Efficient Detection Approach for DTMF Signal Detection

A novel tone detection approach, designated as the multi-frequency detecting (MFD) algorithm, is presented in this work as an alternative to conventional single point detection approaches but it is an efficient way to achieve the aim of further computational load reduction for a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signal detection. The idea is that an optimal phase search is performed over the frequency band of interest in each tone detection, and then the optimal frequency response of a detector is built accordingly. In this manner, a DTMF detection task is done following one-time detection computation. This proposal demonstrates an overall computational load reduction of 80.49% and 74.06% in comparison with a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) approach and the Goertzel algorithm, respectively. This detection complexity reduction is an advantage and an important issue for applying DTMF detection technique to embedded devices.