METHOD FOR VOICE ACTIVATED NETWORK ACCESS
Field and background of the invention
The present invention relates to a system and method for enabling voice activated network access, and voice activated access of independent network services, users and resources on single or multiple networks.
In both the wireline and wireless telecommunications worlds, a variety of services exist. These include but not limited to:
• Telephony based services, such as Person-to-Person calls, Call Centers, Banks, Airport information, Weather Information, Voice mail, Video conferencing etc.
• Cellular based services, such as independent internal information services, M- commerce, etc.
• Internet based services, such as WAP, Voice browsing, Call routing, Multimedia, E- commerce, email, etc.
These services combine Computer Telephony Integrated (CTI) technologies such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Text To Speech (TTS) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), which are already implemented and allow services, significantly saving time and money.
Wireline, wireless or Internet services are independent services. Wireline or wireless services are dialed into, and Internet services are linked into via a network connection. Some services allow a selection between a few types of databases or services all within a single platform, small or large, on a local or global scale.
The user, wireless or wireline, of the vast variety of services has to recall and/or dial a large number of telephone numbers or WWW addresses (bookmarks) for each
requested service. This may be a time-consuming and frustrating user experience, limiting the user to usage of pre-configured book marked services.
With regards to wireline access infrastructures to networks, access is typically enabled using copper wire connections, known also as pairs of tip and ring. The most commonly used network is the PSTN (switched) network where access is achieved via POTS lines. In parallel to the PSTN network there are a few types of DATA networks such as ATM, Frame Relay or IP. The DATA networks are usually accessed via ISDN, xDSL or the PSTN network.
With regards to wireless access infrastructures to networks, access is typically enabled using radio frequencies to communicate between the user and the network. The connection may be a WLL (Wireless Local Loop) type that emulates a standard PSTN or DATA network connection. A different type of wireless access is initiated via the cellular type of network interfaces typically known as TDMA, AMPS, CDMA or GSM.
Figure l(a,b) demonstrates atypical wireline or wireless network. The user 10 accesses the multitude of services via the local access switch 15, by dialing a specific number of a service provider 11 X, Y or Z. The user 10 also accesses other users resident on the network via a conventional telephone call, by dialing their uniquely allocated telephone numbers. The user 10 has to remember or to record (store) required numbers, and to be able to retrieve the numbers every time a service is required or a person needs to be contacted.
Figure lb demonstrates a typical wireless, or more particularly, Cellular network, which may enable more advanced, feature reach, access to network services, which are restricted to a service provider's own platform environment 18. This is referenced in the figure by a Z type of service 18. These services, such as WAP services, are accessible only to the users of the cellular network and are not accessible to users from other networks.
USA Patent 5,923,745 describes a system for routing calls to call centers (referred to as service providers). The system includes a plurality of call centers coupled to a public switched telephone network which supports a caller identification feature and a transfer feature. This invention focuses only on call center routing functions, and does not include voice web/internet connectivity functions. This invention makes no use of IN
(Intelligent Networks) efficiency, and nor does it offer the ability to transfer the voice call through the voice channel back into the switch, in order to save call center resources. This system requires a user to call into it, and therefore dialing into the system is always required.
USA Patent 5,418,844 describes a system for Automatic access to information service providers. The system utilizes a short dedicated code, such as an Nl 1 telephone number, which is used to access an information source selected from a large number of voice, data, facsimile and/or video services offered by information service providers. The invention also provides customized routing and call processing procedures for different customers and for accessing different providers' services. This system, however, is based on a quick dial only, but does not allow connections at the time when the user is in "off hook" mode without any key pressing. Moreover, this invention does not include voice recognition as the method for selecting a service. Furthermore, this invention requires users to know a selection of numbers and codes for accessing information, again dialing numbers and remembering access codes.
USA Patent 5,675,707, by AT&T, describes a system for automated call routing, called " how may I help you". This invention describes an automated call routing system and method, which operates on a call-routing objective of a calling party, expressed in natural speech of the calling party. This AT&T patent is a general patent that relates to the voice conversation dialogue, but does not relate to a network voice activated routing/connectivity function. The AT&T patent methodology is related to call center or portal information gathering with the help of voice. Connectivity functions attached to the central core of the network are not covered by AT&T patent.
None of the above described patents, and no known prior art technologies, provide for a system that enables voice-driven access and connectivity functions to networks, wherein the systems are located/attached to the switching center of the network. None of the known technologies provide for such a system that would enable hands free activated access to independent network services, users and resources on single or multiple networks.
There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a system that can enable voice-driven access of networks, in order to provide users with the tools required to use voice to navigate and communicate across single or multiple networks. Furthermore, there is a widely recognized need for a voice navigation system that is based in the heart of the network (such as a PSTN switch), so that it enables a transparent link that seamlessly blends/converges the legacy telecommunications network with the global information and data pool.
The present invention, in contrast to the above describes technologies, claims a simple connectivity selection and does not pretend to intelligently understand what the user is looking for. The present invention is based on a set of known or menu selected commands, and is not a dialogue-centered patent. The present invention is a system that may incorporate a system such as the AT&T invention (USA Patent 5,675,707) as a purchased component.
The present invention provides a solution for the above-mentioned challenges, by enabling a system that provides:
1. No more "dial tone", such that a radical change is executed for landline and wireless telecommunications, by replacing the dial tone with name/voice-based addressing. As dot-com addresses like Amazon.com, (rather than IP addresses like 181.203.174.6), enabled the WWW to become an information repository and a tool for commerce, so too the present invention eliminates the need to use numbers to connect to destinations, and enables telephone users to easily access voice-relayed data and information (the "voice web") and voice-based commerce ("v-commerce") services.
2. Natural Connectivity, such that users do not need to know the telephone number of a destination, when using the telephone, and where a user can connect to a friend, family, business associate or stockbroker by name and address. This more natural form of addressing enables carriers to offer new services like placement for searching/directory listings, and virtual PBXs that allow direct connectivity to an individual's extension within corporate phone networks, enhanced voice mail offerings and other services. According to this embodiment, there will is no more dial tone, and no need for numerical keypads; instead voice-activated 'Internet dialing" accesses voice-enabled "web sites"
and uses new voice-based applications and services for information retrieval and commerce.
3. Enabled Services including Spoken Navigation & Browsing: The present invention enables the following services: i. Voice navigation into call centers, voice portals, virtual PBX's and voice-activated services by picking up the telephone and saying the name of the entity. Connection is established via the system of the present invention (referred to in this document as, "Access Service Connectivity Platform") without the caller having to know the telephone number or web address of the organization's voice service. ii. Voice activated voice- web browsing - delivering voice connectivity to information and services where the caller wishes to receive information or obtain a service but does not know the service provider by name. This is equivalent to a voice-generated Internet browser. The caller navigates through voice activated databases until the desired content or service is located, after which the present invention makes a connection to the call center, service, or voice website.
4. The Need for Central Connectivity: The present invention provides for a centrally located voice connectivity facility that offers the infrastructure support needed for emerging voice-activated applications and services that are taking advantage of the latest innovations in voice recognition technology. Speech recognition technologies — particularly natural speech recognition — have sufficiently matured and stabilized to permit their cost-effective use of such a system as a central tool for distributing non- visual data. Almost every organization or company, whether commercial, governmental or non-profit, has its own Internet website as a means for communicating information and providing services to the world at large. The voice-activated Internet is in its early stages of creation and will probably overtake the computer-based Internet in terms of content and usage. This is due to the telephone's near-universal proliferation and its long history as a powerful medium for communication and providing services and information. The next-generation of voice activated systems must be simple to use and more importantly, simple to access. The present invention provides that simple access connectivity - enabling connectivity through the use of the human voice and "natural form addressing" to existing companies, call centers and next-generation voice-data services.
Furthermore, the present invention allows voice-activated requests to be made via any communications device, such as a mobile or regular telephone, requiring no product
upgrades or modifications. This is also referred to as a thin application, where the user or the end service provider do not have to upgrade their devices or infrastructure. The voice- activated platform of the present invention enables the human voice to be the locator and search device for dialing across traditional telecommunications networks and for browsing through the world's databases and service applications. The device of the present invention is located in the heart of the central offices of the wireline and wireless telephone service providers (that is, CLECs, ILECs, cellular, or CATV), with a highspeed, direct connection to the "connectivity engines" that are designed to process the "natural form addresses". By placing the present invention at the center of telecommunications infrastructure, the present invention enables connectivity between the largest populations of consumers and service/information providers located across in the world in a revolutionary fashion.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGURES la and b illustrate of a typical access to wireline and wireless networks with independent and dependant services.
FIGURE 2 is a generalized illustration of the location of the Access Service
Connectivity Platform, with respect to the different users and the globally distributed information. It reflects the integration and convergence of the wireline, wireless and the global information data pool, according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is an illustration of a single network Access Service Connectivity
Platform, according to the present invention.
FIGURE 4 is an illustration of a global Access Service Connectivity Platform, according to the present invention.
FIGURE 5 is an illustration of the Access service platform basic structure and building blocks.
FIGURE 6 is an illustration of the search hierarchy routine according to the present invention.
FIGURE 7 is an illustration of the search codes according to the present invention. Figure 7 also illustrates the basic contents of information on a service in the databases of the present invention.
FIGURE 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the speech prompt-based operation of the present invention.
FIGURE 9a is an illustration of a V5, GR303 implementation diagram.
FIGURE 9b is an illustration of V5, GR303 as part of the AN.
FIGURE 10 is an illustration of an ISDN (BRI, PRI) interface.
FIGURE 11 is an illustration of a detailed network layout, incorporating both present and next generation networks.
FIGURE 12 is an illustration of an Intelligent Network Fully redundant network.
Layout
FIGURE 13a is an illustration of the present invention integrated into a CATV network.
FIGURE 13b comprises two figures illustrating additional applications of the present invention in a CATV network.
Summary of the invention
The present invention relates to a system and method for enabling voice-activated access to networks, including voice-based navigation and data communication. This incorporates an integrated method utilizing both hardware and software located inside the network "cloud", which enables easy, intuitive access service connectivity to independent service providers and to other network users and resources, in both single and multiple networks.
Throughout this patent disclosure the following definitions are used: access service connectivity method-a method for voice-activated network access. Access Service Connectivity Platform (local and global)-The software and hardware platform on which the method will be implemented. This term describes the device, of the present invention, located within a box or engine within a communications network.
The Access Service Connectivity Platform provides for an intuitive method for network access by means of voice or key press technologies. The typical access technologies which are or may be used, are IVR (Interactive Voice Response), TTS (Text To Speech), ASR (Automated Speech Recognition), DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) and/or similar alternative or future access technologies. Network access service connectivity is done at the network level and may be provided by standard Central Office and Access technologies. The Access Service Connectivity Platform enables global connectivity access to any other globally located Access Service Connectivity Platform, for connection purposes.
The method is different from existing voice activated access methods, in that existing voice activated access methods are generally located at the edge of the network, at the user device, or implemented as a call center outside the network, as a service platform. Only the invented method, location within the heart of the network, enables every user of any network to gain Voice activated access to any particular network.
The method revolutionizes existing network access to information services, other users and service providers. Information service providers are limited to providing access to a single platform and within a single platform. The access service connection platform provides a connectivity method, but does not provide any single service. The Access Service Connectivity Platform routes the user to the desired destination using voice activation or key press.
Further embodiments of the present invention are possible implementations of the Access Service Connectivity Platform with DLCs (Digital Loop Carriers) and DSLAMs (DSL Access Multiplexors) or also known as IAD (Integrated Access Devices), with standards that emulate a direct connection between the user and the local exchange switch.
An additional embodiment of the present invention is where the Access Service Connectivity Platform is integrated into an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) network, also known as the CATV infrastructure. The Access Service Connectivity Platform adds voice-activated connectivity to the telephones, which are connected to the set-top boxes at the subscriber interface. The interface is used in a blocking fashion that interfaces between the voice circuits of the HFC network and the PSTN or PSDN switched
networks. The system also allows an alternate connection to the Internet with alternate billing options and alternate enabling applications. Such an interface also allows voice connection and control of other CATV resources using a handset or a microphone and a speaker which are connected to the set-top box.
The present invention additionally provides for the insertion of an additional device between the Access Network ("AN") and the Local Exchange ("LE"). This enables the ability to control every telephone call transferred from the local access to the Local Exchange switch. According to this embodiment, the Access Service Connectivity Platform can block the path of every telephone call between the AN and the.
Further embodiments of the present invention include implementations with networks, such as ISDN, using SS7 protocol, such that the Access Service Connectivity Platform is located outside the network cloud, but provides similar services to the implementation where the Access Service Connectivity Platform is located within the core of the network
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the Access Service Connectivity Platform is integrated into the Intelligent Network (L ) infrastructure, such that the Access Service Connectivity Platform will operate in both the circuit switched infrastructure or the packet transmission infrastructure. According to this implementation, the Access Service Connectivity Platform is in a redundant construction to ensure high reliability and close to zero down time.
Detailed Description of the invention
The present invention relates to a method for voice activated network access.
The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed.
Specifically, the present invention can be used to allow network access to users, in order to connect to one another and use the growing pool of information worldwide. The present invention incorporates an integrated method utilizing both hardware and software located inside the network "cloud", which enables easy, intuitive access service connectivity to independent service providers and to other network users and resources.
The principles and operation of a system and a method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description, it being understood that these drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting, wherein:
The following describes a method utilizing hardware and software within the network "cloud", which enables easy, intuitive and fast access service connectivity to independent service providers and to other network users or resources.
The Access Service Connectivity Platform, or present invention, can better be illustrated by first describing the traditional network connection method.
The existing process, as can be seen with reference to Figure la:
1. The network, via the local access switch 15, identifies when a user 10 is connecting to the network. In wireline telephony, this process is typically called off hook position. Typically, a set of DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi Frequency) signals, which are the type of audio signals that are generated when you press the buttons on a touch-tone telephone, identify the destination of the call sent to the network. The network receives a series of signals. Typically DTMF tones 12, where each tone identifies a digit.
2. The signals are transferred to a management layer of the network 13.
3. The calling party 10 is connected with the help of the management layer 13 in the network to the destination party.
4. As long as the call lasts, the management layer 13 checks the time or counts the packets of information for billing purposes. The call can be either a voice conversation or a data connection.
5. When the connection is terminated by one of the users, the management layer 13 of the network is notified and the call is terminated.
The presently invented method, demonstrating the global voice activated Access Service Connectivity Platform as it is applied in a typical PSTN network module, is illustrated with reference to Figures 2-4. As can be seen in Figure 2, the voice activated Access Service Connectivity Platform 22 is able to connect, receive and forward all communications from and to all wireline 24 and wireless 26 users. Figure 2 is a generalized illustration of the location of the Access Service Connectivity Platform 22with respect to the different users and the globally distributed information 20. It presents the integration and convergence of wireline and wireless users to the global data pool. The voice activated Access Service Connectivity Platform 22 may be located at heart or the edges of the network, however, it is preferably located within the Intelligent Network (IN) controlled center, so as to enable seamless and transparent integration into the existing communications network.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the Access Service Connectivity Platform and method of the present invention, in both single and global networks. These platforms enable the user to connect to another party according to the following steps:
1. The network (Network A), via a switch 31, identifies when a user 30 is connecting to the network, such that the telephone is considered to be in off hook mode. The connection may be direct or via a quick dial of a number by the user (such as DTMF). A user may similarly access the network via a service provider 33 using any Internet, Packet or other communications network.
2. The switch 31 relays the call to the core/backbone of network A 38, which subsequently transfers the call to the network's Access Service Connectivity Platform 32.
3. The Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 sends a greeting such as "Where can I connect you?". The greeting can be one or a combination of voice, text or data packets. The greeting can be followed by a dial tone, while barge-in functions for the user 30 are always available, such that the user 30 may execute commands at any time during or following the greeting, or during the dialog.
4. The network's Access Service Connectivity Platform 32waits for any keywords (voice commands) or key presses that will identify a destination that the user 30 requests, as called for in step 3. System can be also prompted by DTMF.
5. After receiving a response from the user, the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 searches a local database 34 for the requested call destination.
6. If the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 cannot clearly identify the call destination, it will start a voice dialogue with the initial user 30 for additional clarifying information. The dialogue can be aided with text and graphics, when applicable. The Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 subsequently connects the initial user 30 to the requested destination, such as user B 36 or service provider Y 33.
7. In the case where the initial user and the call destination, or second user, are in different networks, a global access connectivity database 44.1. 48.1 is used. This database includes references to the locations of other Access Service Connectivity Platforms. As can be seen in Figure 4 the global access connectivity database is accessed for connection to destinations that are external to the local network. The global destination may be defined as a country or a city, in which case a local access connectivity platform 42 of the country or city is accessed and used for identification of the exact final destination.
8. After the call destination has been identified, it is transferred to the management layer 43 of the network.
9. The calling party 30, 40 is connected to the second party 36, 46, or destination 45 in Network B, with the help of the management layer 49 in the network.
10. As long as the call lasts, the management layer 49 checks the time or counts the packets of information for charging purposes. The connection can be either a voice conversation or a data interchange.
11. When the connection is terminated by one of the users, the management layer 49 of the network is notified and the connection is terminated.
According to the above embodiment, it is evident that user B 36, 46 is directly connected to the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32, 47, and this user 36, 46 can use the local platform 32, 47 directly, without using the network backbone 38. The users 30, 36, and 40, 46 can be connected, via any communications device, including telephone, cellular, PC, to the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32, 47. These
connections are via the network, and enable the access of similar services whether access is through a local switch 31 or whether access is routed through the network's backbone 38. User A 30, 40 and User B 36, 46 have full access to all service providers (X, Y or Z) 33, 41 within the local Network A, as well as to all local service providers 45 in external networks.
Information about all service providers, users and network resources, which are local to the network, are stored on the local Access Service Connectivity Platform database 34, 44, 48. Information about global network access options for network A are stored on the globally located global Access Service Connectivity Platform database 44.1, an on network B, in the globally located global Access Service Connectivity Platform database 48.1. When the Access Service Connectivity Platform 42 on network A requires access to network B services, it will have to connect to the Access Service Connectivity Platform 46 of Network B. The USER 40 on network A will use the Network B Access Service Connectivity Platform 46 for searching and connecting to services which are local to Network B.
The method described directly above enables easy, intuitive and fast access to independent service providers and to other network users or resources, using voice commands only. When necessary system can add the usage of DTMF control. The typical technologies used for implementation are IVR, TTS, ASR, DTMF and/or additional or futuristic connectivity technologies. These technologies are prior art and the Access Service Connectivity Platform is using them as building blocks to enable intuitive connection within the network and between networks.
The above method refers to a typical PSTN network it can be implemented in alternative embodiments, with some variations, on a wireless network or via data network (for example, the Internet).
The Access Service Connectivity Platform software structure can be further illustrated by reference to Figure 5, which describes the basic building blocks of the Access Service Connectivity Platform. The platform has the following properties:
• The interface 58 to the network is achieved with a physical layer interface. For example when a telephone call is directed into the platform, it arrives on a channel on a V5 interface or PRI, BRI interface.
• The service routine 56 opens a dialogue with the user and searches the local 54 or global databases 53 for the call destination.
• The local database 54 includes the telephone numbers or links, which are used by the local user.
• The network management interface 57 is required to establish a connection after the destination has been identified. The network management interface 57 may require a separate physical link from the users' voice or data physical link.
• The Global database 53 contains the destinations of other access server connectivity platforms to allow global searches.
• Application Programming interfaces (APIs) are used for integration of external applications and services, including data entry, system setups, database management, etc., with the present invention.
The Local Database 34, 44, 48 and 54, is structured as follows, as can be seen in Figures 6 And 7:
• Figure 6 illustrates a typical composition of the database, from highest to lowest priorities for the search routines. The search starts at the highest priority database. Search of the lower priority databases is performed when a user asks for a yellow pages type of service or white pages type of service, which are typically hosted services. The priorities are defined by the service provider.
• A highly efficient implementation is to use a central location where different platforms can pull information from a central server containing the databases. This is done because of the need for fast processing when searching data sources such as yellow pages and white pages. Using a remote server alleviates the need to update all access connectivity platforms on a specific network
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the highest priority SERVICES cell structure in a Local database. Figure 6 describes the structure of a typical search routine. In the figure, it is shown how high, medium and low priorities are defined.
Figure 7 describes the structure of a cell that contains information about a specific service provider or user destination. The cell is created using a flexible database. This structure of the database enables the service provider to create a scalable and customizable database to determine search preferences, connection destinations data and priorities, visual information of texts and graphics where applicable. For example, the service provider may have a need to offer users access to an Access Service Connectivity Platform in multiple languages. This is primarily done in order to allow global access to platforms. An example of such cell structure contains:
• A series of search codes (or at least one search code) is assigned to types of services. For example one code or series of codes for banks, another for weather services and a third one for airport information. This enables faster searches within the databases. Also this allows the undertaking of remote searching in multiple languages.
• Each service may be described in the local language and/or in English.
• Each cell contains a telephone number and a WWW link. The selection between the two will have a priority setup to define which one of the two shall be used for the connection. The user can define during the search the preference of either a telephone number or a web link.
• The structure described in figure 7 allows a multilingual search. The multilingual search uses English as the reference language for global (international) searches.
• The use of real time text or voice translators is another option for allowing global searches. When the information about a service provider is entered in a local language (such as Chinese in China) it will also be entered in English for international searches.
• Information may be organized in the database in a fashion that allows listing of groups of services for the user for selection. For example a list of banks in a specific city as it is stored in the physical location code. The physical coordinates will allow a search for services according to their physical location or proximity to the user (relevant for cellular services, where the location of the user can be established accurately).
The Global database 53, described above is structured as follows
The global database is a small database that contains the locations of other Access Service Connectivity Platforms Other platforms may be accessed via the Internet or any other packet based mediums such as frame relay or ATM
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following method is an example of a user session Figure 8 illustrates in detail how a user accesses a virtual PBX, which resides on an Access Service Connectivity Platform The system provides connectivity within 2 or 3 layers/iterations of conversation. The following example shows connectivity with a virtual PBX
In layer 1 i Users picks up the phone and receives a greeting 80. ii A selection is then made from the main menu of a pre-configured company/business selection 81 iii. Confirmation 82 is performed on the selection
In layer 2. iv Selection 84 is performed, following the prompt 83 from the company/business database This selection may include a subscriber to a virtual PBX or provide selection of the business/company phone line or server. In this example, the companies database is searched for the selected company, v Confirmation 85 is performed for the selection vi. Connection 86 to company/business virtual PBX is executed. If the company/business does not have a registered virtual PBX on the system, the caller is connected to the company/business telephone line or server
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a voice activated network access system and method, wherein.
• A more natural usage of the telephony infrastructure is enabled
• The need to know telephone numbers is eliminated
• The replacement of the dial tone with a more natural interface
• The need for key press operations is eliminated.
• Enabling central connectivity solution with respect to existing voice activated enabling that resides at the user device (for example the phone) or at the end service device (for example call center or a voice portal)
• Benefits the ILEC, CLEC, Wireless service provider or the CATV service provider with added usage of networks that increases profitability
ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
Several other embodiments are contemplated by the inventors. For example, further embodiments of the present invention are possible implementations of the Access Service Connectivity Platform with DLCs (Digital Loop Carriers), DSLAMs (DSL Access Multiplexors) or integrated access devices (IADs) using V5-type, GR-303, and TR 008 interfaces. Most wireline and some wireless network interfaces use a series of worldwide-accepted protocols between the access and the local exchange switches. The ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute, Sophia Antipolis technical park, Nice, France, www.etsi.fr) standards used are V5.2 or V5.1, which are part of a series of protocols called the V5 set of protocols. Another leading standard is the GR-303 Bellcore (Telecordia) Standard. These standards emulate a direct connection between the user and the local exchange switch
The present invention also provides for the insertion of an additional device between the Access Network ("AN") and the Local Exchange ("LE"). This enables the ability to control every telephone call transferred from the local access to the Local Exchange switch. This additional device, located between the Access Network and the Local Exchange, is the Access Service Connectivity Platform of the present invention with V5-type, GR-303 or TR008 interfaces. In addition, the Access Service Connectivity Platform has a VoIP interface for IP telephony 90.1 connection and Internet access. In this way, the present invention enables integration of the Access Network (AN) into switched circuit (LE) and/or YoTP network
As can be seen in Figure 9a, the Access Service Connectivity Platform 94 can block the path of every telephone call between the AN 92 and the LE 90. When Access Service Connectivity Platform 94 is in the blocking mode, it is able to distinguish
lo
between Dual-Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF), data or voice commands. A DTMF or Data connection is consequently transferred directly to its destination without blocking the connection channel. When a voice connection is recognized, the channel may be blocked, and the voice-activated interface will initiate and conduct a dialogue with the user.
In a similar embodiment to the one described in Figure 9a the Access Service Connectivity Platform can be integrated into an Access Network device such as the Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) 97, as can be seen in Figure 9b. When the implementation is part of the AN 96 device it will reduce the number of V5-type interfaces from 2 to 1. Although this option can be a lower cost solution, it requires replacement of the AN 96 equipment. When Access Service Connectivity Platform 98 features are added to the AN 96, such as a DSLAM or DLC (also known as IAD, Integrated Access Device) 97, it can add an additional enabling feature of controlling the DSL link with a voice activated POTS link.
Further embodiments of the present invention include implementing the present invention externally to networks. This implementation of the platform of the present invention uses connections such as ISDN, VoIP and SS7. For example, some networks, such as cellular networks, do not have the V5 or GR-303 interface channels but they incorporate SS7 Interfaces. This can be seen in Figure 10, where a standard interface 100 using ISDN (BRI, PRI) may be used to allow the Access Service Connectivity Platform 101 to be accessible by users of these networks.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the Access Service Connectivity Platform is integrated into commonly distributed circuit switched networks with Intelligent Network (IN) management. Figure 11 illustrates the integration of the Access Service Connectivity Platform 110 into a next generation network, such as a packet network, also known as VoIP network. The Access Service Connectivity Platform 110 can operate in switched or Packet networks both independently or simultaneously. As can be seen in the figure, the Access Service Connectivity Platform 110 is placed within the present communications network, where it is connected to either a TDM Switch 112 or a proprietary switch 114 such as GSM, CDMA or TDMA, via SS7 + Voice Interface 111.
The Access Service Connectivity Platform 110 is also directly connected to the ATM/ IP Network 113, such that connection to present and future networks can be achieved simultaneously. This also enables migration of present networks to future networks while maintaining features and flexibility. The figure demonstrates the beneficial location of the service access connectivity platform 110 in the heart of the network.
Figure 12 shows a detailed view of the Access Service Connectivity Platform 125 integration into the Intelligent Network infrastructure. Access Service Connectivity Platform 125 is intentionally applied as a redundant construction, in order to ensure high reliability and close to zero down time. The voice circuits are supplied via the SSP 121, which is managed by the IN (Intelligent Network) 120.1. Connection to the IN network is done via a minimum of 2 STP circuits 123 for redundancy purposes. The system can be expanded with the addition of any of the components such as additional SIUs 126, additional Access Service Connectivity Platforms 125 and additional voice circuits 129. The system can also be expanded by increasing the bandwidth of IP circuits and ASR engines 128. The figure demonstrates the seamless connection of the telephone user with the voice switching network and the packet driven network.
Figures 13a,b illustrate the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 integration into an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) 131 network. Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 adds voice-activated connectivity to the telephones, which are connected to the set- top boxes 132 at the subscriber interface. The interface is used in a blocking fashion that interfaces between the voice circuits of the HFC network 131 and the PSTN or PSDN switched networks 133. The system also allows an alternate connection to the Internet with alternate billing options and alternate enabling applications. For example, the connection allows placing orders, such as ordering a movie, on the Internet by simply voice dialing 130.1 to the movie on demand provider and by controlling voice/visual menu selections from the movie on demand provider servers on the television screen 130.2. According to this embodiment, the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 is connected to the Set-top box (Cable TV device) 132 via the HFC and the Internet 133. Voice commands or voice prompting screen selections via a cable TV output device, can enable online navigation or services, such as ordering movies from an Internet located
service. The present embodiment may make use of the following protocols: V5.1,V5.2 N5X.X TR008 protocol and GR303 protocol
Emerging CATV networks will require telephony links which are based on existing V5/GR303/TS008 interfaces. These interfaces may easily be integrated within the scope of the present invention. Figure 13a provides a more elaborate illustration of how the present embodiment may operate with the use of V5 type of interfaces. In this application, the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 is used in a blocking fashion. Similar applications may be executed using GR303 type and the TS008 type interfaces.
Figure 13b illustrates two additional, more elaborate, applications of the present invention in an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) a CATV network. According to the first part of the figure, it can be seen how the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 may be located in the network cloud, between the PSTN 135, the Internet 136 and the head end 137. The second part of the figure demonstrates how the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 may be located between the V5 interface in the PSTN and an ATM, packet driven network such as the CATV network
The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.