WO2009134156A1

WO2009134156A1 - An enhanced computer telephone integration system

Info

Publication number: WO2009134156A1
Application number: PCT/PH2008/000002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Jesus Suson; Kelvin Chua
Original assignee: Nextix Labs Inc.
Priority date: 2008-05-02
Filing date: 2008-05-02
Publication date: 2009-11-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to an enhanced computer telephony system for integrating computer capabilities into a telephone system interconnected via communications networks comprising of at least an enhanced computer telephone server, a telephone switching apparatus coupled with a plurality of computer and telephone terminals connected to said enhanced computer telephone server wherein said enhanced computer telephone server facilitates integration of control signals to said telephone switching apparatus and said telephone switching apparatus driving said telephone terminals based on the integrated control signals facilitated by said enhanced computer telephone server.

Description

AN ENHANCED COMPUTER TELEPHONE INTEGRATION SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to telephony and telephone systems, but more particularly to an enhanced computer telephone integration system integrating voice, video and data capabilities into a computer-telephone network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The telephone is the most common and personal device used in the everyday lives of people around the world. Practically everyone now has a phone regardless of age, gender, or race. Furthermore, more telephone products are manufactured and bought everyday than computers or laptops. Because of the telephone's accessibility and versatility, telephone systems would also be the easiest and most convenient computing platform. Such telephone systems when enhanced and incorporated with computer intelligence will enable an ordinary telephone to possess data, voice and video processing capabilities of a computer. However, inspite of the fact that telephones have been around for a long time, the same remain to be "DUMB" devices capable only of the basic call/voice interfaces and very limited other functions.

Attempts have been made to provide enhancements and intelligence to conventional telephone systems as shown in the prior art more specifically in US Patent No. 7,177,411. US Patent 7,177,411 relates to a system for telephone services and more specifically to a system for implementing telephone services on one or more telephone installations, and having several telephone terminals managed by one or more PABXs. The prior art teaches a telephone system wherein existing private automatic branch exchanges (PABX) are integrated with a computer telephone integration (CTI) server through a control interface to provide the PABX some kind of remote management wherein other services may be supplemented to the existing services provided by the PABX.

The features of the prior art still do not provide for the possibility of transforming any telephone module or system into a mini-computer. The transformation of a telephone system by incorporating computer intelligence would allow the device to perform computer functions including but not limited to realtime remote monitoring and management, CDR analysis with graphical representation, fax management of the telephone switch and other related functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the aforementioned limitations and technical problems of present day telephone systems and devices, the present invention provides for a computer telephony system for integrating data, voice and video capabilities into a telephone network and transforming the same from a mere call/voice interface into a system or device with enhanced computer capabilities. The herein computer telephony system for integrating computer capabilities into a telephone system interconnected via communications networks comprising of at least an enhanced computer telephone server, a telephone switching apparatus coupled with a plurality of computer and telephone terminals connected to said enhanced computer telephone server and wherein said enhanced computer telephone server facilitates integration of control signals to said telephone switching apparatus and said telephone switching apparatus driving said telephone terminals based on the integrated, control signals fa_ci_litated_by said enhanced computer telephone server.

The computer telephone server of the present invention comprising of a means for processing instructions and operations received from input devices and program modules from the system memory, a memory means including computer storage media containing algorithms in transferring information between elements within the CT server and program modules being operated by the processing means, a means for interfacing the CT server to the local area network, a plurality of I/O interface connecting the server to other input and output devices, a memory interface connecting the CT server to other computer readable media, a plurality of port interfaces connecting the CT server to other telephone networks and a system bus for performing transmission between the components of said CT server.

The telephone switching apparatus of the present invention comprising means for processing incoming and outgoing call traffic and converting these call traffic into digital signals, a memory controlling means for controlling applications hosted by the apparatus, a means for controlling the internet and data connectivity of the apparatus, a means for controlling and managing USB devices connected to the apparatus, an interface means used for expanding the capability of the apparatus by allowing the connection of other devices and circuit boards to the apparatus, a plurality of port interfaces for connecting the apparatus to the public switch telephone network

(PSTN) , and a control bus for performing signal transmission between the components of the switching apparatus .

Another object of the present invention is to provide for a computer-telephony system for integrating data, voice and video capabilities into a telephone network that is integrated with a hardware/software platform capable of incorporating computer intelligence into any telephone system (wired or wireless) enabling an ordinary telephone to possess data, voice and video processing capabilities of a computer.

Still, another object of the present invention is to further provide a computer-telephony system that allows telephone systems to perform functions such as, real-time remote monitoring and management, CDR analysis with graphical representation, fax management of the telephone switch and other related functions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for a computer-telephony system for integrating voice, video and data capabilities into a telephone network that allows for real-world benefits such as:

1. Installation of a webcam through the switching apparatus to monitor persons and providing a call from the switching apparatus to relay information on the person being monitored.

2. The ability to control power, water television by calling the switching apparatus. 3. The ability to create home or company intelligence systems.

4. The ability to be informed in real-time by a call from the switching apparatus regarding results of internet data or news search or the like.

5. Multi branch activities in a company can all be monitored in real-time by the owner or manager using the switching apparatus of the present invention.

6. Using flood and agricultural sensors, the switching apparatus can relay real-time information on remote problem areas .

7. The ability to store communication data, for instance, storage of all contacts and other pertinent data from a mobile phone to avoid problems resulting from losing the mobile phone where such information are stored.

8. The ability to put intelligence to one's legacy PBX enabling ones company to collaborate better and be more productive.

9. The ability to be integrated with internet devices such as but not limited to NAS (Network Attached Storage) and SAN (Storage Area Network) to create a cost effective enterprise grade solution for systems calling for such.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a reading of the ensuing detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication network system implementing the enhanced computer telephony integration system of the present invention.

Figure 2A shows the schematic block diagram of the computer telephone server.

Figure 2B shows the schematic block diagram of the computer-telephone switch. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a general overview of the implementation of the enhanced computer telephone system of the present invention in a computer telephony network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention relates to telecommunications and computer network application. More particularly, the present invention relates to a computer telephony system for integrating computer capabilities, particularly data, voice and video capabilities, into telephone modules. Hereinafter, the system of the present invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim. The present invention for an enhanced computer telephone integration (CTI) system has been designed to operate in a combined telecommunication and computing environment, particularly in public switch telephone networks, mobile communications networks, Wide Area Networks (WAN) including intranet and internet facilities, Local Area Networks, etc. In particular, the enhanced CTI system and method running on an enhanced CT host server computing device is in communication with the enhanced CT switching apparatus integrating it with computing capabilities thereby transforming any telephone modules connected to said switching apparatus into computer-like devices.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a telephone module coupled to the enhanced CT switching apparatus (will be designated as "CT switch", "enhanced computer telephone switching apparatus", or "switch" in the following description) is connected to other telephone modules via a telephone or computer network, while the CT apparatus is also linked with the enhanced CT host server (will be designated "CT server", "enhanced computer telephone server" or "server" in the following description) , locally or remotely via a telephone or computer network.

The CT server in communication with the CT switch, is the one who infuse the management and control processing commands to the CT switch in order for telephone modules to possess voice, data and video capabilities of a computer, thus all voice, data and video transactions are indefinitely captured for real time and future analysis. Examples of the capabilities that ordinary telephone modules will be able to possess include, but not limited to, call monitoring, blind transfer, call retrieval, call recording, direct inward system access, fax transmit/receive/management, voicemail to email transmission and various other functions.

The enhanced CTI system of the present invention as illustrated in the drawings is only an illustration of a suitable computer telephony integration environment and not intended to suggest limitation to the scope of the functionality of the present invention. It also should not be interpreted as being dependent to the combination of network configurations and components illustrated in the drawings.

The enhanced CTI system of the present invention is operational with other general computer- telecommunication systems environment. The following computer-telecommunications systems environment and configuration may be suitable for use with the enhanced CTI system including but not limited to personal computers, server computers, laptops, tablet PCs, handheld computers, communication devices such as PBX/PABX, DTMF phones, mobile phones, IP phones and PDAs, and networked PCs, microcomputers, NAS/SAN, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices and the like.

Figure 1 is a general block diagram of the CTI system 10 illustrating an arrangement between the computer and telephone environment. Figure 1 illustrates an implementation of the CTI system of the present invention, designated with reference numeral 10, incorporated in a computer and telephone environment. The system and method is implemented by the enhanced CT server 20. Said CT server 20 is in two- way communication with at least one enhanced CT switching apparatus 30 via a network 40, preferably in a secured link. At least one computer/telephone device 50 is connected to said CT switch 30 over a communication link 60.

The CT server 20 of the CTI system 10 provides functionality to the CT switch 30 for it to be able to provide an array of computer-telephone capabilities to the device 50. Said device 50 may include, but not limited to analog phones, digital phones, wireless phones, WiFi phones, Android based mobile phones, IP phones, PBX/PABX, PCs, networked PC/servers, PDAs, tablet PCs, Notebooks, etc.

As shown in Figure 2A, components of the CT server 20, preferably embedded with Linux-based operating system (OS Linux) , may include but are not limited to, a control processing unit 210, system memory 220, network interface 230, I/O computer peripheral interfaces 240, memory interface 250, port interfaces 260 and a system bus 270 which couple these components.

The CT server 20 may include, through connection to its memory interface 250, various computer readable media such as removable and non-removable media and volatile and non volatile media such as flash memory, EEPROM, random access memory (RAM) , read only memory (ROM), CD-ROM, DVD or other optical disk storage.

The control processing unit 210 typically performs the instructions and operations being received from input devices and program modules fed by the system memory 220 and input devices from I/O interface 240. The system memory 220 may include storage media also in the form of volatile and non volatile memory such as ROM and RAM. These storage media may also include BIOS which contains algorithms in transferring information between elements of the Ci server 20 and program data and/or program modules and applications programs that are accessible to the processing unit 210.

While the I/O interface 240 provides interfacing for input devices, such as, transducers, keyboard/mouse, LCD panels, scanners, etc. and output devices such as printers, speakers, etc.

The server 20 is also operational in networked environment using network connections to one or more remote CT servers 20 and CT switches 30. These remote servers typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to said CT server 20. The network connections include Local Area Network (LAN) , Wide Area Network (WAN) , Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), Mobile Telephone Communications Network (MTCN-GSM) , but may also include other computing networks .

The CT server 20 when connected to other CT servers or to the CT switch apparatus 30 in a LAN environment is connected to the local area network through the network interface 230, while if it is connected in WAN environment, the server 20 is connected through an internal modem or external modem through one of the I/O user interface 240. When the CT server 20 is connected through the PSTN or MCTN, the port interface 260 is utilized. The CT switch 30 shown in Fig. 2B, preferably embedded with Linux Operating System (OS Linux) as well, comprises of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 320 or a multipurpose processor (arm, x86, amd64), a memory controller 330, a LAN/WAN controller 340, a USB controller 350, a General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) ports 360 or other types of I/O peripheral ports, a plurality of port interfaces 370 and a data/control bus

380 connecting each of the components of said CT switch 30.

The processor 320 performs analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion of the incoming and outgoing call traffic to and from the CT switch 30. The digital signals processed by the processor 320 is utilized for real time call monitoring, voice and video conferencing switchboard operator and call data record analysis. These processed signals are also stored and transported to the CT server 20 for analysis and for future requirements. The memory controller 330 is being used for the control of various applications and features hosted in the CT switch 30. The LAN/WAN controller 340 controls the internet and data connectivity of the switch 30, while the USB controller 350 performs management and control of the USB devices connected to the CT switch 30.

Said GPIO interface 360 or other types of I/O ports including but not limited to RS232, USB, PS/2 and display port is used for connecting other devices to the CT switch 30 such as LCD panels, transducers, keyboard/mouse, etc. expanding its capabilities. The plurality of port interfaces 370 supports different telephone signaling interfaces such as FXO/FXS, El/Tl, MFCR2/PRI/BRI which are used to connect the switch 30 with a plurality of networks 40, such as to PSTN and MCTN, and the CT server 20. It is also used to connect the system 10 with other computing and telephone networks for its incoming and outgoing calls or services. These interfaces 370 also supports WiFi, Bluetooth, GSM, 3G, and 3.5G signaling interfaces to connect said switch 30 to the telephone/device 50. A plurality of CT switches can also be interfaced into a single CT switch 30 increasing its capacity particularly the number of its port interfaces 370.

The data/control bus 380 performs signal transmission between the processor 320, the controllers 330, 340, and 350, the GPIO port 360 and the network connection 40 through the port interfaces 370.

The CT system 10 provides numerous functionality and capabilities to a telephone module 50 through the CT switch 30. The CT switch 30 controls the connected telephone module 50 through the communication link 60 and receive information output for analysis from this device 50. This integration and incorporation of computer capabilities to telephone modules is based on the capability of the CT server 20 to communicate, transmit and facilitate control signals and information to the computer-run CT switch 30 and vice versa.

Shown in Figure 3, for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the capability of the CTI system of the present invention to include additional network environments, is a block diagram illustrating the general overview of the implementation of the CTI system 10 in a computer-telephony network 100. This network 100 being comprised of several sub-networks 110 where CT system 10 is being implemented, is managed by a plurality of CT servers 20 centrally connected within the network 100. These CT servers 20 hosts several databases for storing information and are preferably connected in a fully connected network topology for uninterrupted service to the network 100. It is to be understood that remote connections, via internet, PSTN and/or MCTN(GSM), of these CT servers 20 in this network topology is allowed by the present invention.

An illustration of one of sub-networks 111 include a CT switch 301 coupled to the servers 20, preferably via a Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet 410 through the controller 330 of said switch 301. A plurality of IP phone devices 501 in a local area network (LAN) 610 environment are connected to said switch 301 via the controller 330.

The switch 301 is connected outside of the network 100, through the port interfaces 370, to either the

Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) 371, to a Mobile

Telephone Communication Network 372, via a GSM modem, and/or the Internet 373. Incoming and outgoing calls or services to and from the sub-network 111 passed through this port interfaces 370.

Another switch 302 can also be connected to a PBX/PABX 502 and acts as interface for the analog telephone devices 503 coupled to said PBX 502, to be able to use VOIP services and other computing capabilities as predetermined and as facilitated by said CT server 20. Another illustration of a sub-network 112, coupled to the CT network 100, shows a connection of a CT switch 303 through a Wireless Network 420, preferably Mobile Telephone Communications Network (MTCN) , wherein connection to the server 20 is done through the port interface 370 via a GSM modem. A plurality of phone devices 504 and computer devices 505, preferably PCs with softphones and headsets, are connected via LAN to said switch 303. The sub-network 112 is further provided with a PC connected with a webcam, or a sensor, or a trigger switch 506 which can transmit/receive real-time information or control signals .

Still another sub-network 113 being coupled to the server 20 as illustrated in Fig. 3, shows the connection of a plurality of CT switches connected to the server 20 via the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) 430. It further shows the capability of the system 10 to use the available facility of the current telephone networks. As illustrated, CT switch 304 is connected to the server 20 via the PSTN 430 through analog lines 431, another CT switch 305 is connected to the PSTN 430 using MFC/R2/PRI/BRI signal lines 432. While CT switches 306 and 307 located remotely with each other and both connected to the PSTN 430 can be interfaced into a single switch through VOIP. A plurality of (but not limited to) CT switches 308, 309 and 310 were interfaced into a single switch providing options to an unlimited number of trunklines or port interfaces 370 thereby increasing the capability of the system 10 to offer an unlimited incoming/outgoing calls or service options. It is also to be understood that the capability of the CT switches 30 in the other sub- networks 111 and 112 in integrating voice, video and data capabilities to its coupled telephone and computer modules is also integrated into the CT switches connected to sub-network 113 as shown in the drawings. In operation, the present invention for an enhanced CTI system 10 through the interconnection of the CT server 20 and CT switch 30, both having hardware/software platform capable of incorporating computer intelligence into any telephone network (wired or wireless) 100 enabling an ordinary telephone to possess data and voice and video processing capabilities of a computer.

The CT server 20, based on the computer- intelligence requirement of a telephone sub-network 110, transmit integrated control signals to the CT switch 30 allowing the telephone network 110 to perform functions such as real-time remote monitoring and management, CDR analysis with graphical representation, fax management of the telephone switch and other related functions.

Other functions which can be integrated to the telephone network 110 includes real-world benefits such as installation of a computer/telephone peripheral 50 to the GPIO port 370 of said CT switch 30, such as a webcam to monitor a person and automatically providing a call from the CT switch 110 to relay information on the person being monitored.

Another function is the ability to create home or office intelligence by integrating triggers, sensors and switches to the CT switch 30, an example is controlling office/home electrical and water facilities by integrating a triggering switch to the CT switch 30 which can easily be controlled to turn on or off by just calling the switch 30 remotely.

The CT switch 30, with an internet-connected computer device 50, such as personal computer or laptop computer, connected through port interface 370, can also be configured to transmit real-time information such as internet results, news search and the like.

Multi-branch activities in a company can all be monitored in real-time by interconnecting several CT switches 30 located remotely with each other but is interfaced by the CT server into a single switch.

The system 10 can also be used to relay real-time information, including video streams and computer data, on calamity hit areas through peripheral devices 50, including cameras, flood and agricultural sensors connected to the CT switch 30.

The system 10 can also be used to store communication data, for instance, storage of all contacts and other pertinent data from a mobile phone to avoid problems resulting from losing the mobile phone where such information are stored.

The system 10 can also be used to put intelligence to one' s legacy PBX 50 enabling ones company to collaborate better and be more productive by interfacing the CT switch 30 between said legacy PBX 50 and the CT server 20, thereby allowing the system 10 to work on improving the PBX capabilities such as allowing incoming/outgoing VOIP calls.

The system 10 can also be integrated with internal devices such as but not limited to NAS (Network

Attached Storage) and SAN (Storage Area Network) to create a cost effective enterprise grade solution for systems calling for such.

Additional advantages and modifications of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art in view of these teachings . The present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative contrivances, and illustrative examples shown and described herein.

Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. An enhanced computer telephony integration system for integrating computer capabilities and functionalities into a telephone system interconnected via communication and computing networks comprising of at least an enhanced computer-telephone (CT) server, at least a computer- telephone switching apparatus coupled with a plurality of computer and telephone modules connected to said enhanced computer telephone server wherein: said enhanced computer-telephone server facilitates integration of control signals to said telephone switching apparatus; and said computer telephone switching apparatus driving said computer and telephone modules based on the integrated control signals facilitated by said enhanced computer-telephone server .

2. The enhanced computer telephony integration system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said computer- telephone (CT) server comprising: a means for processing instructions and operations received from input devices and program modules from the system memory; a memory means including computer storage media containing algorithms in transferring information between elements within the CT server and program modules being operated by the processing means; a means for interfacing the CT server to the local area network; a plurality of I/O interface connecting the server to other input and output devices; a memory interface connecting the CT server to other computer readable media; a plurality of port interfaces connecting the CT server to other telephone networks; and a system bus for performing transmission between the components of said CT server.

3. The enhanced computer telephony integration system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said computer telephone switching apparatus having components to drive said computer and telephone modules based on the integrated control signals facilitated by said enhanced computer telephone server comprising of: means for processing incoming and outgoing call traffic and converting these call traffic into digital signals; a memory controlling means for controlling applications hosted by the switching apparatus; a means for controlling the internet and data connectivity of the switching apparatus; a means for controlling and managing USB devices connected to the switching apparatus; a plurality of port interfaces for connecting the switching apparatus to communication networks including a public switch telephone network, a mobile communication network and to the internet; an interface means for connecting computer devices and circuit boards to the switching apparatus; and a control bus for performing signal transmission between the components of the switching apparatus .

4. The enhanced computer telephony integration system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the computer telephone server and the telephone switching apparatus being interconnected through computing network preferably via internet.

5. A computer-telephony integration system comprising of a plurality of interconnected computer-telephone servers coupled to at least a computing and telephone network through a computer telephone switching apparatus of said computing and telephone network wherein: said computer-telephone servers facilitates integration of control signals incorporating computer capabilities and functionalities to said computing and telephone network; and said computing and telephone network being driven based on the integrated control signals facilitated by said enhanced computer-telephone servers through said computer telephone switching apparatus.

6. A computer-telephony integration system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said computer- telephone servers being interconnected into a full network topology to continuously service the computing and telephone network connected to said servers .

7. A computer-telephony integration system in accordance with claim 6, wherein said computer- telephone servers are interconnected through internet .

8. A computer-telephony integration system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said computing and telephone network comprising of at least a computer- telephone switching apparatus coupled with a plurality of telephone and computer modules wherein said computer-telephone switching apparatus driving said computer and telephone modules based on the integrated control signals facilitated by said computer-telephone servers.

9. A computer-telephony integration system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said computing and telephone network being connected to said computer telephone servers through the internet.

10. A computer-telephony integration system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said computing and telephone network being connected to said computer telephone servers through a public telephone switching network.

11. A computer-telephony integration system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said computing and telephone network being connected to said computer telephone servers through a mobile communications telephone network.