U.S. patent application number 10/860065 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for method and apparatus for correlating a unique identifier, such as a pstn telephone number, to an internet address to enable communications over the internet.
This patent application is currently assigned to NetNumber, Inc.. Invention is credited to Peek, David P., Ranalli, Douglas J., Sosnowski, Thomas P..
Application Number | 20040218747 10/860065 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46279544 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040218747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ranalli, Douglas J. ; et
al. |
November 4, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for correlating a unique identifier, such as a
PSTN telephone number, to an internet address to enable
communications over the internet
Abstract
A directory service, containing unique identifiers (e.g.,
telephone numbers) and related Internet address(es), accessible
through the Internet. An Internet-enabled communication system,
such as IP-PBX or voice mail system, accepts a telephone number as
a destination address. It then contacts the directory service and
requests the Internet address related to that telephone number. The
communication system uses the Internet address to set up a delivery
path via the Internet to the destination. Thus, all time-dependent
charges normally associated with message delivery by the telephone
network can be avoided.
Inventors: |
Ranalli, Douglas J.;
(Cambridge, MA) ; Sosnowski, Thomas P.; (Wayland,
MA) ; Peek, David P.; (Atkinson, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER
LLP
1300 I STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
NetNumber, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
46279544 |
Appl. No.: |
10/860065 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10860065 |
Jun 4, 2004 |
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10302882 |
Nov 25, 2002 |
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6748057 |
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10302882 |
Nov 25, 2002 |
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09456646 |
Dec 8, 1999 |
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6539077 |
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09456646 |
Dec 8, 1999 |
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09226901 |
Jan 8, 1999 |
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09456646 |
Dec 8, 1999 |
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09092764 |
Jun 5, 1998 |
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6292799 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
379/218.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 7/0075 20130101;
Y10S 379/90 20130101; Y10S 379/908 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/218.01 |
International
Class: |
H04M 003/42; H04L
012/66 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a directory service (DS), accessible via
the Internet, containing unique identifiers and associated Internet
addresses.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the unique identifiers are
telephone numbers.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the DS is accessible to multiple
communication systems including two or more of IP-PBX, IP-CO,
IP-Centrex, IP-telephone, IP-wireless phone, IP-voicemail, IP-fax,
unified messaging, and remote printing systems.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the Internet address is for at
least one of a telephone, voice mailbox, fax machine, printer, and
unified messaging mailbox.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a first
Internet Protocol enabled (IP-enabled) PBX system for a first end
user and a second IP-enabled PBX system for a second end user.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a first
Internet Protocol enabled (IP-enabled) voicemail system for a first
end user and a second IP-enabled voicemail system for a second end
user.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes an Internet
Protocol enabled (IP-enabled) remote printing system for a first
end user and at least one of an IP-enabled fax machine and
IP-enabled printer for a second user.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a first
Internet Protocol enabled (IP-enabled) unified messaging system for
a first end user and at least one of an IP enabled e-mail system of
an IP-enabled unified messaging system for a second end user.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a first
Internet Protocol enabled (IP-enabled) Centrex system for a first
end user and a second IP-enabled Centrex system for a second end
user.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a first
Internet Protocol enabled (IP-enabled) CO system for a first end
user and a second IP-enabled CO system for a second end user.
11-21. (Canceled)
22. A method comprising: registering a telephone number and
associated Internet address with a directory service (DS), the DS
being accessible via the Internet; and accessing the DS via the
Internet with a request for resolution of the telephone number to
an associated Internet address, wherein the DS resolves the
associated Internet address.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein more than one Internet address
is associated with a single telephone number and the request for
resolution includes identifying the type of application requesting
Internet address information.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the method is provided to
multiple users, allowing users to register with the DS at no cost,
but requiring users that access the DS with requests for resolution
to pay a fee.
25-56. (Canceled)
57 A method enabling communications between end users, the end
users having access to Internet-enabled communications systems, at
least one destination end user having a non-Internet related unique
identifier associated with multiple Internet addresses for
different Internet-enabled communications systems and the method
including the steps of: providing a directory service (DS),
residing on a data network, containing the unique identifiers and
associated Internet addresses; and one of the end users causing a
communications application to send to the DS a request for
resolution containing the one unique identifier for the destination
end user; the DS resolving the one unique identifier to one of the
multiple Internet addresses based on information contained within
the request to determine which one Internet address is associated
with a given communications system; and wherein end users are
charged for registering with the DS.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
09/226,901, filed on Jan. 8, 1999, and a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Ser. No. 09/092,764, filed on Jun. 5, 1998, to which priority
is claimed and which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a directory service for
enabling communications over a data network such as the Internet,
and more particularly to the use of a unique identifier (for
example, a PSTN telephone number) with this directory as a means
for acquiring the associated data network address information for
an intended recipient of a communication.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a well-known
and pervasive communications network that utilizes unique telephone
numbers for setting up telephone calls. Millions of users all over
the world have been assigned unique telephone numbers; moreover,
users understand how to set up telephone calls to desired
destinations by dialing such numbers. Originally conceived to carry
real-time voice communications, the role of the PSTN has expanded
to include other types of communications as well, including data.
Facsimile is a well-known example of data communication over the
PSTN.
[0004] The Internet, a data network, has more recently become
well-known and pervasive. Unlike the PSTN which utilizes circuit
switched technology, the Internet utilizes a packet switched
technology. Compared to circuit switched networks, packet switched
networks are commonly acknowledged to be far more efficient for the
transport of information. Generally, charges for use of the PSTN
are time based (i.e., cents per minute of use) whereas charges for
use of the Internet are usually flat monthly fees. Reflecting its
increased efficiency, the cost for use of the Internet is less than
that of the PSTN. As a further distinction between the two, the
Internet utilizes an addressing structure completely different from
the PSTN. It employs unique domain names (c.g., "xyz.com") and
associated, unique Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (e.g.,
"249.123.356.295") for establishing packet based communications
between systems. Note that, like the PSTN, the Internet can be used
to carry voice communications; however, a PSTN telephone number
cannot be used to set up a telephone call on the Internet.
[0005] In general, the lure of communication via the Internet,
compared to communication via the PSTN, is lower cost to the end
user. Thus, in order to reduce costs, individuals and businesses
seek to shift more and more communications traffic from the PSTN to
the Internet. Such "traffic" may include real-time voice, fax,
voicemail, unified messaging, etc. Today, many "Internet enabled"
communication systems exist which allow the transport of such
traffic over the Internet. Normally, such systems accept a standard
telephone number from a user to address a communication. They then
consult either an internal directory or other local directory to
translate the telephone number into the required Internet Protocol
(IP) address of the destination system. Unfortunately, such
internal or local directories (databases) are, by their nature,
very restricted in scope. For example, they may meet the need for
communications occurring within a company, but the IP addresses for
systems outside the company (remote addresses) will likely exist
only for a limited number of frequently dialed destinations. If an
IP address is unavailable in the local database, the communication
is typically handed off to the PSTN. An ancillary problem exists
with purely local directories: it is difficult to maintain accurate
information on remote addresses due to the frequent movement of
individuals both within a given company and between different
companies.
[0006] In summary, the restricted addressing capability of a local
directory severely circumscribes the utility of these new
IP-enabled communication systems. The limited information contained
in such local directories results in many call diversions to the
PSTN, and further, increased administration costs associated with
maintaining local databases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus
designed to simplify communication between end users (source and
destination) on a data network. More specifically, the invention
provides a database on a data network to relate a unique identifier
attached to a user, to a data network address by which the user may
be reached. Presumably, the unique identifier is one readily
available to those desiring to communicate with the user. For
example, it may take the form of a telephone number by which the
user is commonly reached. According to one aspect of the invention,
a method is provided for registering a unique identifier and an
associated Internet address with a directory service (DS) that is
accessible on the Internet. The directory service can then be
accessed with a request for resolution of the unique identifier to
its associated Internet address, wherein the directory service
resolves the associated Internet address in response to the
request.
[0008] According to another aspect, an apparatus of the invention
comprises a directory service (DS), accessible via a data network,
of unique identifiers and associated data network addresses.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the unique identifier is a
telephone number, as provided by the PSTN. The data network may
take the form of the commonly available Internet. The directory
service would thus provide resolution of the telephone number of an
intended recipient, to an associated Internet address for the
intended recipient. The directory may also contain other
information which may be useful in setting up a communication link
between users. Such other information may also include particular
requirements of the destination system, for example, the required
format of a communication.
[0010] By way of example illustrated in FIG. 1, a method is
provided for contacting an end user on the Internet comprising the
steps of:
[0011] a first communication system (CS-1) 2 serving a first end
user (EU-1) 1 providing a telephone number of a second end user
(EU-2) 3 to a directory service (DS) 12 accessible via the Internet
10, the DS comprising a compilation of telephone numbers and
associated Internet addresses for end users;
[0012] searching the DS, based on the telephone number of EU-2, for
an associated Internet address of a second communication system
(CS-2) 4 serving EU-2; and
[0013] EU-1 contacting EU-2 via the Internet based on the
associated Internet address of CS-2.
[0014] If an Internet address is not available, the call is
completed via the PSTN 8.
[0015] The contacting step may comprise at least one of real-time
voice, voicemail, unified messaging, fax, or remote printing. An
Internet address is defined to include any one of a variety of
addressing mechanisms used in the Internet space. These include the
more commonly known Internet Protocol (IP) address generally
associated with an individual piece of equipment (an IP enabled fax
machine, for example), the Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP)
e-mail address, and the Voice Profile for Internet Mail (VPIM)
voicemail system address. Thus, by way of example, the Internet
address of the recipient may be an IP address of an IP-telephone of
CS-2, an IP address of an IP-mobile phone of CS-2, an IP address of
an IP-PBX of CS-2, a VPIM address of a voicemail system of CS-2, an
SMTP address of a unified messaging system of CS-2, an SMTP address
of an e-mail system of CS-2, an IP address of a fax machine of
CS-2, or an IP address of a printer of CS-2. For purposes of
clarification, an IP-PBX is a Private Branch Exchange telephone
switch which contains a connection to the Internet as well as
traditional connections to the PSTN. Normally, a PBX is located on
a customer premises.
[0016] The method and apparatus of the invention is provided to
multiple end users, wherein each user may be charged a fee for
being listed (registered) in the directory service (DS) or a fee
for utilizing the DS. This fee may be for example a fixed fee,
either on a one-time basis or periodic, or a fee based on the
amount of usage of the DS. According to another aspect of the
invention, a method is provided comprising free registration of end
users in the DS and a fixed fee is billed only to those users who
are determined to be "active users" of the DS. In one embodiment,
an active-user is defined as a user record that is requested by a
communications device in a predetermined period of time, e.g., at
least once per month. Further alternatives are no fee for
registration or usage, but a fee to advertisers for including
advertisements with the service.
[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus
is provided comprising:
[0018] an external directory service (DS) accessible via the
Internet;
[0019] the DS comprising registered unique identifiers and
associated Internet addresses; and
[0020] an interface to the DS for multiple Internet-enabled
communication systems.
[0021] The multiple communication systems may include, for example,
Internet enabled PBX, voicemail, fax, unified messaging, and remote
printing systems. Each of these systems may contact the directory
service using one or more different protocols, such as Lightweight
Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) or Domain Name System (DNS), to
resolve the registered unique identifier to an associated Internet
address.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, a method and
apparatus are provided for associating more than one Internet
address with a single unique identifier. In this case, each
Internet address would relate to a different type of communications
system. The directory service would use information contained
within the request to determine which Internet address is the
proper one for a given system. In a preferred embodiment, a single
telephone number can be related to: an Internet address for a
real-time voice communications system (for example an IP-PBX, IP
telephone or IP wireless telephone); an Internet address for a
voice messaging communications system (for example a VPIM enabled
voicemail system); an Internet address for a unified-messaging
system; an Internet address for an e-mail system; and an Internet
address for a fax machine or a network printer.
[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, a method and
apparatus are provided for registering end users with the directory
service. The end user registry may be based upon a unique
identifier, e.g., a telephone number, and associated Internet
address. A single end user, or an administrator for a group of end
users, may contact the directory service via a web browser and
utilize Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP) to access the
registration service.
[0024] These and other features of the present invention will be
more particularly described with respect to the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of two alternative
communication networks, the PSTN and the Internet; it shows the
Internet accessibility of the directory service (DS) of this
invention and the Internet connectivity between the sending
(source) and the receiving (destination) communication systems.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an example of a directory service (DS) record for
an end user showing various types of information that the DS may
contain.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the components of the DS
and its interface with an IP-PBX sending system and an IP-PBX
receiving system.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of certain physical components
of one embodiment of the DS.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the interaction of various
communication systems with the DS.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the sequence of events which
occur in one embodiment when an IP-PBX requests resolution of a
unique identifier.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of the sequence of events which
occur in one embodiment when a voicemail system requests resolution
of a unique identifier.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the sequence of events which
occur in one embodiment when an administrator bulk loads
information into the DS database.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the sequence of events which
occur in one embodiment when an individual user modifies
information in the DS database.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The Directory Service
[0035] A "data network" is defined as a network designed for the
efficient transport of data and which carries that data in a
digital form in packets or cells. This is contrasted with the
circuit switched network structures used by the world-wide Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
[0036] An internet is one type of data network. Physically, an
internet is a collection of packet switching networks
interconnected by gateways along with the protocols that allow them
to function logically as a single, large, virtual network. When
written in upper case, Internet refers to the collection of
networks and gateways that use the TCP/IP protocol suite and
function as a single, cooperative virtual network. The Internet
provides universal connectivity and three levels of network
services; unreliable, connectionless packet delivery; reliable,
full duplex stream delivery; and application level services like
electronic mail that build on the first two. See D. Comer,
Internetworking With TCP/IP, vol. 1, p. 492-493, Prentice-Hall Inc.
(1991). Most of the written information about TCP/IP and the
Internet, including its architecture, protocols, and history can be
found in a series of reports known as "Requests For Comments" or
RFCs. RFCs are available electronically from the Internet Network
Information Center (NIC) at service@nic.ddn.mil. See D. Comer at
pp. 447-475 for a list of RFCs arranged by topic.
[0037] A "network address" designates, in general, a destination
address on a data network. It includes an "Internet address"
wherein Internet address includes Internet Protocol (IP) Address,
SMTP e-mail address, VPIM address, or any one of a variety of other
address protocols used on the Internet. The term Internet address
may also include any additional information which may be required
by communication systems to establish communication links over the
Internet.
[0038] An Internet protocol (IP) address is a 32-bit address
assigned to hosts that want to participate in a TCP/IP internet. IP
addresses are the abstraction of physical hardware addresses just
as an internet is an abstraction of physical networks. An IP
address consists of a network portion and a host portion. This
partition enables efficient routing of packets.
[0039] To further define terms which may be unfamiliar, a PBX is a
Private Branch Exchange telephone switch; it is normally installed
at a customer site and is used to provide telephone service
internal to the site as well as service to the outside world via
the PSTN. An IP-PBX is a similar device which contains a connection
to the Internet as well as the traditional connections to the PSTN;
it is thus capable of connecting calls, either via the Internet or
the PSTN. A Centrex system performs a service similar to a PBX; in
this case, however, the equipment performing the switching function
is located with the local telephone service provider. Centrex
service provides a customer with "PBX-like" capabilities but on a
fully outsourced basis. An IP-Centrex system also contains a
connection to the Internet; it is thus capable of connecting calls,
either via the Internet or the PSTN. In the provision of telephone
service, all telephones and PBX's within a local area are connected
to a central switching facility called a Central Office (CO). The
CO provides connectivity for telephones within the local area; it
also connects calls to areas beyond the local area via the PSTN. An
IP-CO is connected to the Internet as well as the PSTN, allowing it
to complete calls beyond the local area by either type of network.
An IP-CO may be utilized by a local phone company or by an
alternative network carrier like a cable TV company to provide IP
based communication services.
[0040] The "directory service" (DS) is a directory that resides on
a data network such as the Internet. It converts "unique
identifiers" (for example, standard telephone numbers) into
corresponding network addresses (for example, IP addresses). The
service allows a communication system (for example, an IP-PBX) to
utilize the Internet as a communication carrier alternative to the
PSTN, while allowing end users to utilize non-Internet related
unique identifiers (e.g., telephone numbers) as a common addressing
scheme. The location of the physical directory may be centralized
or distributed on the data network according to the needs of the
users, the provider of the DS (e.g., a commercial entity that
maintains and bills for registration and/or access to the DS), or
the technology employed.
[0041] Examples of communication systems that could utilize the DS
to convert a unique identifier into an Internet Address include,
among others:
[0042] IP enabled PBX systems
[0043] IP enabled Centrex systems
[0044] IP enabled Central Office systems
[0045] IP enabled telephones
[0046] IP enabled wireless phones (mobile phone or cell phone)
[0047] IP enabled voicemail systems
[0048] IP enabled fax machines
[0049] Unified messaging systems
[0050] Remote printing systems
[0051] Examples of unique identifiers that communication systems
might use to identify a station set, person, place or organization
include, among others:
[0052] Telephone numbers
[0053] Random unique numbers
[0054] Personal identity codes
[0055] Social Security Numbers
[0056] Recorded spoken name
[0057] Voice prints
[0058] Finger prints
[0059] Retina scans
[0060] In various DS embodiments, one or more of these identifiers
are used to search the DS database and locate an associated network
address.
[0061] Examples of data network address information that could be
stored in the DS and utilized by various communication systems
include, among others:
[0062] IP (Internet Protocol) addresses
[0063] SMTP/MIME (Simple Mail Transport Protocol/Multiple Purpose
Internet Mail Extension) addresses
[0064] VPIM (Voice Profile for Internet Mail) addresses
[0065] A variety of other information may be included in the DS
database, such as the following exemplary record of one end
user:
[0066] Full Name
[0067] Title {Dr., Miss, Mr., Mrs., Ms.}
[0068] First
[0069] Middle
[0070] Last
[0071] Suffix {I, II, III, Jr., Sr.}
[0072] Nickname
[0073] Spoken Name
[0074] Personal
[0075] Birthday
[0076] Spouse's Name
[0077] Anniversary
[0078] Photo
[0079] Company
[0080] Job Title
[0081] Employee Type
[0082] Employee Identifier
[0083] Department
[0084] Group
[0085] Profession
[0086] Manager
[0087] Assistant
[0088] Photo
[0089] User Name
[0090] Business Address
[0091] Street
[0092] City
[0093] State/Province
[0094] Zip/Postal code
[0095] Country/Region
[0096] Mail Stop
[0097] Building/Floor
[0098] Office Number
[0099] Home Address
[0100] Street
[0101] City
[0102] State/Province
[0103] Zip/Postal code
[0104] Country/Region
[0105] Other Address
[0106] Street
[0107] City
[0108] State/Province
[0109] Zip/Postal code
[0110] Country/Region
[0111] Business Phone
[0112] Business Mobile
[0113] Business Fax
[0114] Business Pager
[0115] Home Phone
[0116] Home Mobile
[0117] Home Fax
[0118] E-mail Address
[0119] Web Address
[0120] VPIM Address
[0121] VoIP Address
[0122] Certificates/Digital ID's
[0123] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of such a record stored in the
directory service. The information in each record would be indexed
(mapped) to enable searching and resolution of requests based on
various combinations of inputs/outputs.
[0124] The DS database may also contain information related to the
destination (addressed) communication systems or devices. For
example, the unique identifier (telephone number) may correspond to
an IP enabled fax machine. In this case, the database would, in
responding to the inquiry, include information indicating the
nature of the destination machine and the required format of the
communication (i.e., TIFF). As another example, the unique
identifier may correspond to a networked printer. In this case, the
database response would include the proper printer format for the
communication. More generally, each type of communication system
may have a unique formatting requirement for the communication it
receives. The DS, in responding to an inquiry, will so notify the
inquirer (source) to be sure the communication is properly
formatted for the receiving system.
[0125] FIG. 3 is a diagram of one embodiment of the directory
service (DS) 12 comprising a computer that contains a database 19
(of records 24) and associated interface modules including HTTP
module 13, LDAP module 15, and DNS module 17. The interface modules
contain programs for accessing the database and interfacing with
various communication applications that utilize the directory
service. In this regard, HTTP stands for Hypertext Transport
Protocol, LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol,
and DNS stands for Domain Name System. All of these well-known
communication protocols enable communication systems to contact the
DS; this will be described in greater detail below in regard to
FIG. 5.
[0126] Two end users in FIG. 3 are represented schematically as a
source communication application IP-PBX A (26), and a destination
IP-PBX B (an IP-PBX is a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) containing a
connection to the Internet). The source A and destination B are
connected to one another through the Internet 10. Dashed lines 29
denote that each IP-PBX 26 and 28 is a Private Branch Exchange
residing on a customer premises, as opposed to being a part of the
public Internet 10. An IP-PBX is just one example of a
communication system that may access the DS to resolve a
destination telephone number into an associated Internet address.
The DS may return different address information for the same unique
identifier based on the type of communication application accessing
the service, the contents of the request, and/or the information
contained in the directory for a particular end user. FIG. 5
illustrates various such communication systems including PBX system
50, voicemail system 52, unified messaging system 54, and remote
printing system 56. In addition, end user 58, singly and/or as an
administrator 60 of a group of end users, has access to the DS to
enable registration and updating of records 24 in database 19.
[0127] Thus, the DS accepts a standard telephone number and returns
an Internet address for a destination communication system or
device, along with other pertinent destination information if
available. The directory service supports a variety of applications
and/or services including those described in summary form below;
additional details are provided later in this specification.
[0128] Voice Messaging Application
[0129] Sending a Voicemail Message Via A Data Network
[0130] User A at Company A desires to send a voicemail message to
User B at Company B. User A accesses his voice mail system (VMS)
and via a telephone keypad, enters a unique identifier (for
example, a telephone number) corresponding to the recipient, User
B, and records a message. The VMS A at Company A must now arrange
for the transport of the message to VMS B at Company B. VMS A first
reviews its internal database to determine if it contains an
Internet address (for example, a VPIM address) corresponding to the
unique identifier entered by User A. If it does not, it contacts
the DS via the Internet for the information. Using the Internet
address obtained from the DS, VMS A sends the recorded message via
the Internet to the recipient, User B, at VMS B. Note that the PSTN
is nowhere engaged in this transaction, thus all time dependent
telecommunication charges normally associated with placing a
telephone call are avoided.
[0131] The DS invention solves an addressing problem in this
application. A voice mail system, by design serving a limited
constituency, likely contains in its memory only a small fraction
of the VPIM addresses it requires to complete calls. The DS,
accessible through the Internet, contains a comprehensive database
of such addresses and makes them available to all registered users
of the service. Moreover, it is capable of translating any unique
identifier into an address format specific to the receiving
machine--in this case, translating a telephone number into a VPIM
address. The DS thus allows communication links to be established
over the Internet between disparate communication systems while
allowing end users to utilize unique identifiers such as PSTN
telephone numbers as an addressing mechanism.
[0132] Forwarding, Broadcasting or Replying to a Voicemail Message
Over a Data Network
[0133] Just as in the previous example of "sending a voicemail
message", all forms of voice messaging over the Internet require
that a VMS convert a unique identifier like a telephone number into
an appropriate Internet address. In all voice messaging
applications, the DS invention solves an addressing problem of
converting a unique identifier into the Internet address necessary
to support the voice messaging application. In these examples, the
DS, accessible through the Internet, contains a comprehensive
database of VPIM addresses and makes them available to all
registered users of the service. Moreover, it is capable of
translating any unique identifier into an address format specific
to the needs of the receiving machine--in this case, translating a
telephone number into a VPIM address.
[0134] IP-PBX Application
[0135] An IP-PBX is an Internet Protocol enabled Private Branch
Exchange telephone system that is capable of setting up telephone
calls either over the Internet using IP technology or over the
Public Switched Telephone Network using circuit switched
technology. Alternatively, an IP-telephone is a telephone device
that is also capable of sending and receiving telephone calls using
the Internet or the PSTN.
[0136] User A, connected to an IP-PBX phone system, dials a
telephone number for a destination party located outside of User
A's IP-PBX phone system. The IP-PBX first accesses its internal
directory to determine if a corresponding IP address is available
for the destination IP-telephone or IP-PBX. Finding none, it then
consults the DS via the Internet for the required information.
Other supporting information may also be requested including: a
list of relevant communication protocols, spoken name of the
destination party, etc. If the IP address is available, the
Internet is used to connect the call, bypassing the PSTN and its
associated time dependent costs.
[0137] The DS invention solves an addressing problem in this
application. An IP-PBX, by design serving a limited constituency,
likely contains in its memory only a small fraction of the IP
addresses it requires to complete calls. The DS, accessible through
the Internet, will contain a comprehensive database of IP addresses
and make them available to all users of the service. Moreover, it
is capable of translating any unique identifier into an address
format specific to the needs of the receiving machine--in this
case, translating a telephone number into a IP address.
[0138] IP-Centrex Application
[0139] An IP-Centrex system is capable of setting up telephone
calls either over the Internet using IP technology or over the
Public Switched Telephone Network using circuit switched
technology.
[0140] User A, connected to an IP-Centrex phone system, dials a
telephone number for a destination party located outside of User
A's IP-Centrex phone system. The IP-Centrex system first accesses
its internal directory to determine if a corresponding IP address
is available for an IP-enabled telephone system at the destination.
Finding none, it then consults the DS via the Internet for the
required information. Other supporting information may also be
requested from the DS including: a list of relevant communication
protocols supported by the destination, spoken name of the
destination party, etc. If an IP address is available, the Internet
is used to connect the call, bypassing the PSTN and its associated
time dependent costs.
[0141] The DS invention solves an addressing problem in this
application. An IP-Centrex system by design, serving a limited
constituency, likely contains in its memory only a small fraction
of the IP addresses it requires to complete calls. The DS,
accessible through the Internet, will contain a comprehensive
database of IP addresses and make them available to all users of
the service. Moreover, it is capable of translating any unique
identifier into an address format specific to the needs of the
receiving machine--in this case, translating a telephone number
into a IP address. The DS thus allows communication links to be
established over the Internet between disparate communication
systems while allowing end users to utilize unique identifiers such
as PSTN telephone numbers as an addressing mechanism.
[0142] IP Central Office (IP-CO) Application
[0143] An IP-CO is an Internet Protocol enabled Central Office
telephone system that is capable of setting up telephone calls
either over the Internet using IP technology or over the Public
Switched Telephone Network using circuit switched technology.
[0144] User A, connected to an IP-CO telephone switch, dials a
telephone number for a destination party located outside of User
A's IP-CO local calling area. The IP-CO first accesses its internal
directory to determine if a corresponding IP-address is available
for an IP-enabled telephone system at the destination. Finding
none, the IP-CO then consults the DS via the Internet for the
required information. Other supporting information may also be
requested including: a list of relevant communication protocols,
spoken name of the destination party, etc. If an IP-address is
available, the Internet is used to connect the call, bypassing the
PSTN and its associated time dependent costs.
[0145] The DS invention solves an addressing problem in this
application. An IP-CO, by design, serving a limited constituency,
likely contains in its memory only a small fraction of the IP
addresses it requires to complete calls. The DS, accessible through
the Internet, will contain a comprehensive database of IP addresses
and make them available to all users of the service. Moreover, it
is capable of translating any unique identifier into an address
format specific to the needs of the receiving machine--in this
case, translating a telephone number into a IP address. The DS thus
allows communication links to be established over the Internet
between disparate communication systems while allowing end users to
utilize unique identifiers such as PSTN telephone numbers as an
addressing mechanism.
[0146] IP-Telephone Application
[0147] An IP-telephone is a telephone device that is capable of
sending and receiving communications using the Internet or the PSTN
for connectivity to other systems. The IP-telephone may be either a
wireline or a wireless variety.
[0148] Using a standard PSTN number, User A dials a telephone
number for a destination party. The IP-telephone first accesses its
internal directory to determine if a corresponding IP-address is
available for the destination system. Finding none, it then
consults the DS via the Internet for the required information.
Other information required to complete the communication may also
be requested at this time (i.e., a list of relevant communications
protocols supported by the receiver). If the IP address is
available, the Internet is used to connect the call, bypassing the
PSTN and its associated time dependent costs.
[0149] The DS invention solves an addressing problem in this
application. An IP-telephone likely contains in its memory only a
small fraction of the IP addresses it requires to complete calls.
The DS, accessible through the Internet, will contain a
comprehensive database of IP addresses and make them available to
all users of the service. Moreover, it is capable of translating
any unique identifier into an address format specific to the needs
of the receiving machine--in this case, translating a telephone
number into a IP address.
[0150] Unified-Messaging Application
[0151] A unified messaging application is a communication system
that allows end-users to access multiple forms of messages through
either a common PC interface or a common telephone interface. Some
of the more prevalent features of unified messaging applications
are the ability to retrieve both e-mail and voicemail messages over
the phone and the ability to send both e-mail and voicemail
messages to destinations over the Internet in an e-mail format.
Spoken e-mail is a term that refers to a voice message that is sent
to a destination in an e-mail format--hence "spoken" e-mail.
[0152] User A accesses a unified-messaging system or application to
send, forward or broadcast a spoken e-mail message to a destination
party(s), User B. User A records a voice message and enters a
telephone number to identify User B. The unified-messaging
application first accesses its internal directory to determine if a
corresponding Internet e-mail address is available for the
destination telephone number(s) entered by User A. Finding none,
the unified-messaging system accesses the DS via the Internet to
determine if an e-mail address corresponding to the telephone
number(s) is available for the destination party. At the same time,
the unified-messaging system may request message format options
acceptable to the destination communication system. If an e-mail
address is available, the unified-messaging system formats the
spoken e-mail message in a format that is acceptable to the
destination e-mail system and sends the message via a data network
to the destination e-mail address.
[0153] The DS invention solves an addressing problem in this
application. A unified-messaging application likely contains in its
memory only a small fraction of the world's Internet e-mail
addresses it requires to complete message transmissions. The DS,
accessible through the Internet, contains a comprehensive database
of such addresses and makes them available to all users of the
service. Moreover, it is capable of translating any unique
identifier into an address format specific to the needs of the
receiving machine--in this case, translating a telephone number
into an e-mail address.
[0154] Remote Printing Application
[0155] This application allows a document transmitted over the
Internet to appear in printed form at the destination location.
This contrasts with another well-known messaging application,
e-mail, in which the message appears at the destination in
electronic format and is viewed on a display device such as a CRT
or LCD display. In this latter case, a printed version of the
document requires discrete action on the part of the receiver.
Several alternative versions of this application are possible:
[0156] A user inserts a document into a standalone networked
scanning device (for example, a Hewlett-Packard Digital Sender) and
keys in a destination telephone number. The scanner first accesses
its internal directory to determine if a corresponding Internet
address is available for a destination printer assigned to the
telephone number entered by the user. Finding none, it then
consults the DS via the Internet for the IP address of a printer
associated with the keyed-in telephone number. At the same time it
may request the requisite printer driver information for the
destination printer. The device then scans the document, formats it
properly, and sends it via the Internet to the destination printer.
The printer prints the document. At no time does the document
reside at the destination in electronic format.
[0157] Alternative 1. The destination telephone number is that of a
network enabled fax machine. When contacted, the DS relays this
fact as well as the requisite IP address to the scanner. The
scanner formats the document as a fax (for example, as a TIFF file)
and sends it via the Internet to the destination fax machine. At no
time is the PSTN utilized in the transaction; thus all associated
time-dependent telephone charges are avoided.
[0158] Alternative 2. The source of the document is a PC. The
document may be in any electronic format (e.g., Microsoft Word,
Excel or image format such as TIFF or a bitmap). An application on
the PC allows the user to request that the document be printed at
the destination rather than appear in electronic format such as
e-mail. The user inputs a unique identifier (for example, a
telephone number) corresponding to the individual who is destined
to receive the document. Using the Internet, the application on the
PC relays the unique identifier to the DS along with a request for
printer information. The DS responds with the IP address and
related driver information of a printer proximate to the person
owning the unique identifier. The PC application properly formats
the document and sends it via the Internet to the destination
printer. In addition, it may create a cover sheet for the document
and include the name of the recipient, the number of pages in the
document, a short message and other relevant information. The
destination output device in this alternative may also be a fax
machine, as described above.
[0159] The DS invention solves an addressing problem in this
application. A remote printing application likely contains in its
memory only a small fraction of the addresses it requires to
complete message transmissions. The DS, accessible through the
Internet, contains a comprehensive database of such addresses and
makes them available to all users of the service. Moreover, it is
capable of translating any unique identifier into an address format
specific to the needs of the receiving machine--in this case,
translating a telephone number or e-mail address into the IP
address required to access the destination printer. Further, the DS
provides to the sender the appropriate printer drivers required by
the destination printer.
[0160] Web Registration/Administration
[0161] A variety of mechanisms are available to accomplish the
registration and administration of end user telephone numbers, IP
addresses and other information within the directory. Two
registration modes will be considered--bulk and individual. Bulk
registration of telephone numbers and associated information
provides the ability to supply the directory service with
potentially large quantities of data. The information is first
transformed into one of the supported directory service file
formats (comma delimitated, LDIF); it is then transferred to the DS
using either File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or specially designed
capabilities on the DS Web site. Registration and administration of
individual users is accomplished by commonly accepted means from a
DS Web site.
[0162] Resolving Telephone Numbers to IP Addresses
[0163] In one embodiment of the invention, the unique identifier
submitted to the directory service is a PSTN telephone number; this
is resolved (translated) by the system into a related Internet
address. Fortunately, the format of telephone numbers worldwide
adhere to a standard controlled by International Telecommunications
Union (ITU) standard E.164. This standard helps make the DS
resolution (translation) task predictable and thus minimizes its
complexity. For example, an E.164 telephone number has a
hierarchical structure, arranged in terms of country code which is
1 to 3 digits long, followed by a national designation. The
national designation is defined by the particular country's
numbering plan.
[0164] Earlier, a DNS interface to the DS was discussed as a viable
access mechanism. However, a tractable system to enable translation
of an E.164 telephone number with DS software requires the creation
of a new name space or domain on the Internet. Ideally this would
be a new generic top-level domain called ".tel" (i.e., the
equivalent of .com or .gov). The Internet Corporation for
Assignment of Names and Numbers (ICANN) controls the assignment of
Root Domain Servers and the Generic Top Level Domains. Existing
Generic Top Level Domains include:
1 .com commercial business .org non-profit organizations .net
networks .edu educational institutions .gov government bodies .mil
military
[0165] ICANN, accessible via the Internet at www.icann.org, can be
petitioned to adopt tel as an additional generic top level domain.
As an alternative, the DNS component of the DS can be implemented
by using a sub-domain within one of the existing Generic Top Level
Domains with no approval required by ICANN.
[0166] The format of a standard E.164 telephone number can be
modified for use by DNS software. By reversing the order of the
elements, the DS will resolve from the most specific to the most
general. By separating each digit in the national designation, one
may construct an appropriate protocol without regard to or
knowledge of nationally specific numbering plans. For example, in
one system to translate the telephone number 1-800-555-1212 into an
address, the software reverses the E.164 elements (i.e., country
code, area code, local exchange and extension) and appends the
".tel" generic top level domain identifier. The resulting DS domain
name address becomes: "2.1.2.1.5.5.5.0.0.8.1.tel". Alternatively,
the DS would also accept the format: "8005551212.1.tel".
[0167] A directory interface based upon LDAP (Lightweight Directory
Access Protocol) provides another mechanism for efficient
resolution of a telephone number into an Internet address. LDAP
systems are typically used where quick responses to requests and
retrieval of relatively small amounts of information are required.
Additionally, the information is expected to change very little
over time (i.e., the information is static). By way of example, in
a private corporate network, LDAP has been used for accessing a
database of employee information--e.g., a first user enters a
coworker's name; the LDAP directory responds by providing
information such as the email address of the coworker, his/her
office location, a picture of the coworker, how many years the
coworker has been employed by the corporation, etc.
[0168] To resolve a telephone number into an Internet address, the
LDAP software will also reverse the E.164 elements, but in this
case, it need not append the ".tel" generic top level domain. In
the above example the LDAP address will have the form: CC=1, ED=8,
ED=0, ED=0, ED=5, ED=5, ED=5, ED=1, ED=2, ED=1, ED=2, where
ED=E.164 digit and CC=country code. LDAP would also accept the
format: CC=1, NSP=8005551212 where NSP=Nationally Significant
Part.
[0169] Implementation
[0170] The DS can be configured to run under Sun Cluster 2.1
Software on a group of Sun Enterprise Class Computer Servers using
RAID (redundant array of independent discs) based storage devices
(available from Sun Microsystems, Inc., 901 San Antonio Road, Palo
Alto, Calif. 94303 USA). These systems may be housed in an Internet
Data Center with fully redundant subsystems, such as multiple fiber
trunks coming from multiple sources, redundant power supplies, and
backup power generators. The DS site may also utilize firewall
technology to securely protect the information stored in the DS.
Such systems are commonly used in application such as those
described herein. Many variations will be apparent to those skilled
in this art.
[0171] By way of example, FIG. 4 shows two Sun Enterprise 4500
computer servers, each having 4-400 Mhz processors, 4 gigabytes
(GB) of memory and 18 GB of internal disk/storage. These are
connected through a Cisco Catalyst 5000 switch (available from
Cisco Systems, Inc., San Jose, Calif. USA) to various Sun 420R
devices, each having 2-450 Mhz processors, 2 GB of memory, and 18
GB of internal disk/storage. Two of these 420R devices are used for
each of the DNS, LDAP, and HTTP software. A Cisco Local Director 38
is connected to the switch 34, and a Sun storage array 5200, having
200 GB internal disk is connected to each of the Sun computer
servers 30, 32. This selection and arrangement of hardware and
software for implementing the directory service is given by way of
example only and not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0172] Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) provides
efficient transport in packet-based networks. LDAP software
components are available off-the-shelf from a variety of sources. A
recent release of LDAP, known as Oracle Internet Directory (OID)
version 3 compatible LDAP directory, is a super-scalable version
which permits a very large number of database entries (available
from Oracle, 500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood City, Calif. 94065, USA).
Any of the IP-PBX, voice mail, unified messaging and remote
printing applications may contact the directory service using LDAP.
The application accesses the directory service by making a function
call to an external LDAP directory.
[0173] These same applications can also update the directory
service with an up-to-date list of phone numbers and associated IP
address information via an LDAP interface. This LDAP directory
update software can be used to perform routine add/change/delete
updates with the directory service.
[0174] To enable easy access to the information in the directory,
one needs to know the structure of the directory database. The
following resources can be used for designing an interface which
accepts LDAP queries to the directory service: Java Server Pager
(JSP); Java Servlet, Apache Web Server; Java Naming and Directory
Interface (JNDI).
[0175] Sequence Diagrams Illustrating Access to Directory
Service
[0176] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of various
communications applications, e.g., IP-PBX 50, voicemail 52, unified
messages 54, and remote printing 56, along with end user 58 and
administrator 60, each of which can access DS 12 by one or more
Internet communication protocols including DNS, LDAP, and HTTP. In
this embodiment, the DS 12 includes a name service module 62,
accessible on line 51 with DNS messages from IP-PBX 50. It further
includes LDAP service module 66 connected by each of lines 49, 53,
55 and 57 to each of IP-PBX 50, voicemail 52, unified messaging 54
and remote printing 56. It further includes web service module 72
accessible on each of lines 59 and 61 with HTTP messages from end
user 58 and administrator 60. Within DS 12, web service 72 sends
LDAP messages on line 73 to LDAP service module 66. A
synchronization utility module 64 synchronizes the address
information in each of name service 62 and LDAP service 66. Billing
module 68 sends/receives LDAP messages on line 67 to/from LDAP
service module 66. A bulk load utility module 70, used for
registering large numbers of telephone numbers and associated
Internet addresses into the database, receives various electronic
messages from web service module 72 on line 71, and sends LDIF data
on line 69 to LDAP service module 66. The database 19, of
registered telephone numbers and associated Internet addresses,
sends and receives messages on line 75 to and from LDAP service
66.
[0177] The flow charts of FIGS. 6-9 will be used to illustrate the
sequence of operations and functionality of the various
aforementioned components of DS 12.
[0178] IP-PBX Performs Destination IP Address Lookup
[0179] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the IP-PBX (50 in FIG. 5) connects
to a top-level domain name system (DNS) service (62 in FIG. 5) to
obtain the IP address of the LDAP service (66 in FIG. 5) based on a
dialed telephone number. The dialed telephone number is supplied by
an end user connected to the IP-PBX 50. The DNS service 62 returns
the associated IP address of LDAP service 66 and logs the activity.
Once IP-PBX 50 has successfully retrieved the IP address of the
LDAP directory, it closes the connection to the DNS server 62 and
opens a connection to the LDAP service 66. It then sends a request
to resolve the telephone number of the destination IP-PBX to its
associated IP address, by querying the LDAP service. The LDAP
service retrieves the destination IP-PBX address from database 1.9,
and logs the activity. The source IP-PBX 50 then closes the
connection to DS 12 and continues to process a call to destination
IP-PBX with the associated IP address.
[0180] Voicemail Performs Destination VPIM Address Lookup
[0181] In the flow chart of FIG. 7, a source voicemail system
accesses the DNS service, similar to the process described with
respect to the source IP-PBX system in FIG. 6. Although this
connection is not illustrated in FIG. 5, it will be otherwise
described with regard to the flow chart of FIG. 7.
[0182] The voicemail system (52 of FIG. 5) connects to the top
level DNS server 62 to obtain the IP address of the LDAP service 66
based on a dialed telephone number--this is the same procedure as
described with respect to FIG. 6. The DNS service returns the IP
address and logs the activity. Once the voicemail system has
successfully retrieved the IP address of the LDAP directory, it
closes the connection to the DNS service and opens a connection to
the LDAP service 66. It then sends a request to resolve a telephone
number to the VPIM address of the destination mailbox by querying
the LDAP service 66. VPIM is a standard protocol, Voice Profile for
Internet Mail (VPIM), developed by the Electronic Messaging
Association (EMA), a group of independent voicemail and e-mail
manufacturers. VPIM allows different voicemail systems to transfer
messages to one another, even if each VMS is made by a different
manufacturer with its own proprietary protocol. VPIM is built on
top of the enhanced Simple Mail Transport Protocol/Multiple Purpose
Internet Mail Extension (SMTP/MIME) that allows each VMS to send
and receive messages, such as voice messages, to one another over
the Internet. The LDAP service 66 retrieves the destination VPIM
address from database 19, and logs the activity. The voicemail
system 52 closes the connection and continues processing the
voicemail message for transmission on the Internet to the
destination voicemail system.
[0183] Although not explicitly described herein, the unified
messaging system 54 and remote printing system 56 can utilize
similar flow sequences for resolving destination telephone numbers
to destination Internet addresses.
[0184] Administrator Bulk Loads Entries to DS Database
[0185] FIG. 8 is a flow sequence which illustrates the steps which
occur when an administrator (60 in FIG. 5) registers a large number
of telephone numbers and associated Internet addresses, into
database 19.
[0186] Administrator 60 accesses DS 12 via the web service 72. The
administrator provides a user name and password via a secure
connection to web service 72. The user name and password are
authenticated by LDAP service 66 and the web service then creates a
session for the user. Next, the web service retrieves a user entry
form from the LDAP service 66 and displays it back to the
administrator. The administrator now uploads a bulk user entry file
to the web service. The web service 72 inserts the file into the
bulk load utilities module 70 for batch processing. The web service
then displays to the administrator a job number and indication that
the administrator will be notified when processing is complete. The
bulk load utility 70 begins processing the entry by reformatting
the file into LDIF format and verifying its contents. The data is
then loaded into the LDAP service 66 and notification sent to the
administrator when complete.
[0187] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the bulk load utility 70
receives a file from web service 72, determines the format, and
converts it to an LDIF format; it then sends the LDIF data to LDAP
service 66. In an alternative embodiment, an administrator 60 may
send an LDIF file directly to web service 72, in which case
conversion is not required. As a further alternative, in cases
where it is only required to update a few records in DS 12, an end
user or administrator may send LDAP requests directly to the LDAP
service 66.
[0188] End User Updates A User Entry
[0189] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow sequence for an end user updating
a user entry via a web interface.
[0190] An end user (58 in FIG. 5) accesses the DS 12 via web
service 72 and provides a user name and password via a secure
connection. The user name and password are authenticated by the
LDAP service 66 and the web service 72 creates a session for the
user. Next, the web service retrieves a user entry (record) from
the LDAP service 66 and displays it back to the user. The user now
modifies the contents of the entry and submits the changes back to
the web service. The web service validates the contents of the
entry and updates the LDAP service. The web service displays a
successful completion of the update. The end user then logs off the
web service, the web service ends the session and displays to the
end user the successful log-off operation. In the above embodiment,
the source communication application can send either a DNS or an
LDAP request message to the DS 12. Two sources of data are
maintained in the DS 12, namely data in name service 62 and data in
LDAP service 66. Synchronization of the data is achieved by the
synchronization utility 64. This is accomplished by translating
LDAP database entries to Bind 8 DNS zone files. In an alternative
embodiment, the DS may have only one source of data. In this
alternative example, the DNS request would be translated to an LDAP
request and forwarded to the LDAP service 66, while the DNS service
62 waited for a response. The billing module 68 (see FIG. 5)
accesses the LDAP service 66 for a log of activity, e.g., number of
each users requests for resolution over a given time period. The
billing module 68 may then send each user a bill based on the
amount of their access. In an alternative embodiment, a monthly
registration fee may be charged to a user. Other aspects,
advantages, and modifications are also within the scope of the
following claims.
[0191] For example, a computer system provides a directory service
over a public computer network, the system including a computer
connected to the public computer network which performs the
following functions:
[0192] a) receiving an electronic transmission with at least one
telephone number and associated public network address from one or
more users;
[0193] b) entering in a database that is accessible to users via
the public computer network, the at least one telephone number and
associated public network address; and
[0194] c) maintaining the database for a predetermined time period
during which users may submit requests for resolution of the
telephone number to the associated public network address.
[0195] The computer may be a computer server, and the public
computer network may be the Internet. A user may access entries
from the database. The computer may include at least one interface
for receiving electronic transmissions from multiple communication
systems, including two or more of IP-PBX, IP-CO, IP-Centrex,
IP-telephone, IP-wireless phone, IP-voicemail, IP-fax, unified
messaging and remote printing systems. The computer may also
include a web site which provides information on the database to
users.
[0196] In another embodiment, a computer apparatus for a directory
service resolves a telephone number to an associated Internet
address. The apparatus includes a computer having a CPU and a
memory operatively connected to the CPU. The apparatus also
includes at least one interface process, adapted for communicating
with the computer, for transmitting to the computer a request for
resolution of a telephone number to an associated Internet address.
The memory in the computer contains a program, adapted to be
executed by the CPU, for resolving the request. The computer
receives the request from the interface process and resolves the
request.
[0197] In yet another embodiment, a method provides a directory
service for resolving a telephone number to an Internet address,
including the steps of:
[0198] inputting to a computer via a communication system, a
request for resolution of a telephone number to an associated
Internet address;
[0199] executing a program on the computer to resolve the request;
and
[0200] outputting the resolved Internet address from the computer
to the communication system.
[0201] In yet another embodiment, a system provides a directory
service and includes:
[0202] establishing by a customer an account with a provider of the
directory service (DS);
[0203] registering telephone numbers and associated Internet
addresses in the DS;
[0204] accessing the DS for resolution of a registered telephone
number to an associated Internet address; and
[0205] billing customers for accessibility to the DS.
[0206] In yet another embodiment, a method comprises:
[0207] registering a unique identifier and associated network
address with a directory service (DS), the DS being accessible via
a public data network; and
[0208] accessing the DS via the public data network with a request
for resolution of the unique identifier to the associated network
address, wherein the DS resolves the associated network
address.
[0209] In yet another embodiment, a system comprises:
[0210] an external directory service (DS) accessible via a public
data network;
[0211] the DS comprising registered unique identifiers and
associated data network addresses; and
[0212] an interface for the DS allowing multiple communication
systems to access the DS.
[0213] In yet another embodiment, a computer system provides a DS
over a public data network and includes a computer connected to the
public data network which performs the following functions:
[0214] a) receiving an electronic message with at least one unique
identifier and associated network address from one or more
users;
[0215] b) entering in a database that is accessible to users via
the public data network, the electronic message, and
[0216] c) maintaining the database for a predetermined time period
during which users may submit requests for resolution of the unique
identifier to the associated network address.
[0217] Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are also within
the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *
References