Method of accessing service resource items that are for use in a telecommunications system

• US 6,466,570 B1
• Filed: 06/05/1998
• Issued: 10/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I LLC (Comcast Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Seaborne, Andrew Franklin, Low, Colin, Bouthors, Nicolas
• Primary Examiner(s): LUTHER, WILLIAM A
• Application Number:
  US09/077,795
• Time in Patent Office: 1,593 Days
• Field of Search: 370/351, 370/352, 370/353, 370/354, 370/355, 370/356, 370/357, 370/386, 370/387, 379/900
• US Class Current: 370/352
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2856 Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access asynchronous transfer mode networks H04L12/5601; broadband local area networks H04L12/2801; optical access or distribution networks H04Q11/0067; access to open networks H04L12/5691; digital subscriber line end-user equipment and bit-level processing of data on a PSTN-based network H04M11/00; home network gateways H04L12/2834; wireless access networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2101/33 containing protocol addresses or telephone numbers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2101/65 Telephone numbers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/10 of different types
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/30 Managing network names, e.g. use of aliases or nicknames name-to-address mapping H04L61/45
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/4511 using domain name system [DNS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/4557 Directories for hybrid networks, e.g. including telephone numbers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/16 Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/60 Medium conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/1041 Televoting
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42 Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers specially adapted for wireless communication networks H04W4/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42161 via computer interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42229 Personal communication services, i.e. services related to one subscriber independent of his terminal and/or location diverting calls from one subscriber to another subscriber, i.e. two different subscriptions H04M3/54; selecting arrangements in intelligent networks H04Q3/005
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4228 in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/428 Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/48 Arrangements for recalling a calling subscriber when the wanted subscriber ceases to be busy
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4938 comprising a voice browser which renders and interprets, e.g. VoiceXML
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5191 interacting with the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/523 with call distribution or queueing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/533 : Voice mail systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/54 : Arrangements for diverting calls for one subscriber to another predetermined subscriber based on the calling party profile H04M3/42059; based on location H04M3/42348; based on presence H04M3/42365; to voice mail H04M3/53308
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/003 : Click to dial services
• 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: H04M 7/12 : for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/121 : Details of network access arrangements or protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/126 : Interworking of session control protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/128 : Details of addressing, directories or routing tables
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13097 : Numbering, addressing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 : Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13109 : Initializing, personal profile
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13141 : Hunting for free outlet, circuit or channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13175 : Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13176 : Common channel signaling, CCS7
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13282 : Call forward, follow-me, call diversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13332 : Broadband, CATV, dynamic bandwidth allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13345 : Intelligent networks, SCP
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13349 : Network management
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 : LAN, internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13405 : Dual frequency signaling, DTMF
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13504 : client/server architectures
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13526 : resource management
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13527 : protocols - X.25, TCAP etc.
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13528 : SCP architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13534 : Internet - WWW, HTML, browsers etc.
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0029 : Provisions for intelligent networking
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/90 : Internet, e.g. Internet phone, webphone, internet-based telephony

Abstract

A method of accessing service resource items for use in setting up bearer channels through a switched telecommunications system including the step of provisioning one or more servers connected to a computer network with a plurality of service resource items that are located with corresponding known URIs. The computer network is logically distinct from a telecommunications system and the service resource items relate to setup control for bearer channels through the telecommunications system. Each of the service resource items is associated with a respective predetermined code. The predetermined codes are distinct from the URIs and identify end-point entities for the bearer channels. The method also includes providing a mapping between the predetermined codes and the known URI of the service resource item associated with its predetermined code. The method further includies utilizing the predetermined codes to access service resource items by using the mapping to determine the URI corresponding to that resource item and then using the URI to access the service resource item.

Claims

1. A method of accessing service resource items for use in respect of setting up bearer channels through a switched telecommunications system, said method including the steps of:

(a) provisioning at least one server connected to a computer network with a plurality of service resource items that are thereafter locatable on said computer network by corresponding URIs, said computer network being logically distinct from the telecommunications system, and said service resource items relating to setup control for bearer channels through said telecommunications system with each said service resource item being associated with a respective predetermined code said predetermined codes being distinct from said URIs and identifying end-point entities for said bearer channels;

(b) providing a mapping between each said predetermined code and the said URI of the service resource item associated with that predetermined code; and

(c) utilizing a said predetermined code to access a corresponding said service resource item by using said mapping to determine the URI corresponding to that resource item and then using this URI to access the service resource item over said computer network.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least some of said URIs are derivable from their corresponding said predetermined codes (54) by manipulation according to a function specified by said mapping.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein at east some of sad URIs are derivable from their corresponding said predetermined codes by look up in an association table associating said predetermined codes and URIs according to said mapping.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said association table is held on at least one database server connected to said computer network, step (c) involving accessing said database sever over the computer network (50) to determine the said URI corresponding to the said predetermined code (54).

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said at least one database server is provided by a DNS-type distributed database system in which said URIs are held in records associated with respective names, herein referred to as domain names, by which the records be respective, step (c) involving translating said predetermined code (54) into a corresponding said domain name and using this domain name to retrieve the URI of the required service resource item (49) from said DNS-type distributed database system.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least two said service resource items (49) are located at the same URI, the said predetermined codes (54) of these service resource items including respective relative-resource-identifier (RRI) values that are used at the server (51) holding the service resource items to identify the required resource item amongst the service resource items at the same URI.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said switched telecommunications system is a telephone system and said predetermined codes comprise numbers from at least one of the following categories;

the telephone number of the calling party;

the telephone number of the called party.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said switched telecommunication system is a telephone system, at least some of said predetermined codes being called-party telephone numbers and serving to retrieve service resource items that are the current telephone numbers of the called parties.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one said service resource item (49) is service logic which is executed by the corresponding server (51) upon being accessed with the result of this execution being returned to the accessing entity for use in bearer-channel setup control.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one said service resource item (49) is downloadable service data which upon being accessed is downloaded to the accessing entity for use thereby in bearer-channel setup control.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one said service, resource item (49) is downloadable service logic which upon being accessed is downloaded to the accessing entity for execution in bearer-channel setup control.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein said computer network (50) is generally accessible to users of the telecommunications system.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein said computer network (50) is the Internet.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein said switched telecommunication network is a PSTN.

15. A method according to claim 1, wherein said telecommunication system is a private system including a PABX with which service control system (42) is associated, and wherein said converter network (50) is a LAN.

16. A method according to claim 1, wherein said URIs are URLs and/or TURNs, and said server (51) is an HTTP server.

21. A method according to claim 1, wherein said computer network is the Internet and said switched telecommunication network is a PSTN.

22. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is carried out by a service control subsystem of the switched telecommunications system, the result of said access to the service resource item being used by the service control subsystem in setting up a bearer channel through the switched telecommunications system.

23. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is carried out by a computer that is connected to the computer network and is distinct from the switched telecommunications system, the result of said access to the service resource item being passed by said computer to a service control subsystem of the switched telecommunications system which thereupon uses that result in setting up a bearer channel through the switched telecommunications system.

17. A method of accessing service resource items for use in respect of setting up bearer channels through a switched telecommunications system, said method including the steps of:

(a) provisioning an HTTP server connected to a computer communication system with a plurality of service resource items at an URL by which said items are locatable on said computer communication system, said computer communications system being logically distinct from the telecommunications system, and said service resource items relating to setup control for bearer channels through said telecommunications system with each said service resource item being associated with a respective predetermined code, said predetermined codes being distinct from said URL and including respective relative-resource-identifier values usable to identify a required said service resource item amongst the service resource items at the same URL; and

(b) utilizing a said predetermined code to access a corresponding said service resource item by the substeps of;

(i) translating at least a part of the predetermined code into the URL corresponding to that resource item,

(ii) using the URL determined in substep to (i) access the HTTP server holding the required service resource item over said computer communications system and

(iii) using the relative-resource-indicator part of the predetermined code to identify the required service resource item from amongst the service resource items held at the same URL.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said telecommunications system is a telephone system and said predetermined codes (54) are personal numbers associated with individual telephone users, said service resource items (49) being current telephone numbers where said individual telephone users may be reached.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein sub-step (b)(i) is effected by one of the following methods:

a direct mapping where said predetermined code corresponding substantially to said URL;

manipulation of said predetermined code according to a predetermined function;

look up in a locally held association table associating said predetermined codes and URLs;

look up in an association table associating said predetermined codes and URls, said association table being held on at least one database server accessed over said computer network.

20. A method according to claim 17, wherein the service resource item accessed in step (c) is one of the following:

service logic for execution by said server;

downloadable service data;

downloadable service logic.

24. A method of accessing service resource items for use in respect of setting up bearer channels through a switched telecommunications system, said service resource items being provided on at least one server connected to a computer network and being locatable on said computer network by corresponding URIs, said computer network being logically distinct from the telecommunications system, and said service resource items relating to setup control for bearer channels through said telecommunications system with each said service resource item being associated with a respective predetermined code said predetermined codes being distinct from said URIs and identifying end-point entities for said bearer channels;

said method including the step of utilizing a said predetermined code to access a corresponding said service resource item by;

translating at least a part of the predetermined code into the URI corresponding to that resource item, and

using this URI to access the service resource item over said computer network.

25. A method of providing services in a public switched telecommunications system that includes a service control subsystem for providing service control upon receipt of a service request, said method including the steps of:

(a) provisioning an HTTP server connected to a computer communication system with a plurality of service resource items that are thereafter locatable on said computer communication system by corresponding URLs, said computer communication system being logically distinct from the telecommunications system and accessible to a subset of users of the telecommunications system, and said service resource items relating to setup control for bearer channels through said telecommunications system towards members of said subset of users, with each said service resource item being associated with a respective predetermined code which is related to a member of said subset of users and is distinct from the corresponding URL of that item; and

(b) providing HTTP access to said HTTP server from said service control subsystem and, upon the service control subsystem receiving a said service request including a said predetermined code, causing said service control subsystem to access a corresponding said service resource item by the substeps of;

(i) translating at least a part of the predetermined code into the URL corresponding to that resource item,

(ii) using the URL determined in substep (i) to access the HTTP server holding the required service resource item using the HTTP protocol;

the accessed service resource item being thereupon used by the service control subsystem in controlling set up of a bearer channel through the switched telecommunications system towards the corresponding member of said subset of users;

the method further involving enabling updating of said service resource items held on the HTTP server by members of said subset of users by HTTP-protocol access over the computer communication system.

26. A method of providing services in a public switched telecommunications system that includes a service control subsystem for providing service control upon receipt of a service request, said method including the steps of:

(a) provisioning an HTTP server connected to a computer communication system with a plurality of service resource items at an URL by which said items are locatable on said computer communication system, said computer communication system being logically distinct from the telecommunications system and accessible to a subset of users of the telecommunications system, and said service resource items relating to setup control for bearer channels through said telecommunications system towards members of said subset of users, with each said service resource item being associated with a respective predetermined code which is related to a member of said subset of users, is distinct from said URL, and includes a relative-resource-identifier value usable to identify the service resource item amongst the service resource items at the same URL; and

(b) providing HTTP access to said HTTP server from said service control subsystem and, upon the service control subsystem receiving a said service request including a said predetermined code, causing said service control subsystem to access a corresponding said service resource item by the substeps of;

(i) translating at least a part of the predetermined code into the URL corresponding to that resource item,

(ii) using the URL determined in substep (i) to access the HTTP server holding the required service resource item using the HTTP protocol,

(iii) using the relative-resource-indicator part of the predetermined code to identify the required service resource item from amongst the service resource items held at the same URL;

the accessed service resource item being thereupon used by the service control subsystem in controlling set up of a bearer channel through the switched telecommunications system towards the corresponding member of said subset of users;

the method further involving enabling updating of said service resource items held on the HTTP server by members of said subset of users by HTTP-protocol access over the computer communication system.