US6298064B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Broadband telecommunications system
Assignee: Sprint Communications Co LP
•
Filing: 2000-02-15
•
Granted: 2001-10-02
•
Expires: 2020-02-15
Abstract
Abstract The invention is a system for providing virtual connections through an ATM interworking multiplexer on a call-by-call basis. A signaling processor receives signaling for a call and selects the virtual connection for the call. The signaling processor generates new signaling that identifies the selection and transfers the new signaling to the ATM interworking multiplexer that accepted the access connection for the call. The multiplexer converts user information from the access connection into ATM cells for transmission over the virtual connection in accord with the new signaling.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Michael Christie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:58
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/64; H04L61/00; H04L61/09; H04L61/10; H04L61/106; H04J; H04J3/00; H04J3/02; H04J3/12; H04J3/125; H04J3/24; H04J3/247; H04L49/00; H04L49/25; H04L49/251; H04L49/253; H04L49/254; H04L49/255; H04L49/256; H04L49/30; H04L49/3009; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/04; H04Q11/0428; H04Q11/0478; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/0016; H04Q3/0025; H04Q3/0029; H04L12/54; H04L12/56; H04L12/5601; H04L2012/5603; H04L2012/5609; H04L2012/561; H04L2012/5629; H04L2012/563; H04L2012/5638; H04L2012/5646; H04L2012/5652; H04L2012/5653; H04L2012/5665; H04L2012/5672; H04L2101/00; H04L2101/60; H04L2101/618; H04L2101/64; H04L2101/65; H04L49/20; H04L49/205; H04L49/206; H04L49/50; H04L65/00; H04L65/1066; H04L65/1069; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/13102; H04Q2213/13104; H04Q2213/13141; H04Q2213/13167; H04Q2213/13176; H04Q2213/13204; H04Q2213/13209; H04Q2213/1329; H04Q2213/13296; H04Q2213/13349; H04Q2213/1338; H04Q2213/13389; H04Q2213/13399; H04Q2213/13527
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A communication method for a call comprising: receiving set-up signaling associated with the call into a processing system; processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select a DS 0 connection; generating a message identifying the DS 0 connection; transmitting the message from the processing system; receiving the message and an asynchronous communication associated with the call into an interworking unit; in the interworking unit, converting the asynchronous communication into a user communication; and transferring the user communication from the interworking unit to the DS 0 connection in response to the message.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A communication method for a call comprising: receiving set-up signaling associated with the call into a processing system; processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select a DS 0 connection; generating a message identifying the DS 0 connection; transmitting the message from the processing system; receiving the message and an asynchronous communication associated with the call into an interworking unit; in the interworking unit, converting the asynchronous communication into a user communication; and transferring the user communication from the interworking unit to the DS 0 connection in response to the message.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein transferring the user communication comprises transferring a voice communication.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select a trunk group.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the asynchronous communication comprises converting the asynchronous communication from an optical signal to an electrical signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein transferring the user communication comprises converting the user communication from an electrical signal to an optical signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the asynchronous communication is in asynchronous transfer mode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the processing system is external to telecommunication switches.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein receiving and processing the set-up signaling to select the connection comprises receiving and processing an initial address message to select the connection.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein receiving and processing the set-up signaling to select the connection comprises receiving and processing a called number to select the connection.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein receiving and processing the set-up signaling to select the connection comprises receiving and processing a caller number to select the connection.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises accessing a service control point.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises executing a Call Control Function (CCF) and a Service Switching Function (SSF).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in th e processing system to select the connection comprises accessing a remote node that executes a Service Control Function (SCF).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises validating a call.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises screening a call.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises routing a call.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises processing the set-up signaling for an N00 service.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises processing the set-up signaling for a mobility service.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises processing the set-up signaling for a virtual network service.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises processing the set-up signaling for a voice messaging service.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises selecting the connection based on a translation of a called number.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises selecting the connection based on network loads.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to select the connection comprises selecting the connection based on destination conditions.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising storing data for the user communication identifying an originating carrier, originating circuit, the connection, caller number, called number, originating line set-up signaling, and echo cancellation status.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising storing data for the communication identifying receipt times for an answer message and a release message.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to generate an initial address message.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to generate an echo cancellation instruction; transmitting the echo cancellation instruction from the processing system; receiving the echo cancellation instruction into the interworking unit; and in the interworking unit, canceling echo from the asynchronous communication in response to the echo cancellation instruction.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to generate an encryption instruction; transmitting the encryption instruction from the processing system; receiving the encryption instruction into the interworking unit; and in the interworking unit, decrypting the asynchronous communication in response to the encryption instruction.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to generate a compression instruction; transmitting the compression instruction from the processing system; receiving the compression instruction into the interworking unit; and in the interworking unit, decompressing the asynchronous communication in response to the compression instruction.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to generate a decibel level instruction; transmitting the decibel level instruction from the processing system; receiving the decibel level instruction into the interworking unit; and in the interworking unit, adjusting a decibel level of the user communication in response to the decibel level instruction.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to generate a DTMF tone detection instruction; transmitting the DTMF tone detection instruction from the processing system; receiving the DTMF tone detection instruction into the interworking unit; and in the interworking unit, detecting a DTMF tone from the asynchronous communication in response to the DTMF tone detection instruction.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: processing the set-up signaling in the processing system to generate a message instruction; transmitting the message instruction from the processing system; receiving the message instruction into the interworking unit; and in the interworking unit, playing a message in response to the message instruction.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving and processing an answer message in the processing system to generate a cut-through instruction; transmitting the cut-through instruction from the processing system; receiving the cut-through instruction into the interworking unit; and in the interworking unit, cutting-through the call in response to the cut-through instruction.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving and processing a release message in the processing system to generate a termination instruction; transmitting the termination instruction from the processing system; receiving the termination instruction into the interworking unit; and in the interworking unit, terminating the call in response to the termination instruction.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
80 words
A communication system for a call comprising: a processing system configured to receive set-up signaling associated with the call, process the set-up signaling to select a DS 0 connection, generate a message identifying the DS 0 connection, and transfer the message; and an interworking unit configured to receive the message and an asynchronous communication for the call, convert the asynchronous communication into a user communication, and transfer the user communication to the DS 0 connection in response to the message.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
80 words
A communication system for a call comprising: a processing system configured to receive set-up signaling associated with the call, process the set-up signaling to select a DS 0 connection, generate a message identifying the DS 0 connection, and transfer the message; and an interworking unit configured to receive the message and an asynchronous communication for the call, convert the asynchronous communication into a user communication, and transfer the user communication to the DS 0 connection in response to the message.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the user communication comprises a voice communication.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to select a trunk group.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the interworking unit is configured to convert the user communication from an electrical signal to an optical signal.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the interworking unit is configured to convert the asynchronous communication from an optical signal to electrical an signal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the asynchronous communication is in asynchronous transfer mode.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is external to telecommunication switches.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the set-up signaling comprises an initial address message.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process a called number in the set-up signaling to select the connection.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process a caller number in the set-up signaling to select the connection.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to access a service control point to select the connection.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to execute a Call Control Function (CCF) and a Service Switching Function (SSF).
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to access a remote node that executes a Service Control Function (SCF).
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
21 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to validate a call.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to screen a call.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to route a call.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
21 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling for an N00 service.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling for a mobility service.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling for a virtual network service.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling for a voice messaging service.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to select the connection based on a translation of a called number.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to select the connection based on network loads.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to select the connection based on destination conditions.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
38 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to store data for the communication identifying an originating carrier, originating circuit, the connection, caller number, called number, originating line set-up signaling, and echo cancellation status.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
29 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to store data for the communication identifying receipt times for an answer message and a release message.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
23 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to generate an initial address message.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
51 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein: the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to generate and transmit an echo cancellation instruction; and the interworking unit is configured to receive the echo cancellation instruction and cancel echo from the asynchronous communication in response to the echo cancellation instruction.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
46 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein: the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to generate and transmit an encryption instruction; and the interworking unit is configured to receive the encryption instruction and decrypt the asynchronous communication in response to the encryption instruction.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
46 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein: the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to generate and transmit a compression instruction; and the interworking unit is configured to receive the compression instruction and decompress the asynchronous communication in response to the compression instruction.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
53 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein: the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to generate and transmit a decibel level instruction; and the interworking unit is configured to receive the decibel level instruction and adjust a decibel level in the user communication in response to the decibel level instruction.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
56 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein: the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to generate and transmit a DTMF tone detection instruction; and the interworking unit is configured to receive the DTMF tone detection instruction and detect a DTMF tone in the asynchronous communication in response to the DTMF tone detection instruction.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
45 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein: the processing system is configured to process the set-up signaling to generate and transmit a message instruction; and the interworking unit is configured to receive the message instruction and play a message in response to the message instruction.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
47 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein: the processing system is configured to receive and process an answer message to generate and transmit a cut-through instruction; and the interworking unit is configured to receive the cut-through instruction and cut-through the call in response to the cut-through instruction.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
46 words
The communication system of claim 35 wherein: the processing system is configured to receive and process a release message to generate and transmit a termination instruction; and the interworking unit is configured to receive the termination instruction and terminate the call in response to the termination.
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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) | 2004-10-01 | 2005-04-02 | 2005-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-01 | 2009-04-02 | 2009-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-01 | 2013-04-02 | 2013-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |