Showing papers on "Telephony published in 2000"

JUPlTER: a telephone-based conversational interface for weather information

Abstract: In early 1997, our group initiated a project to develop JUPITER, a conversational interface that allows users to obtain worldwide weather forecast information over the telephone using spoken dialogue. It has served as the primary research platform for our group on many issues related to human language technology, including telephone-based speech recognition, robust language understanding, language generation, dialogue modeling, and multilingual interfaces. Over a two year period since coming online in May 1997, JUPITER has received, via a toll-free number in North America, over 30000 calls (totaling over 180000 utterances), mostly from naive users. The purpose of this paper is to describe our development effort in terms of the underlying human language technologies as well as other system-related issues such as utterance rejection and content harvesting. We also present some evaluation results on the system and its components.

Application for a voice over IP (VoIP) telephony gateway and methods for use therein

Abstract: Apparatus (200), and accompanying methods for use therein, for a telephony gateway intended for use, e.g., paired use, at opposite ends of a data network connection, in conjunction with at each end, e.g., a private branch exchange (PBX) (14, 44) for automatically routing telephone calls, e.g., voice, data and facsimile, between two peer PBXs over either a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (20) or a data network (30), based on, among other aspects, cost considerations for handling each such call and called directory numbers, monitoring quality of service (QoS) then provided through the data network and switching ('auto-switching') such calls back and forth between the PSTN and the data network, as needed, in response to dynamic changes in the QoS such that the call is carried over a connection then providing a sufficient QoS. To support auto-switching, the apparatus embeds, using call independent signaling, certain call-specific information, as non-standard data, within various conventional H.323 messages that transit between the paired gateways. Furthermore, for added local redundancy, this apparatus utilizes peered border elements (430, 430') within an H.323 administrative domain.

Multi-access mode electronic personal assistant

Abstract: A system enables communication between server resources and a wide spectrum of end-terminals to enable access to the resources of both converged and non-converged networks via voice and/or electronically generated commands. An electronic personal assistant (ePA) incorporates generalizing/abstracting communications channels, data and resources provided through a converged computer/telephony system interface such that the data and resources are readily accessed by a variety of interface formats including a voice interface or data interface. A set of applications provides dual interfaces for rendering services and data based upon the manner in which a user accesses the data. An electronic personal assistant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention provides voice/data access to web pages, email, file shares, etc. A voice-based resource server authenticates a user by receiving vocal responses to one or more requests variably selected and issued by a speaker recognition-based authentication facility. Thereafter an application proxy is created.

System and method for providing user-configured telephone service in a data network telephony system

Abstract: A system and method for providing user-configured telephone service to a user of a data network telephone. The user connects a data network telephone to the data network. The data network telephone registers with a telephone connection server to have basic calling service. The user accesses a service provider server to enter feature selections. The service provider server may use a web page to query the user for feature selections The service provider server uses the user's selections to update the user's account and to activate the selected features.

Personal user network (closed user network) PUN/CUN

Abstract: An Internet Protocol Telephony Network and public switched telephony network, in which closed user groups may be dynamically defined and modified to take advantage of special billing within the closed user groups. Abbreviated dialing within the closed user groups may also be used to make dialing more convenient. The closed user groups may include members anywhere in a global network, and may take advantage of the special billing, regardless of whether the members are locates in different states and/or countries.

Providing presence cues to telephone users

Abstract: A significant problem with telephone communication is that callers do not have enough awareness about the Personal Presence of people they want to call. The result can be unwanted, interrupting calls. Thelive addressbookis an application that helps users make more informed telephone calls and teleconferences, from anywhere, via their wireless PDA or desktop browser. Unlike other network-based address books, which maintain static information, the live addressbook can display dynamic information about where the recipient currently is (i.e., reach number), and how available he/she currently is for calls. The system accomplishes this by applying to telephony the "Buddy List" concepts made popular in Instant Messaging applications. User trials assess the applicability of Personal Presence information in a telephone context.

Cellular telephone accessory device for a personal computer system

Abstract: A communications device for interfacing a computer to a cellular telephone which includes memory, voicemail, caller identification and a display screen includes a housing accessible to a human operator, a telephone interface attached to the housing to communicatively connect to the cellular telephone, a telephone connection to connect to a telephone line; and means for uploading the voicemail of the cellular telephone via the telephone connection and telephone interface to the memory of the cellular telephone. Attaching the cellular telephone to the telephone interface actuates the uploading of the voicemail of the cellular telephone to the memory of the cellular telephone for display in the display screen of the cellular telephone.

System and method of using the public switched telephone network in providing authentication or authorization for online transactions

Abstract: An authentication or authorization system to facilitate electronic transactions uses simultaneous or substantially simultaneous communications on two different networks to verify a user's identity. When a user logs onto a site, via the internet, a telephone number, either pre-stored or obtained in real time from the visitor, where the visitor can be called essentially immediately is used to set up, via the switched telephone network another communication link. Where the user has multiple communication links available, the telephone call is automatically placed via the authentication or authorization software simultaneously while the user is on-line. In the event that the user has only a single communication link, that individual will have to log off temporarily for purposes of receiving the telephone call. Confirmatory information is provided via the internet to the user. The automatically placed telephone call requests that the user feed back this confirmatory information for verification purposes. The telephone number which is being called is adjacent to the user's internet terminal. The user's response, via the telephone network, can be compared to the originally transmitted confirmatory information to determine whether the authentication or authorization process should go forward.

Voice over IP Fundamentals

Abstract: A systematic approach to understanding the basics of Voice over IP Understand the basics of PSTN services and IP signaling protocols, including SS7 Learn how VoIP can run the same applications as the existing telephony system, but in a more cost-efficient and scalable manner Delve into such VoIP topics as jitter, latency, packet loss, codecs, quality of service tools, and mean opinion scores Learn about the functional components involved in using Cisco gateways to deploy VoIP networksVoice over IP (VoIP), which integrates voice and data transmission, is quickly becoming an important factor in network communications. It promises lower operational costs, greater flexibility, and a variety of enhanced applications. Voice over IP Fundamentals provides a thorough introduction to this new technology to help experts in both the data and telephone industries plan for the new networks.You will learn how the telephony infrastructure was built and how it works today, the major concepts concerning voice and data networking, transmission of voice over data, and IP signaling protocols used to interwork with current telephony systems. The authors cover various benefits and applications of VoIP and how to ensure good voice quality in your network.This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

High-speed internet access system

Abstract: An asymmetric network system manages bandwidth allocation and configuration of remote devices in a broadband network. A modular architecture of the system permits independent scalability of upstream and downstream capacity separately for each of the upstream and downstream physical paths. Allocation of downstream bandwidth to requesting devices is made according to bandwidth utilization by other devices, bandwidth demand by the requesting remote device, class or grade of service by the requesting remote device or bandwidth guaranteed to other remote devices. Configuration parameters remotely managed by the network include device addresses (global and local), transmission credit values, upstream channel assignment and upstream transmit power level. Further, management of device configuration profiles and bandwidth allocation occurs through control and response packets respectively generated by the network and the remote devices according to network operating software located at both ends. Control packets include poll packets that request, among other things, demand for an upstream transmission. Configuration packets instruct remote devices to assume an operational state or return status or statistical data. Response packets transmitted by the remote devices provide information to the network operations center for control purposes or to confirm the state of operation of remote devices, including channel operating statistics, errors, noise, etc. in order to remove or reallocate assigned upstream channels. Downloadable network operating software enables the network operator to upgrade remote operating software or to reconfigure the response profile of the remote devices. Account administration and usage reports are also generated. IP or ATM encapsulation, as well as forward error correction and encryption, are employed in the broadband network which may include an RF, satellite and cable medium with or without a telephony or router return path.

System and method for securing voice mail messages

Abstract: A system is provided for securing voice mail messages. The system includes a packet network and a telephony device that is coupled to the packet network. The system also includes a voice mail system that is coupled to the packet network and that receives a voice mail message from a caller attempting to communicate with a user of the telephony device. The voice mail system encrypts the voice mail message using a public key associated with the telephony device and stores the encrypted voice mail message in an open file system coupled to the packet network.

Virtual loop carrier system with gateway protocol mediation

Abstract: A loop carrier system includes a home local area network having plural telephone modules and a hub coupled to in-home telephone wiring. The telephone modules and the hub communicate voice signals over the in-home wiring in a dedicated frequency band above baseband POTS. The hub converts between voice signals and voice packets and is connected to a network access device for transferring the voice packets from the home local area network to a telecommunications network which routes the voice packets to a gateway. The gateway converts between the voice packets and a circuit format compatible with a local digital voice switch. The gateway includes an ATM switch and a call processing adjunct coupled to the ATM switch. The call processing adjunct controls the conversion between voice packets and the circuit format at the ATM switch. The call processing adjunct communicates with the home local area network using a first signaling protocol such as Media Gateway Control Protocol, Session Initiation Protocol or H.323, and with the local digital switch using a second signaling protocol such as GR-303 for controlling call processing in the communication system.

ICEBERG: an Internet core network architecture for integrated communications

Abstract: In the ICEBERG project at UC Berkeley, we are developing an Internet-based integration of telephony and data services spanning diverse access networks. Our primary goals are extensibility, scalability, robustness, and personalized communication. We leverage the Internet's low cost of entry for service creation, provision, deployment, and integration. We present our solutions to signaling, easy service creation, resource reservation, admission control, billing, and security in the ICEBERG network architecture.

RTP Payload for DTMF Digits, Telephony Tones and Telephony Signals

Abstract: This memo describes how to carry dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) signaling, other tone signals and telephony events in RTP packets.

Independent remote computer maintenance device

Abstract: A remote maintenance device for monitoring and controlling a host computer and its operating system. The device is fully independent of the host computer's hardware and peripherals (including local power, network, and telephony) and fully independent of the host operating system. The remote maintenance device uses a wireless modem (GSM) or wireless IP (packet) interface to provide commands from a remote technician to the remote maintenance device. The wireless communication link also transfers data to a remote technician who can then diagnose problems. The host computer may be reset and the power toggled on and off without affecting the maintenance-device's operation because of an onboard battery. The maintenance devices accesses the host's operating system and BIOS via serial ports, I2C, ethernet, and similar communication connections. Host system monitoring includes connecting to and capturing the temperature sensing, fan speeds, voltage sensors, serial port I/O for low-level text and IP access to the BIOS, operating system and boot logs, keyboard/video capture and control, LAN access for testing local connectivity, secondary “back door” IP access, and other peripherals. This device is totally unaffected by failure of the CPU, motherboard, power supply, physical room power, UPS power availability, and the network. In addition, the maintenance device interfaces with, but is not affected by, I/O cards, external network switches and hubs, and local physical Internet or telephony lines, and various adapter cards. Separate operating software is used to operate the independent maintenance device which separates it from software corruption on the host computer.

Voice gateway with downstream voice synchronization

Abstract: A network gateway is configured to facilitate on line and off line bi-directional communication between a number of near end data and telephony devices with far end data termination devices via a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cable modem termination system. The described network gateway combines a QAM receiver, a transmitter, a DOCSIS MAC, a CPU, a voice and audio processor, a voice synchronizer, an Ethernet MAC, and a USB controller to provide high performance and robust operation.

Broadband cable telephony network architecture IP ITN network architecture reference model

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a reliable, low-cost, secure Internet Protocol (IP) based network that provides broadband-based voice communications as well as video and data communications. The IP network is arranged to function with the infrastructure of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), to control telephone calls in SS7 type networks and to provide the features, applications, and services of the typical SS7 networks in a voice over IP network. The present invention supports much larger cost effective call volumes than the present network systems, allows accommodation of a wide range of broadband-based service platforms, provides flexibility to support current and future calling feature services, and provides high quality voice transmission.

System and method for advertising using data network telephone connections

Abstract: A system and method for providing advertising and advertising services using a telephone system. A data network telephony system includes a commercial message server that communicates with a telephony connection server to communicate commercial messages to display devices on data network telephones. A caller uses the data network telephone to make a telephone call to a callee. The commercial message server receives information about the connection and retrieves commercial messages, or advertisements to communicate to either the caller, the callee or both.

System and method for providing call-handling services on a data network telephone system

Abstract: A system and method for providing call handling services on a data network telephony system. A portable information device, such as a PDA, associated with a user contains the user's address and/or appointment book information. The address and/or appointment book information includes priority information comprising one or more address/appointment entries having associated priority levels. The priority information is transmitted from the portable information device across a link to a data network telephone or other voice communication device, where it is stored in a call handling database. When an incoming call request is received at the data network telephone, the call is handled according to the priority information contained in the call handling database.

Method for estimating telephony system-queue waiting time in an agent level routing environment

Abstract: A system for estimating call waiting time for a call in a queue takes into account multiple queues wherein agents are shared between queues, abandoned call history, and virtual and priority queues. The system in a preferred embodiment is a computer-telephony integration (CTI) software application adapted to execute on a CTI processor, which may be coupled to switching equipment at network level in a connection-oriented, switched telephony (COST) network or to a switch at call-center level, or both.

Internet telephony: services, technical challenges, and products

Abstract: The rapid proliferation of the Internet has given rise to a strong interest in carrying telephony over the Internet. Because the Internet supports data communications, a range of other services can be bundled together with Internet telephony. The Internet, however, was designed for non-real-time data communications, and hence it poses several technical challenges that must be overcome before the Internet can be successfully used for carrying telephone services. This article discusses new services we can expect from Internet telephony, the technical challenges and solutions, and the emerging products that promise to support Internet telephony.

System and process for remote payments and transactions in real time by mobile telephone

Abstract: A system and a process for processing payments and transactions between payers ( 13 ) and payees ( 27, 29, 14, 14 a , 13 a , 46 ) associated to the system, using a first server ( 20 ) interconnected with telecommunication means ( 18, 19, 28, 47 ) with first data storage means ( 22 ) containing information on each associated payer ( 13 ) consisting of at least an admissible telephone number, at least a authorization criterion for authorizing a transaction, and a safety criterion associated to the admissible telephone number, as well as an admissible identification code of each payee; second data storage means ( 21 ) that contain a second information referring to the type of digital mobile telephone ( 16, 41 ) belonging to each telephone number; selecting means ( 20 h ) for verifying one of the telecommunication equipments ( 18, 19 ) that communicates with the digital mobile telephone ( 16, 41 ) identified by the admissible telephone number by means of a telecommunication service being compatible with the type of digital mobile telephone ( 16, 41 ) as identified.

Context-Aware Telephony Over WAP

Abstract: In this paper we introduce a novel approach to sharing context in order to enhance the social quality of remote mobile communication. We provide an analysis of how people start a conversation in situations where they meet physically, especially looking at the influence of the situation. This is then compared to the way remote communication is initiated using mobile phones. The lack of knowledge about the situation at the other end leads to the initiation of calls which are not appropriate to that situation. The solution we propose is to exchange context information before initiating the call. We implemented this concept using the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). The application Context-Call offers a phone interface that provides information about the receiver when setting up a call. Based on that information, the caller can then decide to place the call, to leave a message or to cancel the call. Privacy issues that arise from this technology are discussed also.

Apparatus and method for device independent messaging notification

Abstract: An apparatus and method for alerting a user upon receipt of selected messages, independent of the type of device generating the message is provided. Message generating devices include telephony devices (telephone, fax machine, etc.), or data devices such as a computer or PDA (404). All messages are converted into a format compatible with a data network (418) for delivery to a web server (422). The web server includes a message notification system (432) with message alert type selection and incoming message filtering. A user designates, either from a computer, or from a telephone, the types of messages for which s/he wishes to be alerted, and designates one or more device types (email address, fax machine, pager number, or telephone number) to receive the alert. When messages are received by the web server, they are distinguished by message type, and filtered according to the user defined criteria. Selected messages cause a message alert to be generated to the user configured devices.

Telephone based access to instant messaging

Abstract: The present invention allows Internet instant messaging to be accessed via a telephone. Instant messaging access from any telephone in the world may be provided via a telephone messaging system. Alternatively, access can be embodied independently as a stand-alone telephone service, for example provided by a telephone company, provided by a company network, or provided by a user's personal IVR service implemented on his PC. An advantage of the present invention is providing simple, cost effective and readily available access to data network instant messaging from a telephone.

The perceptual analysis measurement system for robust end-to-end speech quality assessment

Abstract: The perceptual analysis measurement system (PAMS) is an objective model designed to evaluate the perceived speech quality of telephone networks. Two key network properties, linear filtering and variable bulk delay, made previous models unsuitable for end-to-end measurement. This paper outlines the innovations that allow PAMS to take these properties into account. Variable delay occurs in packet-based transmission such as voice over IP. It is addressed by a time alignment algorithm that identifies delay changes in silent periods and during speech. Linear filtering, typically caused by analogue interfaces, is dealt with using a transfer function estimation and equalisation technique designed for robustness to non-linear distortions. A further development is the use of a constrained non-linear regression method to map error parameters to predicted subjective quality. Applications are discussed including the selection, optimisation and monitoring of telephone systems. Results are presented performance of PAMS across 28 telephony subjective tests.

Using internet and internet protocols to bypass PSTN, GSM map, and ANSI-41 networks for wireless telephone call delivery

Abstract: A method and system to provide GSM subscribers roaming into CDMA or TDMA networks, and CDMA or TDMA subscribers roaming into GSM networks, with basic call delivery wireless services as long as the roamers can pay the bill with their valid credit card, and to do so independently of and as a bypass of GSM Memorandum of Understandings for cellular/PCS services. This is achieved by integrating the proper pieces of wireless and wireline networks and secure communications, using IP networks and protocols as an alternative to the existing telephony-based approach.

Method and apparatus for telephony-enabled instant messaging

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a service for permitting parties to engage in instant messaging and to allow parties so engaged to initiate a separate telephone call which may be billed. According to one method a server, referred to as a Phone Web server acts as an interface between a computer user and a telephone user. The interface is coupled to an instant messaging platform enabling the two users to exchange instant messages. One user can prompt the other to suggest the initiation of a telephone call. If the other party accepts the suggestion then the Phone Web server brokers a phone call between the two parties. In a variation of this embodiment both users could be communicating via computers and can launch the telephone initiation process.

Method of and system for providing intelligent network control services in ip telephony

Abstract: A method and system for providing intelligent network control services in IP telephony, wherein the system includes a location manager (31) and an IP telephony proxy server (23). The location manager includes an interface to a legacy telephony service control entity (29) and the IP telephony proxy server includes an IP interface to the location manager. If the IP telephony proxy server requires intelligent network services, then the IP telephony proxy server sends an IP telephony session initiation request to the called party at the location manager. The location manager uses the information to query the legacy telephony service control entity for routing information. When the location manager (31) receives a routing response from the service control entity, the location manager maps the response to an IP telephony session control message back to the IP telephony proxy server.

Proximity-based registration on a data network telephony system

Abstract: Proximity-based registration of a user to a data network appliance on a data network telephony system. A portable information device, such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or passive proximity-based security badge, is associated with the user. When the portable information device is brought within a proximity range of a data network appliance, one or more messages are wirelessly transmitted between the portable information device and the data network appliance. The data network appliance then transmits a registration request to a registration server to register the user to the data network appliance. As a result, calls for the user will be routed to the data network appliance to which the user is registered.