Communications service provider network

[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority to, and hereby incorporates, Provisional Application No. 60/212,159, and only to the extent needed for pendency, this is alternatively a conversion of Provisional Application No. 60/212,159, filed on Jun. 16, 2000.

[0002] This patent document is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/005,053, entitled “Videocommunicating Apparatus and Method Therfore”, filed on Jan. 1, 1998 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,882), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/908,826, filed on Aug. 8, 1997 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,712), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/658,917, filed on May 31, 1996 (now abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/303,973, filed Sep. 9, 1994 (now abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/838,382, filed on Feb. 19, 1992, (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,351). This patent document is further related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/212,220, entitled “Communications System Architecture” and filed on Jun. 16, 2000; to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60,212,221, entitled “IP Phone Circuit Arrangement and Method” and filed on Jun. 16, 2000; to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/597,704, entitled “Communications Controller and Method Therefor” and filed on Jun. 16, 2000, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/211,993, entitled “High Availability IP Telephony” and filed on Jun. 16, 2000; to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/212,215, entitled “System Interface Implementation for Hosted iPBX” and filed on Jun. 16, 2000; to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60,211,992, entitled “IP Telephony Station Equipment” and filed on Jun. 16, 2000; and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60,212,219, entitled “iPBX Hosting” and filed on Jun. 16, 2000. All of the above-mentioned documents, as well as the documents appended hereto, are fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to communication systems, and more particularly, to a programmable communications service provider network and communication methodology.

[0004] The electronics industry continues to rely upon advances in technology to realize higher-functioning devices at cost-effective prices. For many communication applications, realizing higher-functioning devices in a cost-effective manner requires the creative use of communications channels. Many technologies have been developed that have enhanced communications. Examples include the Internet, facsimile applications, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), wireless telephones, voicemail systems, email systems, paging systems, conferencing systems, electronic calendars and appointment books, electronic address books, and video-image processing systems that communicate video data simultaneously with voice data over a telephones and the Internet. As the popularity of these technologies increases, so does the need to merge and coordinate these technologies in a manner that is convenient and cost-effective for the user.

[0005] The above-mentioned technologies have been developed in a relatively isolated manner. Large-scale integration of multiple communications systems has been costly and difficult to achieve and manage. One difficulty stems from the variety of communications channels and data types used for various applications. For example, telephony signals can now be transmitted by methods and systems including traditional publicly-switched telephone networks (PSTN), Internet telephony service providers (ITSP), packet-based systems, digital wireless systems, analog wireless systems, private branch exchanges (PBX), cable systems, T1 systems, integrated service digital network (ISDN), and digital subscriber line (DSL) systems, to name a few. Many telephone systems, particularly for business applications, offer services including voicemail, facsimile, call forwarding, and other call-controls, but these systems are often costly, difficult to manage, limited in scope, and do not offer integration of various communications methods. In addition to difficulties inherent in coordinating telephony-type communications, the coordination of additional communications, such as text, video, or other data, provides additional challenges.

[0006] Widespread acceptance and usage of communication systems and services are largely a function of cost and user convenience. Therefore, widespread acceptance and usage of such technology cannot be forced, even when appropriately addressing the marketing needs and overcoming the exorbitant costs of the mass production equipment.

[0007] The scalability of a communications system weighs heavily upon the acceptance of the system. As the face of today's workplace is changing, the ability to provide flexible communications services is becoming increasingly important. Many employees are highly mobile, moving between companies and between jobs within a company. When employees are added, leave or move, the communications systems for those employees must be modified. In addition, many employees work from several locations, such as a base office, home, or a branch office. To accommodate ongoing communications needs, a user-friendly and user-reconfigurable system would be advantageous.

[0008] As technology advances, traditional distinctions between communications types, such as video, audio, email, and others are breaking down. Wireless telephones and modems are being adapted for Internet use, and Internet telephony communication applications are becoming more viable and even commonplace. For both unsophisticated and sophisticated users of such communication systems and services, the coordination of various communications methods and systems would be beneficial. In addition, it is important to provide scalable, cost-effective, user-friendly control over the communications networks and over the devices that interface with and configure the networks.

[0009] The present invention is directed to a communications method and system adapted for controlling and coordinating various types of communications data in a manner that makes possible the break-down of traditional barriers preventing the integration of communications data types. In addition, the ease of use and cost-effectiveness of the present invention enable the use of such communications control and coordination in small to medium-sized business applications. The present invention is exemplified in a number of implementations and applications, some of which are summarized below.

[0010] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a telephony private branch exchange routing arrangement is adapted to route IP telephony data. The routing arrangement includes a call-control application having an object-oriented programming (OOP) telephony interface and programmed, using OOP and the OOP telephony interface, to control the routing of calls. Telephony communication signals are provided for the routed calls via a device-control application and are used to interface between the call-control application and a plurality of telephony devices. Configuration information for the call-control application and the device-control application is provided via a configuration manager.

[0011] According to another example embodiment of the present invention, a programmable communications network is adapted to communicatively couple telephony stations. The network includes a computer server arrangement coupled to a plurality of communications stations communicatively coupled to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of communications stations is adapted to communicate call-method configuration data. The computer server arrangement includes core configuration data, a call-control application and an IP telephony switch. The call-control application is programmed, using an OOP interface, with the call-method configuration data in combination with the core configuration data. The IP telephony switch is coupled to the communications stations, is responsive to the programmed call-control application and is used for coordinating communication between selected ones of the communications stations.

[0012] In still another example embodiment of the present invention, a method is used for providing telephony communications. A configurable IP-based telephony routing system including a router is communicatively coupled to a communications network and adapted to communicate telephony data. The routing system is adapted to send and receive telephony data using IP and analog communication types. Configuration information is provided to the telephony router via an OOP interface, and the router is controlled therefrom. Telephony data is sent from a telephony device to the router via the communications network and is received at the router. Based on the configuration information, the telephony data is routed to another telephony device.

[0013] The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

[0019] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0020] The present invention is believed to be applicable to various types of communications systems, and has been found particularly suited to such systems requiring or benefiting from user-friendly control for processing various telephony communications data types and routing the communications via an Internet protocol (IP) network. While the present invention is not necessarily limited to such systems, various aspects of the invention may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context.

[0021] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a communications service provider network is adapted to receive, process, and deliver communications data of various types using a cost-effective, user-friendly operations platform. The network includes a plurality of communication stations communicatively coupled to one or more communications links. One of the communication stations is adapted to communicate call-method configuration data to a computer server arrangement communicatively coupled to the communications links. The computer server includes core configuration data, a call-control application and an IP telephony switch. The core and call-method configuration data are used in combination to program a call-control application via an object oriented programming (OOP) interface. The IP telephony switch is communicatively coupled to the communications links and coordinates communication between selected ones of the communication stations in response to the programmed call-control application. The use of the IP telephony switch at a service provider, in combination with the OOP interface, provides programming flexibility that enhances the control of telephony communications.

[0022] According to a more particular example embodiment of the present invention, the communication network uses a telephony private branch exchange routing arrangement having an OOP-based programming platform and adapted to route IP telephony data. The communications link includes links to the Internet and to a PSTN through a router and an IP/PSTN gateway, respectively. A server routes the communications data using a programmable microprocessor having an IP telephony switch and an OOP interface, such as Java-based interface, for managing the communications data.

[0023] The OOP router is configurable for use in various applications including system administration, office administration, personal communications management, and service provider administration of subscribers. For more information regarding example applications to which the present invention applies, reference may be made to “8×8 Intraswitch Synthesis of Form,” which is provided in the underlying patent document and fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] Two or more user-defined telephony devices and a user interface are also coupled to the communications link. The user interface is adapted to provide programming data to the server, such as telephony communications configuration data, for controlling the server. For example, a user interface including an Internet web page can be used to couple to the server and select IP telephony options, such as call waiting, telephone extension assignment, call forwarding, or other communication-related controls. The server uses the configuration data from the user interface in combination with core configuration data programmed at the server to control IP telephony switching functions and call-control functions for the user-defined telephony devices.

[0025] In this manner, the computer server acts as an IP-private branch exchange (IP-PBX), and makes it possible for service providers to offer a full, dedicated IP-PBX system. The network can be used to enhance or even replace existing traditional telephony PBX networks, and can work in combination with existing networks, such as a LAN in a user facility. By taking advantage of economies inherent in IP architectures, the present invention allows Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) to extend their businesses, and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), Inter Exchange Carriers (IXCs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to provide local telephony services to enterprises at competitive rates. In addition, the present invention can be scaled to support thousands of lines per enterprise, and because it effectively fuses the voice and data networks, it allows the easy integration of computer telephony applications such as call centers, unified messaging and the like.

[0026] In one implementation, the routing arrangement includes a receiver for receiving communications signals, such as signals from a LAN, the Internet, or from a PSTN. The received communications signals are processed using the OOP interface, such as a Java telephony application programming interface (JTAPI), and the processing is based on programming selections made for the system. The programming interface uses OOP for interfacing between object code instructions and the microprocessor. An output coupled to the programming interface is adapted to output communications signals in response to the received communications signals.

[0027] The routing arrangement can be used to effect various communications. For example, communications data can be routed between internal users (e.g., users connected to a LAN that is also connected to the communications device), and between internal and external users (e.g., users connected to the communications device or the LAN by public communications lines, such as telephone, ISDN, and cable lines). The communications may, for example include traditional voice telephony, voice-response, voice mail, conferencing, facsimile, Internet protocol (IP), screen-based telephony (SBT), Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OA&M), and multimedia communications.

[0028] Various aspects of the present invention make the integration of IP telephony switching systems highly adaptable for a multitude of uses and applications. For instance, the computer server, user interface, and user-defined telephony devices can be located anywhere on the network. Since the server is programmed using OOP, it is portable to any platform made by any manufacturer that has OOP capabilities. Multiple IP-PBXs can be run on a single server, thereby greatly reducing the space per IP-PBX ratio. The distributed architecture is particularly advantageous for today's flexible workplaces and supports telecommuters, branch offices and larger organizations. The IP-PBX is self-managed by the customer and interfaces with the CLEC's existing infrastructure, thereby reducing operational costs.

[0029] The management of the communications network is enhanced by the ability to provide different security access levels to control the IP telephony options. In one implementation, individual end-users are given access to control the individual's telephony options, such as voice mail, ring-type, call-forwarding, and other options. In applications using confidential communications, the end-user is provided with the only access for particular telephony options, such as voicemail retrieval. In another implementation, local administrators controlling one or more user facilities are given higher security level access for controlling the IP telephony network features on a larger scale, such as telephone assignment, voicemail data storage, password security, and other options. On a larger scale, a service provider for the system is given security clearance to control global functions of the system, such as the number of telephony links allocated to a user, or billing for telephony communications.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a communications network, according to a more specific example embodiment of the present invention. A service provider 110 is adapted to control and route communications data for a user premise 120. User premise 120 includes a variety of communications devices including an IP phone 122, computers 124 and 126, and two telephones 132 and 134 coupled to an IP gateway 130. Each of the devices is communicatively coupled to the service provider via a router 140 and a communications link 150. The service provider is adapted to send and receive communications data via a router 160 coupled to the communications link 150. The router 160 is coupled to the Internet, to a server 170 and an IP/PSTN gateway 180. The router 160 is adapted to route communications to either the router 140, the Internet, the server or the gateway 180.

[0031] The server 170 is programmed to control the routing of communications data to and from the user premise 120. The programming is accomplished in various manners, depending upon the functions being programmed and the security access level of the programming source. First, individual users at the customer premise can program the server. Each user programs various communications selections, such as those described hereinabove. Inputs from the computers 124 and 126, from the IP telephone 122, or from the telephones 132 and 134 are all used for controlling the server. The computers have a user interface adapted to provide various communications selections to the server. The user interface may include, for example, the graphical user interface described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/597,704, filed on Jun. 16, 2000 and entitled “Communications Controller and Method Therefor.” Selections are made at the computer interface for controlling communications between the computer and one or more other communications devices. Similarly, the IP telephone 122 and other telephones 132 and 134 are used to input control information, such as via a touch-tone sequence or other control code entry.

[0032] In addition to programming the server at the user premise 120, the server may also be programmed at remote locations, such as at a communications device communicatively coupled to the Internet or to the PSTN. As discussed in connection with communications devices located the user premise, various control inputs are provided to the server via the respective connections using remote communications devices. For example, Internet communications devices such as a computer, a wireless telephone having Internet communications ability, or an Internet interface such as a WebTV interface could all be adapted for use in communicating with the server to provide programming information.

[0033] FIG. 2 is another communications network, according to another example embodiment of the present invention. Service provider 210 and customer premise 220 are implemented in a manner similar to that discussed in connection with FIG. 1. In addition, various communication devices are connected to the service provider via the Internet. These communications devices include computers 230, 232 and 234, and IP telephones 240 and 242. Telecommuting customers connect to the service provider via a local connection, such as a T1, PSTN or DSL communication link 215. Computers 250 and 252 are communicatively connected in this manner.

[0034] In one example embodiment of the present invention, the service provider 210 is a local telephone/Internet service provider. In this instance, the customer premise and the telecommuting customers are communicatively coupled to the local service provider via local communications links. The telecommuting customers could alternatively couple to the service provider via the Internet. Effectively, this enables the telecommuting customers to function as if they were at the customer premise 220. For example, a user who normally works at the customer premise and communicates via telephone 221 can decide to stay home and work, or work remotely using a laptop computer coupled to the Internet while traveling. The off-premise customer contacts the service provider via one of the communications links and sends programming information that includes the reassignment of a telephone number that was assigned to the telephone 221. The reassignment information causes the number to be assigned to a new selected IP address, such as the IP address of the computer 252. When a telephone call is made to the telephone number associated with the telephone 221, the service provider routes that call to the newly-assigned IP address. In a similar manner, a telecommuting customer controls other options, such as voice mail messaging, call forwarding and other options.

[0035] Various call control scenarios are adaptable for use in connection with the present invention. FIG. 3 shows one such call scenario wherein a call is made within a user premise, such as those shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 2. At step 1, a calling user initiates a telephone call, such as by picking up a receiver or initiating a call using a computer. An off-hook signal is sent to a router at step 2, and the router sends a dial tone back to the calling user. The calling user then dials a series of digits at step 3, the digits being indicative of a called user located within a user premise. At step 4, a ring signal is sent to the called user, and a ring-back tone is sent to the calling user at step 5. When the called user answers, an off-hook signal is sent to the router at step 6, and the router responds with a ring-back stop at step 7. A connect signal is sent to the called user at step 8, and to the calling user at step 9. Once each user receives the connect signal, a voice path is established directly between the calling user and the called user at step 10.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows one such call scenario wherein a call is made between a user premise and an outside party in an external network, such as those shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 2. At step 1, and off-hook signal is sent to the router as a result of the user initiating a telephone call, and a dial tone is sent to the user from the router in response at step 2. At step 3, the calling user then sends a signal to the router that indicates that the call is to go to an outside party, such as the digit “9” or some other signal, such as a click on a selected icon on a computer telephony application. Once the outgoing call signal is sent, the user enters a telephone number to be called at step 4 using digits or some other communication. Once the number has been entered, and end of sequence indicator is sent at step 5, such as a pound “#” digit on a telephone. The router then sends the outcall information to a gateway at step 6, and the gateway relays the outcall information to a PSTN at step 7, which then sends the signal to a called party. In the meantime, an “accepted” signal is sent from the gateway to the router at step 8, and a progress tone is sent from the router to the calling user at step 9. Once the telephony device at the called party receives the outcall signal, it returns an alert to the gateway via the PSTN at step 10. In response, the gateway sends an alert to the router at step 11, and the router sends a ring-back tone to the calling user at step 12. When the called party answers the call at step 13, an answer signal is sent to the gateway via the PSTN from the called party, and a voice path is established between the gateway and the called user. The gateway sends a connected signal to the router at step 14, and the router sends both ring-back stop and connect signals to the calling user at steps 15 and 16, respectively. A voice path is then established between the calling user and the gateway, and ultimately between the calling user and the called user.

[0037] Other example embodiments of the present invention include one or more aspects of the other patent documents mentioned herein.

[0038] While the present invention has been described with reference to several particular example embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.