U.S. patent application number 10/238121 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-11 for method for reservation-less instant group conferencing.
Invention is credited to Adams, Jeffrey C., Brennan, James.
Application Number | 20040047460 10/238121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31990906 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040047460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adams, Jeffrey C. ; et
al. |
March 11, 2004 |
METHOD FOR RESERVATION-LESS INSTANT GROUP CONFERENCING
Abstract
A conferencing method for providing reservation-less instant
group conferencing. A subscriber dials in a conference code and a
group code in his/her phone. The input signal is received in the
switch serving the phone on sensing the conference code activates a
trigger which results in communications with a conferencing system.
The conference call is set up in a conferencing bridge and the
phone of the subscriber is routed to the conferencing bridge. The
conferencing system using group code obtains a group of phone
numbers of participants from a database and calls each participant
and connects each call participant to the conference call.
Subscriber setting lists of participants and phone numbers in
advance of the conference call with Internet access to the
database.
Inventors: |
Adams, Jeffrey C.;
(Lafayette, CO) ; Brennan, James; (Northglenn,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORR CARSON SLOAN & BIRNEY, PC
3010 EAST 6TH AVENUE
DENVER
CO
80206
|
Family ID: |
31990906 |
Appl. No.: |
10/238121 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
379/202.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 3/56 20130101; H04M
3/4931 20130101; H04M 2203/5063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/202.01 |
International
Class: |
H04M 003/42 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A conferencing method for providing a conference call for a
subscriber in a telecommunications system comprising: receiving
input signals, in a switch servicing a phone of the subscriber,
from the phone of the subscriber when the subscriber requests the
conference call; activating a trigger in the switch that the
received input signals are requesting the conference call based on
a first string of the received input signals; setting up the
conference call in a conferencing bridge in response to the
activated trigger; routing the phone of the subscriber to the
conference call in the conferencing bridge; obtaining a group of
phone numbers of participants from a database, the group of phone
numbers at least identified by a second string of the received
input signals; calling from the conferencing bridge each phone
number of a phone for each participant in the obtained group;
connecting the phone of each participant in the conference call in
the conferencing bridge when answered in response to calling.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the input signals are a dual-tone
multifrequency (DTMF) series of key inputs.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first string of the input
signals starts with a "#" (pound) key input followed by at least
one additional key input signal.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the second string of signals
corresponds to one of a plurality of groups for the subscriber in
the database, each of said plurality of groups corresponding to a
different group of phone numbers of participants.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein setting up the conference call
comprises: sending a message from the switch to a conferencing
system that the subscriber is initiating the conference call, the
message including at least the second string; determining a
conference profile for the subscriber; selecting the conferencing
bridge for the conference call based on the obtained conference
profile.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the message further contains a
phone number of phone of the subscriber.
7. The method of claim 5 further comprising: validating the
subscriber to verify that the subscriber is allowed to make the
conference call.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the trigger is a dialed number
trigger in the switch.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein obtaining the group of phone
numbers further comprises: using the phone number of the subscriber
with the second string of input signals to obtain the group of
numbers.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein obtaining the group of phone
numbers further comprises: using the phone number of the subscriber
with the second string of input signals to obtain the group of
numbers.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein calling each phone number of each
participant further comprises: presenting the phone number of the
subscriber to the phone of each participant as each participant is
called so that the said each participant is notified that the
subscriber is calling.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein calling each phone number of each
participant further comprises: playing a voice message to said each
participant when each said participant answers the aforesaid phone,
the message informing each said participant of the conference call;
receiving at least one input signal from the phone of each said
participant to join the conference call.
13. A conferencing method for providing a conference call for a
subscriber in a telecommunications system comprising: receiving
input signals, in a switch servicing a phone of the subscriber,
from the phone of the subscriber when the subscriber requests the
conference call, the phone of the subscriber having a phone number;
sending a message from the switch to a conferencing system in
response to receiving the input signals; setting up the conference
call in a bridge in the conferencing system in response to sending
the message; routing the phone of the subscriber to the conference
call in the bridge; obtaining a group of phone numbers of
participants from a database containing at least one group, the
group identified by the received input signals and the phone number
of the subscriber; calling from the conferencing system each phone
number corresponding to a phone for each participant in the
obtained group; connecting the phone of each participant called to
the bridge when answered in response to calling.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the input signals comprise a
first string of the input signals starts with a "#" (pound) key
input followed by at least one additional key input signal.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the input signals comprise a
second string of signals corresponding to the at least one group
for the subscriber in the database, each said at least one group
corresponding to a different group of phone numbers of
participants.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising: validating the
subscriber to verify that the subscriber is allowed to make the
conference call.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein calling each phone number of
each participant further comprises: presenting the phone number of
the subscriber to the phone of each participant as each participant
is called so that the said each participant is notified that the
subscriber is calling.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein calling each phone number of
each participant further comprises: playing a voice message to said
each participant when each said participant answers the aforesaid
phone, the message informing each said participant of the
conference call; receiving at least one input signal from the phone
of each said participant to join the conference call.
19. A conferencing method for providing a conference call for a
subscriber in a telecommunications system comprising: receiving
input signals from a phone in the telecommunications system when
the subscriber requests the conference call; setting up the
conference call for the subscriber in a bridge in a conferencing
system in the telecommunications system in response to receiving
the input signals; routing the phone of the subscriber to the
conference call in the bridge; obtaining a group of phone numbers
of participants from a database containing at least one group, the
group at least identified by the received input signals; calling
from the conferencing system each phone number corresponding to a
phone for each participant in the obtained group; connecting the
phone of each participant called to the bridge when answered in
response to calling from the conferencing system.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: enabling the
subscriber to provide the database with new second strings and with
information for new groups corresponding to the new second strings,
the information containing at least the phone numbers of
participants in the new groups.
21. A conferencing method for providing a conference call for a
subscriber in a telecommunications system comprising: enabling the
subscriber, in a network in the telecommunications system, to
subscribe to the conferencing method, the network servicing a phone
of the subscriber; assigning a conference code for the phone of the
subscriber after the subscriber subscribes; providing the
subscriber with Internet access to a database in a conferencing
system in the telecommunications system after the subscriber
subscribes; storing in the database information for at least one
call group of participants for the subscriber in response to
providing the subscriber access, the stored information based at
least on a phone number of the phone of the subscriber, the
information for each at least one call group including at least a
unique call group code and phone numbers of each participant;
dialing the conference code and the unique call group code in the
phone of the subscriber when the subscriber places the conference
call to the call group corresponding to the unique call group code
after storing the database information; setting up the conference
call in the conferencing system in response to dialing the
conference code by (1) routing the phone of the subscriber to the
conferencing system and (2) calling each phone number of each
participant in the aforesaid call group in response to dialing the
unique call group code.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains to call conferencing and, in
particular, to reservation-less instant conferencing, as it relates
to business and consumer wireless and wireline telecommunication
service subscribers.
[0003] 2. Statement of the Problem
[0004] A need exists for telephony carriers to provide simplified
conferencing services to business and consumer telephone service
subscribers. Practicality of the conferencing service for users is
becoming more dependent upon extreme ease of use through simple,
easy to remember access methods that utilize conferencing
automation to the maximum practical extent.
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,995,608; 6,181,786; and 6,330,321 owned by
the assignee of the present invention, set forth a method and
apparatus for on-demand teleconferencing. This represents a prior
call conferencing approach eliminating prior scheduling and
operator interaction in setting up a conference call. This prior
art approach uses, for example, the Signaling System No. 7 (SS7)
out-of-band signaling to dynamically route incoming conference
calls to bridges in a conferencing system having available
resources. In operation, a subscriber to the conferencing service
is given a telephone number for connecting to the conferencing
system along with a system pass code and a maximum conference size
at the time he or she signs up for the service. In order to have a
conference, the subscriber distributes his or her access telephone
number to the conference participants along with an access code and
optional conference security (or PIN) code of the subscriber's
choosing. The processing of the conference call, billing, etc. is
handled at the conferencing system.
[0006] This mechanism is considered overly complex for application
to users in new markets such as mobile and consumer because of the
need to remember these access telephone numbers, access codes, and
PIN codes, and the need to distribute this information to other
participants and plan the call in advance.
[0007] U.S. 2002/0091769, owned by the assignee of the present
invention and entitled "Conferencing Method" allows a subscriber to
use the Internet to set up a conference call. The pending following
applications, also owned by the assignee of the present invention,
represent a simplified conferencing system and method for a
subscriber wherein participants call into the subscriber's phone
number: "Local Exchange Subscriber Line Conferencing", Ser. No.
10/208,893 filed Jul. 30, 2002 and "Local Exchange Subscriber Line
Conferencing Method" filed Jul. 30, 2002 as Ser. No.
10/208,503.
[0008] Current conferencing service available to users includes
three-way calling that is typically accessed by placing one party
on hold by pressing a key on the mobile handset or using the flash
hook on a landline phone, creating a call to a third party, then
connecting the two calls together by pressing another key on the
handset or by pressing the flash hook once again. A need exists to
extend the capabilities of this type of service through significant
simplification of access mechanism as well as through availability
of greater than three call legs simultaneously involved in a
conference call event.
[0009] Current conferencing service available to mobile users also
includes the Direct Connect.TM. service offered by Nextel
Communications. This service is accessed only while the user is in
their home mobile network coverage area by selecting a pre-defined
group of other Nextel Direct Connect users from the mobile handset
address book and pressing the "Push to Talk" or PTT button on a
specialized handset. This feature creates a two way radio service
with the members of the group who can instantly talk to other
members of the group simply by pressing the PTT button on their
handsets and speaking. This is a half duplex feature where only one
person can speak at a time. A need exists to extend the
capabilities of this type of service through availability of full
duplex sound capability, through the ability to access the service
while roaming outside of the user's home mobile network coverage
area, through the ability to connect with users outside of the
given wireless carrier's network, and through the extension of this
feature outside of the mobile network and on any standard wireless
or wireline telephone.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] The present invention solves the aforestated problem and
meets the needs stated therein. The instant group calling of the
present invention, from the perspective of the conferencing system,
is characterized by reservation-less instant conferencing, as it
relates to business and consumer wireless and wireline
telecommunication subscribers. From the perspective of the user,
the service of the present invention is characterized by a
simplified access method for conferencing services that takes
advantage of telecommunication network capabilities to eliminate
many of the current art complexities involved with accessing such
service and by enhanced capabilities which overcome current art
limitations allowing conferencing in a full duplex environment with
endpoints outside of a given carrier's network, whether wireless or
wireline.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 sets forth one embodiment of the telecommunication
network incorporating the conferencing service 10 of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 sets forth the operation of the conferencing service
10 of the present invention in setting up an instant group
call.
[0013] FIG. 3 sets forth the operation of the conferencing service
10 of the present invention in dialing out to participants of the
instant group conference call.
[0014] FIG. 4 sets forth the operation of the conferencing service
10 of the present invention in participants joining the instant
group conference call.
[0015] FIG. 5 sets forth the operation of the conferencing service
of the present invention in adding contact information to the
database.
[0016] FIG. 6 sets forth one embodiment of the database of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 sets forth one embodiment of the conferencing method
of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 sets forth one embodiment of the method for the
subscriber to use the conferencing method of the present
invention.
DETAILED SPECIFICATION
[0019] 1. Overview.
[0020] The conferencing service of the present invention enables
Telephony Carriers to provide simple conferencing to business and
consumer telephone service subscribers. The present invention, in
one embodiment, uses the conventional telephone "#" (pound) key to
initiate a conference call and like other telephone pound services,
conferencing is activated by selecting the "#" key followed by a
unique set of key entries. Other access methods that do not use a
"#" key code sequence for access represent additional embodiments
of this present invention. These are conventionally referred to as
dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals. Any series of unique input
signals from a phone of a subscriber can be used when the
subscriber accesses the conference call.
[0021] The user enters the pound key or other access method
(hereinafter referred to as a "first string" or "conference code")
followed by a series of digits which represent a group of people to
whom the user wishes to call (hereinafter referred to as a "second
string" or "group code"). Members of this group are then joined to
the conference via a dial-out from the conference.
[0022] Groups are created and defined in advance via any number of
possible user interfaces including but not limited to a website, a
WAP interface, or speech recognition system. Group information is
stored in a network based database which is accessed by the
conferencing system.
[0023] As a result, no advance reservation for using the
conferencing system is required and the subscriber can instantly
commence the conference call at any time by dialing the conference
code and the group code in his/her phone. The present invention is
a method for reservation-less instant group conferencing.
[0024] 2. Operation.
[0025] a. System
[0026] In FIG. 1, the overview of the telecommunication network
incorporating the reservation-less instant group conferencing
service of the present invention is set forth.
[0027] A subscriber 20 setting up the conference call is shown in
communication with a telephony switch 30a via a phone 22. Likewise,
additional participants 40a-40c to the conference call are shown
connected to other switches 30c-30e by phones 42a-42c. In FIG. 1,
the additional participants 40a-c are illustrated having access to
different switches 30c-e. Switch 30c is in the same network 170 as
the subscriber's switch 30a. Switch 30d is within a different
wireless carrier's network. Switch 30e is within a different
landline carrier's network. It is to be expressly understood that
each additional participant 40 could be accessing a different
switch 30 in different parts of the world with different wireless
or wireline carriers. It is also to be expressly understood that
each additional participant 40 could be accessing the same switch
30 as each other and even the same switch as the subscriber 20. It
is also to be expressly understood that the subscriber 20 can be
accessing the switch 30a through a wireless or wireline phone set
22, and that the present invention is not limited to any particular
type of phone set 22. It is also to be expressly understood that
the additional participants 40 can be accessing the switch 30
through a wireless or wireline phone set 42, and that the present
invention is not limited to any particular type of phone set or
other type of telecommunication access device.
[0028] The switches 30a-c within the service providing carrier's
network 170 are connected to one another by a network 50 of
telephony equipment that could include various switches, routers,
and other equipment. The network 50 is conventionally connected to
other carrier networks and switches 30d-e via the conventional
Public Switched Telephone Network 60.
[0029] The network 50 shown in FIG. 1 has two separate
communication paths. The first 52 is through the SS7 network 70
which communicates with the Conference Allocation and Control
System (CACS) 90 in the conferencing system 100. An example of a
commercially available CACS 90 is MOBILEMEETING from Voyant
Technologies, Inc. The network 50 also communicates 54 through
switch 30b with the conferencing bridges 80a-b. An example of a
commercially available conferencing bridge 80 is the INNOVOX media
server also from Voyant Technologies, Inc. In FIG. 1, the
conference bridges 80 are connected to the network 50 via a switch
30b. It is to be expressly understood that while FIG. 1 shows the
conferencing bridges 80 connected to switch 30b, the conference
bridges 80 could be connected to any switch in the carrier's
network 170, including the switch 30a servicing the subscriber 20
or the switch 30c servicing an on-network participant 40a.
[0030] The conferencing bridges 80 are connected to a data network
105 which is also connected to the CACS 90. The CACS 90 in turn is
administered over a local area network 140 by an
operator/administrator 120.
[0031] CACS 90 acts as the conferencing resource manager and
contains information about subscribers and/or subscriber profiles
and available bridge conferencing resources. The CACS 90 contains a
database 130 that stores all of the information about subscribers,
including information about the subscriber's contacts such as names
and phone numbers. The CACS 90 also communicates with the Wireless
Application Control Server (WACS) 110. An example of a commercially
available WACS 110 is contained in MOBILEMEETING from Voyant
Technologies, Inc. The WACS contains and manages all of the user
interfaces for the MobileMeeting product. In one embodiment, this
is done via the local area network 140. In another, the CACS 90 and
WACS 110 are located on the same physical machine. The WACS 110 as
it relates to this invention contains the address book user
interface application that is used to populate the database 130
with contact information such as names and phone numbers.
[0032] The subscriber 20 accesses the address book application
using an Internet access device 160 such as but not limited to a
personal computer, a mobile handheld computer or personal digital
assistant (PDA) with internet access, a wireless phone with
internet access, or other telecommunication access device. The
Internet access device 160 connects to the WACS 110 via the public
Internet 150. It is to be expressly understood that this is only
one embodiment of a method to populate the database 130 with
contact information. It is to be expressly understood that any
other methods used to populate the database 130 would be additional
embodiments of this invention such as, but not limited to,
called-in information, input information, etc.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, `dynamic` routing, using SS7 70, of a
conference to a bridge 80 occurs and represents one embodiment. It
is to be expressly understood that many alternate embodiments under
the teachings of this present invention could be implemented.
Examples of such embodiments include use of non-SS7 data
communication mechanisms between the CACS 90 and switch 30 as well
as use of signaling in the voice channel between the conferencing
system 10 and the switch 30.
[0034] b. Subscriber
[0035] The method of the present invention centers on the functions
of the subscriber 20 which are detailed below. The term "user" is
used herein to mean "subscriber."
[0036] The subscriber 20 has the retail relationship with the
telephony carrier 170. The subscriber receives telephony service
from the carrier 170 and has selected to receive the conferencing
service of the present invention as an additional service such as
call waiting, caller ID, or mobile internet from the carrier. In
one embodiment, the subscriber "subscribes" by paying a fee to
obtain the conferencing method of the present invention. In another
embodiment, no fee is paid. The term "subscriber" is used, but is
used in its broadest sense whether or not a separate fee is
paid.
[0037] The subscriber 20 interfaces, in one embodiment, with the
invention through a mobile handset 22. The conference is initiated
by the subscriber 20 entering a first string of input signals for
the conference code followed by a second string of input signals
for the group code. For example, `##` (i.e., pushing the "pound"
key twice) for the conference code, followed by a unique digit or
set of digits, for example "05" for the group code. Any unique
series of input signals from the mobile handset 22 such as a series
of key inputs can be used. The first string of input signals (i.e.
the `##` keystrokes in this example) identifies that the user is
attempting to initiate a conference. The second string of input
signals is used to identify a group of phone numbers which will be
called to join the conference. The subscriber then presses the
`send` key on the mobile handset. A landline phone 22 normally does
not have a "send" key. At that time, the subscriber 20 will be put
into the conference and the phone numbers associated with the
selected group are dialed out from the conference.
[0038] Dialed parties' phones will ring and if the endpoint has the
capability to display the calling party's number (e.g. via a caller
ID function), the calling party's number is displayed. When the
phone is answered, the dialed party is greeted with an Interactive
Voice Response (IVR) message stating, for example: "You are being
called to join a teleconference, please press 1 to join."
Optionally, the subscriber can choose to have the system record a
message from the subscriber prior to dialing the dialed parties.
This recorded message is then played to each dialed party in place
of the previous IVR statement. Dialed parties who do not press 1 to
join the call are disconnected by the conference. Dialed parties
who press 1 are joined to the conference.
[0039] It is to be expressly understood that in the aforesaid,
while a wireless phone is used as an example of an endpoint for the
subscriber, any other suitable device such as a landline phone or
voice enabled mobile computing device could be utilized under the
teachings of the present invention.
[0040] It is also to be expressly understood that the first string
(conference code) in the aforesaid starts with the "pound" key as
the preferred key of use due to its conventionality in the
telephone industry and understanding by the public, any other
suitable function key signal, voice command, code input, or other
stimulation mechanism could be utilized under the teachings of the
present invention. As another embodiment, a special key on a
wireless telephone or icon on a wireless phone or wireless
computing device is activated to generate the first string signal
series.
[0041] Routing of the calls to the conferencing bridge 80 is
controlled by the switch and the CACS. When the subscriber enters
the "##" key sequence (conference code) followed by the unique set
of digits (group code) to initiate the conference in one embodiment
of the invention, the switch directs the subscriber via a Dialed
Number Trigger (DNT) to the bridge.
[0042] The switch 30a, utilizing SS7 70 or other signaling method,
provides the Dialed Party Number (##05 for example) and the Calling
Party Number or Automatic Number Identification (ANI) to the CACS
90. The Dialed Party Number includes the conference code and the
group code.
[0043] The CACS 90 uses the ANI to identify and validate the
subscriber against a database 130 of valid subscribers. The CACS 90
then uses the Dialed Party Number to look up a group of phone
numbers to be dialed by the bridge.
[0044] The subscriber 20 creates groups and assigns digits to the
groups in advance of the conference via any number of possible user
interfaces including but not limited to a website, a WAP interface,
or speech recognition system. Group information is stored in a
network based database which is accessed by the conferencing
system.
[0045] c. Initiating the Instant Group Call conference
[0046] In FIG. 2, operation of the conferencing system of the
present invention in setting up an instant group conference call is
set forth.
[0047] The following "numbers" identify the sequence flow of one
embodiment which is illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 2. This is
the method of the present invention by which a subscriber 20
initiates a conference call.
[0048] 1. The subscriber 20 picks up the handset of the phone
22.
[0049] 2. The subscriber 20 inputs signals in phone 22 such as
dialing (for example) ##05. The input signals comprise a first
string (conference code) of "##" and a second string (group code)
of "05." The first string informs the CO switch 30a that the
subscriber is requesting an instant group conference call and the
CO switch 30a activates a dialed number trigger (DNT).
[0050] 3. The local CO switch 30a responds to the dialed number
trigger (DNT) by sending a signaling message which communicates to
the CACS 90 that a subscriber 20 of the conferencing service is
initiating an instant group conference call. The subscriber's phone
number is included in the "Calling Number" parameter of the
message. The number that the subscriber dialed ("##05" in this
example) is contained in the "Called Number" parameter of the
message. In FIG. 2, one embodiment delivers its message via the SS7
70 to CACS 90. In the SS7 environment, one embodiment is a
conventional ISUP message. Another embodiment is a conventional
TCAP message.
[0051] 4. In one embodiment, the CACS 90 uses the Calling Number
contained in the ISUP message to validate the subscriber 20 and
determine the profile of the conference (which may include enabled
conferencing features and maximum conference size). In another
embodiment, the switch 30a may perform all subscription validation
and the Calling Number may be used by the CACS 90 to determine
conference profile. In all embodiments, based on the conference
profile, the CACS 90 will determine which bridge 80 (if there are
multiple bridges) shall host the conference based on resource
availability.
[0052] 5. Assuming that the caller is a valid subscriber, the CACS
90 sends a signaling message through the SS7 network 70 to the
switch 30a including the network address of the bridge 80 (in this
example, bridge 80a) that will host the conference.
[0053] 6. The CACS 90 notifies the bridge 80a over the data network
105 that will be hosting the conference that a conference is about
to commence, and instructs the bridge 80a to allocate the ports
required to host the conference based on the conference
profile.
[0054] 7. Upon receipt of the signaling message sent in step 5, the
switch 30a routes the call of the subscriber 20 to the conferencing
bridge 80a.
[0055] 8. The bridge 80a notifies the CACS 90 that the conference
is underway.
[0056] 9. The bridge 80a notifies the subscriber 20 that the call
has been set up by playing a unique confirmation sound file or
other suitable message.
[0057] The above method steps and message contents represent only
an embodiment of the present invention and, it is to be understood,
that method steps order and message contents can vary based upon
individual telecommunication architects, protocols and signaling
requirements without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0058] d. Dialing Out to Participants of the Instant Group Call
[0059] In FIG. 3, operation of the conferencing system 10 of the
present invention in dialing out to participants of the instant
group conference call is set forth.
[0060] The following "numbers" identify the sequence flow of one
embodiment which is illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 3. This is
the method of the present invention by which participants are
dialed for the instant group conference call. These steps take
place immediately following step 9 in the sequence flow described
above in section c. and illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0061] 10. The CACS 90 uses the Called Party Number (number dialed
by the subscriber, in this example, ##05) passed from the switch
30a in step 3 above to determine that the subscriber 20 is
initiating an Instant Group Call.
[0062] 11. The CACS 90 uses a combination of the Called Party
Number and the Calling Party Number to determine what phone numbers
to dial to add participants based on the second string of input
signals (i.e., "05" in the example). It does this by querying a
database 130 containing group information such as group names,
group numbers, and phone numbers of group members for each
subscriber. The Called and Calling numbers will form a key that
resolves to a group of phone numbers. The Called number represents
the group to be dialed, whereas the Calling number represents the
subscriber. These two numbers together will uniquely resolve to a
Call Group, which contains one or more participant phone
numbers.
[0063] In FIG. 6, the database 130 is shown to service a number of
subscribers. Each subscriber has their own storage or memory area
in the database 130 or an area relationally or associatively
dedicated to the subscriber. In FIG. 6, N subscribers are served.
In one embodiment, it is the subscriber's phone number (Calling
Party Number) that is used to access a given subscriber's stored
information. The Called Party Number is used to access which group.
Hence, FIG. 6, in one embodiment, shows the Call Group Code 610
which forms the second string of input signals dialed in by the
subscriber accesses the desired group as each group has its own
unique Call Group Code (or its own unique second string of input
signals). As already discussed, the first string of input signals
received by the switch 30a indicates that this is an instant group
conference call whereas it is the second string that provides the
unique Call Group Code 610. Hence, the Called and Calling Party
Numbers form a key 650 that is used to retrieve from database 130 a
given call group from a plurality of call groups 620 for a given
subscriber from a plurality of subscribers 630. For example, and in
FIG. 6, if Group 1 is selected, then the group has five
participants (P1 through P5) and five corresponding phone numbers
(PN1 through PN5). These then are the five participants for the
conference call that the subscriber has requested with the unique
call group code 610 (i.e., the second string of input signals).
This is a list of participant phone numbers being requested.
[0064] 12. The database 130 passes a list of participant phone
numbers to be dialed to the CACS 90.
[0065] 13. Via an Application Programming Interface (API), the CACS
90 instructs the bridge 80a over the data network 105 to commence
dialing to the phone numbers in the Call Group. This API is a
conventional "DialCall" API within the aforesaid MobileMeeting
product. The API will be enhanced to include a "who from" field
that will contain the original calling party number (subscriber's
phone number).
[0066] 14. The bridge 80a then commences dialing to each of the
participant phone numbers, connecting through the local servicing
switch 30b, the Carrier's network 50 and possibly through the PSTN
60 to call all of the listed participants 40. As each phone number
is dialed, the original Calling Party Number will be placed in the
Calling Party Number field of the signaling message so that the
subscriber's phone number will be presented to the participant's
phone 42.
[0067] The above method steps and message contents represent only
an embodiment of the present invention and, it is to be understood,
that method steps order and message contents can vary based upon
individual telecommunication architects, protocols and signaling
requirements without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0068] e. Participants Join the Instant Group Call
[0069] In FIG. 4, operation of the conferencing system 10 of the
present invention in participants joining the instant group
conference call is set forth.
[0070] The following "numbers" identify the sequence flow of one
embodiment which is illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 4. This is
the method of the present invention by which participants join and
are added to the instant group conference call. These steps take
place immediately following step 14 in the sequence flow described
above in section d. and illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0071] 15. Each participant's 40 phone 42 rings and if it has the
capability, it displays the original Calling Party Number (the
phone number of the subscriber 20).
[0072] 16. The participant 40 answers the phone 42.
[0073] 17. When the phone is answered, the participant 40 is
greeted with an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) message played by
the bridge 80a stating, for example: "You are being called to join
an instant group call, please press 1 to join." Optionally, if the
subscriber 20 chose to record a greeting, this recorded message is
then played to each participant in place of the previous IVR
statement.
[0074] 18. Participants 40 who wish to join the call press 1 on
their phone 42.
[0075] 19. This instructs the bridge to place the participant 40
into the conference call.
[0076] 20. The bridge 80 notifies the CACS 90 that the participant
40 has joined the call.
[0077] 21. The bridge 80 notifies the participant 40 that they have
joined the call by playing a unique confirmation sound file.
[0078] The above method steps and message contents represent only
an embodiment of the present invention and, it is to be understood,
that method steps order and message contents can vary based upon
individual telecommunication architects, protocols and signaling
requirements without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0079] f. Subscribers Add Call Group Information to the
Database
[0080] In FIG. 5, operation of the conferencing system 10 of the
present invention in adding call group information to the database
130 is set forth.
[0081] The following "numbers" identify the sequence flow of one
embodiment which is illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 5. This is
the method of the present invention by which subscribers add call
group information to the database. These steps take place prior to
initiation of the first call to any new call group.
[0082] 1. The subscriber 20 picks up and/or turns on the Internet
access device 160.
[0083] 2. The subscriber 20 logs into the website for the address
book application via the public Internet 150.
[0084] 3. The WACS 110 presents the graphical user interface (GUI)
on the Internet access device 160
[0085] 4. The subscriber 20 enters the information for the call
group (group name, group number, phone numbers of members) into the
GUI and chooses to save the information to the database 130.
[0086] 5. The subscriber is able to build any number of groups 620,
as shown in FIG. 6, allocated to his/her profile. This may be a
subscription fee requirement. The LEC can choose how many groups to
allow for each subscriber. The invention is vigorous in allowing a
service provider carrier's network 170 to design an instant group
conferencing service under the teachings contained herein for its
subscribers. In FIG. 6, the subscriber selects the Call Group Code
and in another embodiment, the Call Group Codes are pre-selected.
For example, a subscriber may set up the following call groups and
input them into the database 130. For example, a subscriber selects
the Call Group Code "01" for the following group of participants:
John (phone number), Patty (phone number), and Jim (phone number).
The subscriber also inputs the Call Group Code "21" for: Carol,
Patty, Sandy, Jill, and Betty with their respective phone numbers.
Hence, the subscriber in our example can dial "##21" and set up an
instant group conference for the subscriber, Carol, Patty, Sandy,
Jill, and Betty. Under the teachings of the present invention, the
subscriber can access the Internet 150 through a suitable access
device 160 and update the database in the conferencing system 100
at any time. Within the constraints of the subscriber's profile,
the subscriber can add as many groups, as many participants to each
group at any time and could also delete such groups. The subscriber
has full interactive access with the database 130.
[0087] It is to be expressly understood that in the aforesaid,
while an internet access device and the public internet are used as
an example of an access method to the GUI and the database, any
other suitable device and network such as but not limited to a
phone, a mobile handset, a voice enabled mobile computing device,
the mobile internet, a virtual private network (VPN), the PSTN, or
a mobile carrier's wireless data network could be used as an
alternate access method.
[0088] 3. Summary
[0089] The method of the present invention can be summarized in one
embodiment with respect to FIG. 7. The subscriber 20 dials 700 in
his/her phone set 22. The Called Party Number dialed consists of
the first string and second string of input signals. These input
signals are received 710 by the switch 30a in the service provider
carrier's network 170. If the received input signal 710 does not
have the first string indicating an instant group conference call,
stage 720 is entered as this is another type of service. If the
first string is detected in stage 730, then a trigger in the switch
30a is activated in stage 740 which in the embodiment is the Dialed
Number Trigger.
[0090] Through communication such as through SS7 network 70, this
event is conveyed to a conferencing system 100 which proceeds to
set up a conference call for the subscriber 20 based upon the
Called Party Number and the Calling Party Number (i.e., the
subscriber's phone number) as a key 650. This occurs in stage 750
in FIG. 7. The conferencing system 100 selects an available bridge
80 in stage 750 based upon the profile of the subscriber. The
selection of the bridge and the profile setting and determination
are conventional. The subscriber phone 22 is routed 760 to the
selected bridge for the conference which occurs in stage 770. The
conferencing system 100 obtains 780 a group of phone numbers for
the participants from the database 130 based upon at least the
second string of the Called Party Number. In stage 790, the
conferencing system 100 calls each participant and connects 790 the
participant to the conference 770. FIG. 7 presents the method of
the present invention generally as it operates in the service
provider carrier's network 170 and conferencing system 100 in the
telecommunications system shown in FIG. 1.
[0091] In FIG. 8, the method for a subscriber 20 to utilize the
reservation-less instant group conferencing method of the present
invention is set forth. The subscriber 20 subscribes 800 with the
service provider's carrier's network 170 for the reservation-less
instant group conferencing service. In this subscription process,
all necessary information to service the subscriber 20 with respect
to conferencing profile information is obtained. The network 170 is
already programmed to switch 30a to respond to the conference code
(i.e., the first string). LECs using the methods of the present
invention will program their switches in advance of offering the
service. This occurs in stage 810. The subscriber 22 can then
access the database 130 over the public Internet 150 through any
suitable access device 160 in stage 820. This can occur at any time
for any number of times so that the subscriber 22 can generate any
number of call groups (as allowed by the subscription) and as many
participants to each call group (as allowed by the subscription).
All such information in stage 830 is input and stored in the
database 130. After a particular call group is stored with a
particular call group code, the subscriber 20 can then dial in
stage 840 the conference code and the call group code and as set
forth in FIG. 7, the conference call is set up in stage 850.
Conferencing system 100 accesses the database 130 for the call
group information corresponding to the dialed-in call group
code.
[0092] The above disclosure sets forth a number of embodiments of
the present invention. Those skilled in this art will however
appreciate that other arrangements or embodiments, not precisely
set forth, could be practiced under the teachings of the present
invention and that the scope of this invention should only be
limited by the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *