Internet phone set

Details Internet phone set Internet phone set

1996-12-31

2001-01-02

Vu, Huy D. (Department: 2739)

Multiplex communications

Pathfinding or routing

Combined circuit switching and packet switching

C379S093090

Utility Patent

active

06169734

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates in general to a device for receiving and transmitting audio signals via the Public Switched Telephone Network and, more particularly, to a telephone hand set with combined voice and Internet compressed audio signal telecommunications functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The Internet has become the information “superhighway” of choice for an ever increasing number of individuals who have turned to it as an inexpensive and effective way of exchanging electronic data and information. While often thought of as a world-wide network, in reality the Internet is comprised of numerous different networks throughout the world which are linked together using a common routing protocol known as the Internet Protocol (IP). This architecture provides widespread access from an unspecified number of terminals or other dial-up equipment around the world.
Individual users, groups and other entities are identified on the Internet by a unique address conforming to the IP. A local access hub provides users with an entry way into the Internet network and acts as the exchange point for both incoming and outgoing data. The data flows along virtual channels consisting of a plurality of gateways, data routers and other physical equipment which work together to form a signal path from message origin to its intended destination. Since a point-to-point connection is never established, the costs to the user are limited to those charged by the local access provider and/or a nominal periodic access fee.
The low cost associated with Internet access and use has spurred the development of audio applications that allow users to receive and transmit compressed Internet voice messages across the Internet. Typically, a user at one end of the connection speaks into a microphone attached to a Personal Computer (“PC”). The microphone carries the audio voice signal to a processor board in the PC which digitizes the signal and creates a digital voice file. The voice file is then typically compressed and transferred to a selected recipient at a distant point on the Internet. Once received, the voice file is decompressed and converted via digital signal processing to an audible signal intelligible to the human ear.
The typical Internet audio set includes a PC, modem, Internet access software, file compression software and operating system. The user executes the software off the PC's hard disk or floppy drive and the modem provides the hardware communications link with the local Internet access provider. This operation involves turning the PC ON, executing the software, gaining access to the Internet, recording the voice file and transmitting its intended recipient. At the receiving end, the process is duplicated in almost exact fashion but in reverse.
While such applications are available and useful for inexpensive long distance use, the average long distance caller may not have access to a computer or may not be versed in the installation, operation and use of computer executed software. These prior art audio sets have not yet replaced the Plain Old Telephone System (“POTS”) on a widespread basis. The POTS, on the other hand, has widespread appeal and provides intuitive operation.
Thus, a device that combines the simplicity of operation of the POTS with low cost audio access to the Internet would provide numerous advantages over prior Internet audio sets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been found the prior audio communications systems for the Internet are cumbersome to use and do not provide the functionality long distance callers have come to expect from their familiar telephone set.
As such, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a device that integrates the functionality of the POTS with dial-up access to the Internet. In this regard, a device which supports Internet audio protocol standards G.723, G.725 and G.729 and standard analog audio protocol G.711 for all phones is provided.
In one embodiment, the present invention defines an Internet compatible phone with an integrated modem set that is operated by the user via an extended keypad with alphanumeric entry keys and function keys. An Internet dial button on the front face of the phone operates the modem functions inside the telephone providing a switch between normal DTMF voice communications and Internet compressed voice signal functions using available Internet service providers. The phone has an integrated display screen and display electronics that renders visual call progress information to the user as well as other communications indicators and related information about the current Internet connection.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is similar to the POTS. In this regard, a true telephone phone set, one that doesn't require to be booted up to run a standard PC, is provided with a phone keypad for DTMF dialing similar to a regular phone. The set includes a hand set with a receiver and mouth piece and can be used to make voice connections via the PSTN and compressed audio using the Internet protocol.
All Internet access functions are transparent to the user while in normal voice mode operation. An Internet access button is depressed by the user to activate access to the Internet using a preprogrammed access number and other access parameters stored in an erasable memory circuit. The user selects a recipient from a stored address list or creates a new recipient using the alphanumeric keyboard. Once the call is established, a user at either end speaks directly into a microphone on the base of the device wherein his voice signal is digitized into a voice file that is stored, compressed and routed to the user at the other end.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a visual interface to the information content of an audio message transferred over the Internet. To achieve this, a display screen display driver are provided inside the base of the phone. A digital signal processor inside the phone decodes the incoming message and strips the address portion of the message. The address is displayed at the phone screen display identifying the identity of the the caller.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, including its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


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