Statement of the Problem

Background:
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is an integral part of today’s communications. The demand for economical voice service is increasing through the world and there are several major service providers such as “Skype”, “Vonage” and “Voicestick”. Consumers use these programs to communicate across the world for only a few cents per minute.  Although these services are economical for communicating with people via VOIP, they do not include services to dial 911 emergency calls.  With Intelligent Phone Service Selector (IPSS), people will be able to dial a number or Skype username using an intelligent program.  The program will recognize the number or username and choose the most beneficial way to connect the call.  In the case of an emergency call, 911 will be routed to the landline so local emergency services can be contacted.  The software will choose between a modem or an Ethernet with VOIP.

The Design:
• Headset with speaker and microphone connect to a box with circuitry for wiring phone calls to RJ-11 Jack (Landline).
• User enters phone number or Skype username on Graphical User Interface (GUI) interface.
• GUI software chooses whether to connect the call through Ethernet or landline.
• When 911 is dialed, the intelligent software recognizes this as an emergency and dials using the landline so that local emergency services can be contacted.
• GUI will detect internet connection and include cancellations of calls
• Circuitry will include devices for allowing voice to reach the RJ-11 jack in the case of a landline phone call.


Deliverables of the Design Project:
The team will produce a fully functioning project for recognizing differences in phone numbers and usernames and invoking the most efficient method for making a phone call.  IPSS will dial 911 calls to local emergency services, as well as select the best methods for dialing other types of phone calls.  A headset with speakers and a microphone will be used to talk and listen.  The numbers are dialed on a user friendly GUI interface.  There will be design documentation including how the user interface works and the computer requirements to run the program. The software will be reviewed and tested by the group under the supervision of Professor Kundu.


Submitted September 22, 2005
Updated December 6, 2005