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WO1996029815A1 - Procede et appareil de communication - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de communication Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996029815A1
WO1996029815A1 PCT/GB1996/000614 GB9600614W WO9629815A1 WO 1996029815 A1 WO1996029815 A1 WO 1996029815A1 GB 9600614 W GB9600614 W GB 9600614W WO 9629815 A1 WO9629815 A1 WO 9629815A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
packets
audio
module
channel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1996/000614
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Trevor John Burke
Original Assignee
Phonelink Plc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Phonelink Plc filed Critical Phonelink Plc
Priority to AU50115/96A priority Critical patent/AU5011596A/en
Priority to GB9717149A priority patent/GB2313518A/en
Publication of WO1996029815A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996029815A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
    • H04M11/06—Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/06—Message adaptation to terminal or network requirements
    • H04L51/066—Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/07—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail characterised by the inclusion of specific contents
    • H04L51/10—Multimedia information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/21—Monitoring or handling of messages
    • H04L51/226—Delivery according to priorities
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/04—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems for time-division multiplexing
    • H04Q11/0428—Integrated services digital network, i.e. systems for transmission of different types of digitised signals, e.g. speech, data, telecentral, television signals
    • H04Q11/0435—Details
    • H04Q11/0471—Terminal access circuits

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a communications method and apparatus, and in particular to a method and apparatus which enables efficient use to be made of the time for which channels of a communications system are occupied.
  • a single ISDN channel is capable of transferring either digital data, or analogue voice.
  • ISDN 2 and ISDN 30 providing two and thirty channels respectively.
  • Each channel is capable of carrying either an analogue voice signal or a digital data signal.
  • an ISDN 2 installation can be regarded as two separate telephone lines, and may be configured with separate numbers. The system provider will charge for use of each channel separately. It is well known in, for example, computer networks for communications resources linking terminals of the network to operate on a multiplex basis.
  • the sending terminal reviews the availability of a common communications channel linking the terminals and transmits data packets making up the appropriate data message during periods for which the communications channel is not occupied by signals transmitted from other terminals.
  • the use of the communications resource is thus distributed on the basis of the demand for use in an efficient manner.
  • the approach is, however, dependent upon continuous access to the communications channel which is clearly only appropriate in a situation in which the network "owner" is in control of the distribution of network resources.
  • the system operator in the case of a telephone system which seeks to provide services on the basis of payment for intermittent usage of system resources rather than payment for continuous access to the system resources, it is not possible for the system operator to control their customer's activities with sufficient precision to optimise the efficiency with which the system operates.
  • ISDN systems as currently operated, it is often the case that a single user is provided with both a conventional telephone for sending analogue voice messages and a personal computer (PC) for sending data, both voice and data being transmitted and received via a single ISDN channel.
  • PC personal computer
  • the channel carries either voice or data, but not both.
  • each voice message to be transmitted is converted into a series of audio packets of data
  • each data message to be transmitted is delivered to a multiplexer connected to the channel in the form of a series of data packets
  • the audio and data packets are multiplexed with priority being given to the audio packets and the multiplexed packets are transmitted
  • the transmitted packets are received and demultiplexed
  • the audio packets are converted to analogue signals for audio reproduction
  • the data packets are delivered to a data receiver.
  • the invention also provides an apparatus for communicating voice and data messages through a single communications channel, comprising means for converting a voice message to be transmitted into a series of audio packets of data, means for generating a series of data packets representing a data message to he transmitted, means for multiplexing the audio and data packets with priority being given to the audio packets, means for transmitting the multiplexed packets, means for receiving and demultiplexing the transmitted packets, means for converting the audio packets to analogue signals for audio reproduction, and means for receiving a data packet.
  • Data messages to be transmitted may be stored with data identifying the intended destination of the message. If traffic on the channel is then monitored to detect when the channel is connected to the intended destination, the stored data message may be multiplexed with data packets on the channel when it is detected that the channel is connected to the intended destination. As a result messages may be sent with no transmission costs.
  • the terminals of a network arranged such that any terminal may be connected to any one of a series of communications channels can be arranged such that data messages to be transmitted are stored in a common store connected to the network. Each data message is stored with data identifying the intended destination of that message. Thus when traffic on the channels is monitored, a stored data message may be read out from the store and multiplexed with data packets on any channel which is connected to the intended destination of that message.
  • the invention also provides a terminal for an apparatus of the above type, the terminal comprising a first module for transmitting data packets and audio packets via a communications channel and receiving data packets and audio packets from the channel, a digital input/output device for generating data packets for transmission via the first module and receiving data packets from the first
  • the second module converts analogue audio signals from the analogue input/output device to digital audio packets which are delivered to the first module and converts digital audio packets from the first module to analogue audio signals which are delivered to the analogue input/output device
  • the first module delivers audio packets received from the channel to the second module and delivers data packets received from the channel to the digital input/output device
  • the first module multiplexes the audio packets received from the second module and the data packets received from the digital input/output device, the first module allocating transmission priority* to the audio packets such that the data packets are transmitted during intervals between successive audio packets.
  • the opening of that channel will be detected and the data message will be transmitted in the form of a series of data packets multiplexed with a series of audio packets.
  • the data packets will be demultiplexed from the audio packets and delivered to a storage device, for example a PC.
  • the delivered data message can then be distributed within the destination site as appropriate.
  • data messages can be transmitted between those two sites whenever a voice channel is established, effectively at zero expense, given that the channel opened to enable voice communication has the capacity to carry large volumes of data. Accordingly, the invention enables users to dramatically reduce the cost of data transmission, assuming, of course, that as is generally the case, the data is to be transferred between sites which regularly communicate by voice.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a terminal in accordance with the invention for connection to an ISDN data channel
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a local area network which may be incorporated in a communications system in accordance with the invention.
  • the illustrated terminal is intended to communicate both voice messages and data messages to an identical terminal via an ISDN data channel indicated by line 1.
  • the terminal comprises a conventional PC 2 and a
  • the multiplexer comprises a first ISDN module 5 and a second audio module 6.
  • the ISDN module 5 exchanges packets of data with the audio module 6, those packets of data representing components of voice messages.
  • the ISDN module 5 is arranged to transmit and receive packets of data via the channel 1 and to exchange packets of data with the PC 2.
  • the audio module is linked to the handset 3 by an analogue input/output line 7 and its function is to convert such analogue signals into audio packets of data for transmission to the ISDN module 5 and to perform the reverse process in respect of audio packets of data received from the module 5.
  • a link is provided between the audio module 6 and the PC 2 to enable audio packets of data to be stored for subsequent reproduction.
  • the ISDN module 5 performs the function of multiplexing data packets received from both the PC 2 and the audio module 6 for transmission on the channel 1. In addition it performs the reverse process, that is demultiplexing packets of data received on the channel 1 for distribution either to the PC 2 or to the audio module 6.
  • a data call is made to that other terminal, that call occupying only a single ISDN channel.
  • the call will be routed through the relevant utilities exchange via line 1.
  • the audio module 6 monitors the line 7 so as to detect any analogue input, for example signals resulting from the user speaking into the handset 3. Any detected audio signals are digitised and compressed into packets of
  • audio packets these packets being referred to hereinafter as audio packets.
  • the audio packets are then passed by the module 6 to the module 5 for transmission.
  • the ISDN module 5 monitors both its input from the audio module 6 and its input from the PC 2. Data messages to be transmitted from the PC 2 will be in the form of a series of data packets, and that term is used hereinafter to distinguish signals from the PC from the audio packets from the audio module 6. Audio packets received by the module 5 from the module 6 are prefixed with an identifying header so as to enable the module 5 to distinguish them from the data packets received from the PC 2. The audio packets are given a higher priority than the data packets and thus are transmitted over the ISDN channel 1 without significant delay. The data packets are interleaved with the audio packets. In addition, the audio module 6 monitors its analogue input channel for silent periods and signals the ISDN module 5 accordingly. This allows data packets to be sent in an uninterrupted stream from the PC 2 during periods of silence.
  • digitised audio packets can be transferred between the audio module 6 and the PC 2. This allows recording and playback of audio packets to enable the provision of, for example, an answering machine service at the terminal.
  • each packet is examined by the module to determine if it is an audio or data packet. Audio packets are directed to the audio module 6, data packets to the host PC 2. On receipt of audio packets the audio module 6 decompresses the receiv ed data, converts it into analogue form, and transmits those analogue signals to the handset
  • Data packets delivered to the PC 2 are handled in an appropriate manner, for example being written to disc or displayed on the users screen.
  • Data packets to be transmitted to a predetermined destination may be processed and stored in the PC 2 for subsequent transmission.
  • the PC 2 is programmed to interleave the previously stored data packets with the audio packets resulting from the audio exchange.
  • the stored data packets are transmitted without cost as soon as an audio message exchange is initiated with the intended destination.
  • the embodiment of the invention represented in Figure 1 may be implemented in a single PC by plugging into the PC a single customised card carrying all the required audio and data processing components including a multiplexer, and providing a connection to the card for a telephone handset incorporating only a speaker and microphone. This enables a conventional P and conventional telephone to be replaced by a PC incorporating the customised
  • Fig. 1 assumes that only data generated at the same terminal as that from which a voice message is to be transmitted can be multiplexed on the same ISDN line.
  • users are connected to local area networks and in such circumstances the concept of the present invention can be applied in a yet more efficient manner by enabling data from any PC connected to the network to be carried with voice messages from any other user of the network.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates in highly simplified form a local area network which has been modified accordingly.
  • a network ring 8 is connected to, for example, a private exchange by an ISDN line 9, the private exchange being linked in a normal manner to the outside world through the local utilities communication system.
  • a terminal of the type illustrated in Fig. 1 comprising a PC 10, a telephone 11 and a multiplexer 12.
  • a PC 13 which is not provided with its own telephone and a simple telephone 14.
  • a central data store 15 is connected to the ring 8 and it is this central data store that is used to coordinate the delayed transmission of data messages from the user of the PC 10 and the user of the PC 13.
  • the data is loaded into the central data store 15 together with information identifying the intended destination for that data.
  • the operator of the PC 13 may generate data for transmission to a remote user of the system, that data also being loaded into the central data store with information identifying its intended destination.
  • the data loaded into the store 15 will remain there until such time as either a call is made from one of the telephones 11 and 14 to the intended destination or an alternative transmission condition has been achieved, for example the data has been in the store for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined time of day has been reached, for example 6pm at which time telecommunications tariffs in some areas are reduced.
  • a telephone call is made from the telephone 14 to a destination for which data has previously been delivered to the store 15.
  • the store 15 monitors the ring 8 and detects when a call to the intended destination is in process. Quiet periods on the line are detected by the store and the relevant data is downloaded onto the line during such periods. Thus data is delivered to the end user without increasing the charges to be made by the telephone utility at all.
  • Systems in accordance with the invention may be incorporated in multi- featured Windows communications packages providing E-mail, voice-mail, file transfers and image transfers.
  • the hardware used can interface with ISDN lines, asynchronous modems and any data communication system in which channels have a bandwidth sufficient to carry multiplexed voice and data signals.
  • the data stores may be separate components, generally these will be resources provided by one of the PC's connected to the network.
  • a minimum specification for such a PC would be a 386 processor with 4 Mb of RAM and, for example, 5 Mb of hard disc free space.
  • the PC would also be provided with an appropriate hardware device to interface with the communications channel with which it is used, for example, a modem or ISDN interface such as an 8 channel ISDN card. Such a card would enable simultaneous connections to be made to eight other users of the system.
  • Raw data transfers at rates of up to 8 Kbytes per second per channel are practicable.
  • Audio compression may be implemented supporting compression rates up to 8:1, thereby increasing the effective bandwidth considerably and further increasing the amount of data that may be sent during a conversation.
  • Audio data may be routed in several ways, allowing recording/playback of local speech, as well as recording and playback over ISDN. This allows the system to support sophisticated voice mail features, with the ability to tailor messages for each user known to the database.
  • User dependent voice recognition could be incorporated to allow a user to control the actions of the system by spoken commands, and even to control the routing of data by detecting keywords within a conversation. Voice recognition combined with text to speech conversion would also allow remote control of the user's PC over a telephone line.
  • Each system user would be provided with a database of users and addresses, a list of connection types the user supports with connection addresses (numbers) and preferences for each, and both an outgoing and incoming director or mailbox.
  • the outgoing mailbox is used for automated data transmission, anything stored in this directory being sent to the appropriate user when a channel is opened to that user. Similarly, any incoming files from a user will be placed in the incoming mailbox.
  • the system can be used with a single PC acting as a gateway between networks. Files placed in a common outgoing mailbox can thus be automatically sent to the appropriate destination transparently and free of charge.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
  • Time-Division Multiplex Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Appareil et procédé pour communiquer des messages vocaux et des données par un seul canal de communication. Chaque message vocal à transmettre est converti en une série de paquets de données audio. Chaque message de données à transmettre est fourni à un multiplexeur relié au canal, sous la forme d'une série de paquets de données. On multiplexe les paquets audio et les paquets de données en accordant la priorité aux paquets audio et les paquets multiplexés sont transmis. Les paquets transmis sont reçus et démultiplexés, les signaux audio étant convertis en signaux analogiques pour une reproduction audio et les paquets de données étant fournis à un récepteur de données. On peut enregistrer les messages de données en attendant le démarrage d'un message vocal vers la destination prévue pour le message de données. A ce moment le message de données peut être multiplexé avec le message vocal de manière à obtenir une transmission du message de données à un coût de transmission effectif nul.
PCT/GB1996/000614 1995-03-22 1996-03-18 Procede et appareil de communication WO1996029815A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU50115/96A AU5011596A (en) 1995-03-22 1996-03-18 Communications method and apparatus
GB9717149A GB2313518A (en) 1995-03-22 1996-03-18 Communications method and apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9505775.8A GB9505775D0 (en) 1995-03-22 1995-03-22 Communications method and apparatus
GB9505775.8 1995-03-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996029815A1 true WO1996029815A1 (fr) 1996-09-26

Family

ID=10771637

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1996/000614 WO1996029815A1 (fr) 1995-03-22 1996-03-18 Procede et appareil de communication

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5011596A (fr)
GB (2) GB9505775D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1996029815A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999029136A1 (fr) * 1997-12-02 1999-06-10 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Transmission simultanee de donnees vocales et non vocales sur une seule connexion a bande etroite
FR2793372A1 (fr) * 1999-05-07 2000-11-10 Sagem Procedes d'emission et de reception d'informations telephoniques et informatiques et dispositif de multiplexage/demultiplexage associe
EP1164775A1 (fr) * 2000-06-15 2001-12-19 Sagem Sa Procédés d'émission et de réception d'informations téléphoniques et informatiques et dispositif du multiplexage/démultiplexage associé

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0496427A2 (fr) * 1991-01-24 1992-07-29 Micom Communications Corp. Système d'émission et de réception de signaux audio et de données modulées
EP0630141A2 (fr) * 1993-01-08 1994-12-21 Multi-Tech Systems Inc Système personnel de communications multifonctionel à base d'ordinateur
EP0642252A2 (fr) * 1993-08-27 1995-03-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Procédé et appareil de communication

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0496427A2 (fr) * 1991-01-24 1992-07-29 Micom Communications Corp. Système d'émission et de réception de signaux audio et de données modulées
EP0630141A2 (fr) * 1993-01-08 1994-12-21 Multi-Tech Systems Inc Système personnel de communications multifonctionel à base d'ordinateur
EP0642252A2 (fr) * 1993-08-27 1995-03-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Procédé et appareil de communication

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
CHUNG E C ET AL: "IMPLEMENTATION OF A FAX DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN THE LOCAL AREA NETWORKS OF PCS", COMMUNICATION FOR GLOBAL USERS, INCLUDING A COMMUNICATIONS THEORY MINI CONFERENCE ORLANDO, DEC. 6 - 9, 1992, vol. 1 - 2 - 03, 6 December 1992 (1992-12-06), INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS, pages 964 - 968, XP000357700 *
J. C. ABBIATE ET AL.: "VOICE AND DATA TRANSMISSION", IBM TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE BULLETIN, vol. 27, no. 1B, June 1984 (1984-06-01), NEW YORK US, pages 524 - 525, XP002008693 *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999029136A1 (fr) * 1997-12-02 1999-06-10 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Transmission simultanee de donnees vocales et non vocales sur une seule connexion a bande etroite
FR2793372A1 (fr) * 1999-05-07 2000-11-10 Sagem Procedes d'emission et de reception d'informations telephoniques et informatiques et dispositif de multiplexage/demultiplexage associe
EP1164775A1 (fr) * 2000-06-15 2001-12-19 Sagem Sa Procédés d'émission et de réception d'informations téléphoniques et informatiques et dispositif du multiplexage/démultiplexage associé

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9717149D0 (en) 1997-10-22
AU5011596A (en) 1996-10-08
GB9505775D0 (en) 1995-05-10
GB2313518A (en) 1997-11-26

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