US5621731A — Private exchange for ISDN

Claim 1

Independent Claim 126 words

A subscriber premises network interface to a digital network, comprising: a first port for connection to a digital network local exchange; a plurality of second ports for connection to analog telephone devices; a plurality of third ports for connection to digital devices; a fourth port for connection to at least one additional digital device; and an exchange circuit coupled to said first, second, third and fourth ports, said exchange circuit including an exchange controller controlling communication to and from at least said second and third ports; a circuit interface coupled to said first port for effecting a predetermined communication protocol with the local exchange; and a digital port interface, said digital port interface coupling said fourth port with said circuit interface through a network PCM bus.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 126 words

A subscriber premises network interface to a digital network, comprising: a first port for connection to a digital network local exchange; a plurality of second ports for connection to analog telephone devices; a plurality of third ports for connection to digital devices; a fourth port for connection to at least one additional digital device; and an exchange circuit coupled to said first, second, third and fourth ports, said exchange circuit including an exchange controller controlling communication to and from at least said second and third ports; a circuit interface coupled to said first port for effecting a predetermined communication protocol with the local exchange; and a digital port interface, said digital port interface coupling said fourth port with said circuit interface through a network PCM bus.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 37 words

The network interface as defined in claim 1, further including another circuit interface coupled between said network PCM bus and said exchange controller for effecting branching of said network PCM bus to communicate with said second ports.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 42 words

The network interface as defined in claim 2, further including a local interface circuit coupled between said network PCM bus and a local PCM bus, said local PCM bus coupled to said second ports, said exchange controller and said another circuit interface.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 24 words

The network interface as defined in claim 3, wherein said private exchange further comprises a voice mail circuit coupled to said local PCM bus.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 23 words

The network interface as defined in claim 4, wherein said exchange controller includes a time slot controller coupled to said local PCM bus.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 27 words

The network interface as defined in claim 5, wherein said time slot controller includes a time switch connected between said exchange controller and said local PCM bus.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 33 words

The network interface as defined in claim 6, wherein said time switch creates a local communication channel on said local PCM bus which is isolated from the signals on the network PCM bus.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 25 words

The network interface as defined in claim 1, wherein said plurality of second ports are coupled to respective data port interfaces in said exchange controller.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 33 words

The network interface as defined in claim 8, wherein said exchange controller provides signal conversion between local exchange signal protocols and a protocol of a device connected to one of said second ports.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 61 words

The network interface as defined in claim 1, wherein said exchange controller is responsive to signals input at said second or third ports for configuring said exchange controller to connect one of said second or third ports with said local exchange or to configure said exchange controller to communicate with a device connected to one of said second and third ports.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 30 words

The network interface as defined in claim 1 said exchange controller includes a system for determining the type of digital network local exchange to which said network interface is connected.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 43 words

The network interface as defined in claim 11, wherein said controller identifies an ISDN local network type by transmitting ISDN commands associated with different types of ISDN local exchange switches and monitoring the response by the local exchange to those transmitted ISDN commands.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 142 words

A subscriber premises network interface to a digital network comprising: a first port for connection to a local exchange through a telephone line; a second port for connection to at least one analog subscriber station device; a third port for connection to at least one digital subscriber station device; a network PCM bus connected to said first and third ports; a local PCM bus coupled to said second port; and an interface circuit connected between said local PCM bus and said network PCM bus, said interface circuit creating a branch from said network PCM bus providing at least one signalling path, said at least one signalling path including a terminal connected to said local PCM bus whereby devices connected to said local PCM bus gain access to said network PCM bus when said terminal is granted access according to a communication protocol.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 142 words

A subscriber premises network interface to a digital network comprising: a first port for connection to a local exchange through a telephone line; a second port for connection to at least one analog subscriber station device; a third port for connection to at least one digital subscriber station device; a network PCM bus connected to said first and third ports; a local PCM bus coupled to said second port; and an interface circuit connected between said local PCM bus and said network PCM bus, said interface circuit creating a branch from said network PCM bus providing at least one signalling path, said at least one signalling path including a terminal connected to said local PCM bus whereby devices connected to said local PCM bus gain access to said network PCM bus when said terminal is granted access according to a communication protocol.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 36 words

The network interface as defined in claim 13, wherein said local exchange is an ISDN exchange, and said interface circuit includes two S/T interfaces connected back-to-back between said local PCM bus and said network PCM bus.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 27 words

The network interface as defined in claim 14, wherein said interface circuit includes a third S/T interface connected between said network PCM bus and said third port.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 44 words

The network interface as defined in claim 15, wherein said S/T interfaces each include a four-wire side and a two-wire side, said network PCM bus and said local PCM bus each comprise two-wire serial links, and said third S/T module comprises a four-wire port.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 19 words

The network interface as defined in claim 16, further including a serial controller coupled to said local PCM bus.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 33 words

The network interface as defined in claim 17, further including a timing control circuit connected between said local PCM bus and an exchange controller controlling time slot allocation on said local PCM bus.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 25 words

The network interface as defined in claim 13, including a plurality of data ports and a controller coupling said data ports to said interface circuit.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 31 words

The network interface as defined in claim 13, further including an exchange controller, and wherein access to said network PCM bus is provided according to a protocol in said exchange controller.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 31 words

The network interface as defined in claim 13, further including an exchange controller, and wherein said exchange controller is granted access to said network PCM bus according to local exchange protocol.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 132 words

A subscriber premises network interface to a digital network, comprising: a first port coupled to a digital signal local exchange; a second port for connection to at least one analog subscriber station device; a third port for connection to at least one digital subscriber station device; a memory device storing operating instructions; and a controller coupled to said first port, said second port, said third port and said memory device for controlling communication between said first port and said second port and third ports according to the operating instructions stored in said memory device, and said controller responsive to selected control messages for updating operating instructions and other data stored in said memory; wherein said other data includes rate information for different signal carriers which may be accessed through the local exchange.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 132 words

A subscriber premises network interface to a digital network, comprising: a first port coupled to a digital signal local exchange; a second port for connection to at least one analog subscriber station device; a third port for connection to at least one digital subscriber station device; a memory device storing operating instructions; and a controller coupled to said first port, said second port, said third port and said memory device for controlling communication between said first port and said second port and third ports according to the operating instructions stored in said memory device, and said controller responsive to selected control messages for updating operating instructions and other data stored in said memory; wherein said other data includes rate information for different signal carriers which may be accessed through the local exchange.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 16 words

The network interface as defined in claim 22, wherein said memory device includes an erasable memory.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 15 words

The network interface as defined in claim 23, wherein said memory device includes a DRAM.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 15 words

The network interface as defined in claim 23, wherein said memory device includes an EEPROM.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 16 words

The network interface as defined in claim 23, wherein said memory device includes a flash ROM.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 20 words

The network interface as defined in claim 22, wherein said other data includes communication protocol information for the local exchange.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 29 words

The network interface as defined in claim 27, wherein said memory device includes write protection which prevents writing over said protocol information unless a predetermined security code is received.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 18 words

The network interface as defined in claim 22, wherein said other data is input through said second port.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 18 words

The network interface as defined in claim 22, wherein said other data is input through said third port.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 18 words

The network interface as defined in claim 22, wherein said other data is input through said first port.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 100 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a first port for connection to an ISDN BRI local exchange; a second port for connection to at least one digital subscriber station device; a third port for connection to at least one analog subscriber station device; a controller effecting communication between said first port, said second port, and said third port according to a protocol stored during a configuration operation, wherein said controller is configured by signals input through said first port, said second port or said third port.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 100 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a first port for connection to an ISDN BRI local exchange; a second port for connection to at least one digital subscriber station device; a third port for connection to at least one analog subscriber station device; a controller effecting communication between said first port, said second port, and said third port according to a protocol stored during a configuration operation, wherein said controller is configured by signals input through said first port, said second port or said third port.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 32, further including a memory storing the configuration information for each of said second and third ports.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 24 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 32, further including a memory storing prompting signals for communication to said third port during configuration.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 34, wherein said prompting signals include an audible template format.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 24 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 34, further including a memory storing the configuration information for each of said and third ports.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 22 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 32, wherein said controller is responsive to configuration signals input through said third port.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 98 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a first port for connection to an ISDN BRI local exchange; a second port connectable to at least one analog subscriber station device; a third port connectable to at least one digital subscriber station device; a memory storing call progress tones; and a controller coupled to said memory and to said second and third ports, said controller controlling the reading of said memory such that progress tones stored in said memory are selectively output to said second port.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 98 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a first port for connection to an ISDN BRI local exchange; a second port connectable to at least one analog subscriber station device; a third port connectable to at least one digital subscriber station device; a memory storing call progress tones; and a controller coupled to said memory and to said second and third ports, said controller controlling the reading of said memory such that progress tones stored in said memory are selectively output to said second port.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 36 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 38, further including a digital-to-analog interface connected between said controller and said second port, said digital-to-analog interface converting said progress tones stored in said memory into analog signals.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 126 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a general purpose microprocessor including software instructions; means for connecting said microprocessor to an ISDN BRI local exchange; connecting means for connecting said microprocessor to at least one analog port for connection to an analog subscriber station device and to at least one digital port for connection to a digital subscriber station device; a memory device for storing audible data in a digital format; and said connecting means including a digital-to-analog interface between said at least one analog port and said microprocessor, whereby said microprocessor generates digital audible signals from audible data stored in said memory device for output to said at least one analog port.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 126 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a general purpose microprocessor including software instructions; means for connecting said microprocessor to an ISDN BRI local exchange; connecting means for connecting said microprocessor to at least one analog port for connection to an analog subscriber station device and to at least one digital port for connection to a digital subscriber station device; a memory device for storing audible data in a digital format; and said connecting means including a digital-to-analog interface between said at least one analog port and said microprocessor, whereby said microprocessor generates digital audible signals from audible data stored in said memory device for output to said at least one analog port.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 32 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 40, wherein said microprocessor generates said digital audible signals responsive to input signals from a device connected with said at least one analog port.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 26 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 40, wherein said microprocessor is responsive to signals from said local exchange for generating said digital audible signals.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 20 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 42, wherein said digital audible signals include ring-back signals and busy signals.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 18 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 42, wherein said digital audible signals include caller ID information.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 18 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 42, wherein said digital audible signals include call waiting tone.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 17 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 42, wherein said digital audible signals include prompting signals.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 133 words

A subscriber premises ISDN interface between an ISDN local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a first port for connection to an ISDN local exchange and a U-port interface coupled to said first port for effecting U-boundary communication protocols; at least one second port for connection to an analog telephone device; at least one third port for connection to a digital subscriber station device; a fourth port for connection to at least one ISDN terminal; an exchange circuit coupled to said first, second, third and fourth ports, said exchange circuit including an exchange controller controlling communication to and from at least said second and third ports; and an S/T port interface coupled to said fourth port, said S/T port interface and said U-port interface interconnected by a network PCM bus.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 133 words

A subscriber premises ISDN interface between an ISDN local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a first port for connection to an ISDN local exchange and a U-port interface coupled to said first port for effecting U-boundary communication protocols; at least one second port for connection to an analog telephone device; at least one third port for connection to a digital subscriber station device; a fourth port for connection to at least one ISDN terminal; an exchange circuit coupled to said first, second, third and fourth ports, said exchange circuit including an exchange controller controlling communication to and from at least said second and third ports; and an S/T port interface coupled to said fourth port, said S/T port interface and said U-port interface interconnected by a network PCM bus.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 32 words

The ISDN interface as defined in claim 47, further including a local interface coupled to said network PCM bus and to said exchange controller for effecting branching of said network PCM bus.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 38 words

The ISDN interface as defined in claim 48, further including a terminal interface circuit coupled between said network PCM bus and a local PCM bus, said local PCM bus coupled to at least said plurality of analog ports.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 24 words

The ISDN interface as defined in claim 49, wherein said private exchange further comprises a voice mail circuit coupled to said local PCM bus.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 22 words

The ISDN interface as defined in claim 50, wherein said exchange controller includes a serial controller coupled to said local PCM bus.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ISDN interface as defined in claim 51, wherein said exchange controller includes a time switch between said serial controller and said local PCM bus.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 32 words

The ISDN interface as defined in claim 52, wherein said time switch creates local time slots on said local PCM bus which are isolated from time slots on said network PCM bus.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 31 words

The ISDN interface as defined in claim 53, wherein said private exchange provides signal conversion between ISDN protocols and the protocol of the device connected to one of said third ports.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 46 words

The ISDN interface as defined in claim 47, wherein said exchange controller is responsive to signals input at said second or third ports for configuring said exchange controller to communicate with said second or third ports or to the through local exchange through said first port.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 98 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station, comprising: a first port for connection to an ISDN BRI local exchange; a plurality of second ports for connection to subscriber station devices; an interface circuit coupled to said first port configured to interface with said ISDN BRI local exchange; and a microprocessor coupled to said interface circuit and to said second ports, said microprocessor including a plurality of software implemented terminals selectively associated with said second ports and coupled to said ISDN BRI local exchange through said interface circuit.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 98 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station, comprising: a first port for connection to an ISDN BRI local exchange; a plurality of second ports for connection to subscriber station devices; an interface circuit coupled to said first port configured to interface with said ISDN BRI local exchange; and a microprocessor coupled to said interface circuit and to said second ports, said microprocessor including a plurality of software implemented terminals selectively associated with said second ports and coupled to said ISDN BRI local exchange through said interface circuit.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 26 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 56, wherein said controller includes a router for routing calls between said second ports and said first port.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 31 words

The ISDN BRI interface as defined in claim 57, wherein said terminals are used to route a plurality of calls between said first port and respective ones of said second ports.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 138 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: A U-channel port configured to interface directly with a U channel of an ISDN BRI local exchange; at least one additional port configured to interface directly with a subscriber station device; an exchange circuit controlling communication between said U-channel port and said at least one additional port, wherein said exchange circuit includes a system for determining the type of ISDN BRI local exchange to which said ISDN BRI interface is connected and wherein said exchange circuit automatically uses ISDN BRI control signals compatible with the local exchange to which said ISDN BRI interface is connected; and a power supply for converting high voltage levels to low voltage levels to supply power to said exchange circuit and said port.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 138 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: A U-channel port configured to interface directly with a U channel of an ISDN BRI local exchange; at least one additional port configured to interface directly with a subscriber station device; an exchange circuit controlling communication between said U-channel port and said at least one additional port, wherein said exchange circuit includes a system for determining the type of ISDN BRI local exchange to which said ISDN BRI interface is connected and wherein said exchange circuit automatically uses ISDN BRI control signals compatible with the local exchange to which said ISDN BRI interface is connected; and a power supply for converting high voltage levels to low voltage levels to supply power to said exchange circuit and said port.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 27 words

The ISDN BRI interface in claim 59 including a battery backup for said power supply wherein said power supply supplies power irrespective of said high voltage levels.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 28 words

The ISDN BRI interface in claim 59 wherein said at least one additional port includes an analog port configured to interface directly with an analog subscriber station device.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 31 words

The ISDN BRI interface in claim 61 wherein said at least one additional port includes a plurality of analog ports, each configured to interface directly with an analog subscriber station device.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 18 words

The ISDN BRI interface in claim 61 wherein said analog port is configured to support a POTS telephone.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 28 words

The ISDN BRI interface in claim 59 wherein said at least one additional port includes a digital port configured to interface directly with a digital subscriber station device.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 30 words

The access controller in claim 64 wherein said at least one additional port includes a plurality of digital ports, each configured to interface directly with a digital subscriber station device.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 29 words

The access controller in claim 64 wherein said at least one additional port includes at least one analog port configured to interface directly with an analog subscriber station device.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 30 words

The access controller in claim 66 wherein said at least one analog port includes a plurality of analog ports, each configured to interface directly with an analog subscriber station device.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 20 words

The access controller in claim 65 wherein said at least one analog port is configured to support a POTS telephone.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 39 words

The access controller in claim 59 including an S/T channel port configured to interface directly with an ISDN terminal adaptor or ISDN terminal equipment, wherein said exchange circuit controls communication between said S/T channel port and said U-channel port.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 26 words

The access controller in claim 69 wherein said exchange circuit includes a PCM bus between said U-channel port, said additional ports and said S/T channel port.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 46 words

The ISDN BRI interface in claim 59 wherein said controller identifies an ISDN BRI local exchange type by transmitting ISDN BRI commands associated with different types of ISDN BRI local exchange switches and monitoring the response by the local exchange to those transmitted ISDN BRI commands.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 109 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a U-channel port configured to interface directly with a U channel of an ISDN BRI local exchange; at least one additional port configured to interface directly with a subscriber station device; an exchange circuit controlling communication between said U-channel port and said at least one additional port, wherein said exchange circuit includes a PCM bus between said U-channel port and said at least one additional port; and a power supply for converting high voltage levels to low voltage levels to supply power to said exchange circuit and said port.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 109 words

A subscriber premises ISDN BRI interface between an ISDN BRI local exchange and at least one subscriber station device, comprising: a U-channel port configured to interface directly with a U channel of an ISDN BRI local exchange; at least one additional port configured to interface directly with a subscriber station device; an exchange circuit controlling communication between said U-channel port and said at least one additional port, wherein said exchange circuit includes a PCM bus between said U-channel port and said at least one additional port; and a power supply for converting high voltage levels to low voltage levels to supply power to said exchange circuit and said port.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2000-04-14	2000-10-14	2001-04-15	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2004-04-14	2004-10-14	2005-04-15	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2008-04-14	2008-10-14	2009-04-15	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Private exchange for ISDN

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