Showing papers on "Telephony published in 2003"

H.264/AVC in wireless environments

Abstract: Video transmission in wireless environments is a challenging task calling for high-compression efficiency as well as a network friendly design. Both have been major goals of the H.264/AVC standardization effort addressing "conversational" (i.e., video telephony) and "nonconversational" (i.e., storage, broadcast, or streaming) applications. The video compression performance of the H.264/AVC video coding layer typically provides a significant improvement. The network-friendly design goal of H.264/AVC is addressed via the network abstraction layer that has been developed to transport the coded video data over any existing and future networks including wireless systems. The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview over the tools which are likely to be used in wireless environments and discusses the most challenging application, wireless conversational services in greater detail. Appropriate justifications for the application of different tools based on experimental results are presented.

Body monitoring using local area wireless interfaces

Abstract: Methods and systems for placing a call or sending a message from a mobile telephone in response to receiving a signal from a portable externally worn body relay device or body monitoring device. The portable device and the mobile telephone are equipped with local area wireless interfaces. In one embodiment, the mobile telephone places a distress call to a predefined telephone number.

IP-based enhanced emergency services using intelligent client devices

Abstract: Providing enhanced emergency services (E-911) to an IP Telephony-based PBX or similar system, by utilizing aspects of the intelligence of end-user SIP client devices to address challenges and difficulties associated with E-911-like services in LAN-based telephony environments.

Assessing the quality of voice communications over Internet backbones

Abstract: As the Internet evolves into a ubiquitous communication infrastructure and provides various services including telephony, it will be expected to meet the quality standards achieved in the public switched telephone network. Our objective in this paper is to assess to what extent today's Internet meets this expectation. Our assessment is based on delay and loss measurements taken over wide-area backbone networks and uses subjective voice quality measures capturing the various impairments incurred. First, we compile the results of various studies into a single model for assessing the voice-over-IP (VoIP) quality. Then, we identify different types of typical Internet paths and study their VoIP performance. For each type of path, we identify those characteristics that affect the VoIP perceived quality. Such characteristics include the network loss and the delay variability that should be appropriately handled by the playout scheduling at the receiver. Our findings indicate that although voice services can be adequately provided by some ISPs, a significant number of Internet backbone paths lead to poor performance.

IP telephony transport

Abstract: A system for simultaneously transporting internet protocol voice traffic and power to an internet protocol telephony transport using the existing twisted pair infrastructure of a traditional phone system. The system includes a twisted pair broadband switch. The twisted pair broadband switch connects on one end to an internet protocol telephone voice switch using Ethernet wiring and connects on another end to a media converter using a twisted pair wiring on the existing twisted pair infrastructure. The media converter condition the voice traffic between a twisted pair interface and an Ethernet interface to allow connection to an internet protocol telephone. Power is simultaneously transported with the voice traffic over the same twisted pair wiring of the existing twisted pair infrastructure.

Automated Transportation Call-Taking System

Abstract: An automated, scalable call-taking system integrates with existing telephony infrastructures and enables, through use of speech recognition, DTMF detection, text-to-speech (TTS), and other related software or hardware, the inputting, access, and retrieval of information to and from multiple back-end dispatch and booking systems without the need for a human operator.

Methods, apparatus,and systems for accessing mobile and voice over IP telephone networks with a mobile handset

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided to enable access to mobile and voice over IP (VoIP) telephone networks with a mobile handset. A VoIP gateway for the VoIP telephone network is provided. A cable modem allows communication between the handset and the VoIP telephone network via the VoIP gateway. A local network connects the handset to the VoIP gateway. The mobile handset determines whether it is within range of the local network. If the handset is within the range of the local network, data traffic may be routed to and from the handset via the VoIP telephone network. If the handset is outside of the range of the local network, data traffic may be routed to and from the handset via the mobile telephone network. The data traffic may comprise telephony data traffic and/or Internet protocol (IP) data traffic.

Apparatus and method for developing applications with telephony functionality

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates developing applications with telephony functionality. The system includes a session initiation protocol (SIP) gateway configured to interface with a public switched telephone network (PSTN). The SIP gateway translates telephone calls from telephones coupled to the PSTN to SIP protocol messages. A SIP server coupled to the SIP gateway accepts these SIP protocol messages and an application server accesses a voice extensible markup language (VXML) page on behalf of the SIP server. A VXML gateway provides access to the VXML page by a users of the telephones.

SCTP: a proposed standard for robust Internet data transport

Abstract: The stream control transmission protocol (SCTP) is an evolving general purpose Internet transport protocol designed to bridge the gap between TCP and UDP SCTP evolved from a telephony signaling protocol for IP networks and is now a proposed standard with the Internet Engineering Task Force Like TCP, SCTP provides a reliable, full-duplex connection and mechanisms to control network congestion However, SCTP expands transport layer possibilities beyond TCP and UDP, offering new delivery options that are particularly desirable for telephony signaling and multimedia applications

Internet telephony network and methods for using the same

Abstract: A telephony network for enabling the origination and termination of telephone calls between one or more subscriber terminals connected to a public packet network with an open addressing protocol and one or more non-subscriber terminals connected to a PSTN network. Subscribers to the telephony network have E.164 numbers mapped to their current IP address and published by a mapping server so other subscribers and non-subscribers can call the subscriber. The mapped information is published on either a HTML or XML page for direct use over the Internet by other subscribers or for use by a gateway device. The gateway device enables non-subscribers on the PSTN to directly call subscribers. Calls between subscribers completely by-pass the PSTN. Subscribers can also call anyone with a phone number whether they are a subscriber or not.

Communications switching architecture

Abstract: Presently described is a system and method for switching multimedia data communications, including but not limited to Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, cable TV, digital audio and video. The system utilizes a single, integrated device to provide all PacketCable-compliant functionality, including enhanced user privacy, compliance with CALEA, E911 and other mandated services not available in conventional distributed PacketCable systems. High speed and efficient, low cost operation are provided by means of an optimized data unit encapsulation scheme for internal switching and routing. A proprietary fiber optic backplane and removable optical connectors are used to enable lightspeed internal communications hot-swapping of components. Furthermore, the present system is extensible to all forms of digital data switching and is secure, resistant to Denial of Service attacks, and fault-resilient.

Cellular telephone interface apparatus and methods

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include a first data communication link (hardwired or wireless) between a sensor and an Internet communication interface or device (such as a Java™-enabled or other programmable cellular telephone). The cellular telephone can provide an always-on link to a network such as the Internet, on which websites and related hardware and software tools can permit ready and virtually unlimited access to and interaction with the original data and sensor, and/or the sensor's system. In the preferred embodiment, a Java™-enabled cellular telephone interfaces directly with one or more sensors as well as with a network such as the Internet, to provide a data acquisition and control channel. The cellular telephone's display and keypad can provide a local display and data entry for the sensor and/or the sensor's system.

Authentication mechanism for telephony devices

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a presence aware network 100 that includes a plurality of communication devices 124 a–n and 128 a–n, associated with a plurality of subscribers. Each communication device may be configured automatically according to a first set of preferences associated with a first subscriber when the first subscriber performs a telephony function on the communication device and according to a second set of preferences when a different second subscriber performs the telephony function on the communication device. The first and second sets of preferences are different from one another.

Voice over IP method of determining caller identification

Abstract: Before completing a call initiated at a calling telephony device for a called telephony device; caller identification information for the calling telephony device is obtained for the call. If standard caller identification information is not available, the caller is prompted to provide spoken caller identification information. The caller identification information is communicated to the called telephony device via a connectionless protocol such as VoIP where a continuing connection does not exist between communicating end points. The called party is given call disposition options. The process which controls this operation may be located anywhere in the network, including at switching equipment and at the called telephony device.

Enhanced directory assistance services in a telecommunications network

Abstract: Directory assistance provides telephone number look up services to callers based on the business or caller name as listed in a telephone directory. As such, directory assistance in the prior art provides a value-added service to telephone users and an expense that must be charged back to telephone subscribers or absorbed by telephone carriers. The present invention provides a method and system whereby directory assistance is enhanced to deliver a targeted advertising service to telephone listing owners and advertisers. The enhanced directory assistance (EDA) service of the present invention becomes an additional revenue source for carriers. The present invention also provides a method and system for dynamically ordering these directory listings and tracking subsequent telephone referrals.

System and method for providing video telephony over a cable access network infrastructure

Abstract: Video telephony is implemented via a set-top box located at each participating party's site, a number of media gateways (131) located at one or more cable TV distribution hubs or headends (130), and a number of software switches (134) located at one or more headends and/or within the Internet or a managed data network. The set-top box (110) provides an interface for a participating party to send and receive voice, video, and data converged transmissions. The media gateway is designed to handle both in-band (media) and out-of-band (call signaling) transmissions, and comprises a switching core that directs the out-of-band transmissions to the software switch. The software switch manages all out-of-band signaling and controls the operation of the media gateway.

Telephone-based Hypertext Transport Protocol server

Abstract: A telephone is provided for delivering content to a client that is coupled to a communications network. The telephone includes a processor and a network interface operable to couple the telephone to the communications network. The telephone also includes a handset operable to provide oral communication by a user of the telephone using the network interface. Furthermore, the telephone includes a memory that is coupled to the processor and operable to store content for delivery to the client using the network interface. The content that is stored is associated with the operation of the telephone. In a particular embodiment, the client to which the content is delivered is a Web browser, and the content is at least one HyperText Markup Language document to be displayed in the Web browser.

Advanced call screening appliance

Abstract: According to the invention, a network interface device for processing a telephone call is disclosed. The network interface device includes a first and second communication interfaces, a telephone switch and a controller. The first communication interface is coupled to at least one of a wireless phone network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) network. The first communication interface receives the telephone call from any of a number of callers that are remote to the network interface device. The second communication interface coupled to one or more phones at a user location where the one or more phones are associated with a telephone number that any of the callers can use to call the one or more phones. The telephone switch is coupled to both of the first communication interface and second communication interface and optionally routes an incoming phone call to the second communication interface if one or more access control rules permit routing the incoming phone call to the second communication interface. The controller analyzes the one or more access control rules and either routes the incoming phone call from the first communication interface to the second communication interface or prevents the incoming phone call from reaching the second communication interface. The one or more phones ring when the incoming call is routed to the second communication interface.

Management of packet-based audio devices within acoustic spaces

Abstract: A system includes multiple packet-based communication devices that support audio output and other suitable functionality and an acoustic space management device that manages these devices to provide telephony services within acoustic spaces. These devices can coordinate their actions to provide audio services, such as conferencing, paging, broadcasting, and other appropriate audio services.

Modeling and evaluation of the indoor power line transmission medium

Abstract: The aim of this article is to outline the possibilities of indoor power lines when used to support local area networks in homes or small offices. For this purpose, the channel characteristics are described and a channel model is presented. This model is related to the physical nature of common indoor power lines, so its parameters can be defined in a straightforward way. Based on it, the performance of communication systems that use discrete multitone modulation, which appears to be the most suitable technique for these channels, is evaluated. Finally, a discussion about medium access control strategies is included.

Computer telephony integration adapter

Abstract: A computer telephony interface adapter (CTIA) for interfacing a computing device, a telephone, and a telephone network. The CTIA communicates with the telephone network using a telephone network protocol, such as a PSTN or a PBX protocol. Also, the CTIA communicates with a POTS telephone or a PBX telephone according to the telephone network protocol and with the computing device according to a data communication protocol, such as a USB or wireless protocol. The CTIA includes a controller in communication with the telephone network, the telephone, and the computing device. The controller converts communications between the telephone network protocol and the data communication protocol. In addition, the controller selectively couples the telephone into communication with the telephone network and the computing device at the same time. Thus, the CTIA enables local control over real-time shared communication among the telephone, telephone network, and computing device.

Providing of presence information to a telephony services system

Abstract: In support of an interactive telephony services system (100), a presence gateway (105) provides presence information regarding availability of a called party (137) to communicate using an instant communications client (139).

Automated call center transcription services

Abstract: A method for communicating with a call center can include receiving a telephony contact from a caller. A discoursive input including free-form speech can thereafter be received. The discoursive input can be converted into a textual transcription. At least a portion of the textual transcription can be presented upon a display screen of a service agent computer system. The telephony contact can be routed to a telephony device associated with the service agent computer system.

Method and apparatus for providing advanced IP telephony services in an intelligent endpoint

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a communications system for providing advanced Internet Protocol (IP) telephony services in an intelligent endpoint. The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a user with the capability to update a local directory from a directory server, perform click to call functions, and perform intelligent processing of incoming calls.

System and method for using multiple communication protocols in memory limited processors

Abstract: A system and method for implementing large and/or multiple telecommunication protocols utilizing memory-limited processors. Telecommunication protocols are expressed as virtual machine instructions defining a finite state machine. A telecommunication protocol engine (100) implements the telecommunication protocols using a virtual machine (125) operating under the control of a CPU (120). A telephony gateway (600) comprising a telecommunication protocol engine (610, 650, 640) interfaces with a communication device and a packet switched network. A network of telephony gateways (720, 730) communicating with a provider gateway (703, 705) facilitates communication over a packet switched network. A call placed by a calling telephony gateway to receiving device on the same network or another network is routed according to a prefix in a telephone code sent by the calling telephony gateway.

IP gateway for hybrid circuit switched and IP based mobile wireless telephone system

Abstract: An IP telephony gateway operates in conjunction with a base station of a hybrid micro cellular wireless telephone network. The base station supports roaming of a wireless telephone into a cell controlled by the base station. The IP telephony gateway comprises: i) a circuit switched network interface for exchanging system messaging, call signaling, and audio media with a circuit switched system controller; ii) a base station network interface for exchanging system messaging, call signaling, and audio media with a base station; and iii) a VoIP client for exchanging system messaging, call signaling and audio media with a remote VoIP device over a packet switched network. A management module interfaces messages exchanged with the base station and each of the circuit switched system controller and the soft switch to support roaming of the wireless telephone into the cell controlled by the base station.

Network telephone system and methods therefor

Abstract: A self-configuring telephone device (2851) interconnected to other network telephone devices by a network, such as a local area network (2831), without the need for a central controller or secondary wiring. A network telephone (2851) sends a broadcast over the network with a predetermined number. If there is another telephone with the predetermined number, the phone (2851) receives a message so indicating and a directory of numbers from which to choose a non-conflicting telephone number. Voice mail (2827) and calls between outside lines and a network phone are supported. A telephony interface provides connectivity between one or more netphones and an external telephone network such as a PSTN telephone system (2844). The network interface provides connectivity between one or more computers and an external computer network such as the Internet (2819). The local area network (2831) provides interconnectivity between the network(s), the computer(s), the telephony interface and the network interface.

Intelligent call screening system

Abstract: Screening a traditional telephony call made by a calling party to a called party includes receiving, over a telephone network, the traditional telephony call from the calling party at a messaging service platform, recording an audio message from the calling party as audio data, and transmitting the audio data from the messaging service platform to a computer of the called party while the calling party is leaving the audio message. Before the calling party finishes leaving the audio message, the called party perceives the transmitted audio data and reacts to the traditional telephony call in response to the audio message.

Information communication apparatus and method

Abstract: A telephony system that enables a user (100) to personally his/her telephone number or numbers that can reach a particular handset and then change those numbers at will, or block certain parties from reach the handset The handset also features a swipe slot so that a credit card can be inserted therein A method of using a unique one time use credit card that is useless of a thief provides security to prevent fraudulent charges by non-authorized users

Interworking of multimedia and telephony equipment

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to associate multimedia clients with telephony devices and create multimedia sessions related to a voice connection between the telephony devices.