US6134235A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pots/packet bridge
Assignee: AT&T Inc
•
Filing: 1997-10-08
•
Granted: 2000-10-17
•
Expires: 2017-10-08
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for bridging the POTS network and a packet network, such as the Internet, uses a set of access objects that provide the interfacing and functionality for exchanging address and payload information with the packet network, and for exchanging payload information with the payload subnetwork and signaling information with the signaling subnetwork of the POTS network. The system includes a communications management object that coordinates the transfer of information between the POTS network and the packet network; a payload object that transfers payload information between the system and the payload subnetwork of the first communications network; a signaling object that transfers signaling information between the system and the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; and a packet object that transfers payload and address information between the system and the second communications network in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network. An alternative embodiment uses a plurality of payload, signaling and packet objects to provide a scalable system.
Inventors
- 👤 Joel Goldman
- 👤 Lawrence Richard Rabiner
- 👤 Dennis Matthew Romain
- 👤 Patrick Michael Velardo, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 15:58
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M7/00; H04M7/0024; H04M7/0057; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/66; H04M7/003; H04M7/12; H04M7/1205; H04M7/1285
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 69
Claim 1
Independent Claim
218 words
A system for bridging a first communications network having a payload subnetwork and a signaling subnetwork with a second communications network that is packet-switched, comprising: a. a communications management object that coordinates the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network, wherein the communications management object coordinates the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by initiating at least one of the tasks of communications session setup, communications session tear down, bridging of two communications requests or routing of a communications to a communications access point in one of the first communications network or the second communications network. b. a payload object linked to the communications management object, wherein said payload object transfers payload information between the system and the payload subnetwork of the first communications network; c. a signaling object linked to the communications management object, wherein said signaling object transfers signaling information between the system and the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; and d. a packet object linked to the communications management object, wherein said packet object transfers payload and address information between the system and the second communications network in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
218 words
A system for bridging a first communications network having a payload subnetwork and a signaling subnetwork with a second communications network that is packet-switched, comprising: a. a communications management object that coordinates the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network, wherein the communications management object coordinates the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by initiating at least one of the tasks of communications session setup, communications session tear down, bridging of two communications requests or routing of a communications to a communications access point in one of the first communications network or the second communications network. b. a payload object linked to the communications management object, wherein said payload object transfers payload information between the system and the payload subnetwork of the first communications network; c. a signaling object linked to the communications management object, wherein said signaling object transfers signaling information between the system and the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; and d. a packet object linked to the communications management object, wherein said packet object transfers payload and address information between the system and the second communications network in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the payload object may be linked to a plurality of access points contained within the payload subnetwork of the first communications network.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the signaling object may be linked to a plurality of access points contained within the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the packet object may be linked to a plurality of access points contained within the second communications network.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the communications management object further coordinates the handling of operations, administration, maintenance and provisioning functions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system according to claim 1, further comprising an application resource object that coordinates the handling of operations, administration, maintenance and provisioning functions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system according to claim 1, further including an application database, said database comprising communications contact information for a plurality of users.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system according to claim 7, wherein the application database further comprises a set of user profiles including a user's preferred communications mode for having communications contact established with another.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the payload object includes signal processing capability for processing the payload information.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the packet object includes signal processing capability for processing the payload information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system according to claim 1, further comprising an application resource object having signal processing capability for processing the payload information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
94 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the communications management object coordinates a transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by causing the system to perform the tasks of: a. determining a desired characteristic associated with a requested communication; b. determining traffic conditions for each of the first communications network and the second communications network; and c. determining from the traffic conditions and from the desired characteristic associated with the requested communication whether to route the communication to the first communications network or to the second communications network.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system according to claim 12, wherein the desired characteristic associated with a requested communications includes at least one of a desired quality of service for the communication, a time during which the communication is to be routed, a cost of routing the communication, or a user's preferred communications mode for having communications contact established with another.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system according to claim 12, wherein the communications management object coordinates a transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by causing the system to further perform the tasks of: e. selecting an access point of the determined network to which the communication is to be routed; and f. initiating the routing of the communication to the selected access point for the determined network.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
105 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the communications management object coordinates a transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by causing the system to perform at least one of the tasks of: a. initiating a communications contact in response to a user clicking a hypertext link; b. sending a message to a user requesting a return communications contact; c. scheduling a time to initiate a communications contact between two users; d. initiating a sequence of communications contacts until the party to be contacted is reached; and e. directing a communications contact addressed to a user to a mailbox.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
77 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the communications management object coordinates a transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by causing the system to route a communication based upon at least one of a desired quality of service for the communication, a time during which the communication is to be routed, a cost of routing the communication, or a user's preferred communications mode for having communications contact established with another.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the communications management object coordinates a transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by causing the system to bridge a communications session between two users such that information is transferred between the users over each of the first communications network and the second communications network.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system according to claim 1, further comprising an application resource object that coordinates the handling of multimedia-enhanced voice communications.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system according to claim 18, wherein the handling of multimedia-enhanced voice communications includes receiving voice information over the first communications network and information other than voice information over the second communications network.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system according to claim 19, wherein the information other than voice information received over the second communications network is directed to a multimedia mailbox.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system according to claim 1, further comprising an application resource object that coordinates the task of universal messaging, said task of universal messaging including the integration of email messages, facsimile messages, and voice messages into a common mailbox.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 21, wherein the task of universal messaging further includes the conversion of the content of messages from one format to another.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system according to claim 21, wherein the task of universal messaging further includes retaining the multimedia content of received messages.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system according to claim 21, wherein the task of universal messaging further includes initiating a return message in response to a user clicking a hypertext link.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
89 words
The system according to claim 21, wherein the task of universal messaging includes causing the system to perform at least one of the tasks of: a. retrieving at least one of a stored e-mail message, a stored voice mail message, or a stored facsimile message, wherein the stored e-mail message, the stored voice mail message, and the stored facsimile message may be stored in different sites; b. scheduling of delivery and storage of requested multimedia information; c. storing a message; d. printing a message; and e. forwarding a message.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system according to claim 25, wherein the at least one of a stored e-mail message, a stored voice mail message, or a stored facsimile message may be retrieved by invoking an interactive voice response system that facilitates retrieval of a text-based message using a telephone.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein information is retrieved from a Web-based server accessible over the second communications network using a telephone linked to the system through the first communications network.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system according to claim 27, wherein the information retrieved from a Web-based server is directed by the system to at least one of a multimedia device or a multimedia mailbox.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system according to claim 27, wherein the information retrieved from a Web-based server is converted from one format to another.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
224 words
A system for bridging a first communications network having a payload subnetwork and a signaling subnetwork with a second communications network that is packet-switched, comprising: a. a communications management object that coordinates the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network wherein the communications management object coordinates the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by initiating at least one of the tasks of communications session setup, communications session tear down bridging of two communications requests or routing of a communications to a communications access point in one of the first communications network or the second communications network. b. a plurality of payload objects linked to the communications management object, wherein each payload object transfers payload information between the system and the payload subnetwork of the first communications network; c. a plurality of signaling objects linked to the communications management object, wherein each signaling object transfers signaling information between the system and the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; and d. a plurality of packet objects linked to the communications management object, wherein each packet object transfers payload and address information between the system and the second communications network in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
224 words
A system for bridging a first communications network having a payload subnetwork and a signaling subnetwork with a second communications network that is packet-switched, comprising: a. a communications management object that coordinates the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network wherein the communications management object coordinates the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network by initiating at least one of the tasks of communications session setup, communications session tear down bridging of two communications requests or routing of a communications to a communications access point in one of the first communications network or the second communications network. b. a plurality of payload objects linked to the communications management object, wherein each payload object transfers payload information between the system and the payload subnetwork of the first communications network; c. a plurality of signaling objects linked to the communications management object, wherein each signaling object transfers signaling information between the system and the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; and d. a plurality of packet objects linked to the communications management object, wherein each packet object transfers payload and address information between the system and the second communications network in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system according to claim 30, further comprising a network for linking the plurality of payload objects, the plurality of signaling objects and the plurality of packet objects to the communications management object.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system according to claim 30, wherein the physical locations of the plurality of payload objects, the plurality of signaling objects and the plurality of packet objects are spread across a geographic area.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 30, wherein at least one of the plurality of payload objects may be linked to a plurality of access points contained within the payload subnetwork of the first communications network.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 30, wherein at least one of the plurality of signaling objects may be linked to a plurality of access points contained within the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system according to claim 30, wherein at least one of the plurality of packet objects may be linked to a plurality of access points contained within the second communications network.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
196 words
A method of bridging a first communications network having a payload subnetwork and a signaling subnetwork with a second communications network that is packet-switched, comprising the steps of: a. establishing a first communications link to the payload subnetwork of the first communications network for communicating payload information; b. establishing a second communications link to the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network for communicating signaling information in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; c. establishing a third communications link to the second communications network for communicating information in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network; and d. coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network using the first communications link, the second communications link and the third communications link, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes initiating at least one of the tasks of communications session setup, communications session tear down, bridging of two communications requests or routing of a communications to a communications access point in one of the first communications network or the second communications network.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
196 words
A method of bridging a first communications network having a payload subnetwork and a signaling subnetwork with a second communications network that is packet-switched, comprising the steps of: a. establishing a first communications link to the payload subnetwork of the first communications network for communicating payload information; b. establishing a second communications link to the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network for communicating signaling information in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; c. establishing a third communications link to the second communications network for communicating information in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network; and d. coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network using the first communications link, the second communications link and the third communications link, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes initiating at least one of the tasks of communications session setup, communications session tear down, bridging of two communications requests or routing of a communications to a communications access point in one of the first communications network or the second communications network.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the first communications link is established through one of a plurality of available access points contained within the payload subnetwork of the first communications network.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the second communications link is established through one of a plurality of available access points contained within the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the third communications link is established through one of a plurality of available access points contained within the second communications network.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 36, further comprising the step of coordinating operations, administration, maintenance and provisioning functions.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes use of a database containing communications contact information for a plurality of users.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 41, wherein the database further contains a set of user profiles including a user's preferred communications mode for having communications contact established with another.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 36, further comprising the step of processing payload information using signal processing techniques.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes the steps of: a. determining a desired characteristic associated with a requested communication; b. determining traffic conditions for each of the first communications network and the second communications network; and c. determining from the traffic conditions and from the desired characteristic associated with the requested communication whether to route the communication to the first communications network or to the second communications network.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method according to claim 44, wherein the desired characteristic associated with a requested communications includes at least one of a desired quality of service for the communication, a time during which the communication is to be routed, a cost of routing the communication, or a user's preferred communications mode for having communications contact established with another.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method according to claim 44, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network further includes the steps of: e. selecting an access point of the determined network to which the communication is to be routed; and f. initiating the routing of the communication to the selected access point for the determined network.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
99 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes at least one of the steps of: a. initiating a communications contact in response to a user clicking a hypertext link; b. sending a message to a user requesting a return communications contact; c. scheduling a time to initiate a communications contact between two users; d. initiating a sequence of communications contacts until the party to be contacted is reached; and e. directing a communications contact addressed to a user to a mailbox.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes the step of routing a communication based upon at least one of a desired quality of service for the communication, a time during which the communication is to be routed, a cost of routing the communication, or a user's preferred communications mode for having communications contact established with another.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes the step of bridging a communications session between two users such that information is transferred between the users over each of the first communications network and the second communications network.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 36, further comprising the step of coordinating multimedia-enhanced voice communications.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the step of coordinating multimedia-enhanced voice communications includes receiving voice information over the first communications network and information other than voice information over the second communications network.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 51, wherein the step of coordinating multimedia-enhanced voice communications further includes directing the information other than voice information received over the second communications network to a multimedia mailbox.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 36, further comprising the step of universal messaging, said step of universal messaging including the integration of e-mail messages, facsimile messages, and voice messages into a common mailbox.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 53, wherein the step of universal messaging further includes converting the content of messages from one format to another.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 53, wherein the step of universal messaging further includes retaining the multimedia content of received messages.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 53, wherein the step of universal messaging further includes initiating a return message in response to a user clicking a hypertext link.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method according to claim 53, wherein the step of universal messaging further includes at least one of the steps of: a. retrieving at least one of a stored e-mail message, a stored voice mail message, or a stored facsimile message, wherein the stored e-mail message, the stored voice mail message, and the stored facsimile message may be stored in different sites; b. scheduling of delivery and storage of requested multimedia information; c. storing a message; d. printing a message; and e. forwarding a message.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 57, wherein the at least one of a stored e-mail message, a stored voice mail message, or a stored facsimile message may be retrieved by invoking an interactive voice response system that facilitates retrieval of a text-based message using a telephone.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method according to claim 36, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes the step of retrieving information from a Web-based server accessible over the second communications network using a telephone linked to the method through the first communications network.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 59, wherein the information retrieved from a Web-based server is directed to at least one of a multimedia device or a multimedia mailbox.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 59, wherein the information retrieved from a Web-based server is converted from one format to another.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
214 words
A method of bridging a first communications network having a payload subnetwork and a signaling subnetwork with a second communications network that is packet-switched, comprising the steps of: a. establishing a first plurality of communications links to the payload subnetwork of the first communications network for communicating payload information; b. establishing a second plurality of communications links to the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network for communicating signaling information in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; c. establishing a third plurality of communications links to the second communications network for communicating information in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network; and d. coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network using one of the first plurality of communications links, one of the second plurality of communications links and one of the third plurality of communications link, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes initiating at least one of the tasks of communications session setup, communications session tear down, bridging of two communications requests or routing of a communications to a communications access point in one of the first communications network or the second communications network.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
214 words
A method of bridging a first communications network having a payload subnetwork and a signaling subnetwork with a second communications network that is packet-switched, comprising the steps of: a. establishing a first plurality of communications links to the payload subnetwork of the first communications network for communicating payload information; b. establishing a second plurality of communications links to the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network for communicating signaling information in accordance with a signaling protocol associated with the signaling subnetwork; c. establishing a third plurality of communications links to the second communications network for communicating information in accordance with a communications protocol associated with the second communications network; and d. coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network using one of the first plurality of communications links, one of the second plurality of communications links and one of the third plurality of communications link, wherein the step of coordinating the transfer of information between the first communications network and the second communications network includes initiating at least one of the tasks of communications session setup, communications session tear down, bridging of two communications requests or routing of a communications to a communications access point in one of the first communications network or the second communications network.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 62, wherein at least one of the first plurality of communications links is established through one of a plurality of available access points contained within the payload subnetwork of the first communications network.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 62, wherein at least one of the second plurality of communications links is established through one of a plurality of available access points contained within the signaling subnetwork of the first communications network.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 62, wherein at least one of the third plurality of communications links is established through one of a plurality of available access points contained within the second communications network.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-04-17 | 2004-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | 2008-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-17 | 2012-04-17 | 2012-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |