US20060002379A1 - Packet communication system - Google Patents
Packet communication system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060002379A1 US20060002379A1 US11/210,804 US21080405A US2006002379A1 US 20060002379 A1 US20060002379 A1 US 20060002379A1 US 21080405 A US21080405 A US 21080405A US 2006002379 A1 US2006002379 A1 US 2006002379A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- packet
- network
- telephone
- communication
- communication unit
- 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
- H04M7/0024—Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services
- H04M7/0057—Services where the data services network provides a telephone service in addition or as an alternative, e.g. for backup purposes, to the telephone service provided by the telephone services network
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/64—Hybrid switching systems
- H04L12/6418—Hybrid transport
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42314—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers in private branch exchanges
- H04M3/42323—PBX's with CTI arrangements
-
- 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
- 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
- H04M7/0066—Details of access arrangements to the networks
- H04M7/0069—Details of access arrangements to the networks comprising a residential gateway, e.g. those which provide an adapter for POTS or ISDN terminals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/64—Hybrid switching systems
- H04L12/6418—Hybrid transport
- H04L2012/6481—Speech, voice
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/253—Telephone sets using digital voice transmission
- H04M1/2535—Telephone sets using digital voice transmission adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/428—Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
- H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
- H04M3/533—Voice mail systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
- H04M7/12—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
Definitions
- This invention relates to a packet communication system used for packet mode communication of a signal, such as, an audio signal or a video signal through a communication network, and more particularly to a packet communication system suitable for packet mode communication of a signal, such as, a speech signal between communication networks using signal types different from each other.
- This voice communication system is composed of telephones connected to a convention telephone network, packet communication units connected to a packeted speech signal communication network (referred to hereinafter as a packet communication network), and a communication gateway used to realize mutual connections between the telephones and the packet communication units.
- a network carrying such a speech packet on the LAN described above is an example of the packet communication network.
- the reference numerals 21 and 22 designate telephones connected to a private branch exchange network (a PBX network) 13 and a public telephone network 20 , 104 designates a subscriber line of the private branch exchange network 13 , 105 designates a subscriber line of the public telephone network 20 , and they have the same interface.
- the reference numeral 101 designates a packeted speech signal transmission network in the form of, for example, a LAN based on the CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple access with collision detection) scheme according to the standards defined in the IEEE 802.3.
- a plurality of packet communication units 14 , 15 and 16 are connected to this LAN 101 .
- the packet communication units 14 , 15 and 16 are in the form of small size computers, such as, personal computers provided with handsets 17 , 18 and 19 respectively. These packet communication units 14 , 15 and 16 have, on one hand, functions of packeting speech signal inputs from the handsets 17 to 19 and sending out the packeted speech signals onto the LAN 101 and, on the other hand, functions of converting the packeted speech signals received via the LAN 101 into ordinary voice streams again and reproducing the original speech by the handsets 17 , 18 and 19 .
- the reference numeral 11 designates a mail box connected to the LAN 101 to store a filed voice mail.
- the packet communication units 14 , 15 and 16 can store such filed voice mails in the mail box 11 through the LAN 101 and can also fetch such voice mails, transmitted from the other packet communication units and stored in the mail box 11 , so as to internally convert the stored voice mails into voice streams again and reproduce the original speech signals by the handsets 17 , 18 and 19 .
- the reference numeral 12 designates a communication gateway which controls communication between the LAN 101 that is the packet communication network and the private branch exchange network 13 that is the conventional telephone network.
- a subscriber line accommodating an existing telephone is commonly used as a connection line 102 between the private branch exchange network 13 and the communication gateway 12 .
- this connection line 102 may be an interface between the telephones in the private branch exchange network.
- the speech packet is transferred through a communication path 121 .
- the speech packet is transmitted through a communication path 122 in the LAN 101 .
- the packeted speech signal on the LAN 101 is converted by the communication gateway 12 into the corresponding voice stream before being transferred to the private branch exchange network 13 or the public telephone network 20 .
- a speech signal transmitted from the side of the private branch exchange network 13 or the public telephone network 20 toward the packet communication unit 14 in the LAN 101 its voice stream is packeted by the communication gateway 12 to be sent out to the LAN 101 .
- the prior art packet communication units connected in the packet communication network are basically considered to make communication in packet form.
- the desired integration of the voice communication in the form including the conventional telephone network will bring forth such a problem that the communication gateway tends to be overloaded due to concentration of loads, resulting in impossibility of connection or communication.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system which is constructed to be accommodated in the prior art network by adding a function of connection to the conventional telephone network in addition to the function of connection to the packet mode network, so as to lighten loads imposed on a communication gateway, to decrease the amount of materials of an interface circuit or parts for connection to the conventional telephone network, and to reduce the cost of the system.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system in which a user possessing his telephone already can transmit speech through his telephone subscriber line possessed already and which also makes it possible to make voice communication with another packet communication unit connected in the packet mode network.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system which, when an incoming call arrives at the user's packet communication unit from another while the user is talking, displays the arrival of the incoming call on a display, so that such a call can be dealt with while the other party does not know the fact.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system in which a speech or like signal arriving at the user's packet communication unit from the conventional telephone network is turned into mail form without the necessity for re-connection of the input to the communication gateway, so as to shorten the period of time required for turning the input into the mail form and also to lighten the load imposed on the communication gateway.
- a still further object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system in which, even in the event of sudden power supply interruption, an output unit, such as, an externally located telephone is used for communication, so that, even when the exclusive user of the packet communication unit is absent, and the power supply is not turned on, another person can respond to the input.
- an output unit such as, an externally located telephone
- the present invention which attains the above objects provides a packet communication system making communication between a communication unit connected in a conventional telephone network and that in a packet mode network, in which a function of connection to the conventional telephone network is added to a function of connection to the packet mode network, and means for exclusively selecting the connection network is provided so that, at the time of transmission of a signal from one of the communication units to the other, the connection path is selected according to the kind of network to which the other communication unit belongs, while, at the time of signal reception, the communication unit is connected to only one of the conventional telephone network and the packet mode network.
- the packet communication system comprises packet processor means for converting a speech or like information signal inputted from an input unit (for example, a transmitter microphone of a handset) into the form of a packet to transmit the packet to the packet mode network and converting the packet transmitted from the packet mode network into the original speech or like information signal stream to reproduce the signal stream by an output unit (for example, a receiver of the handset), conventional telephone network interface control means for reproducing the speech or like information signal arrived from the conventional telephone network by the output unit, and exclusive selection means for exclusively selecting only one of the conventional telephone network and the packet mode network in response to the arrival of the input signal.
- an input unit for example, a transmitter microphone of a handset
- an output unit for example, a receiver of the handset
- conventional telephone network interface control means for reproducing the speech or like information signal arrived from the conventional telephone network by the output unit
- exclusive selection means for exclusively selecting only one of the conventional telephone network and the packet mode network in response to the arrival of the input signal.
- the communication gateway is utilized only for the communication between the communication unit (for example, the telephone) connected to the conventional telephone network only and the communication unit connected to the packet mode network only, and concentration of loads on the communication gateway is avoided.
- information such as, audio information and/or video information can be reliably communicated between the communication units in the conventional telephone network and those in the packet mode network.
- the packet communication unit when the packet communication unit is newly provided for the user possessing his telephone already connected to the conventional telephone network, the sole requirement is to connect the subscriber telephone line to the packet communication system of the present invention, so that the telephone can be eliminated, and communication of information, such as, audio information and/or video information can be economically attained.
- information signals are simultaneously inputted from the communication unit connected in the packet mode network and that in the conventional telephone network, only one of the input signals is connected to the user's communication unit, and a busy tone is issued for the other input signal, so that the user does not feel any difficulty in dealing with such a situation.
- FIG. 1 shows the system structure of an embodiment of the packet communication system using the packet communication unit according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the structure of the packet communication unit used in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B show the structure of the packet communication unit provided with a connection switching circuit for switching over connection with an externally located telephone in the event of power supply interruption.
- FIG. 4 shows the structure of one form of a prior art packet communication system.
- FIG. 1 shows the system structure of an embodiment of the packet communication system using the packet communication unit according to the present invention, and like reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 to designate like parts appearing in FIG. 4 .
- the reference numeral 30 designates a packet communication unit having a function of connection both of a conventional telephone network and a LAN 101 that is a packet communication network.
- the packet communication unit 30 is provided with a connection path for connection to the LAN 101 and a connection interface line 103 for connection to a private branch exchange network 13 that is the conventional telephone network.
- the connection interface line 103 provides the same interface as that for subscriber lines connected to telephones 21 and 22 .
- the connection interface line 103 may be connected to a public telephone network 20 instead of the private branch exchange network 13 . However, for the convenience of description, it is supposed herein that the connection interface line 103 is connected to the private branch exchange network 12 .
- FIG. 2 shows in detail the structure of the packet communication unit 30 .
- the packet communication unit 30 is composed of a processor part 31 executing overall control, a display part 32 displaying various kinds of messages, for example, arrived messages, scenes, for example, address input scenes, etc., viewed by the user for the selection of the other party, a keyboard/mouse part 35 inputting information required for operation, a speech packet processor part 33 processing a speech input and a speech output to and from a handset 19 so as to transmit and receive a speech packet to and from the LAN 101 , a telephone interface control part 34 controlling the subscriber line interface of the conventional telephone network, and a switch part 36 switched over to select whether the speech stream to the handset 19 is to be supplied from the side of the LAN 101 or from the side of the private branch exchange network 13 therefor.
- These parts are interconnected with each other by a bus 301 .
- the processor part 31 decides whether the communication unit of the other party is connected to the LAN 101 or to the private branch exchange network 13 and executes processing (for example, the exclusive control of the switch part 36 ) according to the result of decision. At the same time, according to the network to which the communication unit of the other party transmitting the signal is connected, the processor part 31 instructs the speech packet processor part 33 or the existing telephone interface control part 34 to originate a call. Also, the processor part 31 controls the switch part 36 to control the speech stream to be connected to the handset 19 .
- the packet communication unit 30 incorporated in this embodiment uses a communication path 121 when it communicates with, for example, a packet communication unit 14 located on the LAN 101 , while it uses another communication path 123 when it communicates with the telephones 21 and 22 connected to the conventional telephone network. Whether the communication unit of the other party is located on the LAN 101 or connected to the private branch exchange network 13 is decided on the basis of whether an identifier specifying the communication unit of the other party is a network address or a telephone number. Then, on the basis of the result of decision, the packet communication unit 30 selects the connection path.
- the processor part 31 identifies according to the telephone number that the communication unit of the other party is connected in the private branch exchange network 13 , and the dial signal is generated from the telephone interface control part 34 .
- the communication unit of the other party transmitting the signal is the packet communication unit 14
- the processor part 31 identifies according to the network address that the communication unit of the other party is located on the LAN 101 , and the speech packet processor part 33 transmits the packet including the address of the other party.
- the IP (internal protocol) address, the host name of the packet communication unit or the like is used.
- the packet communication unit 30 can communicate through the communication gateway 12 with the telephones 21 and 22 connected to the conventional telephone network.
- the network address or the telephone number of the communication unit transmitting the signal is inputted from the keyboard/mouse part 35 and displayed on the display part 32 of the packet communication unit 30 .
- the packet communication unit 14 in the prior art packet communication network must use the communication path 122 extending through the communication gateway 12 when it makes communication with the telephones 21 and 22 connected to the conventional telephone network only, as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the practical mode in which the packet communication unit 30 is newly introduced to be provided for the user who possesses the existing telephone already will now be considered.
- a bypass route in the from of the connection interface line 103 directly connecting the packet communication unit 30 and the telephones 21 and 22 to the private branch exchange network 13 is provided as shown in FIG. 1 , so that the load imposed on the communication gateway 12 can be greatly lightened.
- the processor part 31 in the packet communication unit 30 can recognize the state of both of the private branch exchange network 13 and the LAN 101 through the speech packet processor part 33 or the telephone interface control part 34 . Therefore, when a speech signal arrives while the packet communication unit 30 is making communication, that signal is dealt with as in the case of usual busy mode processing by the exclusive control function.
- the processor part 31 changes over the switch part 36 to supply the speech input to the telephone interface control part 34 and cuts off the supply of the speech input from the speech packet processor part 33 .
- the processor part 31 generates a packet indicating that the packet communication unit 30 is now busy, and this packet is transmitted from the speech packet processor part 33 to the signal transmitting packet communication unit 14 through the LAN 101 .
- the processor part 31 changes over the switch part 36 to supply the speech input to the speech packet processor part 33 and cuts off the supply of the speech input from the telephone interface control part 34 .
- the processor part 31 instructs the telephone interface control part 34 to generate a busy tone signal, and this signal is transmitted to the signal transmitting telephone 21 through the connection interface line 103 and the private branch exchange network 13 .
- the packet communication unit 30 operates to effect the above manner of exclusive control for a speech signal that arrives during communication, so that the user of the packet communication unit 30 is required to respond to the signal arriving from one of the networks only and is thus freed from such a situation in which he is embarrassed with simultaneous arrival of speech signals from both the networks.
- the processor part 31 displays the arrival of the signal on the display part 32 .
- the switch part 36 may be changed over by the user who viewed and confirmed the display on the display part 32 .
- the voice mail transfer function will now be described.
- a speech signal transmitted from, for example, the telephone 21 to the packet communication unit 30 through the private branch exchange network 13 is processed to be received as a speech mail due to, for example, the absence of the user of the packet communication unit 30
- the speech signal received through the connection interface line 103 is turned into the speech file by the speech packet processor part 33 and is then transferred through the LAN 101 to a mail box 11 to be stored as the mail whose destination is the user's packet communication unit 30 .
- the speech signal arrived during the period of absence of the user of the packet communication unit 30 can be reproduced at any desired later time, so that the processing required for turning the speech signal into the speech mail via the communication gateway 12 is now unnecessary, and the period of time required for the processing can be shortened together with lightening of the load on the communication gateway 12 .
- the reference numeral 40 designates a packet communication unit exhibiting a bypass function in the event of power supply interruption or down
- 45 designates a control part having a function similar to that of the packet communication unit 30 shown in FIG. 2
- 41 designates an externally located telephone
- 42 designates a handset of the telephone 41 .
- the externally located telephone 41 has a power supply different from that for the packet communication unit 40 .
- the reference numerals 43 and 44 designate relay contacts switched over under control of the processor part 31 shown in FIG. 2 .
- the relay contact 44 is switched over to the position where the connection interface line 103 is connected to the line terminal of the telephone 41 as shown in FIG. 3A , while the relay contact 43 is switched over to the position where the handset 42 is connected to the handset terminal of the telephone 41 .
- the relay contact 44 is switched over to the position where the connection interface line 103 is connected to the line terminal of the telephone interface control part 34 shown in FIG. 2 and included in the control part 45 as shown in FIG. 3B , while the relay contact 43 is switched over to the position where the handset 42 is connected to the handset terminal of the switch part 36 shown in FIG. 2 and included in the control part 45 .
- the externally located telephone 41 can be used to secure the speech even in the event of interruption of the power supply to the packet communication unit 40 .
- the function of the externally located telephone 41 can be built in the packet communication unit 40 when the circuit is designed to utilize the power fed from the telephone exchange equipment.
- the packet transmitted to and received from the LAN 101 in the embodiments described above may be any one of a packet having a variable length and that having a fixed length.
- the present invention is also applicable to the case of transmission and reception of a video signal or an image signal.
- a video telephone or the like can be connected to the conventional telephone network.
- the display part 32 functions as the output unit, while an image input unit, such as, a television camera connected in place of the transmitter microphone of the handset functions as the input unit.
Abstract
The packet communication system enables communication between a communication unit connected in a conventional telephone network and a communication unit in a packet mode network. A device for exclusively selecting the connection network is provided so that, at the time of transmission of a signal from one communication unit to another, the connection path is selected according to the kind of the network to which the other communication unit belongs. At the time of signal reception, the communication unit is connected to only one of the conventional telephone network and the packet mode network. The packet communication system includes a packet processor for converting an information signal, such as speech, inputted from an input unit (for example, a transmitter microphone of a handset) into the form of a packet
Description
- This is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/396,824, filed Mar. 26, 2003; which is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/238,160, filed Jan. 28, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,563,815); which is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 08/827,054, filed Mar. 26, 1997 (now abandoned); which is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 08/486,183, filed May 9, 1995 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,654,957).
- This invention relates to a packet communication system used for packet mode communication of a signal, such as, an audio signal or a video signal through a communication network, and more particularly to a packet communication system suitable for packet mode communication of a signal, such as, a speech signal between communication networks using signal types different from each other.
- With the recent progress of the architecture of a LAN (local area network), the network system connecting small size computers, such as, personal computers using the LAN is also increasing. Thus, an attempt is now being made for integration of communications by permitting voice communication on the LAN in addition to a conventional telephone network (including a PBX network that is a private branch exchange network).
- As an example of such an attempt, there is a “voice communication system” as shown in
FIG. 4 . This voice communication system is composed of telephones connected to a convention telephone network, packet communication units connected to a packeted speech signal communication network (referred to hereinafter as a packet communication network), and a communication gateway used to realize mutual connections between the telephones and the packet communication units. A network carrying such a speech packet on the LAN described above is an example of the packet communication network. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , thereference numerals public telephone network branch exchange network public telephone network 20, and they have the same interface. On the other hand, thereference numeral 101 designates a packeted speech signal transmission network in the form of, for example, a LAN based on the CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple access with collision detection) scheme according to the standards defined in the IEEE 802.3. A plurality ofpacket communication units LAN 101. - The
packet communication units handsets packet communication units handsets 17 to 19 and sending out the packeted speech signals onto theLAN 101 and, on the other hand, functions of converting the packeted speech signals received via theLAN 101 into ordinary voice streams again and reproducing the original speech by thehandsets - The reference numeral 11 designates a mail box connected to the LAN 101 to store a filed voice mail. The
packet communication units handsets - The
reference numeral 12 designates a communication gateway which controls communication between theLAN 101 that is the packet communication network and the privatebranch exchange network 13 that is the conventional telephone network. In this case, a subscriber line accommodating an existing telephone is commonly used as aconnection line 102 between the privatebranch exchange network 13 and thecommunication gateway 12. However, thisconnection line 102 may be an interface between the telephones in the private branch exchange network. - Suppose now the case where voice communication is made among the
packet communication units LAN 101 in the voice communication system having the structure described above. In the case of making voice communication between, for example, thepacket communication units communication path 121. On the other hand, in the case of making communication between thepacket communication unit 14 and the privatebranch exchange network 13 or thetelephone public telephone network 20, the speech packet is transmitted through acommunication path 122 in theLAN 101. In this case, the packeted speech signal on theLAN 101 is converted by thecommunication gateway 12 into the corresponding voice stream before being transferred to the privatebranch exchange network 13 or thepublic telephone network 20. In the case of a speech signal transmitted from the side of the privatebranch exchange network 13 or thepublic telephone network 20 toward thepacket communication unit 14 in theLAN 101, its voice stream is packeted by thecommunication gateway 12 to be sent out to theLAN 101. - In the case of integration of voice communication in a packet communication network in the form including a conventional telephone network, it is an undeniable fact that the number of users having their telephones connected to the conventional telephone network is actually predominantly large although the number of terminals connected to the packet communication network is increasing. Therefore, when the desired integration of the voice communication is considered, the amount of communication between the telephones connected to the conventional telephone network and the terminals connected to the packet communication network is expected to considerably increase.
- On the other hand, when the future of the packet communication network is reviewed, an undeniable situation will appear in which the users possessing their telephones already become new members of the packet communication network. For example, although specific users, such as, persons holding administrative positions in a company only possess the packet communication units in the LAN in the company at present, it is apparent that there will be an increasing tendency of introducing the packet communication units in future so that all the members of the company can possess the packet communication units.
- However, the prior art packet communication units connected in the packet communication network are basically considered to make communication in packet form. Thus, the desired integration of the voice communication in the form including the conventional telephone network will bring forth such a problem that the communication gateway tends to be overloaded due to concentration of loads, resulting in impossibility of connection or communication.
- Further, when the packet communication unit is newly provided for the user possessing his telephone already, the same user possesses both the telephone and the packet communication unit. As a result, the cost inevitably increases, and such a problem arises that the user cannot deal with simultaneous occurrence of a communication request from both the telephone and the packet communication unit The same applies also to the case where the telephone is newly provided for the user who possesses the packet communication unit only.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a packet communication system which can reliably and economically ensure communication between communication units connected in a conventional telephone network and those connected in a packet mode network.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system which is constructed to be accommodated in the prior art network by adding a function of connection to the conventional telephone network in addition to the function of connection to the packet mode network, so as to lighten loads imposed on a communication gateway, to decrease the amount of materials of an interface circuit or parts for connection to the conventional telephone network, and to reduce the cost of the system.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system in which a user possessing his telephone already can transmit speech through his telephone subscriber line possessed already and which also makes it possible to make voice communication with another packet communication unit connected in the packet mode network.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system which, when an incoming call arrives at the user's packet communication unit from another while the user is talking, displays the arrival of the incoming call on a display, so that such a call can be dealt with while the other party does not know the fact.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system in which a speech or like signal arriving at the user's packet communication unit from the conventional telephone network is turned into mail form without the necessity for re-connection of the input to the communication gateway, so as to shorten the period of time required for turning the input into the mail form and also to lighten the load imposed on the communication gateway.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a packet communication system in which, even in the event of sudden power supply interruption, an output unit, such as, an externally located telephone is used for communication, so that, even when the exclusive user of the packet communication unit is absent, and the power supply is not turned on, another person can respond to the input.
- The present invention which attains the above objects provides a packet communication system making communication between a communication unit connected in a conventional telephone network and that in a packet mode network, in which a function of connection to the conventional telephone network is added to a function of connection to the packet mode network, and means for exclusively selecting the connection network is provided so that, at the time of transmission of a signal from one of the communication units to the other, the connection path is selected according to the kind of network to which the other communication unit belongs, while, at the time of signal reception, the communication unit is connected to only one of the conventional telephone network and the packet mode network. That is, the packet communication system comprises packet processor means for converting a speech or like information signal inputted from an input unit (for example, a transmitter microphone of a handset) into the form of a packet to transmit the packet to the packet mode network and converting the packet transmitted from the packet mode network into the original speech or like information signal stream to reproduce the signal stream by an output unit (for example, a receiver of the handset), conventional telephone network interface control means for reproducing the speech or like information signal arrived from the conventional telephone network by the output unit, and exclusive selection means for exclusively selecting only one of the conventional telephone network and the packet mode network in response to the arrival of the input signal.
- Thus, in the case of communication between the communication unit connected in the packet mode network and the communication unit, such as, the telephone connected in the conventional telephone network, a connection path is formed between them by the function of connection to the conventional telephone network. On the other hand, in the case of communication between the communication units in the packet mode network, a communication path is formed between them by the function of connection to the packet mode network. Therefore, the communication gateway is utilized only for the communication between the communication unit (for example, the telephone) connected to the conventional telephone network only and the communication unit connected to the packet mode network only, and concentration of loads on the communication gateway is avoided. Thus, even when the number of the communication units connected in the conventional telephone network may be large, information, such as, audio information and/or video information can be reliably communicated between the communication units in the conventional telephone network and those in the packet mode network.
- Further, when the packet communication unit is newly provided for the user possessing his telephone already connected to the conventional telephone network, the sole requirement is to connect the subscriber telephone line to the packet communication system of the present invention, so that the telephone can be eliminated, and communication of information, such as, audio information and/or video information can be economically attained. When, in this case, information signals are simultaneously inputted from the communication unit connected in the packet mode network and that in the conventional telephone network, only one of the input signals is connected to the user's communication unit, and a busy tone is issued for the other input signal, so that the user does not feel any difficulty in dealing with such a situation.
- These and other objects, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 shows the system structure of an embodiment of the packet communication system using the packet communication unit according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the structure of the packet communication unit used in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B show the structure of the packet communication unit provided with a connection switching circuit for switching over connection with an externally located telephone in the event of power supply interruption. -
FIG. 4 shows the structure of one form of a prior art packet communication system. - Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail by reference to the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 shows the system structure of an embodiment of the packet communication system using the packet communication unit according to the present invention, and like reference numerals are used inFIG. 1 to designate like parts appearing inFIG. 4 . Referring toFIG. 1 , thereference numeral 30 designates a packet communication unit having a function of connection both of a conventional telephone network and aLAN 101 that is a packet communication network. Thepacket communication unit 30 is provided with a connection path for connection to theLAN 101 and aconnection interface line 103 for connection to a privatebranch exchange network 13 that is the conventional telephone network. Theconnection interface line 103 provides the same interface as that for subscriber lines connected totelephones connection interface line 103 may be connected to apublic telephone network 20 instead of the privatebranch exchange network 13. However, for the convenience of description, it is supposed herein that theconnection interface line 103 is connected to the privatebranch exchange network 12. -
FIG. 2 shows in detail the structure of thepacket communication unit 30. Thepacket communication unit 30 is composed of aprocessor part 31 executing overall control, adisplay part 32 displaying various kinds of messages, for example, arrived messages, scenes, for example, address input scenes, etc., viewed by the user for the selection of the other party, a keyboard/mouse part 35 inputting information required for operation, a speechpacket processor part 33 processing a speech input and a speech output to and from ahandset 19 so as to transmit and receive a speech packet to and from theLAN 101, a telephoneinterface control part 34 controlling the subscriber line interface of the conventional telephone network, and aswitch part 36 switched over to select whether the speech stream to thehandset 19 is to be supplied from the side of theLAN 101 or from the side of the privatebranch exchange network 13 therefor. These parts are interconnected with each other by abus 301. - In response to the signal arrival information supplied from the speech
packet processor part 33 or from the telephoneinterface control part 34, theprocessor part 31 decides whether the communication unit of the other party is connected to theLAN 101 or to the privatebranch exchange network 13 and executes processing (for example, the exclusive control of the switch part 36) according to the result of decision. At the same time, according to the network to which the communication unit of the other party transmitting the signal is connected, theprocessor part 31 instructs the speechpacket processor part 33 or the existing telephoneinterface control part 34 to originate a call. Also, theprocessor part 31 controls theswitch part 36 to control the speech stream to be connected to thehandset 19. - The
packet communication unit 30 incorporated in this embodiment uses acommunication path 121 when it communicates with, for example, apacket communication unit 14 located on theLAN 101, while it uses anothercommunication path 123 when it communicates with thetelephones LAN 101 or connected to the privatebranch exchange network 13 is decided on the basis of whether an identifier specifying the communication unit of the other party is a network address or a telephone number. Then, on the basis of the result of decision, thepacket communication unit 30 selects the connection path. - When, for example, the communication unit of the other party transmitting the call is the
telephone 21, theprocessor part 31 identifies according to the telephone number that the communication unit of the other party is connected in the privatebranch exchange network 13, and the dial signal is generated from the telephoneinterface control part 34. When, on the other hand, the communication unit of the other party transmitting the signal is thepacket communication unit 14, theprocessor part 31 identifies according to the network address that the communication unit of the other party is located on theLAN 101, and the speechpacket processor part 33 transmits the packet including the address of the other party. As this network address, the IP (internal protocol) address, the host name of the packet communication unit or the like is used. Whether the identifier used for specifying the unit transmitting the signal is the telephone number or the network address is decided on the basis of the rule for designating the identifier of the unit to which the signal is transmitted. Further, when it is so defined that the signal is transmitted through thecommunication gateway 12 when the identifier of the unit to which the signal is transmitted indicates the value in which the identifier allocated to thecommunication gateway 12 is added to the head of the telephone number, thepacket communication unit 30 can communicate through thecommunication gateway 12 with thetelephones mouse part 35 and displayed on thedisplay part 32 of thepacket communication unit 30. - The
packet communication unit 14 in the prior art packet communication network must use thecommunication path 122 extending through thecommunication gateway 12 when it makes communication with thetelephones FIG. 4 . The practical mode in which thepacket communication unit 30 is newly introduced to be provided for the user who possesses the existing telephone already will now be considered. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, a bypass route in the from of theconnection interface line 103 directly connecting thepacket communication unit 30 and thetelephones branch exchange network 13 is provided as shown inFIG. 1 , so that the load imposed on thecommunication gateway 12 can be greatly lightened. - The manner of exclusive control for the communication path in the
packet communication unit 30 will now be described. Theprocessor part 31 in thepacket communication unit 30 can recognize the state of both of the privatebranch exchange network 13 and theLAN 101 through the speechpacket processor part 33 or the telephoneinterface control part 34. Therefore, when a speech signal arrives while thepacket communication unit 30 is making communication, that signal is dealt with as in the case of usual busy mode processing by the exclusive control function. - More concretely, when the
packet communication unit 30 starts to make communication with thetelephone 21 connected to the privatebranch exchange network 13, theprocessor part 31 changes over theswitch part 36 to supply the speech input to the telephoneinterface control part 34 and cuts off the supply of the speech input from the speechpacket processor part 33. When another speech signal arrives from the otherpacket communication unit 14 under the above situation, theprocessor part 31 generates a packet indicating that thepacket communication unit 30 is now busy, and this packet is transmitted from the speechpacket processor part 33 to the signal transmittingpacket communication unit 14 through theLAN 101. - On the other hand, when the
packet communication unit 30 starts to make communication with the otherpacket communication unit 14 connected to theLAN 101, theprocessor part 31 changes over theswitch part 36 to supply the speech input to the speechpacket processor part 33 and cuts off the supply of the speech input from the telephoneinterface control part 34. When another speech signal arrives from thetelephone 21 connected to the privatebranch exchange network 13 under the above situation, theprocessor part 31 instructs the telephoneinterface control part 34 to generate a busy tone signal, and this signal is transmitted to thesignal transmitting telephone 21 through theconnection interface line 103 and the privatebranch exchange network 13. - The
packet communication unit 30 operates to effect the above manner of exclusive control for a speech signal that arrives during communication, so that the user of thepacket communication unit 30 is required to respond to the signal arriving from one of the networks only and is thus freed from such a situation in which he is embarrassed with simultaneous arrival of speech signals from both the networks. When a speech signal arrives during communication by thepacket communication unit 30, theprocessor part 31 displays the arrival of the signal on thedisplay part 32. In this case, theswitch part 36 may be changed over by the user who viewed and confirmed the display on thedisplay part 32. - The voice mail transfer function will now be described. When a speech signal transmitted from, for example, the
telephone 21 to thepacket communication unit 30 through the privatebranch exchange network 13 is processed to be received as a speech mail due to, for example, the absence of the user of thepacket communication unit 30, the speech signal received through theconnection interface line 103 is turned into the speech file by the speechpacket processor part 33 and is then transferred through theLAN 101 to a mail box 11 to be stored as the mail whose destination is the user'spacket communication unit 30. Thus, as in the case of an automatic answering telephone set, the speech signal arrived during the period of absence of the user of thepacket communication unit 30 can be reproduced at any desired later time, so that the processing required for turning the speech signal into the speech mail via thecommunication gateway 12 is now unnecessary, and the period of time required for the processing can be shortened together with lightening of the load on thecommunication gateway 12. - How to bypass the speech signal to an externally located telephone in the event of interruption of the power supply to the
packet communication unit 30 will now be described by reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B . InFIGS. 3A and 3B , thereference numeral 40 designates a packet communication unit exhibiting a bypass function in the event of power supply interruption or down, 45 designates a control part having a function similar to that of thepacket communication unit 30 shown inFIG. 2, 41 designates an externally located telephone, and 42 designates a handset of thetelephone 41. The externally locatedtelephone 41 has a power supply different from that for thepacket communication unit 40. The reference numerals 43 and 44 designate relay contacts switched over under control of theprocessor part 31 shown inFIG. 2 . More concretely, under the state in which the power supply for thepacket communication Unit 40 is not turned on, therelay contact 44 is switched over to the position where theconnection interface line 103 is connected to the line terminal of thetelephone 41 as shown inFIG. 3A , while therelay contact 43 is switched over to the position where thehandset 42 is connected to the handset terminal of thetelephone 41. - On the other hand, under the state in which the power supply for the
packet communication unit 40 is turned on, therelay contact 44 is switched over to the position where theconnection interface line 103 is connected to the line terminal of the telephoneinterface control part 34 shown inFIG. 2 and included in thecontrol part 45 as shown inFIG. 3B , while therelay contact 43 is switched over to the position where thehandset 42 is connected to the handset terminal of theswitch part 36 shown inFIG. 2 and included in thecontrol part 45. - By the above manner of bypass control, the externally located
telephone 41 can be used to secure the speech even in the event of interruption of the power supply to thepacket communication unit 40. The function of the externally locatedtelephone 41 can be built in thepacket communication unit 40 when the circuit is designed to utilize the power fed from the telephone exchange equipment. - The packet transmitted to and received from the
LAN 101 in the embodiments described above may be any one of a packet having a variable length and that having a fixed length. - Although the above embodiments have been described by reference to the case where a speech signal is transmitted and received, it is apparent that the present invention is also applicable to the case of transmission and reception of a video signal or an image signal. Thus, a video telephone or the like can be connected to the conventional telephone network. In the case of transmission and reception of a video signal or an image signal, the
display part 32 functions as the output unit, while an image input unit, such as, a television camera connected in place of the transmitter microphone of the handset functions as the input unit.
Claims (3)
1-18. (canceled)
19. A voice communication apparatus, comprising:
a packet processor connected to a packet communication network, said packet processor converting a voice signal from/to a packet data bilaterally to enable communication of the packet data to said packet communication network,
a telephone controller connected to a telephone network to enable communication of the voice signal on said telephone network;
a switch connected with a voice input and output unit and which connects said packet processor or said telephone controller with said voice input and output unit; and
a controller connected with said switch
wherein in a case where said packet processor receives the packet data transmitted from a transmission source connected to said packed communication network or said telephone controller receives a signal transmitted from a transmission source connected to said telephone network, said controller determines by received information whether said transmission source unit is connected to said packet network or said telephone network, to control said switch and connect said voice input and output unit to one of said packet processor and telephone controller exclusively, and
wherein, in a case where said packet processor is connected to said voice input and output unit, said telephone controller produces a signal indicating busy status of said input and output unit to be transmitted to said telephone network when said telephone controller receives a signal to be transmitted to said voice input and output unit from said transmission source connected to said telephone network.
20. A voice communication apparatus, comprising:
a packet processor connected to a packet communication network, said packet processor converting a voice signal from/to a packet data bilaterally to enable communication of the packet data to said packet communication network;
a telephone controller connected to a telephone network to enable communication of the voice signal on said telephone network;
a switch connected with a voice input and output unit and which connects said packet processor or said telephone controller with said voice input and output unit; and
a controller connected with said switch,
wherein in a case where said packet processor receives the packet data transmitted from a transmission source connected to said packet communication network or said telephone controller receives a signal transmitted from a transmission source connected to said telephone network, said controller determines by received information whether said transmission source unit is connected to said packet network or said telephone network, to control said switch and connect said voice input and output unit to one of said packet processor and telephone controller exclusively, and
wherein, in a case where said telephone controller is connected to said voice input and output unit, said packet processor produces a packet data indicating busy status of said input and output unit to be transmitted to said packet communication network when said packet processor receives a packet data to be transmitted to said voice input and output unit from said transmission source connected to said packet communication network.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/210,804 US20060002379A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2005-08-25 | Packet communication system |
US13/093,188 US20110216764A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2011-04-25 | Packet communication system |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP06-098508 | 1994-05-12 | ||
JP09850894A JP3247540B2 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1994-05-12 | Packetized communication device and switching device |
US08/436,183 US5654957A (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1995-05-09 | Packet communication system |
US09/238,160 US6563815B1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1999-01-28 | Packet communication system |
US10/396,824 US7139265B2 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2003-03-26 | Packet communication system |
US11/210,804 US20060002379A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2005-08-25 | Packet communication system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/396,824 Continuation US7139265B2 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2003-03-26 | Packet communication system |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/093,188 Continuation US20110216764A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2011-04-25 | Packet communication system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060002379A1 true US20060002379A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
Family
ID=14221595
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/436,183 Expired - Lifetime US5654957A (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1995-05-09 | Packet communication system |
US09/238,160 Expired - Fee Related US6563815B1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1999-01-28 | Packet communication system |
US10/396,824 Expired - Fee Related US7139265B2 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2003-03-26 | Packet communication system |
US11/210,804 Abandoned US20060002379A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2005-08-25 | Packet communication system |
US13/093,188 Abandoned US20110216764A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2011-04-25 | Packet communication system |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/436,183 Expired - Lifetime US5654957A (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1995-05-09 | Packet communication system |
US09/238,160 Expired - Fee Related US6563815B1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 1999-01-28 | Packet communication system |
US10/396,824 Expired - Fee Related US7139265B2 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2003-03-26 | Packet communication system |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/093,188 Abandoned US20110216764A1 (en) | 1994-05-12 | 2011-04-25 | Packet communication system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (5) | US5654957A (en) |
JP (1) | JP3247540B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9296741B2 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2016-03-29 | Abbvie Inc. | Bromodomain inhibitors |
US10633379B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2020-04-28 | Abbvie Inc. | Bromodomain inhibitors |
Families Citing this family (83)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6389010B1 (en) * | 1995-10-05 | 2002-05-14 | Intermec Ip Corp. | Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones |
US6847611B1 (en) | 1990-12-10 | 2005-01-25 | At&T Corp. | Traffic management for frame relay switched data service |
US7924783B1 (en) | 1994-05-06 | 2011-04-12 | Broadcom Corporation | Hierarchical communications system |
US6970434B1 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 2005-11-29 | Broadcom Corporation | Hierarchical communication system providing intelligent data, program and processing migration |
JP3247540B2 (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 2002-01-15 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Packetized communication device and switching device |
US6564321B2 (en) | 1995-04-28 | 2003-05-13 | Bobo Ii Charles R | Systems and methods for storing, delivering, and managing messages |
GB9603582D0 (en) | 1996-02-20 | 1996-04-17 | Hewlett Packard Co | Method of accessing service resource items that are for use in a telecommunications system |
AU2251497A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1997-08-28 | I-Link Worldwide, Inc. | Voice internet transmission system |
US9014177B2 (en) | 1996-03-06 | 2015-04-21 | Bear Creek Technologies, Inc. | System for interconnecting standard telephony communications equipment to internet |
US6069890A (en) | 1996-06-26 | 2000-05-30 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Internet telephone service |
US6154445A (en) | 1996-04-18 | 2000-11-28 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Telephony communication via varied redundant networks |
US6243398B1 (en) * | 1996-10-21 | 2001-06-05 | Vocaltec Communications Ltd. | System and method for personal multimedia communication over a packet switched network |
US7092379B1 (en) * | 1996-10-30 | 2006-08-15 | 8×8, Inc. | Internet telephony arrangement and method |
US6016307A (en) | 1996-10-31 | 2000-01-18 | Connect One, Inc. | Multi-protocol telecommunications routing optimization |
US6473404B1 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 2002-10-29 | Connect One, Inc. | Multi-protocol telecommunications routing optimization |
US6690654B2 (en) | 1996-11-18 | 2004-02-10 | Mci Communications Corporation | Method and system for multi-media collaboration between remote parties |
US6335927B1 (en) | 1996-11-18 | 2002-01-01 | Mci Communications Corporation | System and method for providing requested quality of service in a hybrid network |
US6754181B1 (en) | 1996-11-18 | 2004-06-22 | Mci Communications Corporation | System and method for a directory service supporting a hybrid communication system architecture |
US6078582A (en) | 1996-12-18 | 2000-06-20 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Internet long distance telephone service |
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 |
US6600733B2 (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 2003-07-29 | Verizon Laboratories Inc. | System for interconnecting packet-switched and circuit-switched voice communications |
US6683870B1 (en) | 1997-02-10 | 2004-01-27 | Mci Communications Corporation | Method and system for multicasting call notifications |
US6137869A (en) | 1997-09-16 | 2000-10-24 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Network session management |
US6574216B1 (en) | 1997-03-11 | 2003-06-03 | Verizon Services Corp. | Packet data network voice call quality monitoring |
US6118780A (en) * | 1997-03-17 | 2000-09-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Communication network and method of operation for real time user selection of voice and/or data paths in the network |
US6292479B1 (en) | 1997-03-19 | 2001-09-18 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Transport of caller identification information through diverse communication networks |
US6870827B1 (en) | 1997-03-19 | 2005-03-22 | Verizon Services Corp. | Voice call alternative routing through PSTN and internet networks |
US6937703B1 (en) * | 1997-03-31 | 2005-08-30 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson | Connection of a computer to a telephone exchange |
US6081524A (en) | 1997-07-03 | 2000-06-27 | At&T Corp. | Frame relay switched data service |
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 |
US6751210B1 (en) * | 1997-10-02 | 2004-06-15 | Siemens Information & Communication Networks, Inc. | Alternate telephone call routing system |
JPH11120261A (en) * | 1997-10-14 | 1999-04-30 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Home medical treatment system |
JP4266403B2 (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 2009-05-20 | キヤノン株式会社 | Communication system and control method thereof |
KR100520659B1 (en) * | 1998-02-21 | 2005-12-01 | 삼성전자주식회사 | LAN access private switching system for internet full service and multicasting service |
US7450560B1 (en) | 1998-03-05 | 2008-11-11 | 3Com Corporation | Method for address mapping in a network access system and a network access device for use therewith |
US7032242B1 (en) | 1998-03-05 | 2006-04-18 | 3Com Corporation | Method and system for distributed network address translation with network security features |
US6353614B1 (en) | 1998-03-05 | 2002-03-05 | 3Com Corporation | Method and protocol for distributed network address translation |
US6859451B1 (en) * | 1998-04-21 | 2005-02-22 | Nortel Networks Limited | Server for handling multimodal information |
US6400712B1 (en) * | 1998-05-26 | 2002-06-04 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Fast circuit switched data architecture and method |
US6597688B2 (en) * | 1998-06-12 | 2003-07-22 | J2 Global Communications, Inc. | Scalable architecture for transmission of messages over a network |
EP1112638A4 (en) * | 1998-06-25 | 2002-11-04 | Mci Worldcom Inc | Method and system for multicasting call notifications |
US6181693B1 (en) | 1998-10-08 | 2001-01-30 | High Speed Video, L.L.C. | High speed video transmission over telephone lines |
US6614781B1 (en) | 1998-11-20 | 2003-09-02 | Level 3 Communications, Inc. | Voice over data telecommunications network architecture |
US6442169B1 (en) * | 1998-11-20 | 2002-08-27 | Level 3 Communications, Inc. | System and method for bypassing data from egress facilities |
CA2364468A1 (en) | 1999-03-06 | 2000-09-14 | Coppercom, Inc. | System and method for administrating call and call feature set-up in a telecommunications network |
US6731642B1 (en) | 1999-05-03 | 2004-05-04 | 3Com Corporation | Internet telephony using network address translation |
US7039040B1 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2006-05-02 | At&T Corp. | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US7130417B1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2006-10-31 | Teledex Corporation | Telephone-coupled device for internet access |
US7804815B1 (en) * | 1999-09-17 | 2010-09-28 | Intertex Data Ab | System and apparatus for telecommunication |
AU5889300A (en) * | 1999-10-05 | 2001-05-10 | Thomson Licensing S.A. | System and method for providing pots services in dsl environment in event of failures |
US20010014085A1 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2001-08-16 | Microsoft Corporation | Originator authentication |
US20010015977A1 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2001-08-23 | Stefan Johansson | Selective reception |
US6781982B1 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2004-08-24 | 3Com Corporation | Method and system for allocating persistent private network addresses between private networks |
US6768743B1 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2004-07-27 | 3Com Corporation | Method and system for address server redirection for multiple address networks |
US6708219B1 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2004-03-16 | 3Com Corporation | Method and system for dual-network address utilization |
US6996621B1 (en) | 1999-12-07 | 2006-02-07 | 3Com Corporation | Method for supporting secondary address delivery on remote access servers |
US7171492B1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2007-01-30 | Utstarcom, Inc. | Method and application programming interface for assigning multiple network addresses |
KR100607140B1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2006-08-02 | 유니데이타커뮤니케이션 주식회사 | Internet based telephone apparatus |
US6948074B1 (en) | 2000-03-09 | 2005-09-20 | 3Com Corporation | Method and system for distributed generation of unique random numbers for digital tokens |
AU2001253043A1 (en) | 2000-03-31 | 2001-10-15 | Coppercom, Inc. | Telecommunications system and methods |
US7324635B2 (en) | 2000-05-04 | 2008-01-29 | Telemaze Llc | Branch calling and caller ID based call routing telephone features |
JP3747740B2 (en) * | 2000-05-22 | 2006-02-22 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Detour control method in Internet gateway system |
US8069205B1 (en) | 2000-06-16 | 2011-11-29 | 8X8, Inc. | Communications controller and method therefor |
US6486270B1 (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2002-11-26 | Equistar Chemicals, Lp | High molecular weight, medium density polyethylene |
WO2002041583A2 (en) * | 2000-11-17 | 2002-05-23 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method for selecting communication networks by means of dynamically adjustable selection criteria for controlling a link set up between two terminals |
SE518751C2 (en) * | 2001-01-03 | 2002-11-19 | Microsoft Corp | Method and system where an external server receives information on individual mobile terminals' radio transmission capacity |
DE10105583A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2002-08-29 | Siemens Ag | Method and communication system for controlling a user interface of a mobile communication terminal |
JP4594569B2 (en) * | 2001-09-17 | 2010-12-08 | 株式会社東芝 | Voice packet communication system |
US20030115350A1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2003-06-19 | Silverback Systems, Inc. | System and method for efficient handling of network data |
US7058023B2 (en) * | 2002-09-11 | 2006-06-06 | Wynn Sol H | Self-configuring network telephone system and method |
US7437162B1 (en) | 2003-02-10 | 2008-10-14 | Sprint Spectrum L.P. | Method and system for dynamically delivering a voice call as voice or data depending on data-mode of destination terminal |
KR100541495B1 (en) * | 2003-10-28 | 2006-01-10 | 주식회사 팬택앤큐리텔 | Digital cellular phone for forwarding and receiving voice data by packet switching system and Method for forwarding voice data |
US7570630B1 (en) | 2004-08-02 | 2009-08-04 | Sprint Spectrum L.P. | Dialed-digit based determination of whether to originate a call as a circuit-switched call or a packet-switched call |
JP2006166468A (en) * | 2005-12-16 | 2006-06-22 | Sony Corp | Speech terminal |
US8363791B2 (en) * | 2006-12-01 | 2013-01-29 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for communicating medical alerts |
US8619136B2 (en) * | 2006-12-01 | 2013-12-31 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for home monitoring using a set top box |
US7701940B2 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2010-04-20 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Inter-domain point-to-multipoint path computation in a computer network |
US8687626B2 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2014-04-01 | CenturyLink Intellectual Property, LLC | System and method for remote home monitoring utilizing a VoIP phone |
US8238538B2 (en) | 2009-05-28 | 2012-08-07 | Comcast Cable Communications, Llc | Stateful home phone service |
US8897432B2 (en) | 2010-07-01 | 2014-11-25 | Etherfax, Llc | System and method of remote fax interconnect technology |
US8249230B1 (en) | 2012-01-09 | 2012-08-21 | EC Data Systems, Inc. | Scalable and flexible internet fax architecture |
US8254538B1 (en) | 2012-02-27 | 2012-08-28 | EC Data Systems, Inc. | Scalable and flexible internet fax architecture for processing outbound fax messages |
US10277778B2 (en) | 2014-06-24 | 2019-04-30 | Ec Data Systems Inc. | Audit logging for a secure, scalable and flexible internet fax architecture |
Citations (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4486878A (en) * | 1981-09-23 | 1984-12-04 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Digital telephone exchange with means for processing packet-switched data |
US4539676A (en) * | 1982-05-03 | 1985-09-03 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Bulk/interactive data switching system |
US4556972A (en) * | 1983-12-27 | 1985-12-03 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Arrangement for routing data packets through a circuit switch |
US4592048A (en) * | 1984-05-03 | 1986-05-27 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Integrated packet switching and circuit switching system |
US4794595A (en) * | 1986-05-29 | 1988-12-27 | Fujitsu Limited | Voice and data transmission system |
USRE32900E (en) * | 1983-12-06 | 1989-04-04 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Fast circuit switching system |
US4878240A (en) * | 1988-01-25 | 1989-10-31 | Bell Communications Research, Inc. | Multi-service telephone switching system |
US4985830A (en) * | 1988-09-27 | 1991-01-15 | Universities Research Association, Inc. | Interprocessor bus switching system for simultaneous communication in plural bus parallel processing system |
US5042062A (en) * | 1989-10-23 | 1991-08-20 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for providing real-time switching of high bandwidth transmission channels |
US5067125A (en) * | 1988-08-25 | 1991-11-19 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Telephone system for isdn and public telephone networks |
US5127003A (en) * | 1991-02-11 | 1992-06-30 | Simpact Associates, Inc. | Digital/audio interactive communication network |
US5142568A (en) * | 1987-11-30 | 1992-08-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Data communication apparatus which can use either an analog or a digital line |
US5153908A (en) * | 1990-06-19 | 1992-10-06 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Automatic redial in a key telephone system having different line types |
US5197067A (en) * | 1989-09-18 | 1993-03-23 | Fujitsu Limited | Packet communication system using a telephone switching network and a data flow control method |
US5216704A (en) * | 1991-06-12 | 1993-06-01 | Coherent Communications Systems Corp. | Method for remote power fail detection and maintaining continuous operation for data and voice devices operating over local loops |
US5235635A (en) * | 1990-09-27 | 1993-08-10 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | Keypad monitor with keypad activity-based activation |
US5313654A (en) * | 1990-11-05 | 1994-05-17 | Motorola, Inc. | Method for transferring a private call from a trunking communication system to a cellular communication system |
US5406564A (en) * | 1990-11-27 | 1995-04-11 | Fujitsu Limited | Communication line backup system |
US5434853A (en) * | 1993-12-27 | 1995-07-18 | At&T Corp. | System and method for providing soft handoff of a cellular mobile-to-mobile call |
US5455859A (en) * | 1994-11-28 | 1995-10-03 | Gutzmer; Howard A. | Telephone handset interface for device having audio input |
US5467390A (en) * | 1992-03-27 | 1995-11-14 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Data transmission via a public switched telephone network |
US5537461A (en) * | 1993-04-21 | 1996-07-16 | At&T Corp. | Information services platform |
US5579379A (en) * | 1992-03-05 | 1996-11-26 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Personal communications service having a calling party pays capability |
US5625677A (en) * | 1993-12-30 | 1997-04-29 | At&T | Simultaneous voice and data communications |
US5636209A (en) * | 1994-05-05 | 1997-06-03 | Perlman; Stephen G. | Modem to support multiple site call conferenced data communications |
US5654957A (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 1997-08-05 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Packet communication system |
US5689553A (en) * | 1993-04-22 | 1997-11-18 | At&T Corp. | Multimedia telecommunications network and service |
US5774527A (en) * | 1993-08-19 | 1998-06-30 | News Datacom Ltd. | Integrated telephone and cable communication networks |
US5838665A (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 1998-11-17 | Integrated Technology, Inc. | Data network telephone adaptor device |
US5892764A (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 1999-04-06 | Sphere Communications Inc. | ATM LAN telephone system |
US5970126A (en) * | 1996-08-09 | 1999-10-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Communication method and system |
US6130893A (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2000-10-10 | Nortel Networks Corporation | Method and apparatus for multiplexing telephone lines over a common access network |
US6144724A (en) * | 1998-05-15 | 2000-11-07 | Nortel Networks Corporation | Communication interface to data networks |
US6175565B1 (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 2001-01-16 | Nokia Corporation | Serial telephone adapter |
US6515984B1 (en) * | 1994-04-19 | 2003-02-04 | Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. | Data/voice/fax compression multiplexer |
US20040090952A1 (en) * | 1990-01-18 | 2004-05-13 | Kubler Joseph J. | Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5990486A (en) | 1982-11-15 | 1984-05-24 | Japan Radio Co Ltd | Private branch communication system |
US5317630A (en) * | 1990-09-10 | 1994-05-31 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Interface for a data telephone and data terminal in a digital telephone system |
US5727047A (en) * | 1995-01-03 | 1998-03-10 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Arrangement for interfacing a telephone device with a personal computer |
CA2173304C (en) * | 1995-04-21 | 2003-04-29 | Anthony J. Dezonno | Method and system for establishing voice communications using a computer network |
-
1994
- 1994-05-12 JP JP09850894A patent/JP3247540B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1995
- 1995-05-09 US US08/436,183 patent/US5654957A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-01-28 US US09/238,160 patent/US6563815B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-03-26 US US10/396,824 patent/US7139265B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-08-25 US US11/210,804 patent/US20060002379A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2011
- 2011-04-25 US US13/093,188 patent/US20110216764A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4486878A (en) * | 1981-09-23 | 1984-12-04 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Digital telephone exchange with means for processing packet-switched data |
US4539676A (en) * | 1982-05-03 | 1985-09-03 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Bulk/interactive data switching system |
USRE32900E (en) * | 1983-12-06 | 1989-04-04 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Fast circuit switching system |
US4556972A (en) * | 1983-12-27 | 1985-12-03 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Arrangement for routing data packets through a circuit switch |
US4592048A (en) * | 1984-05-03 | 1986-05-27 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Integrated packet switching and circuit switching system |
US4794595A (en) * | 1986-05-29 | 1988-12-27 | Fujitsu Limited | Voice and data transmission system |
US5142568A (en) * | 1987-11-30 | 1992-08-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Data communication apparatus which can use either an analog or a digital line |
US4878240A (en) * | 1988-01-25 | 1989-10-31 | Bell Communications Research, Inc. | Multi-service telephone switching system |
US5067125A (en) * | 1988-08-25 | 1991-11-19 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Telephone system for isdn and public telephone networks |
US4985830A (en) * | 1988-09-27 | 1991-01-15 | Universities Research Association, Inc. | Interprocessor bus switching system for simultaneous communication in plural bus parallel processing system |
US5197067A (en) * | 1989-09-18 | 1993-03-23 | Fujitsu Limited | Packet communication system using a telephone switching network and a data flow control method |
US5042062A (en) * | 1989-10-23 | 1991-08-20 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for providing real-time switching of high bandwidth transmission channels |
US20040090952A1 (en) * | 1990-01-18 | 2004-05-13 | Kubler Joseph J. | Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones |
US5153908A (en) * | 1990-06-19 | 1992-10-06 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Automatic redial in a key telephone system having different line types |
US5235635A (en) * | 1990-09-27 | 1993-08-10 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | Keypad monitor with keypad activity-based activation |
US5313654A (en) * | 1990-11-05 | 1994-05-17 | Motorola, Inc. | Method for transferring a private call from a trunking communication system to a cellular communication system |
US5406564A (en) * | 1990-11-27 | 1995-04-11 | Fujitsu Limited | Communication line backup system |
US5127003A (en) * | 1991-02-11 | 1992-06-30 | Simpact Associates, Inc. | Digital/audio interactive communication network |
US5216704A (en) * | 1991-06-12 | 1993-06-01 | Coherent Communications Systems Corp. | Method for remote power fail detection and maintaining continuous operation for data and voice devices operating over local loops |
US5579379A (en) * | 1992-03-05 | 1996-11-26 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Personal communications service having a calling party pays capability |
US5467390A (en) * | 1992-03-27 | 1995-11-14 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Data transmission via a public switched telephone network |
US5537461A (en) * | 1993-04-21 | 1996-07-16 | At&T Corp. | Information services platform |
US5689553A (en) * | 1993-04-22 | 1997-11-18 | At&T Corp. | Multimedia telecommunications network and service |
US5774527A (en) * | 1993-08-19 | 1998-06-30 | News Datacom Ltd. | Integrated telephone and cable communication networks |
US5434853A (en) * | 1993-12-27 | 1995-07-18 | At&T Corp. | System and method for providing soft handoff of a cellular mobile-to-mobile call |
US5625677A (en) * | 1993-12-30 | 1997-04-29 | At&T | Simultaneous voice and data communications |
US6515984B1 (en) * | 1994-04-19 | 2003-02-04 | Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. | Data/voice/fax compression multiplexer |
US5636209A (en) * | 1994-05-05 | 1997-06-03 | Perlman; Stephen G. | Modem to support multiple site call conferenced data communications |
US5654957A (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 1997-08-05 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Packet communication system |
US5455859A (en) * | 1994-11-28 | 1995-10-03 | Gutzmer; Howard A. | Telephone handset interface for device having audio input |
US5838665A (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 1998-11-17 | Integrated Technology, Inc. | Data network telephone adaptor device |
US5970126A (en) * | 1996-08-09 | 1999-10-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Communication method and system |
US5892764A (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 1999-04-06 | Sphere Communications Inc. | ATM LAN telephone system |
US6175565B1 (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 2001-01-16 | Nokia Corporation | Serial telephone adapter |
US6130893A (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2000-10-10 | Nortel Networks Corporation | Method and apparatus for multiplexing telephone lines over a common access network |
US6144724A (en) * | 1998-05-15 | 2000-11-07 | Nortel Networks Corporation | Communication interface to data networks |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9296741B2 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2016-03-29 | Abbvie Inc. | Bromodomain inhibitors |
US10633379B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2020-04-28 | Abbvie Inc. | Bromodomain inhibitors |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP3247540B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 |
US5654957A (en) | 1997-08-05 |
US20030227910A1 (en) | 2003-12-11 |
US20110216764A1 (en) | 2011-09-08 |
US6563815B1 (en) | 2003-05-13 |
JPH07307789A (en) | 1995-11-21 |
US7139265B2 (en) | 2006-11-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7139265B2 (en) | Packet communication system | |
US5862134A (en) | Single-wiring network for integrated voice and data communications | |
KR100247721B1 (en) | Gateway having connection to voice and data networks | |
AU735210B2 (en) | A system and method for personal multimedia communication over a packet switched network | |
US20060133584A1 (en) | Telephone voice control system, intermediate processing apparatus and exchange | |
US9325529B2 (en) | Hybrid type telephony system | |
US6754227B1 (en) | Method and a device in telecommunication systems | |
US6760323B1 (en) | System and method for providing audio communication over a computer network using differing communication formats | |
JP2934406B2 (en) | Line concentrator for voice telephone set and communication method for lan | |
JPH03274953A (en) | Telephone system | |
US20030053445A1 (en) | Audio packet communications system, network telephone terminal and special packet process method | |
JPH11205475A (en) | Speech communication device | |
JP3593949B2 (en) | Adapter device and network system using the same | |
JPH1175228A (en) | Network equipment, personal computer telephone exchange, network telephone set and private branch of exchange network system | |
JPH11275618A (en) | Communication system provided with audio service function | |
JPH05308383A (en) | Private branch exchange | |
CN1516397B (en) | Concentrator for sound telephone set and local network communication method | |
JP3234024B2 (en) | Circuit switching method | |
JPH1168737A (en) | Repeater line selective connection system | |
JP2003032363A (en) | Voice message system | |
JP2002033847A (en) | Voice gateway and its channel switching method | |
JPH0360295A (en) | Still picture transmitter | |
JPH06225300A (en) | Isdn communication equipment |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |