Method and apparatus for establishing a data transfer between two communicationdevices

0001The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications and, this field, the processes of establishing a data transfer between two communication devices interconnected by a telecommunication network and to the communication devices for the establishment of such a transfer. The part terminus of link network with a communication device is said line subscriber. These processes of establishing a data transfer involved in especially when establishing a videoconference between two connected computers together by a telecommunication network. In the remainder of the application, the term network means both more segments of the same network, a set of segments belonging to different networks interconnected with each other and forming a web which may include implementing a switched telephone network, or PSTN Short, and the packet transmission networks, as opposed to switched mode, the TCP / IP network commonly known as the Internet is an example. TCP, short Anglo-Saxon words Transmission Control Protocol is a protocol in connected mode level 4 (transport) used on the Internet over the IP is the abbreviation of the English-speaking Internet Protocol terms. It exists other networks that use the IP protocol, especially any network UDP / IP, UDP is the abbreviation of the English-speaking User Datagran Protocol terms. UDP is a connectionless protocol level 4 (transport) used on the Internet over the IP protocol. In response to the request network using IP will be said IP network. Means a subscriber line, an established telecommunication line through either a wireless network or a fixed network. In each of these cases the subscriber line is identified by the telephone number assigned to the entity paying the subscription of that line.

0002known video conferencing systems are of two categories.

0003A first category includes professional systems point to point or multipoint. These systems use a digital telephone network such as ISDN and implement the H320 standard. They allow users to contact in using their telephone subscriber number. These systems are limited by the capacity an ISDN line which is at most two times 64 kbit / s. It is possible to couple multiple ISDN lines to increase capacity but this increases the use of the system cost.

0004A second category includes the general public on the Internet putting systems for example implement the H323 standard. These systems take some of the large capacity offers from Internet service providers, abbreviated ISP. These offers allow get with ADSL capacity of 64 kbits / s in the uplink direction and of 128kbits / s in the downlink direction, or respectively 256 kbits / s and 1024kbits / s. The methods used by these systems provide a very good image quality and sound, but they have drawbacks. One of the most important is that their flow is not guaranteed. By cons, these offers are based on a flat rate access Internet, communication is no cost to the user. In addition, these processes carried implemented by a computer require the user knowledge of the operation Technical Computer Identification underlying Internet and more generally IP network. Obtaining a fixed IP address that identifies a computer permanently is an expensive operation for a member of the public. This demand that the temporary IP addresses; the user obtains an IP address temporarily granted by the ISP. Not only this address temporary, but also it is granted for an unknown period of time the user which results in a unilateral withdrawal decided by the ISP after this time lapse. Although the user can immediately apply another address IP and get it quickly, withdrawal without notice brutally interrupted all ongoing videoconference.

0005Users who wish to connect to each other through videoconferencing over IP can simplify the task by using directories of Internet domains dynamic, dynamic DNS for short. These dynamics allow DNS Know the last IP address assigned to a computer provided you know the symbolic name for this computer. This method thus allows recovery address IP of the computer that videoconferencing should be established by interviewing a Dynamic DNS. However, it has some drawbacks which are as follows. First, the user must know the dynamic DNS addresses. On the other hand, each computer must register with the dynamic DNS or that it can identify. Furthermore, the user must know the symbolic name the computer with which it wants to connect via videoconference. In addition, DNS dynamic must be available for users to query. Finally, this process requires an intermediate device for the establishment of a Videoconferencing between two computers.

0006The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of known techniques establishment of a data transfer between a first and a second devices by means of a telecommunication network comprising an IP network. In particular, the invention aims to allow easier recovery of a session between two devices for the restoration of videoconferencing interrupted between these devices consecutively to the IP address change of any of these devices.

0007To this end, the invention relates to a method for establishing a transfer data between first and second communication devices connected together by means of a telecommunication network comprising an IP network. The first device is equipped with at least one transmitting means software / receiving data transmitted by the network, a first network interface means connected to a line subscriber of the telecommunication network on which transits a signaling channel and a second means of network connected to a subscriber line interface of the network telecommunication on which transits a data channel. The method comprises the step in that the first device transmits the IP address to the second device via the signaling channel by using a mode specific signaling.

0008In addition, the invention relates to a communication device for establishing a data transfer with another communication device. The device is equipped with at least one transmitting / receiving data software, a primary means of network interface and a second network interface means. Each of two network interface means is connected to the same subscriber line on which pass respectively a signaling channel and a data channel separated by a filter respectively to the first network interface means and to the second through network interface. The device comprises software means for the course of the step in that the device transmits its IP address destination to another device using the signaling channel using a mode specific signaling.

0009Thus, the use of a signaling mode determined via a channel Flagging notifies the first device to transmit its IP address to the second device. The latter can then call the first device knowing IP address.

0010Therefore, a method and a device according to the invention limit User intervention in the IP addresses of the recovery process corresponding devices and therefore limits the difficulties users may encounter in the revival of a session.

0011In a particular embodiment of the above device the software means is further adapted to conduct the preliminary steps of:<ul><li>in that the device is connected through the data channel to a IP network via an ISP,</li><li>in that the device records the dynamic address provided by the supplier access to which it is connected,</li></ul>   and the step of:<ul><li>in that the device waits on the data channel of a call the other device, call addressed by the IP address of the device which has the other device.</li></ul>

0012After issuing its IP address, the first device starts preferentially waiting on the data channel of a call from the second device, this call is addressed via the IP address of the first device which has second device. This preferred method enables secure transmission / reception Data for example by refusing any other call than that from the second device.

0013The invention further relates to a method for establishing a transfer data between first and second communication devices. The first device is equipped with at least one transmitting / receiving data software, a first network means connected to a subscriber line interface of the network telecommunication on which transits a signaling channel and a second through network interface connected to a subscriber line of the telecommunication network which passes on a data channel. Each subscriber line is connected to a network IP including IP directory that identifies a device by telephone number according to standard ENUM. The method comprises the steps of:<ul><li>in that the first device connects through the channel data to an IP network via an access provider,</li><li>in that the first device records the dynamic address provided by the ISP to which it is connected and registered the address in the directory,</li><li>in that the first device calls the second device over the channel signaling to trigger the interrogation of the directory by the second device and reading by the latter to the IP address of the first device, </li><li>in that the first device waits on a data channel Call the second device, called addressed via the IP address of the first read device in the directory by the second device.</li></ul>

0014In this embodiment, the IP address of the first device is emitted indirectly to the second device through a signaling channel.

0015The invention further relates to a method for establishing a transfer data between first and second communication devices. Each of the two devices is equipped with at least one transmitting / receiving software data, a first network interface means connected to a network subscriber line telecommunication on which transits a signaling channel and a second through network interface connected to a subscriber line of the telecommunication network which passes on a data channel. The method comprises the steps include:<ul><li>in that the first device connects through its channel data to an IP network via an access provider,</li><li>in that the first device records the dynamic address provided by the ISP to which it is connected,</li><li>in that the first device transmits the IP address to the second device by means of its signaling channel using a mode specific signaling and,</li></ul>in response to transmission of the IP address of the first device to the second device:<ul><li>in that the second device connects through its channel data to an IP network via an access provider,</li><li>in that the second device records the dynamic address provided by the ISP to which it is connected,</li><li>in that the second device transmits the IP address to the first device by means of its signaling channel using a mode specific signaling and</li><li>in that the first device transmits its data channel, at the request of its software transmitting / receiving data, a call to the second device through the IP address of the device.</li></ul>

0016The invention further relates to a method for establishing a transfer data between first and second communication devices. Each of the two devices is equipped with at least one transmitting / receiving software data, a first network interface means connected to a network subscriber line telecommunication on which transits a signaling channel and a second through network interface connected to a subscriber line of the telecommunication network which passes on a data channel. The method comprises the steps include:<ul><li>in that each of the two devices is connected via its data channel to an IP network via an access provider,</li><li>in that each of the devices records the dynamic address supplied by the access provider to which it is connected,</li><li>in that each of the two devices exchange with each other their device IP address using its signaling channel using a mode specific signaling and</li><li>in that the first device transmits its data channel, at the request of its software transmitting / receiving data, a call to the second device through the IP address of the device.</li></ul>

0017The network interface means perform the adaptation of the signals transmitted by the network between the device and the network. In the case where the (the) line (s) of the subscriber device is (are) part of a PSTN network coupled to a xDSL provides the means network interface are modems.

0018The invention is implemented both in the context of fixed network xDSL offers, in a mobile network context. In particular, the standard GPRS defines several channels, including a digital voice low flow channel that can be used in particular signaling channel and high speed channels for the IP data transmission. In addition, the network is fixed or mobile, the invention can be implemented with any IP data network and not only with an network coupled to xDSL offers.

0019And the subscriber line can be part of different types of network.

0020In the case of an analog network, the IP address is performed by transmission using DTMF tone in a speech channel of the channel signaling. In particular, the IP address consists of a series of numbers is transmitted in DTMF mode in the form of a sequence of tones of the resulting double translation double frequency of each digit.

0021However, in the case of an analog network (PSTN) having a function Caller ID and name, IP address transmission can be performed by the use of an analog signal format of the number and name.

0022In the case of a digital network (ISDN), the transmission IP address is performed by the use of a channel signaling mode D. In particular, the IP address composed of a series of numbers is issued in the signaling mode in Q931 substituting the number of installation of the calling subscriber.

0023The method according to the invention can be used for different types of exchange of data. Among the different uses, there are uses for the videoconferencing, the uses for transferring files between two devices, following for example the FTP abbreviations of words File Transfer Protocol.

0024Complementary to the IP address transmission, the method may further issue an indication of the remote service it wants to activate. To this end, it may be uses a mechanism similar to that of standard IP ports: the first device transmits a code in addition to its IP address. For example, use a code 21 means that the device wishes to transfer a next file in the FTP.

0025The subscriber line can be shared by both network interface means or different for each of two network interface means. In the case where the line subscriber is common to both network interface means, the signaling channel and the data channel travels over the same subscriber line and are separated by a filter respectively to the first network interface means and to the second through network interface. In the case where the subscriber line is different for each of two network interface means, the signaling channel passes on line subscriber connected to the first network interface means and the data channel transiting the subscriber line connected to the second network interface means.

0026Whatever the embodiment, a settlement method the invention may start automatically when starting up the device on wherein the method takes place or be triggered by an external action. The action Outdoor may consist of activating a user interface of the device. In Moreover, the issuance by the first device of its IP address can be chained automatically after recording its IP address or be triggered by a external action. Such action may consist of dialing the number subscriber of the second device on a telephone connected firstly to the first device and secondly to the subscriber line of the first device, the compound number is detected by the first device.

0027A communication device according to the invention is typically a computer staff. However it may take other forms and be in the form of a personal digital assistant or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or any other form which incorporates the means necessary for the conduct of a process according the invention.

0028Other characteristics and advantages of the invention appear from the following description made with reference to the accompanying figures given as examples not limiting.

0029Figure 1 is a flowchart of a particular embodiment of a method according to the invention.

0030FIG 2 is a diagram of a first embodiment of a method establishment of a data transfer according to the invention, in the case of use for establishing a videoconference.

0031FIG 3 is a diagram of a second embodiment of a method establishment of a data transfer according to the invention, in the case of use for establishing a videoconference.

0032FIG 4 is a diagram of a third embodiment of a method establishment of a data transfer according to the invention, in the case of use for establishing a videoconference.

0033Figure 5 is a diagram of a particular embodiment of a device communication of the invention.

00341 shows a flowchart of a particular embodiment of a method of establishing a data transfer according to the invention. According to the example retained, the process is used for establishing a videoconference between a first and second devices via an IP network corresponding to the network Internet. The first device is equipped with a video conferencing software, a modem narrowband and broadband modem. Each of the two modems connected to the same subscriber line on which respectively pass a low rate channel and a channel Broadband separated by a filter respectively to narrowband modem and to the broadband modem.

0035The method 1 comprises several steps described below.

0036In a first step, the first device connects 2 via its broadband channel to the Internet via an ISP.

0037In a second step, the first device 3 receives the IP address dynamic provided by the ISP to which it is connected.

0038In a third step, the first device transmits its IP address 4 destined for the second device via the signaling channel using a specific signaling mode. The first device can transmit its address IP 1720 code to signify the second device that wants to establish a videoconferencing.

0039FIG 2 is a diagram of a first embodiment of a method according the invention of establishing a data transfer used for the establishment of a videoconferencing.

0040In this embodiment two users A and B establish a first telephone conversation and, during their conversation, they decided to continue through a videoconference.

0041Each user A, B has a computer DVA, DVB and a post telephone TA, TB. For each user A, B respectively, the post telephone TA, TB, respectively, is connected to a switched telephone network PSTN using a subscriber line xDSL. The computer DVA respectively DVB is connected to an IP network, the Internet in this example, by means of the same line subscriber that the telephone set TA, TB, respectively, and through FAI_A an ISP, FAI_B respectively. On the subscriber line each of the users A and B pass a low-speed or speech channel and channel signaling and high speed channel or data channel.

0042As a first time T1, the user A calls to its corresponding B through its telephone handset TA. The appeal takes the low flow channel its subscriber line. User A dials the telephone number B TA on his handset. After the corresponding B stalled, A user by voice dialogue with its corresponding B.

0043In a second time T2, users A and B decide to continue in videoconferencing. User A clicks a button activation software DVA videoconferencing installed on his computer. This triggers the connection DVA computer to the Internet via broadband channel's subscriber line. This connection is through the FAI_A access provider User A. FAI_A ISP assigns a dynamic IP address DVA computer. The computer DVA stores this IP address.

0044In a third time T3, the computer DVA deliver its IP address destination of the computer B. This address is issued by the computer via the DVA low flow channel of the online user subscriber A. The program is conducted in using DTMF tone in the speech path. Thus, the IP v4 which is composed of four sets of three digits is emitted in the form of a sequence of twelve double tones.

0045Seen from the side of the user B, DVB reception by the computer's IP address of the user A can be done using a method of marking other. In Specifically, this mode of signaling is related to the type of network which includes the line subscriber of the user B. For example, if the user B has a subscriber line which is part of a digital network, then the IP address can be conveyed by means of a channel signaling mode D.

0046In a fourth time T4, the computer DVB user B connects to Internet network via the broadband channel of the subscriber line. this connection follows the receipt on the low flow channel of the IP address of the user A and takes place through the FAI_B ISP of the user B. FAI_B ISP assigns a dynamic IP address to the computer DVB. The DVB computer saves this IP address.

0047In a fifth time T5, the DVB computer makes a call to a videoconferencing to the DVA computer via broadband channel its subscriber line. This call is addressed using the IP address of the computer DVA.

0048Once the videoconference, users A and B can communicate on their broadband channel and end their conversation. However if two users want to optimize the actual throughput available on the link IP, they can continue the phone call and does not activate encoders / decoders controlled by the audio conferencing software. Such a configuration provides maximum quality and fluidity to flow available.

0049In case of sudden failure of consecutive videoconferencing session to a IP address change or a unilateral disconnection due to a supplier FAI_A FAI_B of access or the process can be restarted automatically or manually. Automatic recovery or manual recovery process from the second phase. However in the case of a manual recovery from a two users or users independently of the other users may choose to call by voice at first. The revival can be automatic offline because the device may diagnose a manner known per se the origin of this rupture.

0050A unilateral disconnection due to a service provider is designated by the term drop in Anglo-Saxon language. For example, there are ADSL deals which this drop occurs every twenty four hours or every week. The subscription with a fixed IP address service does not avoid the drop. However each connection, after a drop, for example, the IP address given by the ISP always the same.

0051FIG 3 is a diagram of a second embodiment of a method establishment of a data transfer according to the invention, in the case of use for establishing a videoconference.

0052Each user A, B has a computer DVA, DVB and a post telephone TA, TB. For each user A, B respectively, the post telephone TA, TB, respectively, is connected to a switched telephone network PSTN using a subscriber line xDSL. The computer DVA respectively DVB is connected to the Internet, using the same subscriber line as the telephone set TA, TB, respectively, and through a provider FAI_A of access, FAI_B respectively. On each subscriber line a transit channel low flow or speech channel and signaling channel and a high-speed or lane data.

0053As a first time T1 at its initiation, the DVA user computer A, connects to the Internet network via broadband channel of its subscriber line. This connection is made through the FAI_A service provider of the user A. FAI_A ISP assigns a dynamic IP address to the computer DVA. The computer DVA stores this IP address.

0054In a second time T2, the computer DVA deliver its IP address DVB destination computer of the user B. This address is issued by computer DVA via the low bandwidth channel of the subscriber line of the user A. For send the corresponding user A, the DVA computer may request entry A user of the user's telephone number B. This number can possibly be a default recording of the computer DVA. according to Alternatively, the composition of the User B phone number can be done on the telephone TA of the user A. This assumes that the DVA computer ways of detecting the stall and read the dialed number. In that case DVA computer triggers the transmission of its IP address using the number read. The transmission of the IP address is performed by means of a signaling mode. As described with reference to Figure 2, transmission can be performed using frequencies DTMF voice in the speech path in the case of an analog PSTN network types. In the case of an analog PSTN network type, the signaling mode used can be the analog signal caller ID and name. Thus, for a adaptation of call processing performed within the network, the DVA computer calls the computer's phone number and DVB simultaneously transmits its own dynamic IP address eg on-dialing. In the case of a network digital ISDN type, IP address can be conveyed by means of a mode signaling channel D. Thus, the IP address can be emitted in the signaling substitution number of the subscriber installation or SDN abbreviation of English terms Supplementary Designation Number.

0055In a third time T3, the computer receives via DVB narrowband channel the subscriber line, the phone call from the DVA computer, in signaling telephone, indicating the phone number calling and the IP address dynamics of the computer DVA. The DVB computer can trigger an alert for prevent user B a request for videoconferencing call. User B may choose between :<ul><li>Voice answer by picking up his telephone TB. The communication is then made only by voice.</li><li>meet the videoconferencing application. It then activates the acceptance of video conferencing for example by clicking on an activation button software DVB videoconferencing installed on his computer. In this case, the DVB computer not respond to the call on the low flow channel. Alternatively, the software videoconferencing installed on the DVB computer may be equipped with a button that allows limit the use of videoconferencing to exchange speech which amounts to the IP telephony. This variant can be combined with another button that allows to establish an exchange of images and placing himself in a video conferencing configuration with exchange of images and audio.</li></ul>

0056In a fourth time T4, the computer DVB user B connects to Internet network via the broadband channel of the subscriber line. this connection follows the acceptance of the videoconferencing application after receipt of the canal low flow of the IP address of the computer DVA. This connection is made by FAI_B via the ISP of the user B. The Service Provider FAI_B assigns a dynamic IP address to the computer DVB. The DVB computer saves this IP address.

0057In a fifth time T5, the DVB computer makes a call to a videoconferencing to the DVA computer via broadband channel its subscriber line. This call is addressed using the IP address of the computer DVA. Once established video conferencing between computers, user A can hang up his telephone set TA, if it is lifted to release the call. If not, this line hook can be done automatically by the computer DVA.

0058Once the videoconference, users A and B can communicate on their broadband channel.

0059In case of sudden failure of consecutive videoconferencing session to a IP address change or a unilateral disconnection due to a supplier of ISP-A or FAI_B access, the process can be restarted automatically or manually. Automatic recovery or manual recovery process from the first phase. The revival can be automatic because the device is offline diagnose a manner known per se behind this break.

0060FIG 4 is a diagram of a third embodiment of a method according the invention for the establishment of a data transfer, in the case of a use for the establishment of a videoconference.

0061Each user A, B has a computer DVA, DVB and a post telephone TA, TB. For each user A, B respectively, the post telephone TA, TB, respectively, is connected to a switched telephone network PSTN using a subscriber line xDSL. The computer DVA respectively DVB is connected to the Internet, using the same subscriber line as the telephone set TA, TB, respectively, and through a provider FAI_A of access, FAI_B respectively. The Internet has an IP directory that identifies a device by its telephone number as the ENUM standard. Sure each subscriber line pass or a low-speed speech channel and signaling channel and a high speed channel or data channel.

0062As a first time T1 at its initiation, the DVA user computer A, connects to the Internet network via broadband channel of its subscriber line. This connection is made through the FAI_A service provider of the user A. FAI_A ISP assigns a dynamic IP address to the computer DVA. The computer DVA stores this IP address and registered in the ENUM directory.

0063In a second time T2, at its inception, the DVB computer User B, connects to the Internet via broadband channel of the line subscriber. This connection is made via the ISP FAI_B User B. FAI_B ISP assigns a dynamic IP address DVB computer. The computer DVB stores this IP address and the part ENUM directory.

0064In a third time T3, the computer prompts the DVA DVB computer to read its IP address in the ENUM directory. The invitation is made in the form of a call transmitted over the low channel speed of the subscriber line of the user A. This call results directly stall TA telephone and dialing Phone User B User A or stall online performed by the computer DVA. In the latter case, for addressing the corresponding User A, the DVA computer may request user input A number User's phone B. This number may optionally be a value by default recorded by the computer DVA.

0065The DVB computer receives via narrowband channel's subscriber line, the call phone from the computer DVA. Receiving the call triggers interrogation by the computer DVB ENUM directory to retrieve the IP address of the computer DVA from the incoming call telephone number.

0066In a fourth time T4, the DVB computer can trigger an alert for prevent user B to a call request. User B can choose between:<ul><li>Voice answer by picking up his telephone TB. The communication is then made only by voice.</li><li>meet the videoconferencing application. It then activates the acceptance of video conferencing for example by clicking on an activation button software DVB videoconferencing installed on his computer. In this case, the DVB computer not respond to the call on the low flow channel. Alternatively, the software videoconferencing installed on the DVB computer may be equipped with a button that allows limit the use of videoconferencing to exchange speech which amounts to the IP telephony. This variant can be combined with another button that allows to establish an exchange of images and placing himself in a video conferencing configuration with exchange of images and audio.</li></ul>

0067In a fifth time T5, the DVB computer makes a call to a videoconferencing to the DVA computer via broadband channel its subscriber line. This call is addressed using the IP address of the computer DVA. Once established video conferencing between computers, user A can hang up his telephone set TA, if it is lifted to release the call. If not, this line hook can be done automatically by the computer DVA. A After successful videoconference, users A and B can communicate over their broadband channel.

0068In case of sudden failure of consecutive videoconferencing session to a IP address change or a unilateral disconnection due to a supplier of ISP-A or FAI_B access, the process can be restarted automatically or manually. Automatic recovery or manual recovery process from the first phase. The revival can be automatic because the device is offline diagnose a manner known per se behind this break.

0069The various embodiments described above can be combined together for carrying to other embodiments.

0070Figure 5 is a diagram of a particular embodiment of a device communication of the invention.

0071The device 5 comprises a communication software six transmission / reception data, a first modem 7 low speed, a second modem 8 low flow, a filter 9, 10 software means for the flow of a method according to the invention. Each the two modems connected to the same subscriber line 11 over which pass a low rate signaling channel and a high speed data channel separated by the filter respectively to the first low-speed modem and modem to the second top debit.

0072The device 5 is typically comprised of a multimedia microcomputer current to which are added the following resources:<ul><li>a first modem PSTN, dial,</li><li>a second ADSL modem, broadband,</li><li>ADSL filter external to the microcomputer,</li><li>video conferencing software such as E-CONF company France Telecom,</li><li>software means adapted for conducting a method according the invention, this medium can be written in C by using the library programs such as TAPI from Microsoft.</li></ul>

0073The device can be supplemented with an interface for a telephone analog or digital and with a button 12 for activating the software videoconferencing.

0074The sequence of steps of a method according to the invention may differ from described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. In particular, the connection to an IP network may have been established independently of the process of establishing a data transfer between first and second communication devices. Under these conditions, the device does not reconnect to the IP network, the method retrieves the IP address already assigned to the device.

0075A method according to the invention can be implemented with more than two based devices such possibilities of the software means transmitting / receiving data. In particular, a videoconference may be carried deals with three devices; a first device establishes a data transfer with a second device and a third device. The property transfer data between the first device and each of the other devices takes place in a method of the invention.