the contact list. In yet another alternative, a ring back tone can be selected for all contacts not stored in the contact list of said called device. In yet another alternative, a generic ring back tone can be selected for all the calls received on the called device. In yet another alternative, a specific ring back tone can be set for calls from specific callers not stored in contact list of said called device by entering a contact number on an interface provided by said ring back tone application. It would be understood that the ring back tone can also be selected using a combination of the alternatives discussed above.

In yet another alternative, the present invention may provide the feature of on- demand sync wherein calling device can sync the ring back tones on local storage of said calling device. Also, data compression and decompression techniques may be used during uploading and syncing of ring back tones on said calling device.

In yet another alternative, the ring back tone corresponding to a single contact, multiple contacts or all the contacts stored in the contact list of said called device and/or ring back tone corresponding to contacts not stored in the contact list of said calling device is recorded by the said called device and is transmitted to the ring back tones server. In yet another alternative, the ring back tone corresponding to a single contact, multiple contacts or all the contacts stored in the contact list of said called device and/or ring back tone corresponding to contacts not stored in the contact list of said calling device is selected from a web portal using the said called device. The said web portal includes a list of audio, video or image ring back tones or any combination thereof. The selected ring back tones are transmitted to said ring back tone server. In yet another alternative, the called device receives a list of ring back tones from the ring back tone server along with selection parameters for selection of the ring back tones corresponding to a single contact, multiple contacts or all the contacts stored in the contact list of said called device and/or ring back tone corresponding to contacts not stored in the contact list of said calling device. The selected ring back tones are transmitted to said ring back tone server. The said selection parameters may include parameters such as an option to select a ring back tone for one or more contacts, payment options, validity of the ring back tone and the likes. In yet another alternative, the user of the called party device can create/select ring back tones from audio/video clips, images, tracks and the likes stored in the local storage memory of the called party device and select a ring back tone corresponding to a single contact, multiple contacts or all the contacts stored in the contact list of said called device and/or ring back tone corresponding to contacts not stored in the contact list of said calling device. The selected ring back tones are transmitted to the ring back tone server. In yet another alternative, the selected ring back tones can be unset or updated by the user of said called device.

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary method 700 implemented at a ring back tone server for providing network operator independent personalized ring back tone, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 701, the method comprises receiving, by the ring back tone server, the call receive trigger from the called device indicating receipt of the call. At step 702, the method comprises sending, by the ring back tone server, the start trigger to the calling device to start playing the first ring back tone. At step 703, the method comprises receiving, by the ring back tone server, the call connect trigger/call disconnect trigger from the called device. At step 704, the method comprises sending, by the ring back tone server, the stop trigger to the calling device indicating that a call connection had been made between the calling device and the called device or a call has been disconnected by the said called device.

In one alternative, said call receive trigger and call connect/call disconnect trigger are received by the ring back tone server via a data communication mode. In another alternative, said call receive trigger and call connect/call disconnect trigger are received by the ring back tone server via a non-data communication mode

In yet another alternative, said start trigger is sent by the ring back tone server via data communication mode. In yet another alternative, said start trigger is sent by the ring back tone server via non data communication mode. In yet another alternative, said start trigger is initially sent by the ring back tone server via a data communication mode. The said calling device, on receipt of said start trigger, sends an acknowledgement to the ring back tone in relation to receipt of said start trigger. In case the ring back tone server does not receive an acknowledgement within a pre-determined time, a start trigger is sent to the calling device again via non data communication mode.

In yet another alternative, said stop trigger is sent by the ring back tone server via data communication mode. In yet another alternative, said stop trigger is sent by the ring back tone server via non data communication mode. In yet another alternative, said stop trigger is initially sent by the ring back tone server via a data communication mode. The said calling device, on receipt of said stop trigger, sends an acknowledgement to the ring back tone in relation to receipt of said stop trigger. In case the ring back tone server does not receive an acknowledgement within a pre-determined time, a stop trigger is sent to the calling device again via non data communication mode.

In another embodiment, said method further comprises receiving, by the ring back tone server, the call initiation trigger from the calling device indicating placing of a call by the calling device as shown at step 705.

In one alternative, said call initiation trigger is received by the ring back tone server via a data communication mode. In another alternative, said call initiation trigger is sent by the ring back tone server via a non-data communication mode. In another embodiment, said method further comprises: receiving, by the ring back tone server, a first ring back tone or information pertaining to selection of said first ring back tone corresponding to the first contact from the called device as shown at step 706.

At step 707, the method comprises transmitting, by the ring back tone server, said ring back tone to said first calling device, in response to selection of atleast one predetermined criterion, said transmission of ring back tone being accompanied with the permission for local storing and local playing of the ring back tone during a call involving the calling device and the called device.

In one alternative, different ring back tones are received by the ring back tone server corresponding to different contacts stored in the contact list of said called device. In another alternative, a single ring back tone is received by the ring back tone server corresponding to multiple contacts stored in contact list of said called device. In yet another alternative, different ring back tones are received by the ring back tone server corresponding to different groups in the contact list of said called device, wherein each group comprises one or more contacts. In yet another alternative, a single ring back tone is received by the ring back tone server for all the contacts stored in the contact list of said called device. In yet another alternative, a ring back tone is received by the ring back tone server for all contacts not stored in the contact list of said called device. In yet another alternative, a generic ring back tone is received by the ring back tone server for all the calls received on the called device. In yet another alternative, a specific ring back tone is received by the ring back tone server for specific callers/users not stored in contact list of said called device. The ring back tone corresponding to said specific callers/users is selected by entering a contact number on an interface provided by ring back tone application installed/inbuilt on said called device. It would be understood that the ring back tone server can receive ring back tones using a combination of the alternatives discussed above.

In yet another alternative, said pre-determined criterion includes default transmission of selected ring back tone to the first calling device without seeking request/confirmation from the calling device. In yet another alternative, said pre-determined criterion includes transmission of selected ring back tone pursuant to receiving a request/confirmation from the first calling device. The request/confirmation can be presented to the calling device via means including push messages, flash messages, presentation of tone upload in application and the likes.

In yet another embodiment, the method comprises transmitting, by the ring back tone server, a default ring back tone to said first calling device. Such a case may occur when a ring back tone is not selected for the first calling device by said called device or RBT application/module is not installed/inbuilt in said called device.

Figures 8 to 13 illustrate some exemplary use cases of the invention, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these uses cases are exemplary in nature; there could be many more situations wherein the concepts of present invention could be utilized to achieve one or more advantages of the present invention. The exemplary use cases described hereinafter implement the present invention through an application installed in the calling device and the called device, which may be a pre-installed application or can be an external application requiring download and installation. In another alternative implementation, the same functionality may be provided inbuilt in said calling device and called device using a dedicated RBT module, i.e., there is no need to separately download an external application in said alternative implementation.

More specifically, Figure 8 illustrates a use case 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein a network operator independent server 130 provides ring back tone (RBT) service through an application, which can be installed in user devices i.e. the calling device 120 and the called device 110. The server 130 interacts with calling device 120 and called device 110. In one implementation, the server 130 may optionally be implemented as a cloud based solution as indicated in the Figure through a cloud drawn using a dotted line. In order to get this RBT service, a calling party can download the application provided by the server 130 on the calling device 120 and create a profile. Similarly, a called party can also download the application provided by the server 130 on the called device 110 and create a profile.

Figure 9 illustrates a use case 900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the data communication mode of the said first calling device and data communication mode of said called device is switched on at the time of call.

At step 901, a call is placed from the first calling device to the called device via a circuit connection mode or data communication mode. At step 902, a call initiation trigger is sent from the first calling device to the ring back tone server via data communication mode. The said call initiation trigger indicates that a call has been placed from the said first calling device to the said called device. At step 903, a call receive trigger is sent from the called device to the ring back tone server via a data communication mode. The said call receive trigger indicates that the called device has received the call placed by the first calling device. At step 904, a start trigger is transmitted from the RBT server to the calling device via a data communication mode. The said start trigger starts playing of the ring back tone on the first calling device, said first ring back tone stored locally on the said first calling device. In case no start trigger is received, default network ring back tone is played on the said calling device.

At step 905, a call connect/call disconnect trigger is transmitted from the called device to the ring back tone server via a data communication mode. The said call connect/call disconnect trigger indicates that a call connection has been made between the first calling device and called device or the call has been disconnected by said called device. At step 906, a stop trigger is transmitted from the RBT server to the calling device via a data communication mode. The said stop trigger stops playing of the ring back tone on the first calling device. In case no stop trigger is received by the said calling device, RBT application installed in the said calling device intelligently stops the playing of the ring back tone on call connection with the called device or call disconnection by the said called device At step 907, in case of call connection, the user of the calling device communicates with the user of the called device over a circuit connection mode or a data communication mode.

In one alternative of said embodiment, step 902 is optional i.e. a call initiation trigger is not sent from the first calling device to the ring back tone server.

Figure 10 illustrates a use case 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the data communication mode of the said first calling device is switched off and data communication mode of said called device is switched on at the time of call.

At step 1001, a call is placed from the first calling device to the called device via a circuit communication mode. At step 1002, a call initiation trigger is sent from the first calling device to the ring back tone server via a non-data mode. The said call initiation trigger indicates that a call has been placed from the said first calling device to the said called device. At step 1003, a call receive trigger is sent from the called device to the ring back tone server via a data communication network. The said call receive trigger indicates that the called device has received the call placed by the said first calling device. At step 1004, a start trigger is transmitted from the ring back tone server to the calling device via a non-data mode. The said start trigger starts playing of the ring back tone on the calling device. In case no start trigger is received by the calling device, default network ring back tone is played on the said calling device.

At step 1005, a call connect/call disconnect trigger is transmitted from the called device to the ring back tone server via a data communication network. The said call connect/call disconnect trigger indicates that a call connection has been made between the first calling device and called device or the call has been disconnected by the called device. At step 1006, a stop trigger is transmitted from the ring back tone server to the calling device via a non-data mode. The said stop trigger stops playing of the ring back tone on the said first calling device. In case no stop trigger is received by the said calling device, RBT application installed in the said calling device intelligently stops the playing of the ring back tone on call connection with the called device or call disconnection by the said called device.

At step 1007, in case of call connection, the user of the calling device communicates with the user of the called device over a circuit communication mode.

In another embodiment of said use case, step 1002 is optional i.e. a call initiation trigger is not sent from the first calling device to the RBT server.

Figure 11 illustrates a use case 1100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the data communication mode of the said first calling device is switched on and data communication mode of said called device is switched off at the time of call.

At step 1101, a call is placed from the first calling device to the called device via a circuit communication mode. At step 1102, a call initiation trigger is sent from the first calling device to the ring back tone server via a data communication mode. The said call initiation trigger indicates that a call has been placed from the said first calling device to the said called device. At step 1103, a call receive trigger is sent from the called device to the ring back tone server via a non-data mode. The said call receive trigger indicates that the called device has received the call placed by the said first calling device.

At step 1104, a start trigger is transmitted from the ring back tone server to the calling device via a data communication mode. The said start trigger starts playing of the ring back tone on the calling device. In case no start trigger is received by the calling device, default network ring back tone is played on the said calling device

At step 1105, a call connect/call disconnect trigger is transmitted from the called device to the ring back tone server via a non-data mode. The said call connect/call disconnect trigger indicates that a call connection has been made between the first calling device and called device or the call has been disconnected by the called device.

At step 1106, a stop trigger is transmitted from the ring back tone server to the calling device via a data communication mode. The said stop trigger stops playing of the ring back tone on the said first calling device. In case no stop trigger is received by the said calling device, RBT application installed in the said calling device intelligently stops the playing of the ring back tone on call connection with the called device or call disconnection by the said called device.

At step 1107, in case of connection of the said call, the user of the calling device communicates with the user of the called device over a circuit communication mode .

In another embodiment of said use case, step 1102 is optional i.e. a call initiation trigger is not sent from the first calling device to the RBT server.

Figure 12 illustrates a use case 1200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the data communication mode of the said first calling device and data communication mode of said called device is switched off at the time of call.

At step 1201, a call is placed from the first calling device to the called device via a circuit communication mode. At step 1202, a call initiation trigger is sent from the first calling device to the ring back tone server via non data communication mode. The said call initiation trigger indicates that a call has been placed from the said first calling device to the said called device. At step 1203, a call receive trigger is sent from the called device to the RBT server via non-data mode. The said call receive trigger indicates that the called device has received the call placed by the first calling device. At step 1204, a start trigger is transmitted from the RBT server to the calling device via a non-data mode. The said start trigger starts playing of the ring back tone on the said first calling device. In case no start trigger is received by the calling device, default network ring back tone is played on the said calling device

At step 1205, a call connect/call disconnect trigger is transmitted from the called device to the ring back tone server via non data communication mode. The said call connect/call disconnect trigger indicates that a call connection has been made between the first calling device and called device or the call has been disconnected by the called device.

At step 1206, a stop trigger is transmitted from the RBT server to the calling device via non data communication mode. The said stop trigger stops playing of the ring back tone on the said first calling device. In case no stop trigger is received by the said calling device, RBT application installed in the said calling device intelligently stops the playing of the ring back tone on call connection with the called device or call disconnection by the said called device.

At step 1207, in case of connection of the call, the user of the calling device communicates with the user of the called device over a circuit communication mode. .

In another embodiment of said use case, step 1202 is optional i.e. a call initiation trigger is not sent from the first calling device to the RBT server. Figure 13 illustrates a use case 1300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the calling device interacts with an RBT application/module for providing network operator independent ring back tones in accordance with the present invention.

At step 1301, a call is placed from the first calling device to the called device via a data communication network or circuit communication mode. At step 1302, the ring back tone application installed in the first calling device detects the ringing on placing of said call. At step 1303, the ring back tone application starts the playing of ring back tone. At step 1304, the ring back tone application detects the call connection or a call disconnection between the said first calling device and the called device i.e. user of the called device answers the call or disconnects the call. In response to the connection or disconnection of said call, the ring back tone application stops playing the said ring back tone as shown at step 1305.

While certain present preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Clearly, the invention may be otherwise variously embodied, and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A method for providing ring back tone, said method comprising:

- receiving, by a first calling device, a start trigger from a ring back tone server to start playing a ring-back tone; and

- playing, by the first calling device, the said ring-back tone, wherein said ring back tone is one of:

- (a) a first ring back tone selected by a called device corresponding to a first contact and stored in a local memory of said calling device; and

- (b) default ring back tone.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising

- receiving, by the first calling device, a stop trigger from the ring back tone server indicating that a connection has been made with the called device; and

- stopping, playing of the ring-back tone, in response to said stop trigger.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

- detecting, by the first calling device, placing of said call to the called device; and

- sending, by the first calling device, a call initiation trigger to the ring back tone server.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said call is placed via one of a circuit communication mode and a data communication mode.

5. The method as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein said start trigger, stop trigger and call initiation trigger are sent/received by the calling device via a data communication mode.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said start trigger, stop trigger and call initiation trigger are sent/received by the calling device via non-data communication mode in absence of a data communication mode.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring -back tone is one of an audio, video and image ring back tone or any combination thereof.

8. A method for providing ring back tone, said method comprising: - receiving, by a called device, a call from a first calling device;

- sending, by the called device, a call-receive trigger to a ring back tone server indicating receipt of said call; and

- sending, by the called device, a call-connect/call disconnect trigger to the ring back tone server indicating connection of said call.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said call is received via one of a circuit communication mode and data communication mode.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising:

- transmitting, by the called device, a first ring back tone or information pertaining to selection of said first ring back tone corresponding to a first contact to the ring back tone server, thereby enabling the ring back tone server to transmit the selected ring-back tone to a first calling device along with permission for local storing and local playing during a call involving the first calling device and the called device.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said call-receive trigger and call connect/call disconnect trigger are sent from the called device via a data communication mode.

12. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said call-connect trigger and call receive trigger are sent from the called device sent via non-data mode.

13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the said ring-back tones is one of audio, video and image ring-back tone or any combination thereof.

14. A method for providing ring back tones, said method comprising:

- receiving, by a ring back tone server, a call receive trigger from a called device indicating receipt of a call;

- sending, by the ring back tone server, a start trigger to a first calling device to start playing a first ring-back tone;

- receiving, by the ring back tone server, a call-connect/call disconnect trigger from the called device; and

- sending, by the ring back tone server, a stop trigger to the first calling device indicating that a connection has been made with the called device.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising:

- receiving, by the ring back tone server, a call initiation trigger indicating placing of a call by the first calling device .

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said call is placed via one of a circuit communication mode and a data communication mode.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said call receive trigger and call- connect/call disconnect triggers are received by the ring back tone server from the called device via a data communication mode or a non-data mode.

18. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the start trigger and the stop trigger are sent by the ring back tone server to the calling device via a data communication mode or a non-data mode.

19. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the call initiation trigger is received by the ring back tone server from the calling device via a data communication mode or a non-data mode.

20. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising:

- receiving, by the ring back tone server, a first ring back tone or information pertaining to selection of a first ring back tone corresponding to a first contact from the called device; and

- transmitting, by the ring-back tone server, said first ring-back tone to a first calling device, in response to satisfaction of atleast one pre-determined criteria, said transmission of ring back tone being accompanied with a permission for local storing and local playing of the ring-back tone during a call involving the first calling device and the called device.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein said pre-determined criteria includes default transmission of selected ring back tone to the first calling device.

22. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein said pre-determined criteria includes transmission of selected ring back tone pursuant to receiving a request/confirmation from the first calling device.

23. The method as claimed in claims 14 and 20, wherein the said ring-back tone is an audio, video and picture ring-back tone or any combination thereof.

24. A method for providing ring back tone, said method comprising:

- detecting, by the first calling device , placing of a call to a called device; and

- playing of a ring back tone in response to said detection, wherein said ring back tone is one of:

- (b) default ring back tone.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, said method further comprising:

- detecting, by the calling device , connection/disconnection of said call; and

- stopping, playing of said first ring back tone, in response to connection/disconnection of said call.

25. The method as claimed in claims 24 and 25, wherein the step of detecting is performed by RBT application/module.

26. A server for providing ring back tone, said server comprising:

- a communication interface unit for receiving a call receive trigger and a call connect/call disconnect trigger from a called device; said communication unit further configured to sending a start trigger and stop trigger to a first calling device; and

- a memory unit for receiving a first ring back tone or information pertaining to selection of said first ring back tone from the called device;

27. The server as claimed in claim 26, wherein the communication interface unit is further configured to receive a call initiation trigger from said first calling device.

28. The server as claimed in claim 26, wherein the communication interface unit is further configured to transmit a first ring back tone to the first calling device in response to satisfaction of atleast one pre-determined criteria, said transmission of the first ring back tone being accompanied with a permission for local storing and local playing of the first ring back tone during a call involving the calling device and the called device.

29. The server as claimed in claim 27, wherein said pre-determined criteria includes default transmission of selected ring back tone to the first calling device.

30. The server as claimed in claim 27, wherein said pre-determined criteria includes transmission of selected ring back tone pursuant to receiving a request/confirmation from the first calling device.