Telephonic communications – Centralized switching system – Call distribution to operator
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-12
2004-06-29
Bui, Bing (Department: 2642)
Telephonic communications
Centralized switching system
Call distribution to operator
C370S352000, C370S353000, C370S401000, C379S265020, C379S088130, C379S088140, C379S093090, C379S093150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06757374
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for controlling additional service functions, in which data is transmitted to at least one terminal in either a telecommunications network or a communications network using at least one identifier. The identifier identifies a connection in a first connection model.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A method such as that described above is standardized, for example, in the following ITU-T International Standards (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication):
H.323 (02/98) Packed Based Multimedia Communications Systems,
H.225.0(02/98) Call Signaling Protocols and Mediastream Packetization for Packed-Based Multimedia Communications Systems, and
H.245(05/99) Control Protocol for Multimedia Communication.
The connection model on which these Standards are based defines an identifier, called CallID, which uniquely identifies a connection between two terminals. Other identifiers are used for conference circuits including a number of terminals, for example the identifier ConferenceID.
Based on the H.323 Standard, a number of additional service functions have been standardized:
H.450.1(02/98) Generic Functional Protocol for the Support of Supplementary Services,
H.450.2(02/98) Call Transfer Supplementary Service for H.323,
H.450.3(02/98) Call Diversion Supplementary Service for H.323,
H.450.4(05/99) Call Hold Supplementary Service for H.323,
H.450.5(05/99) Call Park and Call Pickup Supplementary Services for H.323,
H.450.6(05/99) Call Waiting Supplementary Service for H.323,
H.450.7(05/99) Message Waiting Indications Supplementary Service for H.323.
The cited additional functions have been developed on the basis of the connection model defined in the H.323 Standard. This connection model is very simple, but is not suitable for all applications.
An object of the present invention therefore, is to specify a simple method for controlling additional service functions wherein it is possible to control even those service functions for which the first connection model is suitable only to a limited extent. Furthermore, the present invention has the aim of specifying an associated communications network and an associated program.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is based on the knowledge that there is a preferred connection model for each service function which, when used, allows the service function to be carried out in a very simple manner. Thus, for example, ECMA Standard (European Computer Manufacturer Association) “Services for Computer Supported Telecommunications Applications (CSTA) Phase III”, Section 6.1.5 explains a connection model in which there is a joint call between two terminals. A first connection exists between the first terminal and the call. A second connection exists between the call and the second terminal. The connections are uniquely identified by the units identifier of the unit involved with the connection and by a call identifier for the relevant call. Although this connection model is more complex than the connection model defined in the H.323 Standard, it is more suitable for carrying out certain service functions. For example, a portion of the identifiers can be retained for call forwarding. If, for example, only two connection models are considered, then these connection models can each be assigned a number of service functions for whose implementation one connection model or the other is more suitable.
The present invention is furthermore based on the knowledge that it is simpler to comply with a number of Standards via additional measures than to add the service functions of the other Standard to one Standard. Specifically, it often takes a number of years to work out or revise a Standard.
For this reason, in the method according to the present invention, the identifier provided in the first connection model is converted to at least one identifier which is used to identify a connection according to a second connection model. The connection models and the respective identifiers as well differ from one another in their layout and/or in their value. The second connection model is provided for controlling additional service functions of the terminals from a computer which is not itself associated with any terminal. Control such as this is also referred to as third party control. In the method according to the present invention, the functionality of the terminals is expanded by at least one additional service function, using the identifiers provided in the second model.
Basic functions of the terminals, for example setting up and clearing connections, are those controlled according to a first connection model. Certain additional service functions are controlled according to a second connection model. The conversion of the identifiers makes it simple to change from one connection model to the other connection model. The method of the present invention allows one method to be used in each case for different service functions, which is based on a different connection model; namely on a connection model which is the most suitable.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the data transmitted in the telecommunications network contains data of different media types; in particular, voice data and/or picture data and/or program data. The first connection model is thus used for the transmission of multimedia data. One widely used Standard for such transmission is the H.323 Standard defined by the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication).
In a further embodiment, the identifier defined in the first connection model is a connection identifier, called CallID which identifies an existing connection or a connection which is to be set up between at least two terminals. The connection identifier has one part. There is no relationship with one terminal, or even with both terminals involved in the connection.
Additionally or alternatively, the second connection model for controlling additional service functions of the terminals in a telecommunications network from a computer is likewise defined in accordance with an international Standard, in particular in accordance with the CSTA Standard from the ECMA; for example, in accordance with the CSTA III Standard. However, other Standards are also used in the development; for example the TAPI Standard (Telephone Application Programming Interface) from MICROSOFT or the JTAPI Standard from SUN.
In another embodiment, the identifier defined in the second connection model contains a first part for identifying a terminal involved in the connection and a second part for identifying the call affected by the connection. A connection model such as this is defined, for example, in the CSTA Standard.
In another development, the additional service function relates to automatic call distribution from a central terminal for central selection of receiving terminals for receiving calls. Until now, automatic call distribution has been used mainly for terminals for voice transmission in so-called call centers. This refinement extends the application area of automatic call distribution to multimedia terminals as well which are actuated using a method which is based on a different connection model than that defined, for example, in the CSTA Standard.
In a refinement of the additional service function call distribution, feeder programs are executed in both the central terminal and each of the receiving terminals. When a feeder program is executed, messages are interchanged with a central conversion program which operates as an interface between a control computer for controlling the call distribution and between terminals to be included in the call distribution. The feeder programs are also referred to as deputy programs. The name Marshall program is used for the conversion program. A protocol which is based on the protocol used for call distribution is used for communication between the feeder program and the conversion programs. The concept of a conversion program and feeder programs allows terminals whi
Bell Boyd & Lloyd LLC
Bui Bing
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
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