US20070127700A1 - Method and System for Providing Voice Communication Over Data Networks - Google Patents
Method and System for Providing Voice Communication Over Data Networks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070127700A1 US20070127700A1 US11/464,724 US46472406A US2007127700A1 US 20070127700 A1 US20070127700 A1 US 20070127700A1 US 46472406 A US46472406 A US 46472406A US 2007127700 A1 US2007127700 A1 US 2007127700A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- station
- network
- canceled
- identification code
- communication channel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
- H04M7/006—Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
- H04L61/09—Mapping addresses
- H04L61/10—Mapping addresses of different types
- H04L61/106—Mapping addresses of different types across networks, e.g. mapping telephone numbers to data network addresses
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
- H04L65/10—Architectures or entities
- H04L65/102—Gateways
- H04L65/1023—Media gateways
- H04L65/103—Media gateways in the network
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
- H04L65/10—Architectures or entities
- H04L65/102—Gateways
- H04L65/1033—Signalling gateways
- H04L65/104—Signalling gateways in the network
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
- H04L65/1066—Session management
- H04L65/1069—Session establishment or de-establishment
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
- H04L65/1066—Session management
- H04L65/1101—Session protocols
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
- H04L61/50—Address allocation
- H04L61/5076—Update or notification mechanisms, e.g. DynDNS
Definitions
- the invention relates to a system and method for providing voice communication to subscribers over data networks.
- Networks carry three types of information: voice, video, and data. Historically, these different forms of information have been transported over different networks. Specifically, the telephone network delivered voice information; private corporate networks delivered data information; and broadcast networks delivered video information. Each service was provided by a specific form of infrastructure—the telephone network used copper wires to reach subscribers, broadcast television used the airwaves, cable television used coaxial cable, and so forth.
- telephony services i.e., voice and facsimile
- data networks such as the Internet.
- Internet telephony refers to the transfer of voice information using the Internet protocol (IP) of the TCP/IP or UDP/IP protocol suite.
- IP Internet protocol
- Internet telephony uses the Internet to simulate a telephone connection between two Internet users and to bypass the local exchange carriers' and inter-exchange carrier's telephone networks.
- Internet telephony works by converting voices into data which can be compressed and split into packets. These data packets are sent over the Internet like any other packets and reassembled as audio output at the receiving end.
- the ubiquitous nature of the Internet allows a user to complete such Internet telephone connections to many countries around the world. Accordingly, by using the Internet to provide telephony services, the user can avoid paying per-minute toll charges assessed by the user's local exchange carrier and/or inter-exchange carrier. Rather, the user is subject to only his or her local Internet connection fees. The result may be considerable savings when compared to international telephone rates.
- the Internet utilizes “dynamic routing,” wherein data packets are routed using the best routing available for a packet at a particular moment in time, given the current traffic patterns.
- This system allows many different communications to be routed simultaneously over the same transmission facilities.
- a circuit-switched telephone network such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN) establishes dedicated, end-to-end transmission paths.
- PSTN public switched telephone network
- the Internet allows network resources to be used more efficiently.
- the multimedia personal computers which have been loaded with certain telephony software, can access the data network using a local circuit-switched telephone network to a voice over packet gateway residing in an Internet Service Provider (ISP) point of presence.
- ISP Internet Service Provider
- the typical multimedia personal computer system used for Internet telephony includes a personal computer, a monitor, an analog-voice-to-digital-signal and digital-signal-to-analog-voice converter (converter), Internet telephone software, a full-duplex sound card, a microphone, speakers, and a 28 Kbps or higher rate modulation/demodulation (modem) device.
- the multimedia personal computer system includes several components or devices and is not easily portable, which may be undesirable for traveling business people. Further, such a personal computer system may be expensive to set up and maintain.
- the present invention relates to a method and system for providing voice communication over data networks.
- the system according to the present invention allows subscribers using Internet telephones to conduct real-time voice conversations over a data network and/or over a circuit switched network.
- a method for establishing voice communication between a first and a second station over a data network includes the steps of receiving a data network address for the first station at a second station via a first communication channel, disconnecting the first station and the second station from that first communication channel, and establishing a second communication channel between the first and the second stations whereby the station users can conduct voice communication over the data network.
- the second communication channel is established by using the data network address received at the second station.
- a device for initiating voice communication with a second device includes a storage medium having a plurality of programming modules and a single activation means for causing the device to establish a communication channel over a data network.
- the single activation means may include, but is not limited to, a programmable button, a movable switch, voice activation, or movement sensor activation.
- a device for establishing voice communication with a second device includes a compatibility module, for determining whether the second device can support voice communication over a data network, and a call initialization module. If the second device supports voice communication over a data network, the call initialization module automatically transmits a command which causes a communication channel to be established between the Internet telephonic device and the second device over a data network.
- a network server located on a data network includes a storage medium having a plurality of programming modules and a channel establishment module.
- One programming module, the registration module registers a code and a data network address into a memory in response to receiving a register command signal.
- the code uniquely identifies a calling station connected to the data network.
- a second programming module, the address query module causes a search for the code to be performed on the memory in response to receiving a search command signal.
- a third programming module, the address mapping module identifies the data network address based on the search results.
- the present invention provides advantages of establishing real-time voice communication channels over the Internet, and thereby avoid paying per-minute toll charges assessed by local or inter-exchange telephone carriers.
- the present invention enables a user to conduct voice conversations over the Internet without having to purchase and assemble the many components and devices required in a multimedia personal computer system.
- FIG. 1 illustrates multimedia personal computer systems connected over the Internet in accordance with the prior art
- FIG. 2A illustrates an Internet telephone call system according to the present invention
- FIG. 2B illustrates a first embodiment of the Internet telephone call system of FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 2C illustrates a second and alternative embodiment of the Internet telephone call system of FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 2D illustrates a third and alternative embodiment of the Internet telephone call system of FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 2E illustrates a fourth and yet further alternative embodiment of the Internet telephone call system of FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates stored data in a network server database
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the hardware architecture of the network server
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the memory unit of the network server of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an Internet telephone
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the hardware architecture of the Internet telephone
- FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the memory unit of the Internet telephone of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the Internet telephone of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a method of negotiating a telephone call over a data network in accordance with FIG. 2B ;
- FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second and alternative embodiment of the method of negotiating a telephone call over a data network in accordance with FIG. 2C ;
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a third and alternative embodiment of the method of negotiating a telephone call over a data network in accordance with FIG. 2D ;
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a fourth and yet further alternative embodiment of the method of negotiating a telephone call over a data network in accordance with FIG. 2E .
- FIG. 2A illustrates a configuration of an Internet telephone call system 10 .
- the Internet telephone call system 10 can transport voice over a packet-switched network 12 , such as the Internet, using data packets or over a circuit-switched network 14 , such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
- PSTN public switched telephone network
- an Internet subscriber (hereinafter “subscriber” and not shown) having the necessary hardware and software may conduct real-time voice conversations over the Internet 12 or over the PSTN 14 , rather than limited to using only the circuit switched network.
- the Internet telephones 16 , 18 forming the call system 10 may include a conventional telephone and an adaptor having Internet telephony enabling hardware and software, e.g., the Komodo FoneTM product available from Komodo Technology, Inc. of Los Gatos, Calif.
- Alternative Internet telephones 16 , 18 may integrate the telephone and the Internet telephony enabling hardware and software into a single system, as discussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 6-9 .
- the Internet telephone call system 10 includes at least two Internet telephones 16 , 18 , each connecting to a-central office (CO) 20 , 22 and/or a local area network (LAN) 24 , 26 . Further, each Internet telephone 16 , 18 has an associated Internet Service Provider (ISP) 28 , 30 in order to access the Internet 12 . As such, the subscriber may select the manner of communication when making a telephone call.
- ISP Internet Service Provider
- the subscriber may choose to make a traditional telephone call, wherein the Internet telephones 16 , 18 are linked and the call routed via a PSTN 14 through the COs 20 , 22 .
- the subscriber may cause the Internet telephone 16 , 18 to place the telephone call over the Internet 12 by accessing the ISP 28 , 30 via the LAN 24 , 26 or by using a dial-up modem to access the ISP, routing through the CO 20 , 22 .
- each conventional telephone unit has a unique and fixed telephone number by which other callers can signal that telephone unit.
- IP address Internet address
- the IP address identifies the destination point, or the point on the entire data network to which the data is being sent. Accordingly, a second user can locate that first user during a specific dial-up session by identifying the first user's IP address.
- the IP address is re-assigned to another user for a different dial-up session. Since the IP address assigned to a connected subscriber changes for each dial-up session, it is necessary for the Internet telephones to quickly and efficiently identify the other's temporary IP address for each Internet call.
- the process of transmitting, registering, and identifying the Internet addresses of each Internet telephone is referred to as a “call negotiation scheme.”
- a call negotiation scheme is required.
- either Internet telephone can initiate or receive an Internet telephone call, for illustrative purposes only, it will be assumed that the subscriber using the Internet telephone 16 will be the initiating caller, and the subscriber using the Internet telephone 18 will be the receiving party.
- the subscribers use dial-up modems to connect to the COs and then access the ISPs.
- an Internet telephone 16 transmits an identification code to a second Internet telephone 18 over the PSTN 14 during a voice telephone call, as indicated by dashed lines 32 . Then the voice telephone call terminates, and a connection is established between the Internet telephone 16 and its ISP 28 , as indicated by the solid line 34 .
- a dial-up modem is used to connect to the CO 20 and then to access the ISP.
- the ISP 28 assigns an IP address to the Internet telephone 16 . Once assigned, the IP address assigned to the connected subscriber for that particular dial-up session and the identification code can be stored in a network server 36 , for example, in tabular form as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the network server 36 includes a processing unit 38 , a memory unit 40 , a data storage device 42 , a network controller and interface 44 , a display device 46 , and an input device 48 .
- the processing unit 38 which may be, for example, a personal computer commercially available from Hewlett-Packard Co., communicates with the various elements via a system bus 50 .
- the memory unit 40 contains a database 52 which identifies, among other things, the identification code of each connected Internet telephone 16 , 18 and the temporary IP address assigned to the connected Internet telephones.
- the database 52 provides the means for mapping the identification code to the appropriate IP address, wherein the identification code uniquely identifies and is permanently assigned to that Internet telephone.
- the data storage device 42 is used for long-term storage of information.
- a valid identification code is required to place or receive telephone calls over the Internet 12 using that Internet telephone.
- the database 52 may also contain such information as the Internet call features available to a subscriber.
- another database which can link to the network server 36 , maintains subscriber information based on the identification code, such as region of sale, date of sale, and other data.
- the memory unit 40 includes an authorization module 54 , an address/code registration module 56 , an IP address query module 58 , an address mapping module 60 , and a channel establishment module 62 .
- the network server 36 operates under the control of an operating system, such as the well-known UNIX operating system.
- an IP address is assigned to the connected subscriber for a particular dial-up session by the ISP.
- the IP address is sent to the Internet telephone 16 , whereupon the Internet telephone 16 sends the IP address and identification code to the authentication module 54 of the network server 36 .
- the authentication module 54 verifies whether the identification code is valid.
- the address/code registration module 56 responds by registering the IP address in the database 52 of the memory unit 40 .
- the address/code registration module 56 receives a register command signal to register the IP address in the memory unit 40 .
- the IP address query module 58 receives a search command signal and causes the address mapping module 60 to identify the IP address assigned to a subscriber.
- the channel establishment module 62 establishes a communication channel between the first Internet telephone 16 and the second Internet telephone 18 .
- the network server 36 by periodically signaling the network server 36 to indicate the connection status of the Internet telephones 16 , 18 and by updating the IP addresses stored in the database 52 for each connected Internet telephone 16 , 18 , a dynamic and accurate picture of the Internet telephone environment is continuously maintained.
- an Internet telephone querying the network server 36 can determine whether a voice communication link or channel can be established with a particular subscriber using Internet facilities.
- the first and second Internet telephones 16 , 18 can establish a communication channel over the Internet 12 without previously establishing the voice telephone call. In doing so, the first subscriber can avoid incurring the telephone charges associated with placing that voice call over the circuit switched telephone network 14 .
- the subscriber of the second Internet telephone 18 has prior knowledge of the first Internet telephone's 16 identification code. Further, the subscribers of the first and second Internet telephones 16 , 18 may have pre-arranged a time to establish the communication link.
- the first Internet telephone 16 establishes a connection with its associated ISP 28 via the central office 20 , whereupon the ISP assigns an IP address to that first Internet telephone.
- the identification code and IP address of the first Internet telephone 16 are then stored in the network server 36 .
- the first Internet telephone 16 waits for the second Internet telephone 18 to locate and then establish an Internet telephony channel with said first Internet telephone.
- the second Internet telephone 18 transmits a search command signal to the network server 36 to search for the first Internet telephone's IP address.
- the subscriber of the first Internet telephone 16 can limit the amount of time spent waiting for the second Internet telephone 18 to locate and then establish this communication link.
- the subscriber may cause the Internet telephone 16 to place a call with a conventional telephone 64 which does not connect to the Internet 12 .
- the call may route via the PSTN 14 , as indicated by dotted lines 32 , or use the Internet 12 , as indicated by solid lines.
- the subscriber initiates the call using the Internet telephone 16 , and the call routes through the CO 20 to the subscriber's ISP 28 which assigns an IP address to the Internet telephone 16 .
- a gatekeeper 66 of an Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP) with which the subscriber is associated will determine the appropriate routing to an IP gateway (gateway) 68 serving the destination telephone 64 . Accordingly, the call is routed over the Internet 12 to the appropriate IP gateway 68 which then connects the call via the PSTN 14 to the CO 70 serving the destination telephone 64 . It will be understood that the call can also route through the gatekeeper 66 and the gateway 68 to the PSTN 14 , thereafter routing to the CO 70 serving the destination telephone 64 .
- ISP Internet Telephony Service Provider
- a first Internet telephone 16 can establish a communication channel with a second Internet telephone 18 without having to perform a search of the database 52 .
- a connection is established between a first Internet telephone 16 and its associated ISP 28 , whereupon the ISP assigns an IP address to that first Internet telephone.
- the first Internet telephone 16 establishes a communication channel with the second Internet telephone 18 , the channel routing via the Internet 12 and PSTN 14 by way of the gateway 68 , as described previously and indicated by dashed lines 72 .
- the first Internet telephone 16 sends its IP address to the second Internet telephone 18 .
- the second Internet telephone 18 transmits an acknowledgement signal back to the first Internet telephone 16 and stores the IP address into memory.
- the communication link 72 between the second Internet telephone 18 and the Internet 12 disconnects.
- the first Internet telephone 16 waits for the second Internet telephone 18 to locate and then establish an Internet telephony channel with said first Internet telephone, indicated by solid lines 74 , using the IP address stored in the second Internet telephone's memory.
- FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the Internet telephone 16
- FIG. 7 depicts the basic components of said Internet telephone.
- the Internet telephone 16 is preferably a stand-alone device which includes a user interface 76 , a voice interface 78 , a converter 80 , a digital signal processor unit 82 and associated logic, a memory unit 84 , and a network interface 86 .
- the Internet telephone 16 can perform voice over Internet functions, such as scanning, voice compression, data packetization, and network interfacing.
- the user interface 76 allows a user to interact with the Internet telephone 16 .
- the user interface 76 includes, among other features, a keypad 88 for dialing numbers or activating certain call functions and an audible indicator for indicating operating characteristics and/or instructions, such as new telephone messages, the call status, or selectable options from a telephonic voice menu, including available call features.
- the user interface 76 may also include a visual display 90 for displaying such operating characteristics.
- the Internet telephone 16 has a single means for activating a call function.
- the Internet telephone 16 can perform a call negotiation scheme, as discussed above, or perform a diagnostic test to verify Internet connectivity, or perform a diagnostic test to troubleshoot voice quality-of-service problems, or activate the telephonic voice menu.
- the Internet telephone 16 is shown as having single button activation 92 of call functions, it will be understood that the Internet telephone may also use voice or video activation.
- the language spoken in voice menu can be translated to another desired language by using a single activation means.
- the voice interface 78 in accordance with conventional practice, is a speaker or microphone located on the telephone handset 94 and/or base 96 . Speech signals from the microphone 78 are transmitted to a converter 80 that provides the conversion of analog voice into digital signals. Specifically, the analog voice is digitized, by means commonly known in the field, and the digital data are transmitted to a digital signal processor unit (DSP unit) 82 which provides call processing and voice processing.
- DSP unit digital signal processor unit
- the DSP unit 82 and associated logic are supported by voice processing software and a memory unit 84 , described in greater detail below.
- the DSP unit 82 includes a digital signal processor and other control processing units.
- the DSP unit 82 performs call signaling and control, voice compression and decompression, and packetization and depacketization functions.
- the memory unit 84 includes programmable and dynamic memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices.
- EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
- DRAM dynamic random access memory
- the memory unit 84 stores the call negotiation algorithms (described in greater detail below) which the DSP 82 follows, as well as provides temporary storage of incoming data not yet processed by the DSP.
- the identification code is stored in the memory unit 84 .
- the memory unit 84 includes a call initialization module 100 , a call response module 102 , an Internet telephone compatibility module 104 , a network selection module 106 , a code transmission/receipt module 108 , and an IP address transmission/receipt module 110 .
- the memory unit 84 communicates with the various elements via a system bus 112 . Each element will be described in greater detail below.
- the memory unit 84 operates under the control of an operating system 114 which allows the memory unit to perform multiple tasks, simultaneously.
- the network interface 86 allows transmission and reception of voice packets to and from the Internet telephone 16 .
- the Internet telephone 16 has telephone and/or LAN connectivity.
- the Internet telephone 16 is shown in FIG. 9 as including four means for network connection 98 , one of which allows for connection to the PSTN 14 , it will be understood that the Internet telephone may include more than four network connectors or as few as two network connectors.
- the means for network connection 98 may include, but is not limited to, RJ11 ports, RJ45 ports, RS-232 ports, and USB.
- the Internet telephone 16 in FIGS. 6 and 7 combine the user and voice interfaces 76 , 78 , the converter 80 , the DSP unit 82 and associated logic, the memory unit 84 , and the network interface 86 into a single device, one skilled in the art will appreciate that such components can be combined or separated on distinct devices without significantly affecting the functionality of the Internet telephone.
- FIG. 10 shows the steps of an exemplary embodiment of a call negotiation scheme to establish a voice communication channel over the Internet 12 between a first Internet telephone 16 and a second Internet telephone 18 , as it relates to FIG. 2B .
- the block 205 indicates that a communication channel is established between the first and second Internet telephones 16 , 18 , wherein the communication channel typically uses a circuit-switched telephone network 14 .
- the call initialization module 100 of the first Internet telephone 16 places a call to the second Internet telephone 18 via the PSTN 14 .
- the call response module 102 can then determine whether a connection has been established between the parties. This step also serves as confirmation to the first subscriber that the second subscriber is available to establish voice communication over the Internet 12 .
- the Internet telephone compatibility module 104 will make this determination if it detects the other station's capability to do so. For example, the Internet telephone compatibility module 104 can detect the other station's capability to support Internet telephony by signaling the destination station (using a signal generator) and then receiving an appropriate response signal, or acknowledgement (using a signal detector). It will be understood that the determination of whether the stations can support Internet telephony can be performed through dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signaling.
- DTMF dual tone multi-frequency
- the process moves to block 215 wherein the subscriber is made aware that the communication channel must route over a circuit switched telephone network 14 since the other station cannot support Internet telephone calls. Otherwise, the process moves to block 220 where the code transmission/receipt module 108 of the first Internet telephone 16 transmits a code, such as its identification code, which uniquely identifies that first station. For example, the subscriber may depress the programmable button 92 to trigger the code transmission/receipt module 108 to transmit the code.
- a code such as its identification code
- the second Internet telephone 18 receives the code and stores it into the memory unit 40 . Having stored the code, the process proceeds to block 230 .
- the Internet telephones 16 , 18 disconnect the communication channel (i.e., disconnect the voice link connecting the Internet telephones to the PSTN) and attempt to connect to their respective ISP 28 , 30 , for example, using the call initialization modules 100 .
- decision block 235 it is determined whether or not the Internet telephones 16 , 18 have successfully connected to their respective ISP 28 , 30 . If so, the process proceeds to block 240 where the Internet telephones 16 , 18 are assigned IP addresses by their ISPs 28 , 30 . The assigned IP addresses are then stored in the memory unit 40 . Otherwise, the process moves to decision block 245 , wherein it is decided whether or not to re-attempt connecting to the ISP since, due to incorrect “userid” or password or other reasons, the ISP was unavailable. The non-connected Internet telephone(s) will make a predetermined number of attempts to connect to the ISP, the process looping back to decision block 235 for each attempt. If a connection is not successfully established after making the predetermined number of attempts, the Internet telephone indicates the failure to the subscriber (block 250 ).
- the Internet telephones 16 , 18 can be programmed to then automatically establish a voice telephone call based on predetermined criteria. For example, a subscriber may have programmed a prioritized list of telephony service providers, such as AT&T, MCI, or 10-10-xxx dial-around services, into the memory unit 40 based upon quality-of-service and/or cost preferences. Accordingly, based on the prioritized list, the network selection module 106 of the first Internet telephone 16 will automatically select the telephone carrier listed as “highest priority” and establish a voice call over that carrier's facilities. But if such carrier facilities are unavailable, the Internet telephone 16 will select the next listed telephone carrier to establish the voice call.
- a prioritized list of telephony service providers such as AT&T, MCI, or 10-10-xxx dial-around services
- the IP address assigned to the connected Internet telephone 16 by the ISP 28 are sent by the IP address transmission/receipt module 110 to the authentication module 54 of the network server 36 .
- the address/code registration module 56 responds by registering the IP address and code in the database 52 maintained by the network server 36 .
- a search request signal from the second Internet telephone 18 is received by the network server 36 .
- the network server 36 responds to the search request signal by transmitting a search command to the address mapping module 60 , wherein the database 52 is searched for the code transmitted by the first Internet telephone 16 at block 220 .
- the IP address can be identified so that the second Internet telephone 18 can transmit call setup signals to establish an Internet telephony link.
- the EP addresses assigned to both connected Internet telephones 16 , 18 , as well as their corresponding codes are sent to the authentication module 54 , wherein the mapping function can be performed for both Internet telephones.
- decision block 265 it is determined whether or not the search is successful. If the answer to this determination is no, then the process moves to decision block 270 where it is decided whether or not to re-attempt searching the database 52 . A predetermined number of search attempts will be made on the database 52 , the process looping back each time to decision block 265 . If a search is not successful after making the predetermined number of attempts, the Internet telephone 18 indicates the failure to the subscriber (block 250 ).
- the process proceeds to decision block 275 .
- the second Internet telephone 18 has transmitted call setup signals to establish an Internet telephony link. However, it must be determined whether the channel establishment module 62 has successfully established such link. If so, the process moves to block 280 where the first and second Internet telephones 16 , 18 can conduct real-time voice conversations over the Internet 12 . Otherwise, the process moves to decision block 285 where it is decided whether or not to re-attempt establishing the Internet telephony link. A successful link will be attempted a predetermined number of times, the process looping back at each attempt to decision block 275 .
- the Internet telephones 16 , 18 indicate the failure to the subscribers (block 250 ).
- the Internet telephones 16 , 18 can be programmed to automatically select a telephony service provider based on a prioritized list. The network selection module 106 of the first Internet telephone 16 will then place a call using the telephone carrier listed as “highest priority.”
- the first and second Internet telephones 16 , 18 can establish a voice communication channel over the Internet 12 without first establishing the voice call of block 205 . In doing so, the first subscriber can avoid incurring the telephone charges associated with placing that voice call over the circuit switched telephone network 14 .
- the block 305 indicates that the first Internet telephone 16 establishes a communication channel with its associated ISP 28 .
- the call initialization module 100 of the first Internet telephone 16 accesses the ISP 28 by using a dial-up modem.
- the call response module 102 can then determine whether a connection has been established between the first Internet telephone 16 and ISP 28 . After connecting to the ISP 28 , the first Internet telephone 16 will place subsequently received telephone calls “on hold” so as not to interfere with the call negotiation process.
- the Internet telephone 16 is assigned an IP address.
- the code and IP address transmission/receipt modules 108 , 110 send the IP address and the code for the Internet telephone 16 to the authentication module 54 of the network sever 36 .
- the address/code registration module 56 responds by registering the IP address and code in the database 52 .
- the database 52 provides the mapping of the code to the corresponding IP address.
- the first Internet telephone 16 remains connected to the ISP 28 while waiting for the second Internet telephone 18 to establish an Internet telephony link. As discussed above, by pre-arranging the call time, the subscriber of the first Internet telephone 16 can minimize the time spent waiting for the second Internet telephone 18 to locate and then establish this communication link.
- the second Internet telephone 18 connects to its associated ISP 30 .
- the subscriber of the second Internet telephone 18 has prior knowledge of the code for the first Internet telephone 16 .
- the subscriber can dial the code via the user interface 52 , causing the second Internet telephone 18 to transmit a search request signal to the network server 36 .
- the network server 36 Responsive to receipt of the subscriber's transmission of the search request signal, the network server 36 transmits a search command to the address mapping module 60 , wherein the database 52 is searched for the first Internet telephone code (block 325 ).
- decision block 330 it is determined whether the database search was successful. By successfully searching the database 52 using the code, the IP address of the first Internet telephone 16 can be identified. However, if the search was not successful, the process moves to decision block 335 . Here it is decided whether or not to re-attempt searching the database 38 . The search will be performed a predetermined number of times when prior search attempts were unsuccessful, the process looping back at each attempt to decision block 330 . If such search is unsuccessful after making the predetermined number of attempts, the second Internet telephone 18 indicates the failure to the subscriber (block 340 ).
- the process flows to decision block 345 , wherein the second Internet telephone 18 has transmitted a call setup signal to establish the Internet telephony link. However, it must be determined whether the channel establishment module 62 has successfully established such Internet telephony link. If so, the process moves to block 350 wherein the first and second Internet telephones 16 , 18 are connected through the ISPs 28 , 30 , and the first and second subscribers can conduct real-time voice conversations over the Internet 12 . Otherwise, the process moves to decision block 355 where it is decided whether or not to re-attempt establishing the Internet telephony channel.
- a successful Internet telephony link will be attempted a predetermined number of times, the process looping back at each attempt to decision block 345 . If such link is not established after the predetermined number of attempts, the Internet telephones 16 , 18 indicate the failure to the subscribers (block 340 ). Substantially similar to the call negotiation scheme of FIG. 10 , the Internet telephones 16 , 18 can be programmed to then automatically select a telephony service provider based on a prioritized list and establish a voice telephone call.
- the Internet telephone 16 can establish a voice communication channel with a conventional telephone 64 that does not connect to the Internet 12 .
- the packet switched network of the Internet 12 can integrate with the circuit switched telephone network 14 .
- Such an integration of networks can allow a subscriber to communicate with another telephony user located anywhere else in the world without having to pay the long distance charges associated with making a telephone call using the PSTN 14 .
- the block 405 indicates that a subscriber will decide whether to establish a communication channel between the Internet telephone 16 and the destination telephone 64 over the Internet 12 or using the PSTN 14 . If the subscriber decides to use the PSTN 14 , then at block 415 , the Internet and conventional telephones 16 , 64 are linked and the call routed via the PSTN through the COs 20 , 70 , as indicated by dotted lines 32 . Otherwise, the process moves to block 420 , wherein a communication channel is established between the Internet telephone 16 and its associated ISP 28 , as indicated by solid lines.
- the code transmit/receipt module 108 of the Internet telephone 16 transmits a code, such as the telephone number, which uniquely identifies the destination telephone 64 .
- the Internet telephone 16 connects with the gatekeeper 66 , wherein the gatekeeper stores the destination telephone number into its database 116 .
- the gatekeeper 66 will determine the appropriate routing to the gateway 68 serving the destination telephone 36 . Accordingly, a communication path is established between the Internet telephone 16 and the destination telephone 64 whereby the communication path routes over the Internet 12 to the appropriate gateway 68 (block 440 ). Then the communication path connects via the PSTN 14 to the CO 70 serving said destination telephone. By using this communication path, the Internet telephone 16 and the destination telephone 70 can conduct real-time voice conversations over the Internet 12 (block 445 ).
- the first and second Internet telephones 16 , 18 can establish a voice communication channel over the Internet 12 without performing a search of the database 52 .
- the block 505 indicates that a communication channel is established between the first Internet telephone and its associated ISP 28 .
- the call initialization module 100 of the first Internet telephone 16 accesses the ISP 28 by using a dial-up modem.
- the call response module 102 can then determine whether a connection has been established between the first Internet telephone 16 and the ISP 28 .
- the first Internet telephone 16 will place subsequently received telephone calls “on hold” so as not to interfere with the call negotiation process.
- the ISP 28 assigns the first Internet telephone 16 an IP address which is sent to the first Internet telephone 16 and stored by the IP address transmission/receipt module 110 .
- the process flows to block 515 where the first Internet telephone 16 establishes a connection with the second Internet telephone 18 .
- the first Internet telephone 16 connects with the gatekeeper 66 , wherein the gatekeeper 66 stores the destination telephone number in its database 116 . Based at least in part on the destination telephone number, the gatekeeper 66 will determine the appropriate routing to the gateway 68 serving the second Internet telephone 18 . Then a connection is established over the Internet 12 and the PSTN 14 , by way of the gateway 68 as indicated by the dashed lines 72 .
- the Internet telephone will make this determination if it detects the other station's capability to do so.
- the Internet telephone compatibility module 104 can detect the other station's capability to support Internet telephony by signaling the destination station and then receiving an appropriate response signal, or acknowledgement.
- the process moves to block 525 wherein the subscriber is made aware that the communication channel must route over a circuit switched telephone network 14 since the other station cannot support Internet telephone calls. Otherwise, the process moves to block 530 where the code transmission/receipt module 108 of the first Internet telephone 16 transmits a code, such as its IP address, to the second Internet telephone 18 .
- the second Internet telephone 18 stores the code in the memory unit 84 .
- the code transmission/receipt module 108 of the second Internet telephone 18 then transmits an acknowledgement signal back to the first Internet telephone 16 .
- the acknowledgement signal is transmitted back to the Internet telephone 16 without having to take the second Internet telephone 18 off-hook, thereby the first subscriber can avoid incurring the telephone charges associated with placing that call.
- the Internet telephone can identify the call as being initiated from another Internet telephone by busing out-of-band signaling, such as SS7 signaling.
- the first Internet telephone 16 sends call setup signals to establish the Internet telephony link.
- the network selection module 106 transmits the call setup signals, wherein the Internet 12 is selected to establish a communication channel between the first and second Internet telephones 16 , 18 .
- the process moves to decision block 555 , wherein it is decided whether or not to re-attempt establishing the Internet telephony link.
- a successful link will be attempted a predetermined number of times, the process looping back at each attempt to decision block 545 . If such link is not established after the predetermined number of attempts, the Internet telephones 16 , 18 indicate the failure to the subscribers (block 560 ).
- the Internet telephones 16 , 18 can be programmed to automatically select a telephony service provider based on a prioritized list and then establish a voice telephone call. Substantially similar to the call negotiation schemes of FIGS. 10 and 11 , the Internet telephones 16 , 18 can be programmed to then automatically select a telephony service provider based on a prioritized list and establish a voice telephone call.
- the present invention concerns a method and communication system for providing voice communication over the Internet. It is within the scope of the present invention that the call negotiation schemes of FIGS. 10-13 are performed by activating a single means. While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made and equivalents employed without departing from the present invention.
Abstract
Description
- The application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/543,381 filed Apr. 5, 2000 and entitled “Method and System for providing Voice Communication Over Data Networks” and claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/161,168, filed on Oct. 22, 1999 and 60/166,085, filed on Nov. 17, 1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The invention relates to a system and method for providing voice communication to subscribers over data networks.
- Networks carry three types of information: voice, video, and data. Historically, these different forms of information have been transported over different networks. Specifically, the telephone network delivered voice information; private corporate networks delivered data information; and broadcast networks delivered video information. Each service was provided by a specific form of infrastructure—the telephone network used copper wires to reach subscribers, broadcast television used the airwaves, cable television used coaxial cable, and so forth.
- With advances in technology, the different forms of information can now be carried by any delivery platform. For example, telephony services (i.e., voice and facsimile) can be transported over data networks, such as the Internet.
- “Internet telephony” refers to the transfer of voice information using the Internet protocol (IP) of the TCP/IP or UDP/IP protocol suite. Internet telephony uses the Internet to simulate a telephone connection between two Internet users and to bypass the local exchange carriers' and inter-exchange carrier's telephone networks. Internet telephony works by converting voices into data which can be compressed and split into packets. These data packets are sent over the Internet like any other packets and reassembled as audio output at the receiving end. The ubiquitous nature of the Internet allows a user to complete such Internet telephone connections to many countries around the world. Accordingly, by using the Internet to provide telephony services, the user can avoid paying per-minute toll charges assessed by the user's local exchange carrier and/or inter-exchange carrier. Rather, the user is subject to only his or her local Internet connection fees. The result may be considerable savings when compared to international telephone rates.
- In addition, the Internet utilizes “dynamic routing,” wherein data packets are routed using the best routing available for a packet at a particular moment in time, given the current traffic patterns. This system allows many different communications to be routed simultaneously over the same transmission facilities. In contrast, a circuit-switched telephone network, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN), establishes dedicated, end-to-end transmission paths.
- Consequently, the Internet allows network resources to be used more efficiently.
- Most existing dial-up systems require both parties to be connected to the Internet through a multimedia personal computer to establish an Internet telephone call. As shown in
FIG. 1 , the multimedia personal computers, which have been loaded with certain telephony software, can access the data network using a local circuit-switched telephone network to a voice over packet gateway residing in an Internet Service Provider (ISP) point of presence. - The typical multimedia personal computer system used for Internet telephony includes a personal computer, a monitor, an analog-voice-to-digital-signal and digital-signal-to-analog-voice converter (converter), Internet telephone software, a full-duplex sound card, a microphone, speakers, and a 28 Kbps or higher rate modulation/demodulation (modem) device. As such, the multimedia personal computer system includes several components or devices and is not easily portable, which may be undesirable for traveling business people. Further, such a personal computer system may be expensive to set up and maintain.
- Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method and system for voice communication over a data network that addresses the drawbacks of known systems.
- The present invention relates to a method and system for providing voice communication over data networks. The system according to the present invention allows subscribers using Internet telephones to conduct real-time voice conversations over a data network and/or over a circuit switched network.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method for establishing voice communication between a first and a second station over a data network includes the steps of receiving a data network address for the first station at a second station via a first communication channel, disconnecting the first station and the second station from that first communication channel, and establishing a second communication channel between the first and the second stations whereby the station users can conduct voice communication over the data network. The second communication channel is established by using the data network address received at the second station.
- In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a device for initiating voice communication with a second device includes a storage medium having a plurality of programming modules and a single activation means for causing the device to establish a communication channel over a data network. When the single activation means has not been activated, the communication channel between the devices is established over a circuit switched network. The single activation means may include, but is not limited to, a programmable button, a movable switch, voice activation, or movement sensor activation.
- In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a device for establishing voice communication with a second device includes a compatibility module, for determining whether the second device can support voice communication over a data network, and a call initialization module. If the second device supports voice communication over a data network, the call initialization module automatically transmits a command which causes a communication channel to be established between the Internet telephonic device and the second device over a data network.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a network server located on a data network includes a storage medium having a plurality of programming modules and a channel establishment module. One programming module, the registration module, registers a code and a data network address into a memory in response to receiving a register command signal. The code uniquely identifies a calling station connected to the data network. A second programming module, the address query module, causes a search for the code to be performed on the memory in response to receiving a search command signal. A third programming module, the address mapping module, identifies the data network address based on the search results.
- The present invention provides advantages of establishing real-time voice communication channels over the Internet, and thereby avoid paying per-minute toll charges assessed by local or inter-exchange telephone carriers. In addition, the present invention enables a user to conduct voice conversations over the Internet without having to purchase and assemble the many components and devices required in a multimedia personal computer system.
- The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like elements bear like reference numerals, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates multimedia personal computer systems connected over the Internet in accordance with the prior art; -
FIG. 2A illustrates an Internet telephone call system according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2B illustrates a first embodiment of the Internet telephone call system ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 2C illustrates a second and alternative embodiment of the Internet telephone call system ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 2D illustrates a third and alternative embodiment of the Internet telephone call system ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 2E illustrates a fourth and yet further alternative embodiment of the Internet telephone call system ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates stored data in a network server database; -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the hardware architecture of the network server; -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the memory unit of the network server ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an Internet telephone; -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the hardware architecture of the Internet telephone; -
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the memory unit of the Internet telephone ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the Internet telephone ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a method of negotiating a telephone call over a data network in accordance withFIG. 2B ; -
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second and alternative embodiment of the method of negotiating a telephone call over a data network in accordance withFIG. 2C ; -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a third and alternative embodiment of the method of negotiating a telephone call over a data network in accordance withFIG. 2D ; and -
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a fourth and yet further alternative embodiment of the method of negotiating a telephone call over a data network in accordance withFIG. 2E . -
FIG. 2A illustrates a configuration of an Internettelephone call system 10. The Internettelephone call system 10 can transport voice over a packet-switchednetwork 12, such as the Internet, using data packets or over a circuit-switchednetwork 14, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Accordingly, an Internet subscriber (hereinafter “subscriber” and not shown) having the necessary hardware and software may conduct real-time voice conversations over theInternet 12 or over thePSTN 14, rather than limited to using only the circuit switched network. TheInternet telephones call system 10 may include a conventional telephone and an adaptor having Internet telephony enabling hardware and software, e.g., the Komodo Fone™ product available from Komodo Technology, Inc. of Los Gatos, Calif.Alternative Internet telephones FIGS. 6-9 . - As shown in
FIG. 2A , the Internettelephone call system 10 includes at least twoInternet telephones Internet telephone Internet 12. As such, the subscriber may select the manner of communication when making a telephone call. - For example, the subscriber may choose to make a traditional telephone call, wherein the
Internet telephones PSTN 14 through theCOs Internet telephone Internet 12 by accessing theISP LAN CO - With standard telephony, each conventional telephone unit has a unique and fixed telephone number by which other callers can signal that telephone unit. In contrast, on the Internet a connected user is assigned a unique but temporary Internet address (IP address)—assigned only for a specific dial-up session. Similar to a telephone number, the IP address identifies the destination point, or the point on the entire data network to which the data is being sent. Accordingly, a second user can locate that first user during a specific dial-up session by identifying the first user's IP address.
- However, after that dial-up session terminates, the IP address is re-assigned to another user for a different dial-up session. Since the IP address assigned to a connected subscriber changes for each dial-up session, it is necessary for the Internet telephones to quickly and efficiently identify the other's temporary IP address for each Internet call. The process of transmitting, registering, and identifying the Internet addresses of each Internet telephone is referred to as a “call negotiation scheme.”
- As discussed above, in order for the
Internet telephones Internet 12, a call negotiation scheme is required. Although either Internet telephone can initiate or receive an Internet telephone call, for illustrative purposes only, it will be assumed that the subscriber using theInternet telephone 16 will be the initiating caller, and the subscriber using theInternet telephone 18 will be the receiving party. Moreover, for illustrative purposes only, it will be assumed that the subscribers use dial-up modems to connect to the COs and then access the ISPs. - With reference to
FIG. 2B , in one call negotiation scheme, anInternet telephone 16 transmits an identification code to asecond Internet telephone 18 over thePSTN 14 during a voice telephone call, as indicated by dashedlines 32. Then the voice telephone call terminates, and a connection is established between theInternet telephone 16 and itsISP 28, as indicated by thesolid line 34. A dial-up modem is used to connect to theCO 20 and then to access the ISP. TheISP 28 assigns an IP address to theInternet telephone 16. Once assigned, the IP address assigned to the connected subscriber for that particular dial-up session and the identification code can be stored in anetwork server 36, for example, in tabular form as illustrated inFIG. 3 . - More specifically and as illustrated in
FIG. 4 , thenetwork server 36 includes aprocessing unit 38, amemory unit 40, adata storage device 42, a network controller andinterface 44, adisplay device 46, and aninput device 48. Theprocessing unit 38, which may be, for example, a personal computer commercially available from Hewlett-Packard Co., communicates with the various elements via asystem bus 50. Thememory unit 40 contains adatabase 52 which identifies, among other things, the identification code of eachconnected Internet telephone database 52 provides the means for mapping the identification code to the appropriate IP address, wherein the identification code uniquely identifies and is permanently assigned to that Internet telephone. Thedata storage device 42 is used for long-term storage of information. - A valid identification code is required to place or receive telephone calls over the
Internet 12 using that Internet telephone. Further, thedatabase 52 may also contain such information as the Internet call features available to a subscriber. Moreover, another database, which can link to thenetwork server 36, maintains subscriber information based on the identification code, such as region of sale, date of sale, and other data. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , thememory unit 40 includes anauthorization module 54, an address/code registration module 56, an IPaddress query module 58, anaddress mapping module 60, and achannel establishment module 62. Thenetwork server 36 operates under the control of an operating system, such as the well-known UNIX operating system. - In operation, an IP address is assigned to the connected subscriber for a particular dial-up session by the ISP. The IP address is sent to the
Internet telephone 16, whereupon theInternet telephone 16 sends the IP address and identification code to theauthentication module 54 of thenetwork server 36. Theauthentication module 54 verifies whether the identification code is valid. Upon proper validation, the address/code registration module 56 responds by registering the IP address in thedatabase 52 of thememory unit 40. In one embodiment of the invention, the address/code registration module 56 receives a register command signal to register the IP address in thememory unit 40. - Thus, when a search of the
database 52 is performed using the transmitted identification code, the IPaddress query module 58 receives a search command signal and causes theaddress mapping module 60 to identify the IP address assigned to a subscriber. Next thechannel establishment module 62 establishes a communication channel between thefirst Internet telephone 16 and thesecond Internet telephone 18. Then by periodically signaling thenetwork server 36 to indicate the connection status of theInternet telephones database 52 for eachconnected Internet telephone network server 36 can determine whether a voice communication link or channel can be established with a particular subscriber using Internet facilities. - According to an alternative embodiment of the call negotiation scheme, illustrated in
FIG. 2C , the first andsecond Internet telephones Internet 12 without previously establishing the voice telephone call. In doing so, the first subscriber can avoid incurring the telephone charges associated with placing that voice call over the circuit switchedtelephone network 14. Here, it is assumed that the subscriber of thesecond Internet telephone 18 has prior knowledge of the first Internet telephone's 16 identification code. Further, the subscribers of the first andsecond Internet telephones first Internet telephone 16 establishes a connection with its associatedISP 28 via thecentral office 20, whereupon the ISP assigns an IP address to that first Internet telephone. The identification code and IP address of thefirst Internet telephone 16 are then stored in thenetwork server 36. While remaining connected to theInternet 12, thefirst Internet telephone 16 waits for thesecond Internet telephone 18 to locate and then establish an Internet telephony channel with said first Internet telephone. When thesecond Internet telephone 18 establishes a connection with its associatedISP 30 by routing throughcentral office 22, the second Internet telephone transmits a search command signal to thenetwork server 36 to search for the first Internet telephone's IP address. By pre-arranging the call time, the subscriber of thefirst Internet telephone 16 can limit the amount of time spent waiting for thesecond Internet telephone 18 to locate and then establish this communication link. - In an alternative manner of voice communication, illustrated in
FIG. 2D , the subscriber may cause theInternet telephone 16 to place a call with aconventional telephone 64 which does not connect to theInternet 12. Here, the call may route via thePSTN 14, as indicated bydotted lines 32, or use theInternet 12, as indicated by solid lines. When using theInternet 12, the subscriber initiates the call using theInternet telephone 16, and the call routes through theCO 20 to the subscriber'sISP 28 which assigns an IP address to theInternet telephone 16. In response to receipt of the subscriber's incoming call, agatekeeper 66 of an Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP) with which the subscriber is associated will determine the appropriate routing to an IP gateway (gateway) 68 serving thedestination telephone 64. Accordingly, the call is routed over theInternet 12 to theappropriate IP gateway 68 which then connects the call via thePSTN 14 to theCO 70 serving thedestination telephone 64. It will be understood that the call can also route through thegatekeeper 66 and thegateway 68 to thePSTN 14, thereafter routing to theCO 70 serving thedestination telephone 64. - In yet a further alternative call negotiation scheme, with reference to
FIG. 2E , afirst Internet telephone 16 can establish a communication channel with asecond Internet telephone 18 without having to perform a search of thedatabase 52. In this call negotiation scheme, a connection is established between afirst Internet telephone 16 and its associatedISP 28, whereupon the ISP assigns an IP address to that first Internet telephone. Then thefirst Internet telephone 16 establishes a communication channel with thesecond Internet telephone 18, the channel routing via theInternet 12 andPSTN 14 by way of thegateway 68, as described previously and indicated by dashedlines 72. Using this communication channel, thefirst Internet telephone 16 sends its IP address to thesecond Internet telephone 18. Next thesecond Internet telephone 18 transmits an acknowledgement signal back to thefirst Internet telephone 16 and stores the IP address into memory. Upon transmitting the acknowledgement signal, thecommunication link 72 between thesecond Internet telephone 18 and theInternet 12 disconnects. While remaining connected to theInternet 12, thefirst Internet telephone 16 waits for thesecond Internet telephone 18 to locate and then establish an Internet telephony channel with said first Internet telephone, indicated bysolid lines 74, using the IP address stored in the second Internet telephone's memory. -
FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of theInternet telephone 16, andFIG. 7 depicts the basic components of said Internet telephone. As illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7 , theInternet telephone 16 is preferably a stand-alone device which includes auser interface 76, avoice interface 78, aconverter 80, a digitalsignal processor unit 82 and associated logic, amemory unit 84, and anetwork interface 86. TheInternet telephone 16 can perform voice over Internet functions, such as scanning, voice compression, data packetization, and network interfacing. - The
user interface 76 allows a user to interact with theInternet telephone 16. Theuser interface 76 includes, among other features, akeypad 88 for dialing numbers or activating certain call functions and an audible indicator for indicating operating characteristics and/or instructions, such as new telephone messages, the call status, or selectable options from a telephonic voice menu, including available call features. Theuser interface 76 may also include avisual display 90 for displaying such operating characteristics. In one embodiment, theInternet telephone 16 has a single means for activating a call function. For example, by depressing aprogrammable button 92 or moving a switch, theInternet telephone 16 can perform a call negotiation scheme, as discussed above, or perform a diagnostic test to verify Internet connectivity, or perform a diagnostic test to troubleshoot voice quality-of-service problems, or activate the telephonic voice menu. Although theInternet telephone 16 is shown as havingsingle button activation 92 of call functions, it will be understood that the Internet telephone may also use voice or video activation. Similarly, the language spoken in voice menu can be translated to another desired language by using a single activation means. - The
voice interface 78, in accordance with conventional practice, is a speaker or microphone located on thetelephone handset 94 and/orbase 96. Speech signals from themicrophone 78 are transmitted to aconverter 80 that provides the conversion of analog voice into digital signals. Specifically, the analog voice is digitized, by means commonly known in the field, and the digital data are transmitted to a digital signal processor unit (DSP unit) 82 which provides call processing and voice processing. - The
DSP unit 82 and associated logic are supported by voice processing software and amemory unit 84, described in greater detail below. TheDSP unit 82 includes a digital signal processor and other control processing units. TheDSP unit 82 performs call signaling and control, voice compression and decompression, and packetization and depacketization functions. - The
memory unit 84 includes programmable and dynamic memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices. Thememory unit 84 stores the call negotiation algorithms (described in greater detail below) which theDSP 82 follows, as well as provides temporary storage of incoming data not yet processed by the DSP. In addition, the identification code, as described above, is stored in thememory unit 84. - As illustrated in
FIG. 8 , thememory unit 84 includes acall initialization module 100, acall response module 102, an Internettelephone compatibility module 104, anetwork selection module 106, a code transmission/receipt module 108, and an IP address transmission/receipt module 110. Thememory unit 84 communicates with the various elements via asystem bus 112. Each element will be described in greater detail below. Moreover, thememory unit 84 operates under the control of anoperating system 114 which allows the memory unit to perform multiple tasks, simultaneously. - The
network interface 86 allows transmission and reception of voice packets to and from theInternet telephone 16. For example, theInternet telephone 16 has telephone and/or LAN connectivity. Although theInternet telephone 16 is shown inFIG. 9 as including four means fornetwork connection 98, one of which allows for connection to thePSTN 14, it will be understood that the Internet telephone may include more than four network connectors or as few as two network connectors. The means fornetwork connection 98 may include, but is not limited to, RJ11 ports, RJ45 ports, RS-232 ports, and USB. - Additionally, while the
Internet telephone 16 inFIGS. 6 and 7 combine the user and voice interfaces 76, 78, theconverter 80, theDSP unit 82 and associated logic, thememory unit 84, and thenetwork interface 86 into a single device, one skilled in the art will appreciate that such components can be combined or separated on distinct devices without significantly affecting the functionality of the Internet telephone. -
FIG. 10 shows the steps of an exemplary embodiment of a call negotiation scheme to establish a voice communication channel over theInternet 12 between afirst Internet telephone 16 and asecond Internet telephone 18, as it relates toFIG. 2B . - The
block 205 indicates that a communication channel is established between the first andsecond Internet telephones telephone network 14. Specifically, thecall initialization module 100 of thefirst Internet telephone 16 places a call to thesecond Internet telephone 18 via thePSTN 14. Thecall response module 102 can then determine whether a connection has been established between the parties. This step also serves as confirmation to the first subscriber that the second subscriber is available to establish voice communication over theInternet 12. - At
decision block 210, it is determined whether theInternet telephones telephone compatibility module 104 will make this determination if it detects the other station's capability to do so. For example, the Internettelephone compatibility module 104 can detect the other station's capability to support Internet telephony by signaling the destination station (using a signal generator) and then receiving an appropriate response signal, or acknowledgement (using a signal detector). It will be understood that the determination of whether the stations can support Internet telephony can be performed through dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signaling. - If the answer to decision block 210 is no, then the process moves to block 215 wherein the subscriber is made aware that the communication channel must route over a circuit switched
telephone network 14 since the other station cannot support Internet telephone calls. Otherwise, the process moves to block 220 where the code transmission/receipt module 108 of thefirst Internet telephone 16 transmits a code, such as its identification code, which uniquely identifies that first station. For example, the subscriber may depress theprogrammable button 92 to trigger the code transmission/receipt module 108 to transmit the code. - Next at
block 225, thesecond Internet telephone 18 receives the code and stores it into thememory unit 40. Having stored the code, the process proceeds to block 230. Here, theInternet telephones respective ISP call initialization modules 100. - At
decision block 235, it is determined whether or not theInternet telephones respective ISP Internet telephones ISPs memory unit 40. Otherwise, the process moves to decision block 245, wherein it is decided whether or not to re-attempt connecting to the ISP since, due to incorrect “userid” or password or other reasons, the ISP was unavailable. The non-connected Internet telephone(s) will make a predetermined number of attempts to connect to the ISP, the process looping back to decision block 235 for each attempt. If a connection is not successfully established after making the predetermined number of attempts, the Internet telephone indicates the failure to the subscriber (block 250). - Having failed to successfully establish connections to the
ISPs Internet telephones memory unit 40 based upon quality-of-service and/or cost preferences. Accordingly, based on the prioritized list, thenetwork selection module 106 of thefirst Internet telephone 16 will automatically select the telephone carrier listed as “highest priority” and establish a voice call over that carrier's facilities. But if such carrier facilities are unavailable, theInternet telephone 16 will select the next listed telephone carrier to establish the voice call. - At
block 255, the IP address assigned to theconnected Internet telephone 16 by theISP 28, as well as the corresponding code, are sent by the IP address transmission/receipt module 110 to theauthentication module 54 of thenetwork server 36. Upon proper validation of the code, the address/code registration module 56 responds by registering the IP address and code in thedatabase 52 maintained by thenetwork server 36. - Next at
block 260, a search request signal from thesecond Internet telephone 18 is received by thenetwork server 36. Thenetwork server 36 responds to the search request signal by transmitting a search command to theaddress mapping module 60, wherein thedatabase 52 is searched for the code transmitted by thefirst Internet telephone 16 atblock 220. By searching thedatabase 52 using the first Internet telephone's code, the IP address can be identified so that thesecond Internet telephone 18 can transmit call setup signals to establish an Internet telephony link. - In an alternative embodiment, the EP addresses assigned to both connected
Internet telephones authentication module 54, wherein the mapping function can be performed for both Internet telephones. - At
decision block 265, it is determined whether or not the search is successful. If the answer to this determination is no, then the process moves to decision block 270 where it is decided whether or not to re-attempt searching thedatabase 52. A predetermined number of search attempts will be made on thedatabase 52, the process looping back each time todecision block 265. If a search is not successful after making the predetermined number of attempts, theInternet telephone 18 indicates the failure to the subscriber (block 250). - If the answer to the determination at
decision block 265 is yes, the process proceeds todecision block 275. Here, thesecond Internet telephone 18 has transmitted call setup signals to establish an Internet telephony link. However, it must be determined whether thechannel establishment module 62 has successfully established such link. If so, the process moves to block 280 where the first andsecond Internet telephones Internet 12. Otherwise, the process moves to decision block 285 where it is decided whether or not to re-attempt establishing the Internet telephony link. A successful link will be attempted a predetermined number of times, the process looping back at each attempt todecision block 275. If such link is not established after the predetermined number of attempts, theInternet telephones Internet telephones network selection module 106 of thefirst Internet telephone 16 will then place a call using the telephone carrier listed as “highest priority.” - With reference to
FIGS. 2C and 11 , in an alternative embodiment of the call negotiation scheme, the first andsecond Internet telephones Internet 12 without first establishing the voice call ofblock 205. In doing so, the first subscriber can avoid incurring the telephone charges associated with placing that voice call over the circuit switchedtelephone network 14. - The
block 305 indicates that thefirst Internet telephone 16 establishes a communication channel with its associatedISP 28. Specifically, thecall initialization module 100 of thefirst Internet telephone 16 accesses theISP 28 by using a dial-up modem. Thecall response module 102 can then determine whether a connection has been established between thefirst Internet telephone 16 andISP 28. After connecting to theISP 28, thefirst Internet telephone 16 will place subsequently received telephone calls “on hold” so as not to interfere with the call negotiation process. - At
block 310, theInternet telephone 16 is assigned an IP address. Next the process flows to block 315 where the code and IP address transmission/receipt modules Internet telephone 16 to theauthentication module 54 of the network sever 36. Upon proper validation of the code, the address/code registration module 56 responds by registering the IP address and code in thedatabase 52. Thedatabase 52 provides the mapping of the code to the corresponding IP address. Thefirst Internet telephone 16 remains connected to theISP 28 while waiting for thesecond Internet telephone 18 to establish an Internet telephony link. As discussed above, by pre-arranging the call time, the subscriber of thefirst Internet telephone 16 can minimize the time spent waiting for thesecond Internet telephone 18 to locate and then establish this communication link. - Next at
block 320, thesecond Internet telephone 18 connects to its associatedISP 30. Here it is assumed that the subscriber of thesecond Internet telephone 18 has prior knowledge of the code for thefirst Internet telephone 16. Thus, the subscriber can dial the code via theuser interface 52, causing thesecond Internet telephone 18 to transmit a search request signal to thenetwork server 36. Responsive to receipt of the subscriber's transmission of the search request signal, thenetwork server 36 transmits a search command to theaddress mapping module 60, wherein thedatabase 52 is searched for the first Internet telephone code (block 325). - At
decision block 330, it is determined whether the database search was successful. By successfully searching thedatabase 52 using the code, the IP address of thefirst Internet telephone 16 can be identified. However, if the search was not successful, the process moves todecision block 335. Here it is decided whether or not to re-attempt searching thedatabase 38. The search will be performed a predetermined number of times when prior search attempts were unsuccessful, the process looping back at each attempt todecision block 330. If such search is unsuccessful after making the predetermined number of attempts, thesecond Internet telephone 18 indicates the failure to the subscriber (block 340). - If the answer to the determination at
decision block 330 is yes, the process flows to decision block 345, wherein thesecond Internet telephone 18 has transmitted a call setup signal to establish the Internet telephony link. However, it must be determined whether thechannel establishment module 62 has successfully established such Internet telephony link. If so, the process moves to block 350 wherein the first andsecond Internet telephones ISPs Internet 12. Otherwise, the process moves to decision block 355 where it is decided whether or not to re-attempt establishing the Internet telephony channel. - A successful Internet telephony link will be attempted a predetermined number of times, the process looping back at each attempt to
decision block 345. If such link is not established after the predetermined number of attempts, theInternet telephones FIG. 10 , theInternet telephones - With reference to
FIGS. 2D and 12 , in another embodiment of the call negotiation scheme, theInternet telephone 16 can establish a voice communication channel with aconventional telephone 64 that does not connect to theInternet 12. In doing so, the packet switched network of theInternet 12 can integrate with the circuit switchedtelephone network 14. Such an integration of networks can allow a subscriber to communicate with another telephony user located anywhere else in the world without having to pay the long distance charges associated with making a telephone call using thePSTN 14. - The
block 405 indicates that a subscriber will decide whether to establish a communication channel between theInternet telephone 16 and thedestination telephone 64 over theInternet 12 or using thePSTN 14. If the subscriber decides to use thePSTN 14, then atblock 415, the Internet andconventional telephones COs dotted lines 32. Otherwise, the process moves to block 420, wherein a communication channel is established between theInternet telephone 16 and its associatedISP 28, as indicated by solid lines. - Next at
block 425, the code transmit/receipt module 108 of theInternet telephone 16 transmits a code, such as the telephone number, which uniquely identifies thedestination telephone 64. Atblock 430, theInternet telephone 16 connects with thegatekeeper 66, wherein the gatekeeper stores the destination telephone number into itsdatabase 116. Based on the code, atblock 435 thegatekeeper 66 will determine the appropriate routing to thegateway 68 serving thedestination telephone 36. Accordingly, a communication path is established between theInternet telephone 16 and thedestination telephone 64 whereby the communication path routes over theInternet 12 to the appropriate gateway 68 (block 440). Then the communication path connects via thePSTN 14 to theCO 70 serving said destination telephone. By using this communication path, theInternet telephone 16 and thedestination telephone 70 can conduct real-time voice conversations over the Internet 12 (block 445). - With reference to
FIGS. 2E and 13 , in another embodiment of the call negotiation scheme, the first andsecond Internet telephones Internet 12 without performing a search of thedatabase 52. - The
block 505 indicates that a communication channel is established between the first Internet telephone and its associatedISP 28. Specifically, thecall initialization module 100 of thefirst Internet telephone 16 accesses theISP 28 by using a dial-up modem. Thecall response module 102 can then determine whether a connection has been established between thefirst Internet telephone 16 and theISP 28. After connecting to theISP 28, thefirst Internet telephone 16 will place subsequently received telephone calls “on hold” so as not to interfere with the call negotiation process. - At
block 510, theISP 28 assigns thefirst Internet telephone 16 an IP address which is sent to thefirst Internet telephone 16 and stored by the IP address transmission/receipt module 110. Next the process flows to block 515 where thefirst Internet telephone 16 establishes a connection with thesecond Internet telephone 18. Substantially similar to the call negotiation scheme ofFIG. 12 , thefirst Internet telephone 16 connects with thegatekeeper 66, wherein thegatekeeper 66 stores the destination telephone number in itsdatabase 116. Based at least in part on the destination telephone number, thegatekeeper 66 will determine the appropriate routing to thegateway 68 serving thesecond Internet telephone 18. Then a connection is established over theInternet 12 and thePSTN 14, by way of thegateway 68 as indicated by the dashed lines 72. - At
decision block 520, it is determined whether the stations can support an Internet telephone call. Substantially similar to the call negotiation scheme ofFIG. 10 , in one embodiment of the invention, the Internet telephone will make this determination if it detects the other station's capability to do so. For example, the Internettelephone compatibility module 104 can detect the other station's capability to support Internet telephony by signaling the destination station and then receiving an appropriate response signal, or acknowledgement. - If the answer to decision block 520 is no, then the process moves to block 525 wherein the subscriber is made aware that the communication channel must route over a circuit switched
telephone network 14 since the other station cannot support Internet telephone calls. Otherwise, the process moves to block 530 where the code transmission/receipt module 108 of thefirst Internet telephone 16 transmits a code, such as its IP address, to thesecond Internet telephone 18. - Next at
block 535, thesecond Internet telephone 18 stores the code in thememory unit 84. The code transmission/receipt module 108 of thesecond Internet telephone 18 then transmits an acknowledgement signal back to thefirst Internet telephone 16. In one embodiment of the invention, the acknowledgement signal is transmitted back to theInternet telephone 16 without having to take thesecond Internet telephone 18 off-hook, thereby the first subscriber can avoid incurring the telephone charges associated with placing that call. For example, the Internet telephone can identify the call as being initiated from another Internet telephone by busing out-of-band signaling, such as SS7 signaling. - In response to receipt of the acknowledgement signal, at
block 540, thefirst Internet telephone 16 sends call setup signals to establish the Internet telephony link. For example, thenetwork selection module 106 transmits the call setup signals, wherein theInternet 12 is selected to establish a communication channel between the first andsecond Internet telephones - However, it must be determined whether such link has been successfully established (decision block 545). If so, the process moves to block 550 where the first and
second Internet telephones Internet 12. - Otherwise, the process moves to decision block 555, wherein it is decided whether or not to re-attempt establishing the Internet telephony link. A successful link will be attempted a predetermined number of times, the process looping back at each attempt to
decision block 545. If such link is not established after the predetermined number of attempts, theInternet telephones Internet telephones FIGS. 10 and 11 , theInternet telephones - The present invention concerns a method and communication system for providing voice communication over the Internet. It is within the scope of the present invention that the call negotiation schemes of
FIGS. 10-13 are performed by activating a single means. While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made and equivalents employed without departing from the present invention.
Claims (77)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/464,724 US20070127700A1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2006-08-15 | Method and System for Providing Voice Communication Over Data Networks |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16116899P | 1999-10-22 | 1999-10-22 | |
US16608599P | 1999-11-17 | 1999-11-17 | |
US09/543,381 US7092380B1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2000-04-05 | Method and system for providing voice communication over data networks |
US11/464,724 US20070127700A1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2006-08-15 | Method and System for Providing Voice Communication Over Data Networks |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/543,381 Continuation US7092380B1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2000-04-05 | Method and system for providing voice communication over data networks |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070127700A1 true US20070127700A1 (en) | 2007-06-07 |
Family
ID=36781818
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/543,381 Expired - Lifetime US7092380B1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2000-04-05 | Method and system for providing voice communication over data networks |
US11/464,724 Abandoned US20070127700A1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2006-08-15 | Method and System for Providing Voice Communication Over Data Networks |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/543,381 Expired - Lifetime US7092380B1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2000-04-05 | Method and system for providing voice communication over data networks |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7092380B1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090098865A1 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2009-04-16 | Vaghi Nino R | Personal communications system and method |
US7908178B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2011-03-15 | Paul Nykamp | Methods for interactive and synchronous displaying session |
US9191359B2 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-11-17 | Ringcentral, Inc. | Techniques for VoIP provider interconnection over the internet using a shared subscriber contact identifier translation service |
Families Citing this family (47)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7301952B2 (en) * | 2000-04-06 | 2007-11-27 | The Distribution Systems Research Institute | Terminal-to-terminal communication connection control method using IP transfer network |
US20020031115A1 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2002-03-14 | Petryna Brian J. | System and method for automatically establishing a telephone call over a computer network |
US7047420B2 (en) * | 2001-01-17 | 2006-05-16 | Microsoft Corporation | Exclusive encryption |
US7062490B2 (en) | 2001-03-26 | 2006-06-13 | Microsoft Corporation | Serverless distributed file system |
US6981138B2 (en) | 2001-03-26 | 2005-12-27 | Microsoft Corporation | Encrypted key cache |
US6988124B2 (en) * | 2001-06-06 | 2006-01-17 | Microsoft Corporation | Locating potentially identical objects across multiple computers based on stochastic partitioning of workload |
US7801289B2 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2010-09-21 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Voice-over network (VoN)/voice-over internet protocol (VoIP) architect using advance intelligent network alternatives |
US8477758B2 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2013-07-02 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Voice over network (VoN)/voice over internet protocol (VoIP) architect having hotline and optional tie line |
US7391761B1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2008-06-24 | At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. | System and method for voice over internet protocol using a standard telephone system |
US8295270B2 (en) * | 2002-05-16 | 2012-10-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Internet telephony system for enabling internet telephone access from traditional telephone interface |
US7957401B2 (en) * | 2002-07-05 | 2011-06-07 | Geos Communications, Inc. | System and method for using multiple communication protocols in memory limited processors |
CN1283079C (en) * | 2003-02-20 | 2006-11-01 | 华为技术有限公司 | IP network service quality assurance method and system |
US8949443B2 (en) * | 2003-06-11 | 2015-02-03 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Communication apparatus, control method, and computer-usable medium for selecting a network for data transmission |
US7606217B2 (en) * | 2003-07-02 | 2009-10-20 | I2 Telecom International, Inc. | System and method for routing telephone calls over a voice and data network |
US20050114230A1 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2005-05-26 | Kuo-Chun Fang | Method and system for receiver self-priced multimedia communication over the internet and a member pool incorporating advertising placement in conjunction with a search engine |
US20050261964A1 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2005-11-24 | Fang Kuo C | Method and system for receiver self-priced multimedia communication over the internet and a member pool via a plug-in module compatible with any Instant messaging software |
US20050152338A1 (en) * | 2004-01-14 | 2005-07-14 | Chen Christopher Y.W. | System and method for managing voice communications between a telephone, a circuit switching network and/or a packet switching network |
US7676599B2 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2010-03-09 | I2 Telecom Ip Holdings, Inc. | System and method of binding a client to a server |
EP1733492A2 (en) * | 2004-03-11 | 2006-12-20 | i2Telecom International, Inc. | DYNAMICALLY ADAPTING THE TRANSMISSION RATE OF PACKETS IN REAL-TIME VoIP COMMUNICATIONS TO THE AVAILABLE BANDWIDTH |
US8804758B2 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2014-08-12 | Hipcricket, Inc. | System and method of media over an internet protocol communication |
US7783013B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2010-08-24 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Method and system for routing emergency communications |
US20060115057A1 (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2006-06-01 | Donald Laliberte | Method and system for control of a voice/data communications device using a radio frequency component |
US7580405B2 (en) | 2004-05-27 | 2009-08-25 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L. P. | Method and system for routing emergency data communications |
MY145725A (en) * | 2004-07-30 | 2012-03-30 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Method and system for retrieving network addresses in hybrid telecommunication networks |
US7782878B2 (en) | 2004-08-16 | 2010-08-24 | I2Telecom Ip Holdings, Inc. | System and method for sharing an IP address |
US20060029195A1 (en) * | 2004-08-18 | 2006-02-09 | Karen Mullis | Methods, apparatus and computer program products for message notification in a voice over internet protocol communication system |
US7451921B2 (en) * | 2004-09-01 | 2008-11-18 | Eric Morgan Dowling | Methods, smart cards, and systems for providing portable computer, VoIP, and application services |
US20060050686A1 (en) * | 2004-09-08 | 2006-03-09 | Commoca, Inc. | Software platform for developing, delivering and managing data-voice applications operating on an internet protocol (IP) phone |
US7623448B1 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2009-11-24 | Nortel Networks Limited | Systems and methods for wireless network negotiation |
CN1885875A (en) * | 2005-06-24 | 2006-12-27 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Telephone adapter |
JPWO2007138938A1 (en) * | 2006-05-25 | 2009-10-01 | 日本電気株式会社 | Telephone |
US20080162459A1 (en) * | 2006-06-20 | 2008-07-03 | Eliezer Portnoy | System and method for matching parties with initiation of communication between matched parties |
WO2008082363A1 (en) * | 2007-01-05 | 2008-07-10 | Aztech Communication Pte Ltd | Internet telephony device and method of monitoring user status |
US8559415B2 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2013-10-15 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | Method and apparatus for facilitating telecommunication network selection |
US8340079B2 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2012-12-25 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | Method and apparatus for selecting a network for telecommunication |
US8355396B1 (en) * | 2007-11-01 | 2013-01-15 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Customized network congestion messaging for terminal adapters |
US8504048B2 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2013-08-06 | Geos Communications IP Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Augme Technologies, Inc. | Systems and methods of making a call |
US8180045B2 (en) * | 2008-04-29 | 2012-05-15 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | Method for selection and routing of an inbound voice call to an appropriate network for completion |
US8218745B2 (en) | 2008-04-29 | 2012-07-10 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | Method for selection and routing of an outbound voice call to an appropriate network for completion |
CN101459742B (en) * | 2008-05-21 | 2011-07-13 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | Method for establishing MODEM call in NGN system |
US10496977B2 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2019-12-03 | Square, Inc. | Storing and forwarding payment transactions |
US9398505B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2016-07-19 | Google Inc. | Reducing stream interruptions during network handover |
CN104980982A (en) * | 2014-04-01 | 2015-10-14 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | Method and device switching voice service between CS domain and PS domain and mobile terminals |
US10037521B1 (en) * | 2014-09-24 | 2018-07-31 | Square, Inc. | Background communication failover for mobile payments |
US10075588B2 (en) | 2015-10-15 | 2018-09-11 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Managing communication events |
US10366378B1 (en) | 2016-06-30 | 2019-07-30 | Square, Inc. | Processing transactions in offline mode |
CN112165468A (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2021-01-01 | 盘正荣 | Message communication system and method based on block chain message address |
Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6011794A (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 2000-01-04 | Netplus Communications Corp. | Internet based telephone apparatus and method |
US6064653A (en) * | 1997-01-07 | 2000-05-16 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Internetwork gateway to gateway alternative communication |
US6078579A (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 2000-06-20 | Wjw Technologies Inc. | Telephonic systems for communication over computer networks |
US6137792A (en) * | 1996-06-14 | 2000-10-24 | International Discount Telecommunications Corp. | Method and apparatus for enabling transmission of data packets over a bypass circuit-switched public telephone connection |
US6192045B1 (en) * | 1997-04-21 | 2001-02-20 | C. Wyatt Williams | Method and system for minimizing connect-time charges associated with dial-up data networks |
US6243376B1 (en) * | 1997-08-13 | 2001-06-05 | Mediaring.Com Ltd. | Method and apparatus for making a phone call connection over the internet connection |
US6282192B1 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2001-08-28 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | PSTN fallback using dial on demand routing scheme |
US6324280B2 (en) * | 1998-05-05 | 2001-11-27 | Lucent Technologies, Inc. | Optimum routing of calls over the public switched telephone network and the internet |
US20010046237A1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2001-11-29 | Shun-Shing Chan | Packet network telephone interface system for pots |
US6377570B1 (en) * | 1997-02-02 | 2002-04-23 | Fonefriend Systems, Inc. | Internet switch box, system and method for internet telephony |
US6411601B1 (en) * | 1998-12-15 | 2002-06-25 | Siemens Information And Communication Networks, Inc. | System and method for securing available communications network resources |
US6424647B1 (en) * | 1997-08-13 | 2002-07-23 | Mediaring.Com Ltd. | Method and apparatus for making a phone call connection over an internet connection |
US6430178B1 (en) * | 1998-02-05 | 2002-08-06 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Internet telephone apparatus, communication system utilizing wide area data communication network, and terminal adapter |
US6452922B1 (en) * | 1998-06-19 | 2002-09-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Method and apparatus for fallback routing of voice over internet protocol call |
US6473423B1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 2002-10-29 | Net2Phone, Inc. | Method and system for interactive communication between two telephone sets via the internet |
US6480581B1 (en) * | 1999-06-22 | 2002-11-12 | Institute For Information Industry | Internet/telephone adapter device and method |
US6490274B1 (en) * | 1997-12-29 | 2002-12-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Telephony service system employing cable network and telephony service method |
US6539077B1 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2003-03-25 | Netnumber.Com, Inc. | Method and apparatus for correlating a unique identifier, such as a PSTN telephone number, to an internet address to enable communications over the internet |
US6542498B2 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2003-04-01 | Michael V. Socaciu | Signaling system and method to connect idle internet end stations with application in internet telephony |
US6584094B2 (en) * | 1996-09-12 | 2003-06-24 | Avaya Technology Corp. | Techniques for providing telephonic communications over the internet |
US6731625B1 (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 2004-05-04 | Mci Communications Corporation | System, method and article of manufacture for a call back architecture in a hybrid network with support for internet telephony |
US6763020B1 (en) * | 1998-06-24 | 2004-07-13 | Innomedia, Inc. | Call establishment method for dial-up internet telephony appliances |
US6810036B1 (en) * | 1998-12-31 | 2004-10-26 | Nortel Networks Limited | Caller IP address |
US6853636B1 (en) * | 1995-11-17 | 2005-02-08 | Mci Communications Corporation | Reverse call origination via a packet switched network |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1998011704A2 (en) * | 1996-09-12 | 1998-03-19 | Dialnet, Inc. | Dedicated system and process for distributed communication on a packet-switched network |
CA2215681A1 (en) * | 1997-09-16 | 1999-03-16 | Francois Menard | Apparatus and method to use a conventional telephone set to make telephone calls on a packet network |
JP3685912B2 (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 2005-08-24 | 富士通株式会社 | Internet phone system |
US6907034B1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2005-06-14 | Intel Corporation | Out-of-band signaling for network based computer session synchronization |
US6603758B1 (en) * | 1999-10-01 | 2003-08-05 | Webtv Networks, Inc. | System for supporting multiple internet service providers on a single network |
-
2000
- 2000-04-05 US US09/543,381 patent/US7092380B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2006
- 2006-08-15 US US11/464,724 patent/US20070127700A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6853636B1 (en) * | 1995-11-17 | 2005-02-08 | Mci Communications Corporation | Reverse call origination via a packet switched network |
US6137792A (en) * | 1996-06-14 | 2000-10-24 | International Discount Telecommunications Corp. | Method and apparatus for enabling transmission of data packets over a bypass circuit-switched public telephone connection |
US6078579A (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 2000-06-20 | Wjw Technologies Inc. | Telephonic systems for communication over computer networks |
US6011794A (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 2000-01-04 | Netplus Communications Corp. | Internet based telephone apparatus and method |
US6584094B2 (en) * | 1996-09-12 | 2003-06-24 | Avaya Technology Corp. | Techniques for providing telephonic communications over the internet |
US6473423B1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 2002-10-29 | Net2Phone, Inc. | Method and system for interactive communication between two telephone sets via the internet |
US6064653A (en) * | 1997-01-07 | 2000-05-16 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Internetwork gateway to gateway alternative communication |
US7106726B2 (en) * | 1997-02-02 | 2006-09-12 | Fonefriend Systems, Inc. | Internet switch box, system and method for internet telephony |
US6377570B1 (en) * | 1997-02-02 | 2002-04-23 | Fonefriend Systems, Inc. | Internet switch box, system and method for internet telephony |
US6731625B1 (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 2004-05-04 | Mci Communications Corporation | System, method and article of manufacture for a call back architecture in a hybrid network with support for internet telephony |
US6192045B1 (en) * | 1997-04-21 | 2001-02-20 | C. Wyatt Williams | Method and system for minimizing connect-time charges associated with dial-up data networks |
US6424647B1 (en) * | 1997-08-13 | 2002-07-23 | Mediaring.Com Ltd. | Method and apparatus for making a phone call connection over an internet connection |
US6243376B1 (en) * | 1997-08-13 | 2001-06-05 | Mediaring.Com Ltd. | Method and apparatus for making a phone call connection over the internet connection |
US6542498B2 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2003-04-01 | Michael V. Socaciu | Signaling system and method to connect idle internet end stations with application in internet telephony |
US6490274B1 (en) * | 1997-12-29 | 2002-12-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Telephony service system employing cable network and telephony service method |
US6430178B1 (en) * | 1998-02-05 | 2002-08-06 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Internet telephone apparatus, communication system utilizing wide area data communication network, and terminal adapter |
US20010046237A1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2001-11-29 | Shun-Shing Chan | Packet network telephone interface system for pots |
US6324280B2 (en) * | 1998-05-05 | 2001-11-27 | Lucent Technologies, Inc. | Optimum routing of calls over the public switched telephone network and the internet |
US6539077B1 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2003-03-25 | Netnumber.Com, Inc. | Method and apparatus for correlating a unique identifier, such as a PSTN telephone number, to an internet address to enable communications over the internet |
US6452922B1 (en) * | 1998-06-19 | 2002-09-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Method and apparatus for fallback routing of voice over internet protocol call |
US6763020B1 (en) * | 1998-06-24 | 2004-07-13 | Innomedia, Inc. | Call establishment method for dial-up internet telephony appliances |
US6411601B1 (en) * | 1998-12-15 | 2002-06-25 | Siemens Information And Communication Networks, Inc. | System and method for securing available communications network resources |
US6810036B1 (en) * | 1998-12-31 | 2004-10-26 | Nortel Networks Limited | Caller IP address |
US6480581B1 (en) * | 1999-06-22 | 2002-11-12 | Institute For Information Industry | Internet/telephone adapter device and method |
US6282192B1 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2001-08-28 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | PSTN fallback using dial on demand routing scheme |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090098865A1 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2009-04-16 | Vaghi Nino R | Personal communications system and method |
US7908178B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2011-03-15 | Paul Nykamp | Methods for interactive and synchronous displaying session |
US8069087B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2011-11-29 | Paul Nykamp | Methods for interactive and synchronous display session |
US8311894B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2012-11-13 | Reliable Tack Acquisitions Llc | Method and apparatus for interactive and synchronous display session |
US9191359B2 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-11-17 | Ringcentral, Inc. | Techniques for VoIP provider interconnection over the internet using a shared subscriber contact identifier translation service |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7092380B1 (en) | 2006-08-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7092380B1 (en) | Method and system for providing voice communication over data networks | |
EP0903031B1 (en) | Method of redirecting an incoming telephone call in an ongoing Internet session | |
US6253249B1 (en) | Method and devices for bridging data and telephone networks | |
US8792479B2 (en) | System and methods to route calls over a voice and data network | |
US6118864A (en) | System and method for providing communication on a wide area network | |
US8862121B2 (en) | System and method for providing a single telephone number for use with a plurality of telephone handsets | |
KR100929757B1 (en) | Terminal access devices, access control devices and multifunctional telephone terminals | |
US20020114439A1 (en) | User transparent internet telephony device and method | |
US9264544B2 (en) | Automated attendant multimedia session | |
US20070211698A1 (en) | System and device for integrating ip and analog telephone systems | |
US6930999B1 (en) | Scalable voice over IP system providing independent call bridging for outbound calls initiated by user interface applications | |
US20050232248A1 (en) | Call waiting feature for a telephone line connected to the internet | |
US20110292928A1 (en) | Method, modem and server for bridging telephone calls into internet calls | |
US6792266B1 (en) | Network telephone system | |
US20040116108A1 (en) | Internet phone system and internet phone service method for a mobile telephone | |
US6377576B1 (en) | Telephone call setup procedure | |
US6977923B1 (en) | Method of activating an inactive terminal of a data network, particularly of an IP network | |
US7110395B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for network telephony | |
JP2001036641A (en) | Call connection method via internet or public telephone network and its exchange | |
KR20000072754A (en) | Method and system for transmitting communication signals through the internet and a public switched telephone network | |
US7042996B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for cas-based ring limiting of FXS ports | |
JP3336938B2 (en) | Mobile phone system | |
CA2246192C (en) | Method and devices for bridging data and telephone networks | |
WO2006072950A2 (en) | Telephony line unification | |
JP2001094609A (en) | Dialup terminal connection system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: KOMODO TECHNOLOGY, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHEN, MICHAEL;FANDRIANTO, JAN;LIN, CHUN-CHAU;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018113/0721 Effective date: 20000405 Owner name: CISCO SYSTEMS, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:KOMODO TECHNOLOGY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:018113/0826 Effective date: 20000925 Owner name: CISCO TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:018113/0912 Effective date: 20000901 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |