Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones

• US 6,961,312 B2
• Filed: 02/20/2004
• Issued: 11/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP PTE Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Broadcom Corporation (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Morris, Michael D., Kubler, Joseph J.
• Primary Examiner(s): VINCENT, DAVID ROBERT
• Application Number:
  US10/784,005
• Publication Number:
  US 20040228330A1
• Time in Patent Office: 620 Days
• Field of Search: 370/229, 370241-252, 370/310, 370/310.1, 370/310.2, 370328- 9, 370/331, 370/338, 370351- 3, 370/389, 370400-406, 370779-463, 370/516, 370237-238, 455422-426, 455/561, 455/556, 455/67.1, 455/67.3
• US Class Current: 370/238
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10702 Particularities of propagating elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors G06K7/10831 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10841 Particularities of the light-sensitive elements semiconductor devices H01L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10851 Circuits for pulse shaping, amplifying, eliminating noise signals, checking the function of the sensing device basic electronic circuitry H03
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/12 using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/343 Cards including a counter
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0045 with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
• CPC Class Codes: H03C 3/0908 using a phase locked loop
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/04 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/1615 Switching on; Switching off, e.g. remotely battery saving circuits associated with selective call operation H04W52/00; details of power consumption reduction in a PLL, H03L7/0802, H03L7/14, H03L2207/08, H03L2207/18; muting amplifiers by gain control see H03G3/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0802 using antenna selection H04B7/0868 takes precedence; antenna beam directivity switching H01Q3/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/10 Polarisation diversity; Directional diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0002 : by adapting the transmission rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0003 : by switching between different modulation schemes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0025 : Transmission of mode-switching indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0032 : Without explicit signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1671 : the supervisory signal being transmitted together with control information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1685 : the supervisory signal being transmitted in response to a specific request, e.g. to a polling signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/12 : Modulator circuits; Transmitter circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/14 : Demodulator circuits; Receiver circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/156 : with demodulation using temporal properties of the received signal, e.g. detecting pulse width
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 : Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/48 : Routing tree calculation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/103 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/104 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 : Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1083 : In-session procedures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1095 : Inter-network session transfer or sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 : Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 : Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2535 : adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network equipment and services H04M7/006; implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] H04L69/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/14 : including a card reading device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 : Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/14 : using intermediate storage
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/00 : Communication routing or communication path finding
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/02 : Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 : Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0261 : managing power supply demand, e.g. depending on battery level
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/04 : TPC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/38 : TPC being performed in particular situations
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/46 : in multi hop networks, e.g. wireless relay networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/22 : Manipulation of transport tunnels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/10 : Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 : Gateway arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.

Claims

1. A call routing device comprising:

interface circuitry for the exchange of signals with a first telephony device, the interface circuitry capable of receiving from the first telephony device both voice and non- voice signals;

a host device communicatively coupled to the interface circuitry;

at least one network interface capable of communicating via at least one of a conventional switched telephone network and a packet network, the at least one network interface communicatively coupled to the host device; and

the host device having stored thereon operational software and a database, the database having at least one entry comprising predefined call routing information and at least one associated destination address, the database for use in the routing of voice calls from the first telephony device to a second telephony device, via the at least one network interface.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the signals are analog signals.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the non-voice signals comprises dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one network interface comprises a data modem.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one network interface is capable of communication using an Internet protocol.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the Internet protocol comprises the transport control protocol (TCP)/Internet protocol.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the host device is a personal computer.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the operational software is at least capable of:

receiving a voice call setup request from the first telephony device, the request comprising a destination address;

identifying predefined call route information in the database, using at least the destination address;

automatically establishing voice communication between the first telephony device and a second telephony device using the predefined call route information, if predefined call route information is identified; and

requesting call route information from a user of the first telephony device, if predefined call route information is not identified.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the requesting comprises:

delivering to the user of the first telephony device a voice message; and

receiving from the user of the first telephony device call route information.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein the operation software is capable of:

establishing voice communication between the first telephony device and the second telephony device based upon the call route information from a user of the first telephony device, if predefined call route information is not identified.

14. The device of claim 11 wherein the automatically establishing comprises:

establishing a conventional telephone call for the exchange of voice signals between the first telephony device and the second telephony device, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via a conventional telephone switching network.

15. The device of claim 11 wherein the automatically establishing comprises:

establishing an Internet connection via one of a conventional telephone switching network circuit and a dedicated telephone circuit for the exchange of packetized voice, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via the Internet.

16. The device of claim 11 wherein the automatically establishing comprises:

establishing a packet network connection via at least one of a premises network and a local area network for the exchange of packetized voice, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via an internal route.

8. The device of claim further comprising:

processing circuitry capable of converting analog representations of voice signals to digital representations of voice signals, and converting digital representations of voice signals to analog representations of voice signals.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the converting digital representations of signals to analog representations of voice signals comprises buffering the digital representations for a period of time in order to minimize gaps in the resulting analog representation caused by changes in a propagation delay.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein converting analog representations of voice signals to digital representations of voice signals comprises:

determining voice activity based upon voice signals from the first telephony device;

reducing the quantity of information transmitted via the at least one network interface, if voice activity is determined to be below a predetermined level; and

refraining from reducing the quantity of information transmitted via the at least one network interface, if voice activity is determined not to be below the predetermined level.

17. A method of operating a voice communication system supporting selective call routing, the method comprising:

receiving a voice call setup request from a first telephony device, the request comprising a destination address;

identifying predefined call route information using at least the destination address;

automatically establishing voice communication between the first telephony device and a second telephony device using the predefined call route information, if predefined call route information is identified; and

requesting call route information from a user of the first telephony device, if predefined call route information is not identified.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first telephony device is a conventional telephone.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the destination address comprises a conventional telephone number.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein identifying comprises:

locating in a database, predefined call route information corresponding to the destination address, the database comprising at least one entry associating predefined call route information with at least one destination address.

21. The method of claim 17 herein requesting comprises:

delivering to the user of the first telephony device a voice message; and

receiving from the user of the first telephony device call route information.

22. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

establishing voice communication between the first telephony device and the second telephony device based upon the call route information from a user of the first telephony device, if predefined call route information is not identified.

23. The method of claim 17 wherein automatically establishing comprises:

establishing a conventional telephone call for the exchange of voice signals between the first telephony device and the second telephony device, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via a conventional telephone switching network.

24. The method of claim 17 wherein automatically establishing comprises:

establishing an Internet connection via one of a conventional telephone switching network circuit and a dedicated telephone circuit for the exchange of packetized voice, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via the Internet.

25. The method of claim 17 wherein automatically establishing comprises:

establishing a packet network connection via at least one of a premises network and a local area network for the exchange of packetized voice, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via an internal route.

26. The method of claim 17 wherein the call routing information from a user is associated with the destination address and stored, to form a database of routing information.

27. A machine-readable storage, having stored thereon a computer program having a plurality of code sections for implementing a call routing system, the code sections executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform the operations comprising:

receiving a voice call setup request from a first telephony device, the request comprising a destination address;

identifying predefined call route information using at least the destination address;

automatically establishing voice communication between the first telephony device and a second telephony device using the predefined call route information, if predefined call route information is identified; and

requesting call route information from a user of the first telephony device, if predefined call route information is not identified.

28. The machine-readable storage of claim 27 wherein the first telephony device is a conventional telephone.

29. The machine-readable storage of claim 30 wherein the destination address comprises a conventional telephone number.

30. The machine-readable storage of claim 27 wherein identifying comprises:

locating in a database, predefined call route information corresponding to the destination address, the database comprising at least one entry associating predefined call route information with at least one destination address.

31. The machine-readable storage of claim 27 wherein requesting comprises:

delivering to the user of the first telephony device a voice message; and

receiving from the user of the first telephony device call route information.

32. The machine-readable storage of claim 27 further comprising:

establishing voice communication between the first telephony device and the second telephony device based upon the call route information from a user of the first telephony device, if predefined call route information is not identified.

33. The machine-readable storage of claim 27 wherein automatically establishing comprises:

establishing a conventional telephone call for the exchange of voice signals between the first telephony device and the second telephony device, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via a conventional telephone switching network.

34. The machine-readable storage of claim 27 wherein automatically establishing comprises:

establishing an Internet connection via one of a conventional telephone switching network circuit and a dedicated telephone circuit for the exchange of packetized voice, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via the Internet.

35. The machine-readable storage of claim 27 wherein automatically establishing comprises:

establishing a packet network connection via at least one of a premises network and a local area network for the exchange of packetized voice, if the identified predefined call routing information indicates routing of the call via an internal route.

36. The machine-readable storage of claim 27 wherein the call routing information from a user is associated with the destination address and stored, to form a database of routing information.