Ram S. Ramamurthy

Bio: Ram S. Ramamurthy is an academic researcher from AT&T. The author has contributed to research in topics: IP multicast & Source-specific multicast. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 8 publications receiving 571 citations. Previous affiliations of Ram S. Ramamurthy include Bell Labs.

Multimedia Telecommunications Network and Service

Abstract: A multimedia telecommunications network (10) provides telephone service which may involve one or more of audio, video and data communications. In one example of the invention, the multimedia telecommunications network (10) contains a virtual meeting services complex (28) which provides multimedia telecommunications service to subscribers of the network (10). Multimedia telephone calls can be completed automatically by the virtual meeting services complex (28) in a manner similar to that now used to complete conventional audio telephone calls. The multimedia telecommunications network (10) containing this virtual meeting services complex (28) is able to connect together users having diverse equipment and is able to handle integrated and nonintegrated network access mechanisms.

Method for managing multicast addresses for transmitting and receiving multimedia conferencing information on an internet protocol (IP) network

Abstract: In a multicast capable IP network, each client terminal on a multimedia conference, for each media type it transmits, is assigned a multicast IP address and a port number (together known as a socket) on which to transmit packets, wherein each assigned multicast IP address is unique and different than the multicast IP address assigned to any other client for any media type. Each client terminal then selects, for each media type, which clients on the conference it wants to receive packets from. Only packets that are in fact requested by a client are routed over the multicast IP network to the requesting client. When a conference originator establishes the conference, a number of multicast IP addresses are allocated for later assignment to the clients during the conference. As each client joins the conference, it is assigned a multicast IP address from the allocated group for each media type it will transmit. Those assigned addresses are then marked as unavailable for assignment to any other client that subsequently joins the conference. When the original client later exits the conference, its assigned multicast IP address(es) is (are) marked as available for assignment to a later joining client. At the conclusion of the conference, all multicast IP addresses allocated to the conference are marked as available for use in another conference.

Method for managing multicast addresses for transmitting and receiving multimedia conferencing information on an internet protocol (IP) network implemented over an ATM network

Abstract: In a multicast capable IP network implemented over an ATM network, each client terminal on a multimedia conference, for each media type it transmits, is assigned a multicast IP address and a port number (together known as a socket) on which to transmit packets, wherein each assigned multicast IP address is unique and different than the multicast IP address assigned to any other client for any media type. Each client terminal then selects, for each media type, which clients on the conference it wants to receive packets from. Only packets that are in fact requested by a client are routed over the multicast IP network to the requesting client. A single special purpose Multicast Address Resolution System (MARS) server is associated with the conference when the conference is established. Each client terminal uses that MARS server, whether on the same or different IP sub-networks, but on a common ATM network, for purposes of mapping the multicast IP addresses used in the conference into a set of unicast ATM endpoint addresses used by the ATM-connected client terminals. Similarly, when a specific conference uses a Multicast Server, a single special purpose Multicast Server is used for all clients on the conference, whether on the same or different IP sub-networks, for purposes of establishing point-to-multipoint ATM connections to the conference endpoints.

Multimedia collaboration

Abstract: Today's business activities require collaboration and teamwork among groups of people, some of whom are geographically dispersed. This paper describes a functional architecture that supports remote collaborations. AT&T has introduced leading-edge products and services in this field, and this paper presents how they are evolving to meet the need for a common strategy and architecture.

Method for managing multicast addresses in an internet protocol (ip) network

Abstract: In a multicast capable IP network, each client terminal on a multimedia conference, for each media type it transmits, is assigned a multicast IP address and a port number (together known as a socket) on which to transmit packets, wherein each assigned multicast IP address is unique and different than the multicast IP address assigned to any other client for any media type. Each client terminal then selects, for each media type, which clients on the conference it wants to receive packets from. Only packets that are in fact requested by a client are routed over the multicast IP network to the requesting client. When a conference originator establishes the conference, a number of multicast IP addresses are allocated for later assignment to the clients during the conference. As each client joins the conference, it is assigned a multicast IP address from the allocated group for each media type it will transmit. Those assigned addresses are then marked as unavailable for assignment to any other client that subsequently joins the conference. When the original client later exits the conference, its assigned multicast IP address(es) is (are) marked as available for assignment to a later joining client. At the conclusion of the conference, all multicast IP addresses allocated to the conference are marked as available for use in another conference.

System, method, and computer program product for providing location based services and mobile e-commerce

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus and computer program product for providing location based functions and mobile e-commerce comprising a central processing unit including a processor, a storage device, and programming stored in the storage device, a display device, an audio input device, an audio output device, a communications module, a commerce module, an image module, and a location module. The programming controls the operation of the present invention to provide functions based on location data, to facilitate commercial exchanges by wirelessly exchanging payment and product information with venders, to identify services such as venders meeting selection criteria, to wirelessly exchange select information with other users and systems, to restrict and/or monitor the use of the device based on authorized user parameters, selecting one of a plurality networks through which to communicate, detecting a trigger for performing an action based on a change in location and sensed data, storing a voice annotation with a computer data file, determining service providers and associated communication parameters, contemporaneously maintaining a wireless voice and data link, providing a system for selecting and delivering mobile advertisements, and many other functions and services that are described herein.

Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated Internet information segments

Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages. The Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display in conjunction with a television program being broadcast to the user at that time. This alternative system allows the URLs to be entered for live transmission to the user.

System and method for providing requested quality of service in a hybrid network

Abstract: Telephone calls, data and other multimedia information is routed through a hybrid network which includes transfer of information across the internet. A media order entry captures complete user profile information for a user. This profile information is utilized by the system throughout the media experience for routing, billing, monitoring, reporting and other media control functions. Users can manage more aspects of a network than previously possible, and control network activities from a central site. The hybrid network also contains logic for responding to requests for quality of service and reserving the resources to provide the requested services.

Voice over data telecommunications network architecture

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for communicating voice and data over a packet-switched network that is adapted to coexist and communicate with a legacy PSTN. The system permits packet switching of voice calls and data calls through a data network from and to any of a LEC, a customer facility or a direct IP connection on the data network. The system includes soft switch sites, gateway sites, a data network, a provisioning component, a network event component and a network management component. The system interfaces with customer facilities (e.g., a PBX), carrier facilities (e.g., a LEC) and legacy signaling networks (e.g., SS7) to handle calls between any combination of on-network and off-network callers. The soft switch sites provide the core call processing for the voice network architecture. The soft switch sites manage the gateway sites in a preferred embodiment, using a protocol such as the Internet Protocol Device Control (IPDC) protocol to request the set-up and tear-down of calls. The gateway sites originate and terminate calls between calling parties and called parties through the data network. The gateway sites include network access devices to provide access to network resources. The data network connects one or more of the soft switch sites to one or more of the gateway sites. The provisioning and network event component collects call events recorded at the soft switch sites. The network management component includes a network operations center (NOC) for centralized network management.

Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services in telephonic and electronic commerce

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer. In one aspect of the invention, goods, service or information are provided to the user via electronic communication, such as through a telephone, videophone or other computer link, as determined by the steps of first, establishing communication via the electronic communications device between the user and the system to effect a primary transaction or primary interaction, second, obtaining data with respect to the primary transaction or primary interaction, including at least in part a determination of the identity of the user or prospective customer, third, obtaining at least a second data element relating to the user, fourth, utilizing the primary transaction or primary interaction data along with the at least second data element as factors in determining at least one good, service or item of information for prospective upsell to the user or prospective customer, and offering the item to the prospective customer. In the preferred embodiment, the selection of the proffer of goods, services or information comprises an upsell with respect to the primary transaction or primary interaction data. The offer of the upsell is preferably generated and offered in real time, that is, during the course of the communication initiated with the primary transaction or primary interaction.