Internodal conference call administrator

• US 4,455,455 A
• Filed: 12/01/1982
• Issued: 06/19/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GTE Business Communication Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: GTE Business Communication Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Little, Richard E.
• Primary Examiner(s): SCHREYER, STAFFORD
• Application Number:
  US06/445,861
• Time in Patent Office: 566 Days
• Field of Search: 179/7.1 R, 179/16 A, 179/18 BC, 179/8 A, 179/8 R, 179/18 DA, 179/18 D, 179/10, 179/7 MM, 179/12, 370/62
• US Class Current: 379/203.01
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2254 in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/56 Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities video conference systems H04N7/15
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/565 relating to time schedule aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1324 Conference call
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13522 traffic management
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0016 Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0062 Provisions for network management
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/622 Circuit arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/665 Circuit arrangements therefor

Abstract

A telecommunication network has a plurality of tandem node switches interconnected by trunk circuits. A network control center controller mechanically administers internodal conference calls by storing data pertaining to a scheduled conference call. Prior to the scheduled time, the data is downloaded to the tandem node switches which set an internodal conference bridge. Participants in a conference call first dial a bridge access number and then a password which assures security.

Claims

1. In a telecommunication network having a plurality of tandem node switches and a network control center, an internodal conference call administrator associated with the network control center and comprised of:

a computerized procedure file containing data representing schedules of conference calls and corresponding access numbers to a conference bridge;

a command processor to download one or more of said schedules and their corresponding access number from said procedure file to said tandem node switches on a periodic basis, and commanding said tandem node switches to set up an internodal conference bridge corresponding to said each access number.

2. The internodal conference administrator of claim 1 wherein said procedure file contains data representing passwords to a conference bridge for a particular time interval and wherein said command processor commands said tandem node switches to give access to a conference bridge only in response to entry of the corresponding password for the then current time interval.

3. The internodal conference administrator of claim 1 which further includes a computerized scheduler in cooperation with said procedure file for assisting an operator in reserving time intervals and assigning passwords.

4. The internodal conference administrator of claim 1 which further includes means for disconnecting the conferees from a bridge at the terminator of a reserved block of time.

5. The internodal conference administrator of claim 4 wherein said means for disconnecting includes warning means to inform conferees of the impending disconnection.

6. The internodal conference administrator of claim 1 which further includes means for providing a tone to conferees already connected to the conference bridge upon the joining of another conferee.

7. A conference call administrator for arranging conference call bridges between two or more tandem node switches, said administrator comprised of:

a computerized procedure file;

means for entering conference call schedules in said procedure file; and

a command processor for automatically downloading the next days conference call schedule to the tandem node switches.

8. The conference call administrator of claim 7 which includes

means for entering into the procedure file an access number corresponding to a conference bridge as part of each conference call schedule;

and

said command processor arranged to command said tandem node switches to set up a conference bridge corresponding to said access number.

9. The conference call administrator of claim 7 wherein said procedure file contains data representing passwords to a conference bridge for a particular time interval and wherein said command processor commands said tandem node switches to give access to a conference bridge only in response to entry of the corresponding password for the then current time interval.

10. The conference call administrator of claim 7 which further includes a computerized scheduler in cooperation with said procedure file for assisting an operator in reserving time intervals and assigning passwords.

11. The conference call administrator of claim 7 which further includes means for disconnecting the conferees from a bridge at the terminator of a reserved block of time.

12. The conference call administrator of claim 11 wherein said means for disconnecting includes warning means to inform conferees of the impending disconnection.

13. The conference call administrator of claim 7 which further includes means for providing a tone to conferees already connected to the conference bridge upon the joining of another conferee.

14. A telecommunication network comprised of:

a plurality of tandem node switches; and

a network control center in communication with said tandem node switches, including;

a procedure file;

means for entering conference call schedules in said procedure file; and

a command processor for automatically downloading the next days conference call schedule to the tandem node switches.

15. The telecommunication network of claim 14 which includes

means for entering into the procedure file an access number corresponding to a conference bridge as part of each conference call schedule;

and

said command processor arranged to command said tandem node switches to set up a conference bridge corresponding to said access number.

16. The telecommunication network of claim 14 wherein said procedure file contains data representing passwords to a conference bridge for a particular time interval and wherein said command processor commands said tandem node switches to give access to a conference bridge only in response to entry of the corresponding password for the then current time interval.

17. The telecommunication network of claim 14 which further includes a computerized scheduler in cooperation with said procedure file for assisting an operator in reserving time intervals and assigning passwords.

18. The telecommunication network of claim 14 which further includes means for disconnecting the conferees from a bridge at the terminator of a reserved block of time.

19. The telecommunication network of claim 18 wherein said means for disconnecting includes warning means to inform conferees of the impending disconnection.

20. The telecommunication network of claim 14 which further includes means for providing a tone to conferees already connected to the conference bridge upon the joining of another conferee.