Automatic conference initiation upon all telephones for the conference being idle

Technical field

This invention relates to telecommunication conference calls and in particular the manufacture of a Telekommunikationskonferenzrufs.

Background of the Invention

In conventional business communication switching systems (Which are also referred to as PBXs) to diseased conference calls a major problem. This problem exists in attempting a Conference call set up at a time when all the telephone station sets are free. If two people talking in a telephone conversation with each other and want a third person Seek, actuated one of the people, a conference button on their station set and selects the receipt of a dial tone the third party. When the third party is free, responds the third party; and then the dialed subscriber actuates the conference button a second time to bring all three people in a conference call. The problem arises when the third person is busy, and if it is necessary to periodically try to make a conference with this produce third person. This is not only for the two in the telephone call situated persons frustrating, but can also be expensive if the type of call, a video call between the two first persons. It is also expensive, since no useful Conversation takes place until not switched in the third person is. A similar Situation arises when a group call between a number of station sets build is. There may be a large amount of time for many People are wasted if one or two of the people the proposed conference are busy on their phones, while the Conference call is established. Again, the importance of cost, if it is a Videokonferenzruf.

Within traditional business communication switching systems an Verabredungskonferenzruf some of the products listed in the above overcome difficulties described. On Verabredungskonferenzruf built by each person, a conference bridge dials, such. as the offered by the special teleconference service "Alliance" of AT & T. The agreement resolves Conference not solve the problem when a conference is built up, which are not previously was denied. Even in a pre-arranged meeting may be wasted time and money, when members of the Conference on wait that dial one or two delegates to the conference bridge.

EP-A-604 046 and US-A-4577065 provide examples by appointment conference arrangements represent.

Summary of the Invention

The foregoing problems dissolved and a technical advance by telephone terminals obtained which have a conference initiation feature, as described in the independent described claims becomes. In the particular apparatus to be described below is Response to the actuation a button as soon as each telephone terminal is dialed, a logical connection constructed between an initiating telephone terminal and the dialed telephone terminal. Once all devices the conference call with the initiating telephone device via logical Compounds interact, the initiating telephone device waits until all other devices are free, and then sets up a conference call that the appropriate bandwidth for the requested Type the conference has. Advantageously, leaves once a logical link to a telephone terminal has been set up, this phone terminal, the display lights, which is assigned to the conference initiating feature. A telephone terminal whose Conference initiation Illuminates can get yourself out of withdraw proposed conference characterized by its own conference initiation button actuated becomes.

Further operable if two phone terminals in a Telephone call connected and a third telephone terminal reputation is to be added, the user of the first telephone terminal the Conference initiation button and selects the third telephone terminal at. Once a logical connection to this third party has been established, the user of the first telephone terminal returns to the User of the second telephone terminal in the original Telephone call back. When the first telephone terminal via the logical connection detects that the third telephone terminal is free, is a conference call between the three telephone terminals constructed

Brief Description of Drawings

<figref idrefs="S23">1</figref> provides a concept of the present invention embodying System represents;

<figref idrefs="S24">2</figref> and <figref idrefs="S25">3</figref> in flow diagram of a station set conducted Operations is that initiated the conference feature;

<figref idrefs="S23">4</figref> provides a table is that in the <figref idrefs="S24">2</figref> and <figref idrefs="S25">3</figref> operations shown is used;

<figref idrefs="S26">5</figref> provides in greater detail, two station sets are; and

<figref idrefs="S27">6</figref> provides the operations in flowchart represent, which are performed by a station set that is part of a has become conference.

&lt;?page 3?&gt;

Detailed description

<figref idrefs="S23">1</figref> provides several (as telephone terminals Marked) station sets is represented by mediation <figref>107</figref> are connected together. Advantageously, the switching <figref>107</figref> from a variety consist of switches and actually a continental or its intercontinental telephone switching system. The basic operation of the Station sets <figref>101</figref> to <figref>104</figref> and the mediation <figref>107</figref> are detailed in EP-A-0550181 described. The station sets implement a conventional OSI model, the is modified to implement the ISDN protocol. The mediation<figref>107</figref> is capable of ISDN messages and to convey shouts. As described in EP-A-0550181, , certain modifications to the standard OSI model performed to ISDN capabilities involve. Within the software model, there are eight software layers, wherein each of these layers in more detail above in the referenced patent is described. (Note that the OSI model is also referred to as comprising seven layers, wherein the highest Layer, the seventh and eighth of the description in the present Invention combined). The present invention is based the highest Software layer, the application layer present, and is good at EP-A-0550181 described in detail. In addition, the remaining of the Software layers implemented Functions such. As the called routing or routing System initiation and message transfer also described with reference to EP-A-0550181st

The present invention is based described two examples. In the first example are the Station set <figref>101</figref> and station set <figref>102</figref> about the mediation <figref>107</figref> in a telephone conversation. If it is wished, that station set <figref>104</figref> part a conference is that of the station sets <figref>101</figref>. <figref>102</figref> and <figref>104</figref> consists, actuated the user of station equipment <figref>101</figref> the conference initiation button. The user of station equipment <figref>101</figref> then selects the number of station equipment <figref>104</figref>, If the station set <figref>104</figref> free is, the station set to be <figref>101</figref> and <figref>104</figref> in connected a telephone conversation, and a conference by connecting the device consoles <figref>102</figref> built up. If the station set <figref>104</figref> occupied is, is this station set <figref>101</figref> reported and station set <figref>101</figref> shows the user of station equipment <figref>101</figref> an audible or visual message in that the has conference initiation feature enabled. A logical Connection between the station sets <figref>101</figref> and <figref>104</figref> built up. The logical connection may be implemented using a user-user temporary signaling connection be built up, or they can be prepared by use of a logical connection built in the D-channels are, both station sets to the exchange <figref>107</figref> connect. After this the message is displayed, is the station set <figref>101</figref> again the connection to the station set <figref>102</figref> in the original telephone call ago. If the station set<figref>104</figref> is free, it transmits this fact about the logical connection to the station set <figref>101</figref>, In response it provides station set <figref>101</figref> a Conference call forth that all station sets <figref>101</figref>. <figref>102</figref> and <figref>104</figref> includes. During the Group Call waiting for the structure, an indication that the Conference initiation button on both station sets <figref>101</figref> and <figref>104</figref> assigned is illuminated. The initiation of the conference, by the User of station equipment <figref>104</figref> completed be, by operating the conference initiation button. Of the User of station equipment <figref>101</figref> completed the initiation of the conference by hanging.

It will now be the second example considered. The user of station equipment<figref>101</figref> want a Conference call with station sets <figref>102</figref>. <figref>103</figref> and <figref>104</figref> manufacture. The user of station equipment <figref>101</figref> start first the Rufaufbauprozedur actuated the conference initiation button and select each of the other station sets. The Rufaufbauprozedur may consist in the takeoff. Since each of the other station sets selected is a logical connection to that station set and the Station set <figref>101</figref> built up. After all station sets selected have been, shall provide the user of station equipment <figref>101</figref> on. In each of the station sets the initiation of the conference key associated display illuminated. The user of each of the station sets can avoid to be participants in the conference by the conference initiating the key actuate. The station sets <figref>102</figref>. <figref>103</figref> and <figref>104</figref> transfer their free / busy state to station set <figref>101</figref>, If All station sets are free, does the station set <figref>101</figref> Group Call on.

<figref idrefs="S26">5</figref> provides a block diagram view of station sets <figref>102</figref> and <figref>104</figref> represents, what about the mediation <figref>107</figref> are connected. The station sets<figref>103</figref> and <figref>104</figref> have a similar Construction. <figref idrefs="S24">2</figref> and <figref idrefs="S25">3</figref> illustrate of the processor <figref>510</figref> (<figref idrefs="S26">5</figref>) of station equipment <figref>101</figref> operations carried out in implementing the two previous examples. The of the processor <figref>510</figref> Stored conference table is in <figref idrefs="S23">4</figref> shown.

The conference initiating station device that in the above example, the station set <figref>101</figref> was leads first decision block <figref>201</figref> from which tests whether a conference initiation button actuated has been. If the answer is yes, determines the decision block<figref>202</figref>. if the initiating station set is currently in &lt;?page 4?&gt;a call active is. If the answer is yes, it means that the user the initiating device consoles a conference in a wants to build an active call to another telephone station equipment. If the answer at decision block <figref>202</figref> is no, is the active call by the execution the block <figref>203</figref> placed on hold, and block <figref>204</figref> receives the dialing information for the new station set. The block <figref>206</figref> requests that placed a call to the selected station set becomes. Decision block<figref>207</figref> verifies that answered the call has been. If the answer is yes, control passes to the block<figref>208</figref> transfer, which the active and combines the newly established reputation in a conference call and the control to block <figref>209</figref> transfers to normal processing.

If, returning to decision block <figref>207</figref>. the answer is no, block <figref>211</figref> executed to to request that a logical connection with the terminal manager application of the selected logical Stations machine is established. Decision block<figref>212</figref> then checks whether the logical connection has been established. If the answer is no is the control to the blocks <figref>218</figref> and <figref>219</figref> transfer, which are common the initiating station set to the active call for a Processing return. Returning to decision block <figref>212</figref>, Sends the block <figref>213</figref>. if the answer is yes, a conference initiation message to the elected Station set. Of the decision block <figref>214</figref> then waits for a confirmation message. When the confirmation message is not received, the block <figref>217</figref> executed which the logical connection interrupt and transfers control to block <figref>218</figref> transfers. If the confirmation message at decision block <figref>214</figref> is received, the Control to block <figref>215</figref> transmitted, which conference initiating the display illuminated. subsequently are the block <figref>216</figref> the initiating station set to the active Call back.

After execution of the block <figref>216</figref> waiting the blocks <figref>221</figref>-<figref>229</figref> to the selected Station set becomes free, so that a Conference call may be set up, or on the occurrence of conditions, in which the conference initiating feature is canceled. First checked the decision block <figref>221</figref>Whether the station set is free. If the answer is yes, the control and the block <figref>222</figref> transfer, which sends a conference initiation termination message to the selected station set. The block <figref>224</figref> then the logical connection free, and the block <figref>226</figref> on the conference initiating ad out. Finally returns the block<figref>227</figref> to the active call back, is where canceled because the initiating station set is now free is.

Returning to decision block <figref>221</figref>. checks if the initiating station set is not free, the decision block <figref>223</figref>. whether a conference initiation termination message of the selected Station set has been received. If the answer in decision block<figref>223</figref> is yes, is the control to block <figref>224</figref> transfer. If the answer at decision block <figref>223</figref> No, the control will to decision block <figref>225</figref> transmitted, which checks whether a Free message from the selected Station set was received. If the answer is no, control is to decision block <figref>221</figref> returned. If the answer at decision block <figref>225</figref> is yes, control is to block <figref>228</figref> transmitted, which the conference call builds by the active call and a call to the selected Station set combined. The block<figref>228</figref> also sends a Rufaufbauvollzugsmeldung indicates the selected station set and then the logical connection free. After execution of the block<figref>228</figref> becomes the block <figref>229</figref> For normal processing run.

We return to decision block <figref>202</figref> back. If the answer is no, this means that the user of the initiating Stations machine a Conference initiated, which begins when all determined by the Conference station sets free are. Decision block<figref>202</figref> transmits the control to block <figref>301</figref> from <figref idrefs="S25">3</figref>If the answer in decision block <figref>202</figref> No is. The block<figref>301</figref> illuminates the conference initiating ad on the initiating station set and builds in <figref idrefs="S23">4</figref> Conference table illustrated on. The block<figref>302</figref> receives then the dialing information from the initiating station set and the block <figref>303</figref> Calls indicates that a logical connection to the selected Station set is established. Decision block<figref>304</figref> checks whether a logical link with the selected Station set has been established. If the answer is no, control is to blocks <figref>314</figref>- <figref>318</figref> transfer, which cancel the conference initiation feature. If the answer at decision block <figref>304</figref> is yes, control is to block <figref>306</figref> transmitted, which a Conference initiation start sending message to the selected station set. Decision block <figref>307</figref> checks for a confirmation message in response to the conference initiation start message. If the answer is no, control is transferred to block <figref>314</figref> transfer. If the answer is yes, control passes to the block <figref>308</figref> transfer, which selected the Station set the conference table adds. Decision block <figref>309</figref> then checks whether the user of the initiating Stations machine another station set chooses. If the answer is yes, control passes to the block <figref>302</figref> transferred back. If the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block <figref>311</figref> transfer.

The blocks <figref>311</figref>-<figref>313</figref>. <figref>319</figref> and <figref>321</figref>-<figref>326</figref> determine, when the designated station sets in the conference table are free, so that the Conference ge&lt;?page 5?&gt;starts or canceled the conference initiation feature can be. Decision block<figref>311</figref> detects whether the conference initiation button was pressed on the initiating station set is. If the answer is yes, it means that the conference initiation feature cancel, and the control is to block <figref>314</figref> transfer. If the answer in decision block <figref>311</figref> is no, is control to the decision block <figref>312</figref> transfer, which checks whether a conference initiation termination message has been received from any of the conference station sets. If the answer is yes, the conference initiating feature is the transfer the control to decision block <figref>314</figref> canceled. could a person skilled in the art easily imagine that a not successful preparation of a logical connection or a Conference station, which sends a conference initiation termination message, not completed the feature. If the answer in decision block <figref>312</figref> No is, control is transferred to decision block <figref>313</figref> transfer. The latter decision block checks whether a free message of one of the selected Station sets has been received. If the answer is yes, the conference table is in relation to this selected Device updates, by through execution the block <figref>321</figref> is marked as free. After execution of the block <figref>321</figref> is the control to decision block <figref>311</figref> transferred back.

Returning to decision block <figref>313</figref> becomes, if the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block <figref>319</figref> transfer, which checks whether an occupied signal of a selected station set received has been. If the answer is yes, the conference table is execution the block <figref>326</figref> updated to reflect that the selected station set is is. After execution the block <figref>326</figref> is the control to block <figref>311</figref> transferred back. If the answer in decision block <figref>319</figref> no is, is the decision block <figref>322</figref> executed which conference table checks to determine whether all devices are free. If the answer is no, control is transferred to is decision block <figref>311</figref> transferred back. If the answer at decision block <figref>322</figref> is yes, the control is on the blocks <figref>323</figref> and <figref>324</figref> transmitted back, making up the conference call and then the normal Konferenzrufverarbeitung carry out.

<figref idrefs="S27">6</figref> provides in flow chart the chosen one Station set operations carried out is in the generation of conference initiation feature. According to the present For these selected Station sets station sets <figref>102</figref>. <figref>103</figref> and <figref>104</figref>, For the Purposes of description, the selected station set as the Station set <figref>102</figref> described. The operations of the terminal manager application <figref>529</figref> from <figref idrefs="S26">5</figref> performed. The terminal manager application operates in conjunction with the software layers <figref>530</figref>-<figref>535</figref>, The block <figref>604</figref> waiting for a message from the output station set, station set <figref>101</figref>which to create a logical connection requests. If the block<figref>604</figref> the Message receiving, is the control to block <figref>605</figref> transmitted, which a the logical connection producing message back to the terminal management <figref>509</figref> of Stations machine <figref>101</figref> from <figref idrefs="S26">5</figref> sends. The control is then to decision block <figref>606</figref> transfer, which is awaiting a message that the initiation of the conference initiating feature requests. If this message is not received, control is to block <figref>603</figref> transfer. If the request is received, control passes to the decision block <figref>607</figref> transfer, which determines if the conference feature initiation at this Station set is provided. If the answer to decision block<figref>607</figref> No is, the block is <figref>608</figref> running, which is a requirement the initiation of the conference initiating feature rejectionist Sending message. If the answer in decision block<figref>607</figref> Yes is, control is transferred to block <figref>609</figref> transfer, which a message to the terminal management application <figref>509</figref> of Stations machine <figref>101</figref> among confirmation the initiation of the conference initiating feature returns. Further on the block <figref>609</figref> the initiation of the conference key assigned indicator light on the station set <figref>123</figref> on.

From block <figref>609</figref> will the Control to decision block <figref>621</figref> transfer, which checks whether the conference initiation button is pressed. The user of station equipment <figref>102</figref> operated the Conference initiation key to the conference initiating feature cancel. If the answer in decision block<figref>621</figref> Yes is, sends the block <figref>622</figref> a conference initiation termination message to the terminal manager application <figref>509</figref> and passes the control to block <figref>624</figref>, The latter block sets the initiation of the conference button on station set <figref>123</figref> assigned Display light back.

If the answer in decision block <figref>621</figref> No is, control is transferred to decision block <figref>610</figref> transfer. The latter decision block determines whether the station set <figref>102</figref> occupied is. If the answer is yes, determines the decision block<figref>611</figref>. whether the state has a free equated. When the state a free has been equated, control to be block <figref>612</figref> transfer, which sets the state to busy, and block <figref>614</figref> sends a busy message to the terminal manager application <figref>509</figref> of Communication equipment Stations <figref>101</figref>, For this Example is the terminal manager application <figref>509</figref> the other terminals administrator application. After execution the block <figref>614</figref> will the &lt;?page 6?&gt;Control to decision block <figref>623</figref> transfer. Decision block <figref>623</figref> checks whether a conference initiation termination message from the terminal manager application <figref>509</figref> receive has been. If the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block<figref>618</figref> transfer. If the answer is yes, control passes to the block <figref>624</figref> transfer. returning to decision block <figref>611</figref> is, if the answer is no is, control is transferred to decision block <figref>623</figref> transfer.

Returning to decision block <figref>610</figref> becomes, when the station set is free, control passes to the decision block <figref>615</figref> transfer, which determines whether the state has the occupied equated. If the answer is yes, sets the block <figref>616</figref> the condition on dates, and the block <figref>617</figref> transmits a message to the free Terminal manager application <figref>509</figref>, From block <figref>617</figref> is the control to decision block <figref>623</figref> transfer. returning to decision block <figref>615</figref> is, if the answer is no is, control is transferred to decision block <figref>623</figref> transfer. Decision block <figref>618</figref> checks whether a request for Interrupting the logical connection message from the terminal manager application <figref>509</figref> been received is. If the answer is yes, control passes to the block<figref>624</figref> to hand over. If the answer in decision block <figref>618</figref> is no, is the control to block <figref>621</figref> transfer.