Mobile phone related indirect communication system and method

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a device and method for making and receiving telephone calls at relatively low cost and high quality using a mobile phone with a wireless connection and a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

2. Description of the Related Art [0002] The connection made by a mobile phone is made on the same channel that carried the notification information and the ringing signal that established the connection. Thus, fees are increased by the airtime required to maintain this channel as well as the notification information and ringing signal. In addition, the quality of a mobile phone connection is due to the whims of wireless connection and VoIP.

[0003] WO2005039115A refers to the system and method of equipping a user station with access to (a) a network providing (providing) services via a wireless radio access network, in particular Bluetooth. It consists of a radio access network control node ( radio access network control node) (RANCN) (3) acting as an intermediate node between access stations (HBS; 2A, 2B) and the service providing network and includes support measures for adjusting the transmission protocols of the network providing services so that the user station (1A, 1B) can access the services of the network providing services via the radio interface of the wireless radio access network, as a result, the radio access control node (3) reuses the set of transmission protocols of the network that provides services for communication via the radio access network, and the reused protocols are tunneled using the Internet Protocol (IP) by the access station (HBS; 2A , 2B) connected to the control node of the radio access network (3).

[0004] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/068929 relates to a communication provision system while a mobile station moves between a wireless LAN system and a cellular communication system. The packet data service node provides the packet data service between the IP network and the mobile station when the mobile station gains access to the cellular communication system. The packet control function provides the packet data service between the respective node connected to the IP network and the mobile station when the mobile station previously connected to the access point is connected to the base station system and provides the packet data service between the respective node connected to the IP network and the portable station when the mobile station is connected previously the access point is connected to the base station system. The proxy server is connected between the access point of the wireless LAN system and the control function of the cellular system package.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the imperfections of the prior art described above by providing a method and system of indirect communication associated with a mobile telephone.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide low cost and relatively high quality calls for mobile phone users. In one embodiment, the use of a protocol such as WiMAX will guarantee that the radio frequencies (RF) used in wireless communications are compatible with the entire international community. In this embodiment, one cell phone can be used in any country. The Internet, and in particular the Internet Speech Transfer Protocol (VoIP), offers a well-established and standardized uniform environment for both sending and receiving for mobile users around the world. Thus, indirect communication can be used to provide cheap communications for a mobile phone on a global scale.

[0007] In a first aspect, the indirect communication system consists of a calling device and a receiving device, the receiving device having a number. The signal goes from the calling device to the number of the receiving device. The contact channel is identified by the number of the receiving device. The receiving device, in response to the signal from the calling device, calls the contact channel identified by the number of the receiving device. The calling device suspends the signal from the calling device before receiving a response from the receiving device. The calling device calls the contact channel identified by the number of the receiving device. Packets received from the calling device on the contact channel are routed to the receiving device on the contact channel.

[0008] In one embodiment of the indirect communication system, the contacting channel address includes the receiving device identification number and the internet protocol address or the name of the Domain Name System (DNS) of the contacting generator.

[0009] In one embodiment of the indirect communication system, if the receiving device accepts the connection, the receiving device connects to the contact channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, if the receiving device rejects the call, the receiving device sends rejection information to the contact channel and the contact channel forwards the message to the calling device.

[0011] In one embodiment of the indirect communication system, if the receiving device proposes an alternative contacting channel, the receiving device communicates with the alternative contacting channel.

[0012] In one embodiment of the indirect communication system, packets are redirected by changing the sending address of each packet header from the contacting channel address to the address of the receiving device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the indirect communication system comprises a plurality of receiving devices, and each packet received from the receiving device is repeatedly copied on the contact channel, and each of the copied packets is forwarded to one of the plural receiving devices.

[0014] In one embodiment of the indirect communication system, the calling device operates in one network and the receiving device operates in the second network, where the second network is incompatible with said first network and the signal includes instructions about the first network.

[0015] In another aspect, the indirect communication method includes sending a signal from the calling device to the receiving device and identifying the channel for establishing contact by the number of the receiving device. The receiving device, in response to the signal from the calling device, calls the contact channel identified by the number of the receiving device. The calling device suspends the signal from the calling device to the receiving device before receiving a response from the receiving device. The calling device calls the contact channel identified by the number of the receiving device. Packets received from the calling device on the contact channel are routed to the receiving device on the contact channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the indirect communication method comprises repeatedly copying each packet received from the calling device on the contact channel, and redirecting each of the copied packets to one of the plural receiving devices.

[0017] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, the contact channel address comprises the receiving device identification number and the internet IP address or the name of the Domain Name System of the contact generator.

[0018] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, if the receiving device accepts the connection, the receiving device connects to the channel for establishing contact.

[0019] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, if the receiving device rejects the call, the receiving device sends rejection information to the contact channel, and the contact channel forwards the message to the device the caller.

[0020] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, the receiving device proposes an alternative channel for making contact.

[0021] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, packets are redirected by changing the sending address of each packet header from the contacting channel address to the address of the receiving device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the indirect communication method comprises notifying the receiving device of the calling device network and activating the software associated with the calling device network at the receiving device.

[0023] In one embodiment, the indirect communication method includes a connector capable of receiving a connection signal from the server as a consequence of sending a notification signal to the receiving device.

[0024] In one aspect of the indirect communication system, an independent signal, such as a short (one or two) ringing tone is sent to a receiving device, which may be a cellular telephone. This independent signal informs the receiving device that someone with the ability to send speech via the Internet (VoIP) is waiting for a "contact channel" somewhere on the internet. The receiving device can then connect to the internet and go to an agreed channel for making contact and talking.

[0025] In one aspect of the indirect communication method, the calling device, which may be a cell phone, sends a short signal, which can be a signal of one or two ringing tones, to the receiving device. After sending a ringtone, the calling device, in general, can hang up so that no telephone call charges are incurred. The calling device connects to the internet and goes to the agreed place to make contact, waiting for the receiving device to come (contact) and talk. The place of making contact on the Internet can be a specific IP address (Internet protocol) such as xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, a server (or personal computer), or a specialized website. After the receiving device receives the ringing tone, it connects to the internet at the established contact point and starts talking to the calling device using internet speech (VoIP).

[0026] In one aspect of the indirect communication system, the indirect communication system includes a notification element for notifying the receiving device of the expected connection in response to instruction from the calling device, a contact location generator arranging a channel for establishing contact in response to the instruction, and a contacting channel receiving packets from the calling device and redirecting these packets to the receiving device.

[0027] In one embodiment, both the receiving device and the calling device or both can be in the form of a telephone handset, telephone, cellular telephone, radiotelephone, PDA, gateway, base station, server, cellular transmitter, transmitting device - receiving or computer.

[0028] In one embodiment, the notification element, which may be in either the server or the calling device, may produce a discontinuous multi-tone (DMT) ringing tone that may include the contact channel address.

[0029] In one embodiment, the contact channel address may consist of a name or identification number together with an internet address (IP) or domain name system (DNS) name indicating the communication channel.

[0030] In one embodiment, the contact channel is predetermined and represents a fixed communication channel.

[0031] In one embodiment, a contact channel is generated when needed.

[0032] In one embodiment, the contacting channel address may consist of the receiving device identification number and the Internet IP address or the name of the Domain Name System (DNS).

[0033] In one embodiment, the contact channel identifying the receiving device belongs to the receiving device. In this case, the contact channel is the proprietary contact point of the receiving device.

[0034] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, the receiving device is a telephone handset, telephone, gateway, base station, server, cellular transmitter, transceiver or computer.

[0035] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, the calling device is a telephone handset, telephone, gateway, base station, server, cellular network transmitter, transceiver or computer.

[0036] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, a contact channel is created in the server, computer, base station, telephone handset, VoIP telephony headset, VoIP controller, telephone exchange, or specialized black box device and peripherals.

[0037] In one embodiment of the indirect communication method, the contact channel includes control of the speech transmission technique over the VoIP internet and administrative matrices to support a large number of simultaneous connections. [0038] In one embodiment, a contact channel is created in the server, computer, base station, telephone handset, VoIP telephony headset, VoIP controller, telephone exchange, or specialized black box device and peripherals.

[0039] In one embodiment, the contact channel includes control of a voice transmission technique over the VoIP internet and administrative matrices to support a large number of simultaneous connections.

[0040] In one embodiment, the contact channel address includes the receiving device identification number and the Internet IP address or name of the Domain Name System (DNS) of the contact generator channel, i.e. the proprietary contact contact location of the receiving device.

[0041] In one embodiment, if the receiving device accepts the connection, the receiving device connects to a proprietary contact channel. [0042] In one embodiment, if the receiving device rejects the connection, the receiving device sends a rejection notification to the contacting channel and the contacting channel transmits this rejection notification to the calling device.

[0043] In one embodiment, if the receiving device proposes an alternative contacting channel, the receiving device communicates with the alternative contacting channel.

[0044] In one embodiment, the received packets can be formatted using a voice transmission technique over the VoIP internet, Internet IP protocol, or User Datagram Protocol.

[0045] In one embodiment of the indirect communication system, the number or name of the receiving device is the number itself, the prefix number, the suffix number, the name associated with the number, the IP address, a replacement name, or a combination of the above elements.

[0046] In one embodiment of the indirect communication system, the contact channel identified by the number of the receiving device is the property of the receiving device for property determination and administrative operations.

[0047] The present invention accomplishes these goals and others by providing a system and method of indirect communication associated with a mobile telephone. In one aspect of the invention, the receiving device need not be actively connected to the internet at all times. The communication system may not know the exact location of the cell phone. The cell phone can find the nearest base station (or internet access point) and connect to the internet only when needed.

[0048] These and other properties and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Additional aspects and / or advantages of the present invention will be to some extent described in the following description and, to some extent, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned in practice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0050] The accompanying drawing figures, which are included herein and which form part of the patent specification, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present invention and allow a person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. In the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate identical or similar elements in function. These and / or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become clear and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic of an indirect communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagram of a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3A schematically illustrates an indirect communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3B schematically illustrates an indirect communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a base station for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a transceiver system for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 schematically shows a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 schematically shows a notification signal for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 schematically shows a contact server for use with the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12 schematically shows a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 13 schematically illustrates a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 schematically shows a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 15 schematically shows a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16 schematically illustrates a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 17 schematically shows a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 18 schematically shows a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 19 is a flowchart of an indirect communication method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 20 is a flowchart of generating an address for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 21 is a flowchart of packet forwarding for use with the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 22 is a flowchart of establishing channel for contact for use with the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 23 is a flowchart of establishing a telephone connection for use with the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 24 is a diagram of a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 25 is a diagram of a contact server for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

DEFINITIONS [0051] The Internet, sometimes referred to as the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) model, generally refers to a set of interconnected networks that use the TCP / IP protocol.

[0052] The Internet Protocol (IP) address generally refers to an address that is a unique number having four parts separated by periods, for example

165.113.223.2. Each part can have values ​​from 0 to 255. For TCP / IP (or Internet) networks, IP addresses can be used to uniquely identify a computer on the network. A newer version of IP addresses using six parts instead of four is called IPv6. A computer network in which each computer can be uniquely identified by its corresponding IP address is also called an IP network.

[0053] Domain Name System (DNS) generally refers to an internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. The domain name system can be used on the internet to translate names such as<a href="http://www.pwt.com">www.pwt.com</a> to the IP address, for example 165.113.223.2.

[0054] Broadband communications generally refer to a type of data transfer in which a single link (wired or wireless) has sufficient bandwidth to transfer multiple channels at any one time. It is also called multiplexing. A computer network or communication between computers can be broadband, at speeds from, for example, 1 Mbps (mega bit per second) to 20 Mbps.

[0055] The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is the protocol of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for VoIP and other text and multimedia sessions such as instant messengers, video, web games and other services.

[0056] A SIP telephone generally refers to a device, such as a telephone, which is directly connected to the internet via a broadband modem or similar device capable of making and receiving voice calls without a computer.

[0057] The IP packet generally refers to packets used in Internet communications, having a specific structure, which allows for global compatibility. The IP packet contains an IP header followed by a variable-length data field.

[0058] The PSTN gateway generally refers to software installed on a VoIP machine, allowing the VoIP machine to make and receive voice calls from a regular telephone (e.g., a PSTN telephone).

[0059] A base station (BS) generally refers to a device, such as a gateway, WiFi router, GSM router, computer or server, with a connection to a transceiver enabling communication with a cellular telephone. BS can also connect to the internet for VoIP functionality.

[0060] The GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) network uses a number of radio transmitters, which can be BS stations, to connect cell phones to the cell network. The frequency of the base station, also called a cell, covers a certain range within an area. The base stations can be interconnected so that a cell phone can move from one cell to another without interrupting the conversation. The base station assembly is connected to a specific Base Station Controller (BSC). The base station driver assembly is connected to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC). The cell switching center and associated equipment routes incoming and outgoing calls, including calls from the public switched PSTN telephone network, and calls to other networks.

[0061] A wireless carrier or frequency generally refers to the radio frequency used for communication between a cellular telephone and a base station.

[0062] A GSM wireless carrier generally refers to the five radio frequencies (RF) used by GSM cell phones. These bands are:

GSM-900 - using 890-915 MHz and RF channel numbers from 1 to 124. GSM-1800 - using 1710-1785 MHz and 374 RF channel numbers from 512 to 885.

GSM-850 - using 824-849 MHz and channel numbers from 128 to 251. GSM-1900 - using 1850-1910 MHz and channel numbers from 512 to 810. GSM-400 - using 890-915 MHz.

[0063] Both frequencies and channel numbers are compatible with 1st generation (1G) cell phones.

[0064] Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), also known as IEEE 802.11, operates in a spectrum close to 2.4 GHz, except for 802.11a, which uses 5 GHz. Different countries may have different Wi-Fi settings due to transmit power requirements. By using unified channel numbers, international radio frequency (RF) differences can easily be detected. Normal Wi-Fi range is small, below several hundred meters.

[0065] The Worldwide interoperability Microway Access (WiMAX) technique, also called IEEE 802.16, is the standard for special wireless access using RF between 2 and 20 GHz. The WiMAX transmission and reception range, usually above 20 kilometers, is greater than that of Wi-Fi.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0066] It would be desirable if the caller were able to let the receiving device know that someone was waiting for a call at the point of contact on the internet without incurring the cost of a cellular connection. It would also be desirable for the receiving device to be able to connect to the contact point and also to connect to the calling device using the speech over the Internet (VoIP) technique, without incurring any further costs for the cellular connection. It would also be desirable for the caller to be able to inform the receiving device that someone is waiting for a call at the point of contact by sending a short signal to the receiving device via an existing cellular network in order to minimize the cost of the cellular connection and then hang up. It would also be desirable for the receiving device not to respond to the short notification tone, or to be able to disconnect quickly with the calling device, so that costs can be minimized, and proper communication with the calling device via the place of contact can be achieved. Finally, it would be desirable if the location of the receiving device were not known to the caller.

[0067] The internet is called a packet switching network. Packages are similarly built to ensure global compliance. The IP packet has a header followed by a variable length data field. Among the half header will be Source IP, which is the address of the initiating device, and Destination IP, which is the address of the destination device. Although IP is used in this description, the present invention is not limited to a particular packet format, or generally to IP. The examples presented here are examples only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0068] Another type of network is a switched network, such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), also called a Plain Old Telephone System (POTS). The public switched telephone network generally refers to the national and international system based on copper cabling for the transmission of analogue speech data. The telephone service supported by the public switched telephone network is also called "ordinary telecommunications service" (POTS). Normal telecommunications is a standard telephone service used by most home users. Generally, ordinary telecommunications service is limited to around 52 Kbps (52000 bits per second).

[0069] The third type of network is a wireless or radio (RF) network. Wireless networks can be packet switched, like the internet, or switched, like a public switched telephone network, or both.

[0070] A gate is often used to convert packet switched data into switched data and vice versa. Thus, the gateway allows the VoIP device to make and receive voice calls from an ordinary telephone, such as a telephone of a public switched telephone network. A gateway generally refers to a device, both in hardware and in the form of software, equipped to interface with another network that uses different protocols. The gateway may include devices such as protocol or signal translators, for example to ensure system interoperability. A gateway can establish mutually acceptable procedures between two networks.

[0071] The technique of transmitting speech over the Internet (VoIP) generally refers to protocols, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) H.323, used to transmit speech signals over a packet-switched network such as Internet. VoIP can provide users with the ability to make calls on the internet. A computer with VoIP client software (or a VoIP software phone) can be used to make voice calls to another computer over a TCP / IP network (i.e. the internet). Generally, the speaker, microphone and computer sound card can be used to talk to the person on the other side. The computer keyboard can be used to enter the IP address or domain name system of the receiving terminal so that a connection can be established. The entire community using a VoIP client on a TCP / IP network is generally referred to as a VoIP network.

[0072] In communication by means of the speech transmission technique over the internet, the voice signal received by the microphone is sampled and the samples are processed into the packet content by the sound card, for example, by extracting the frequency content of the voice signal by a discrete Fourier transform, and creating the content of packets containing frequency data. The recipient's address to which the data are to be sent can be entered from the keyboard. Frequency data is converted back to the speech signals in the receiver thanks to the inverse Fourier transform using a different sound card and reproduced by the speaker. Thus, VoIP can provide users with telephony options over the internet. The loudspeaker and the microphone can be built into the program phone.

[0073] Formats such as VoIP, which use the internet to send information, offer the possibility of a single-charge connection paid at the ISP. The uniform charge is often less costly when considering the duration or frequency of calls than comparable communication costs using a mobile phone. However, one of the disadvantages associated with internet connectivity is that all callers must intend to establish a connection and must interact in establishing communication by, at least, causing their location to be known. Each of the interlocutors, for example, connects to the internet by himself, connects to the second interlocutor, and then starts the connection.

[0074] In general, there is no internet analogy for the notification function provided by the mobile service provider in which one of the callers dials the telephone number of the other caller and the mobile service provider locates the other caller and connects the call. In particular, the internet does not have the infrastructure provided by the cellular service provider geared to locating the other person's cell phone. It would therefore be desirable to be able to use the infrastructure in the possession of mobile telephony providers to set up the connection, by locating and notifying the recipient of the conversation, and then to switch it, for example, to an internet connection for the right time of the conversation.

[0075] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an indirect communication system comprising a calling device 100, which may have transceiver 104, and a receiving device 102, which may also have transceiver 104. If a cellular network, such as a GSM network , supports the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102, the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102 can be connected to the network via a series of base stations 106. In turn, base stations 106 can be connected to a cell switching center (MSC), which is in turn connected to other networks.

[0076] Each base station 106 serves an area called a cell, and the calling device 100 or the receiving device 102, after entering the range of the cell, connects to the network via the same base station 106. Furthermore, the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102 can be forwarded from one base station 106 to another when they move from cell to cell. Base station 106 may be a personal computer (PC) with a gateway to the public switched telephone network, a modem, and / or a switch to the ordinary switched telephone network.

[0077] The indirect communication system may also have a contact location server 108 to connect to the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102, and connection to the communication network 114. The contact location server 108 may be a server with a gateway to the public switched telephone network, a modem and / or a distribution box. Both the calling device 100, the receiving device 102, or both can be mobile phones. The roles of the developing device 100 and the receiving device 102 can be reversed without loss of generality.

[0078] The calling device 100 is capable of transmitting and receiving a signal 110 via the transceiver 104. The calling device 100 is connected to the base station 106 via the transceiver 104. The calling device 100 is also capable of connecting to the server 108 contact locations via the transceiver 104 or base station 106. For the minimum service level a full internet connection between base station 106 and calling device 100 is not necessary. In fact, the sound communication between base station 106 and calling device 100 is sufficient so that the processor (CPU) and / or its processing power in the calling device 100 can be kept to a minimum.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 1, the calling device 100 can call the receiving device 102 by sending a signal 110 to the receiving device 102. The signal 110 may be a short (one or two sounds) ringing tone. Signal 110 alerts the receiving device 102 about the expected connection to the developing device 102. In one embodiment, the calling device 100 notifies the receiving device 102 about the desire to establish a connection by sending a signal 110 to the receiving device 102 and disconnects without exposing further charges related to airtime. In one embodiment, the developing device 100 disconnects by disconnecting from base station 106.

[0080] There are many devices and methods that can be used to send a signal 110. The developing device 100 can send a signal 110 to the receiving device 102 via a GSM network in a traditional manner. Signal 110 may also be generated or transmitted by the transceiver 104 of the calling device 100. In an alternative embodiment, the base station 106 may send the signal 110 to the receiving device 102. In an alternative embodiment, the contact server 108 may send a signal 110 to the receiving device 102.

[0081] The signal 110 may be a discontinuous multi-tone signal (DMT), such as a discontinuous multi-tone signal having one or two tones. In one embodiment, the signal 110 includes information for the receiving device 102 indicating the location, such as the address of the server 108 of the contact location. In another embodiment, the signal 110 includes contact server information 108 identifying the telephone number or address of the calling device 100 or receiving device 102. In another embodiment, the signal 110 may contain no information at all.

[0082] In many embodiments, the signal 110 may be any analog or digital signal capable of connecting the calling device 100 to the base station 106 or the contact server 108, such as a spread spectrum signal, a time-frequency-multiplied signal , code, or a combination of those listed. In one embodiment, the signal 110 is a GSM signal. Signal 110 may be directed to the receiving device 102 using the telephone number assigned to the receiving device 102. In this case, the signal 110 may be the aforementioned discontinuous multi-tone two-tone signal, a short signal to notify the receiving device 102 of the expected connection.

[0083] After sending the signal 110, the calling device 100 may, in general, disconnect so that no further telephone or time-related charges increase. In one embodiment, the developing device 100 disconnects by disconnecting from base station 106. The calling device 100 may then connect to a proprietary channel for establishing connections of the receiving device 102 within the connecting server 108, and waiting for the response of the receiving device 102. There is no need for the receiving device 102 to be continuously connected to the base station or the internet.

[0084] In one embodiment, the receiving device 102 is capable of sending and receiving a signal 112. The signal 112 may be a discontinuous multi-tone signal, such as a discontinuous multi-tone signal having two tones. In the case of direct communication between the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102, the signal 112 may be a signal 110, however displaced in time or space. In one embodiment, the signal 112 includes information for the calling device 100 indicating the location, e.g., the address, of the contact server 108. In another embodiment, the signal 112 includes information for the contact server 108 indicating the telephone number or address of the calling device 100 or receiving device 102.

[0085] In several embodiments, the signal 112 may be any analog or digital signal capable of connecting base station 106 or server 108 of the contact point to the receiving device 102, such as a spread spectrum signal, a time-frequency-divided signal multiplied , code, or a combination of those listed. Signal 112 may also be used to connect the receiving device 102 to the contact server 108 via the transceiver 104 or base station 106. In one embodiment, the signal 112 is a GSM signal.

[0086] The receiving device 102 may not answer the call, or may answer the call and hang up to minimize fees for the use of airtime. In one embodiment, disconnection means disconnecting from the base station 106. The calling device 100 can also hang up immediately after sending a short notification signal to the receiving device 102, also to minimize costs. In particular, signal 110 may alert the receiving device 102 to the expected connection without having to make the connection itself. Signal 110 may also provide information identifying the server 108 of the contact location.

[0087] The receiving device 102, after receiving the signal 110 from the calling device 100, may connect to the contact channel at the contact server 108. In one embodiment, the receiving device 102 connects to the contact server 108 through the base station 106. In another embodiment, the receiving device 102 may connect to the contact channel directly on the contact server 108, e.g. via the internet, and start the connection with the calling device 100. After both the receiving device 102 and the calling device 100 connect to the server 108 of the contact location, connectivity can be established using VoIP.

[0088] The contact server 108 has the ability to support communication between the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102. This connection may include a signal 110 warning the receiving device 102 about the expected connection with the calling device 100. In this case, the receiving device 102 may establish a connection with server 108 of establishing contact after receiving signal 110.

[0089] The receiving device 102 may, however, not need to respond to the connection represented by the short two-tone signal. Instead, the signal 110 itself may provide sufficient information to the receiving device 102 to recognize an incoming call from the calling device 100 on the contact server 108. Alternatively, the receiving device 102 can answer the call, but hang up immediately, thereby minimizing airtime costs.

[0090] In one embodiment, disconnection may mean disconnection from base station 106. Thus, the advantage of this embodiment is that the indirect communication system allows the mobile device to connect to the other device via contact server 108, e.g., by a technique for transmitting speech over VoIP, while avoiding the use of airtime.

[0091] The contact location server 108 also has the ability to handle the connection between the calling device 100 and the plurality of receiving devices 102, for example during a conference call. In this case, the contact server 108 will duplicate each of the packets received from the calling device 100 and forward these copies to the individual receiving devices 102. Each of the receiving devices 102 will have a connection to the server 108 of the contact location after receiving their respective signals 110.

[0092] The receiving devices 102 could, however, not answer the call or, if they received it, could immediately hang up. Therefore, each of the receiving devices 102 will hear the developing device 100, but without any further airtime costs. Thus, the advantage of this embodiment is that the indirect communication system allows the calling device 100 to connect to the plurality of receiving devices 102 via the contact server 108, e.g. by means of a speech transmission technique via the VoIP internet, while avoiding the use of airtime.

[0093] The contact location server 108 may be connected to other servers using the communication network 114. In one embodiment, the communication network 114 may be an internet communication network. In another embodiment, the communication network 114 may be an intranet communication network, such as a proprietary corporate network.

[0094] The contacting server 108 may have an identifier, such as an IP address in the communication network 114. This address may be a unique number having four or six parts separated by dots, for example 165.113.223.2. This address can be used to uniquely identify the server 108 of the contact location in communication network 114. The server 108 of the contact location may also have a domain name, such as<a href="http://www.pwt.com">www.pwt.com</a>. The domain name can be exchanged for an IP address by the domain name system.

[0095] In one embodiment, such as VoIP applications, the contact server 108 may simply be a personal computer with an IP address such as

165.113.223.2, or the name of a domain name system, such as a website address (for example, www.voipmobilephone.com or <a href="http://www.pwt.com">www.pwt.com</a>). In one embodiment, the base station 106 connecting the calling device 100 and / or the receiving device 102 can also be used as a contact server 108. Within the contact location server 108, multiple contact locations (locations or channels) can be implemented for the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102 to contact and talk.

[0096] In one embodiment, the calling device 100 may have a telephone number 1111. The calling device 100 calls the receiving device 102, which may have a telephone number 2222. The calling device 100 calls the receiving device 102 by sending a signal 110 to the receiving device 102 a short ring signal, if possible containing the number 2222 receiving device 102.

[0097] After sending the signal 110, the calling device 100 connects to the contact server 108, which may have an IP address such as 165.113.223.2. Connection to the contact location server 108 can be via a corresponding base station 106. The contact location server 108 can set up a channel to contact the receiving device 102 on the contact location server 108 and direct the calling device 100 to that channel.

[0098] In one embodiment, the only information shared by the calling device 100, the contact server 108 and the receiving device 102 is the telephone number of the receiving device 102. In such an embodiment, the contact channel on the contact server 108 may have an address formed by connecting the telephone number of the receiving device 102, e.g. 2222, with the IP address of the contact server 108 e.g.

165.113.223.2. Thus, the channel address for making contact may be 2222@165.113.223.2. The number 2222 is taken from the number of the receiving device 102, while the IP address 165.113.223.2 is taken from the server address 108 of the contact.

[0099] In one embodiment, the contact channel is pre-set, and both the receiving device 102 and the calling device 100 know the channel address for making contact on the contact server 108. In this embodiment, when the receiving device 102 with the number 2222 receives a short ring signal, the receiving device 102 will go to the predetermined or default location represented by 2222@165.113.223.2 to start the connection with the calling device 100. In such In an embodiment, the receiving device 2222 may be the owner of the channel represented by 2222@165.113.223.2, and thus the ownership of the channel for establishing contact shall be determined.

[0100] In another embodiment, the receiving device 102 can only know the IP address of the contact server 108, of course, together with its own telephone number. In such an embodiment, there may be a predetermined protocol between the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102, in which it is understood that sending the signal 110 to the receiving device 102 means that there is a contact channel waiting on the server 108 of the contact location. It can also be understood that the channel address for making contact will be formed from the telephone number of the receiving device 102 and the IP address of the server 108 of the contact place.

[0101] In this embodiment, when the receiving device 102 with the telephone number 2222 receives a short ring signal, the receiving device 102 will conduct an internal call. In such an embodiment, the receiving device 102 will go to the contacting server 108, where the contacting server 108 will transfer the receiving device 102 to its contacting ownership channel represented by 2222@165.113.223.2. The receiving device 102 will then start the connection with the calling device 100. Thus, the receiving device 102 will be able to decipher the channel address for making contact based on its own telephone number and the server address 108 of the making contact.

[0102] In yet another embodiment, the signal 110 may include tones representative of a contact address on the contact server 108. In this embodiment, the receiving device 102 may not know the server address 108 of the contact location. In such an embodiment, rather, the receiving device 102 may be able to interpret signal tones 110 in order to decode the channel address for contacting on the contact server 108.

[0103] Furthermore, it may be possible for the receiving device 102 to decipher the channel address for making contact without receiving the call represented by the signal 110. This may be the case, for example, when the receiving device 102 has a "caller ID" function. ") Or an analogous function by which information about the telephone number or other information about the calling device 100 is shown on the display of the receiving device 102. Alternatively, the receiving device 102 may receive the signal 110 and remain connected to the calling device 100 via a signal 110 long enough to receive information showing the channel address for contacting on the server 108 of the contacting location, after which the receiving device 102 will disconnect.

[0104] The calling device 100 may need to know the number of the receiving device 102, and both the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102 may need to know the IP address of the respective gateway or server 108 of the contact location. The calling device 100 can make calls by clicking the "VoIP connection" button. For the receiving device 102, the "accept VoIP" button will be used to receive the call.

[0105] In one embodiment, the ringing format used in a specialized telephone handset or cell phone with a built-in gateway IP (or MPS) address storage function is the number of the receiving device, such as 2222. In this embodiment, pressing, for example, the "call" button VoIP "calls the number of the receiving device. There is no need to explicitly enter the IP address because the IP address is stored inside the phone. An intermediate contact channel (MPC) such as 2222@165.113.223.2 can be established automatically after a short ring signal. Thus, the user only needs to know the number of the receiving device.

[0106] In one embodiment, the calling format for a cellular telephone without a built-in IP address storage function may be 2222@165.113.223.2. After pressing the "VoIP connection" button, the system will send a short ring signal to the number 2222 of the receiving device, and establish an intermediate channel for establishing contact as 2222@165.113.223.2.

[0107] In one embodiment, channel 2222@165.113.223.2 can be introduced as two separate elements. The number of the receiving device 102, e.g. 2222 is entered in the number field. An IP address such as 165.113.223.2 is entered into the gateway field. This calling format can also be used when the gateway address is somewhere on the internet and is different from the default IP address, for example

165.113.223.2. In this case, a transfer function can be provided from the IP gateway to the default IP address.

[0108] Connections to cell phones can also be made when there is no default gateway or default IP at all. Instead, base station 106, or any personal computer with VoIP can be used as a contact server 108. In this case, the calling device 100 should be able to send a short ring signal and send the contact IP address to the receiving device 102. This allows an intermediate channel to be established to establish contact without using the default gateway.

[0109] Note that by having a default gateway, such as contact server 108, a short signal (or ringing signal) can be sent through the gateway immediately and unambiguously. Without the default gateway, the calling device 100 will need to send the contact location information to the receiving device 102, although the software on the mobile phone may program this.

[0110] After the calling device 100 sends the signal 110 to the receiving device 102 a signal indicating that the contacting channel has been established on the contacting server 108, the calling device 100 also connects to this contacting channel.

[0111] In one embodiment, the contact channel and gateway are dedicated on the server. In this embodiment, the calling device 100 connects to the server and the server sends 110 to the receiving device 102 a signal indicating that the contact channel has been established on the contact server 108. In one embodiment, the calling device 100 will be transferred to the contact address of the channel. The channel address to be contacted can be in the form of the receiving device's phone number 102 and server contact address 108 as discussed above. In one embodiment, the contact server 108 may provide music or other entertainment to the call participants while they are waiting for other participants to appear.

[0112] Upon receiving the signal 110, the receiving device 102 will also connect to the contact channel on the contact server 108 to talk to the calling device 100. If the receiving device 102 appears on the contact channel before the calling device 100, this receiving device 102 can wait for the calling device 100. In one embodiment, the contact channel will be "in the possession" of the receiving device 102. This embodiment establishes ownership of the channel and can offer better control and avoid confusion.

[0113] In one embodiment, the calling device 100 or the receiving device 102 may set up a contact channel on the contact server 108 by calling its own number. In this embodiment, the contact server 108 will set up its own channel for contacting the address in the form of the telephone number of the calling device 100 or the receiving device 102 connected to the address of the contact server 108. The channel setting for making contact by calling your own telephone number can be referred to as "home phone". In one embodiment, the number selected by the calling device 100 or receiving device 102 includes a prefix and an extension number.

[0114] In one embodiment, the home telephone is served both nationally and internationally, thereby bypassing the barriers posed by incompatible methods of transmitting caller identification. In one embodiment, the home phone has no alternative notification methods, such as short message service (SMS) messages. In one embodiment, the home telephone operates for a calling device 100 supported by a communication network that is not compatible with that of the receiving device 102. In such an embodiment, for example, the signal 110 will indicate to the receiving device 102 that someone is waiting for a conversation, even when the receiving device 102 is on a network incompatible with the calling device 100.

[0115] In one embodiment, after sending the signal 110, the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102 agree on a predetermined contact channel on the contact server 108. The address of this established contact channel may have a specific format, such as the IP address of the contact server 108. In one embodiment, each incoming call participant must know the address of this established channel for making contact. [0116] In another embodiment, after sending the signal 110, the contact server 108 may cause both the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102 to connect to the unoccupied contact channel. In this embodiment, the contact location server 108 may transfer the receiving device 102 to an unoccupied contact channel while the calling device 100 connects to the contact location server 108. For this embodiment, the server may need to know the identification number of the receiving device 102, such as the telephone number of the receiving device 102, so that the contact server 108 can also transfer the receiving device 102 to the correct contact channel on which the device is waiting causing 100.

[0117] In another embodiment, a replacement number is assigned to each number registered in the contact server 108. In this embodiment, after sending the signal 110, a contact channel is created using this placeholder number for the receiving device number 102. After receiving the signal 110, the receiving device 102 calls the replacement number to connect to the calling device 100 and talk. In this embodiment, each device must know two numbers, a replacement number and its own telephone number. [0118] In one embodiment, the contact holder of the channel, i.e. the receiving device 102, may have the right to close the contact channel at any time. In another embodiment, the holder of the contact channel, i.e. the receiving device 102, may be allowed to query all other devices connected to that channel for disconnection permission.

[0119] Alternatively, the receiving device 102 may refuse the connection, in which case there is no further communication between the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102. In a further variant solution, the receiving device 102 may counter-propose an alternative contact channel by connecting with him and waiting for the developing device 100. If the calling device 100 accepts the counteroffert and connects to this alternative contact channel, communication with the receiving device 102 is also established.

[0120] Transceiver 104, base station 106, or contact server 108 are all capable of transmitting the signal 110 received by the receiving device 102. Signal 110 may be a ringing tone generated by the GSM network, or it may be generated by the base station to which the calling device 100 is currently associated, a computer, a public switched telephone gateway, a modem or a switchboard, for use in a public switched telephone network.

[0121] If the contact location server 108 is used to generate a short ringing tone, the ringing tone may also be generated by a public switched telephone network gateway, modem or switchboard for use in a public switched telephone network. Finally, a short ringing tone can be generated by the transceiver or antenna associated with the indirect communication system.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 2, the contact server 206 included in the indirect communication system may include a generator 214, a sending element 216, an element 218 for creating a contact location, a channel 220 for establishing contact, and a forwarding element 222. 214 generates signal 212 in response to instruction from the calling device 200. The generated signal is a two-ringing beep, or a short signal. The sending element 216 is a notification element that notifies the receiving device 202, which may be a mobile phone, of the expected connection in response to an instruction from the calling device 200, which can also be a mobile phone. If the calling device 200 is a mobile telephone, then the calling device 200 may reduce airtime fees by using the generated signal to alert the receiving device 202 about the expected connection, but leading the current connection elsewhere.

[0123] Item 218 for creating a contact location creates a channel 220 for contacting in response to instruction from the calling device 200. The contact channel 220 can be formed after the calling device 200 has established a connection to the contact server 208. Establishing a contact channel 220 on the server allows signal 210 from the calling device 200 and signal 212 from the receiving device 202 to meet on the channel 220 for establishing contact and establishing a communication path between the calling device 200 and the receiving device 202 via the contact channel 220 .

[0124] However, communication from the developing device 200 to the receiving device 202 may not be direct. The developing device 200 and the receiving device 202, rather, each connect separately to the contact channel 220 and the contact channel 220 directs their respective packets in the appropriate direction. Thus, airtime minutes can be shortened by connecting via channel 220 to make contact, as is the case with the Internet using VoIP rather than cellular.

[0125] The contact channel 220 may include a forwarding element 222. The forwarding element has the ability to receive processed speech transmission packets via the internet from the calling device 200 to the receiving device 202 and vice versa. Internet speech transmission packets are sent directly to the channel 220 for establishing contact either from the calling device 200 or from the receiving device 202. VoIP packets are then redirected to the destination device by changing the destination address of the packet to the address of either the calling device 200 or the receiving device 202, respectively. The roles of the calling device 200 and the receiving device 202 can be inverted, without loss of generality.

[0126] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3A, the indirect communication system may include a contact server 308a that is capable of receiving calls from the calling device 300a or from the receiving device 302a via base stations 306a and 307a. Both the calling device 300a and the receiving device 302a, or both at the same time, can be mobile telephones. [0127] The calling device 300a may have a telephone number of 1111. The calling device 300a establishes a connection with the receiving device 302a, which may have a telephone number of 2222. In one embodiment, the calling device 300a calls the receiving device 302a by sending a signal 312a in the form of a short ringing signal, the signal 312a may contain no information or any instructions such as caller ID of the caller 300a.

[0128] After sending the signal 312a, the calling device 300a connects to the contact server 308a which may have an IP address, for example 165.113.223.2.

Connection to the 308a contact server 308a can be via the appropriate base station 306a. In this embodiment, the contact server 308a can dynamically set up the communication channel with the receiving device 302a and set the calling device on that channel to a waiting state for the receiving device 302a. The contact channel can be 2222@165.113.223.2, where the first number 2222, in this case, can be used to identify the receiving device. In the absence of information in the 312a signal, the number of the receiving device can be used to make the call.

[0129] After the receiving device 302a with the telephone number 2222 receives a short ring signal, the receiving device 302a can call its own number, for example 2222@165.113.223.2. By calling this number directly using the receiving device, the device will connect to the contact server 308a and transfer to the contact channel 2222@165.113.223.2 to start the connection with the calling device 300a. Calling your own phone number is called a home phone. In this embodiment, the receiving device 302a behaves as if it has returned home and contacted someone.

[0130] In another embodiment, the calling device 300a makes a call to the receiving device by directly dialing the number 2222@165.113.223.2. This action connects the calling device to the contact server 308a by identifying the IP address 165.113.223.2. The contact location server 308a may then send a signal 312a to the receiving device 302a number 2222. After sending this signal, the contact server 308a creates a contact location 2222@165.113.223.2 and sets the receiving device on this channel in anticipation of the receiving device making a phone call home.

[0131] Alternatively and depending on the base station network 307a, the calling device 300a may capture voice data and convert it into an "outgoing VoIP packet". In this embodiment, the occupation of the base station 307a is simply sending a packet to the contact channel within the contact server.

[0132] In another embodiment, when both the calling and receiving devices store the IP address of the contact server as a parameter or embedded function, the operation of calling home is the same as calling the own telephone number of this device.

[0133] In another embodiment, the receiving device 2222 may have a channel 2222@165.113.223.2 for establishing contact within the server 308a. Establishing ownership of a contact channel can allow the owner to perform administrative actions, such as closing the contact channel at any time, forcing people on that channel to hang up.

[0134] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3B, the indirect communication system may include a contact server 308 that has the ability to receive calls from the calling device 300 or the receiving device 302 via base stations 306 and 307. Both calling device 300, the receiving device 302, or both at the same time, can be cell phones.

[0135] Both the calling device 300 and the receiving device 302 may connect to the contact server 308 after the calling device 300 sends a signal 312 to the receiving device 302. In this embodiment, the signal 312 may contain information or instructions, such as caller ID of the calling device 300, server address 308 of the contact or alternate contact location, or callback number.

[0136] After the calling device 300 and the receiving device 302 have been connected to the contact location server 308, the calling device 300 and the receiving device 302 may start transferring data intended for the other party to the contact location server 308. The contact location server 308 may then forward this communication to the calling device 300 or receiving device 302, respectively. Thus, airtime minutes can be shortened by allowing both the calling device 300 and the receiving device 302 to communicate with each other using VoIP via the contact server 308, thereby reducing the cost of the call and increasing the quality of the telephone conversation.

[0137] In one embodiment, the redirection works as follows. The calling device 300 sends a short ring signal to the receiving device 302, and connects to the base station 306. The base station 306 may have an IP address, e.g. BS1_IP. Details of the BS1_IP address may be known to the calling device 300 while the calling device 300 connects after the base station 306. After receiving a short ring signal, the receiving device 302 connects to the base station 307. Base station 307 may have an IP address for example BS2_IP.

[0138] The contact location server 308 may be located on the internet at an IP address for example 165.113.223.2. The IP address of the contact server 308 may be known to the calling device 300, or base station 306, or both. The calling device 300 connects to base station 306 with the BS1_IP address. Base station 306 with the BS1_IP address intercepts voice data from the calling device 300 and converts it into an "outgoing VoIP packet". The outgoing IP packet has a header, according to which, the outgoing IP packet is sent from base station 306 with the BS1_IP address to the server address 308 of the contact point (e.g. 165.113.223.2). Base station 306 with the BS1_IP address sends this packet to the contact 308 server.

[0139] When an outgoing packet from base station 306 with a BS1_IP address arrives at contact location server 308, contact location server 308 changes the destination address in the packet header. Contact location server 308 changes destination address from 165.113.223.2, which is the address of contact location server 308, to BS2_IP, which is the IP address of base station 307 associated with the receiving device 302. Then the contact server 308 sends this IP packet to base station 307.

[0140] When the base station 307 with the BS2_IP address receives this packet, it recognizes that it is an incoming VoIP packet and forwards the voice content to the receiving device 302. In this way, communication is established between the calling device 300 and the receiving device 302. Similarly, communication can be established from the receiving device 302 to the calling device 300, i.e. in the opposite direction, by exchanging the destination address of each packet from 165.113.223.2, which is the address of the server 308 contact point, with BS1_IP, i.e. the IP address of base station 306 associated with the device caller 300. The roles of caller 300 and receiving device 302 can be reversed without loss of generality.

[0141] As shown in Fig. 4, the contact location server 408 included in the indirect communication system may include a generator 414, a sending element 416, an element 418 for creating a contact location, a channel 420 for establishing contact, and a forwarding element 422 Generator 414 generates a signal in response to instruction from the calling device. The generated signal is a two-tone ringing signal or a short signal. The sending element 416 is a notification element for notifying the receiving device of the expected connection in response to the instruction from the calling device. Thus, if the calling device is a cell phone, the calling device will reduce airtime costs by using the generated signal to alert the receiving device about the expected connection.

[0142] Element 418 for creating a contact location creates a contact channel 420 in response to an instruction from the calling device. A contact channel 420 may be created after the calling device has established connection to the contact server 408. Establishing a contact channel 420 on the contact server 408 allows the calling device and the receiving device to meet on the contact channel 420 and connect to each other without using further airtime.

[0143] Fig. 5 shows a base station 506 included in the indirect communication system, which may also include a calling device, which may be a mobile telephone, and a receiving device, which may also be a mobile telephone. The base station 506 may be a computer with a transceiver and connection to either the calling device 500 or the receiving device 502 and which is equipped with VoIP capability, a public switched telephone gateway, a modem and / or an exchange to connect to the public switched telephone network. Base station 506 has the ability to send a signal 512 after receiving instruction from the calling device 500. Signal 512 is capable of notifying the receiving device 502 of the expected connection. The roles of developing device 500 and receiving device 502 can be reversed without loss of generality.

[0144] Fig. 6 shows a transceiver 604 contained in an indirect communication system that can also include a calling device 600, which may be a cell phone, and a receiving device 602, which may also be a cell phone, as well as other devices. The transceiver 604, shown as an antenna, has the ability to transmit a signal 612 under the influence of instructions from the calling device 600. Signal 612 has the ability to notify receiving device 602 about the expected connection via transmission. The roles of developing device 600 and receiving device 602 can be reversed without loss of generality.

[0145] Fig. 7 shows a contact location server 708 included in an indirect communication system that can also include a calling device 700, which may be a cell phone, and a receiving device 602, which may also be a cell phone, as well as other devices. The contact location server 708 is, for example, a computer with internet access having an address or domain name, or base station. The address can be fixed to avoid confusion with the base station address. Alternatively, the domain name of the contact server 708 may be maintained permanently while address change is allowed.

[0146] The contact location server 708 may also be equipped with a switched telephone network gateway, a modem, and / or a central station associated with the contact location server 708. The contact location server 708 has the ability to transmit signal 712. Signal 712 may notify the receiving device 702 about the expected connection. The contact location server 708 routes the packets sent to it from the calling device 700 to the receiving device 702, and vice versa. The roles of developing device 700 and receiving device 702 can be reversed without loss of generality.

[0147] Fig. 8 shows a calling device 800 included in the indirect communication system, which may also include a receiving device 802, which may be a cell phone, as well as other devices. The calling device 800 may generate a signal 812. The generated signal 812 is received via a network

GSM. The calling device 800 may be equipped with hardware or software to send a short, two-tone ringing signal, an internet connection signal, and to set up a channel to make contact, either directly or via a base station or public switched telephone network.

[0148] The software may be downloaded via a cellular network to the calling device 800 and to the receiving device 802, which may also be a mobile phone. In this case, to download this software, the calling device 800 and the receiving device 802 may be programmable and controlled by third parties. This software may include a menu, user interface, single check boxes, multiple check boxes, and option buttons. The calling device 800 and the receiving device 802 may also have a switch to transfer to the contact channel after sending a short two-tone signal via the cellular network.

[0149] The calling device 800 and the receiving device 802 may have a built-in function for storing a contact server address, such as a default gateway. In this case, there is no need to enter the address explicitly. To create the contact server address, only the telephone number of the 802 receiving device will be needed . The roles of the calling 800 device and the 802 receiving device can be reversed without losing generality.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 9, the contact server 908 includes a contact channel 920. The calling device 900, which may be a mobile phone, calls the server 908 of the contact location to establish a connection with the receiving device, which can also be a mobile phone. The contact location server 908 may have multiple channels 920 for establishing contact for multiple connections. Channel 920 for establishing contact is identified by the address of the receiving device and either the address of the Internet IP protocol or the name of the Domain Name System. The usual channel 920 for identifying the channel to be contacted can be in the form of an email address.

[0151] If 22222 is the telephone number of the device for receiving voice calls and 165.113.223.2 is the address of the Internet IP protocol or www.mps_VoIP.com is the name of the Domain Name System, the location of the channel may be 22222@165.113.223.2 or 22222@www.mps_VoIP .com. Thus, the receiving device will have the information necessary to connect to channel 920 after connecting to the server 908 of establishing contact, which will then terminate the connection with the calling device 900.

[0152] Fig. 10 shows a contact location server 1008 which has a contact channel 1020. The calling device 1000, which may be a mobile telephone, and the receiving device 1002, which may also be a mobile telephone, meet on the contact channel 1020 after the contact channel has been created on the contact server 1008. The roles of developing device 1000 and receiving device 1002 can be reversed without loss of generality.

[0153] Fig. 11 shows a contact location server 1108 with an element 1118 for creating a contact location and an alternative channel 1120 for establishing contact. An alternative contact channel 1120 is created when the receiving device 1102 selects the "alternative location of the contact location". Element 1118 for creating a contact location creates an alternative channel 1120 for establishing contact. Sometimes, this alternate contact channel 1120 may be on a different contact server somewhere on the internet.

[0154] An alternative channel 1120 for establishing contact receives a call from the calling device 1100, which can be a cell phone, and the receiving device 1102, which can also be a cell phone. Thus, the advantage of the alternative contact channel 1120 is that connectivity can be established on any channel on the contact server 1108. The roles of developing device 1100 and receiving device 1102 can be reversed without loss of generality.

[0155] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 12, the indirect communication system comprises a specialized contact server 1208. The contact location server 1208 has the ability to receive instructions from a VoIP personal computer 1200. These instructions received include the receiving device number 1202, which may be a mobile phone, and an Internet Protocol IP address, for example 88.169.11.1, in the gateway field. With the specialized contact location server 1208, the contact location server 1208 has the ability to send a two-ringing ringing tone or a short 1212 signal.

[0156] The computer 1200 can then expect the receiving device 1202 to connect to the channel 1220 for contacting at the contact server 1208. The contact location server 1208 also has the ability to receive a call from the receiving device 1202 via base station 1206. The base station 1206 is the base station closest to the receiving device 1202. Therefore, the 1200 computer will be able to connect to another cell phone using VoIP, without actually knowing where the receiving device is located. [0157] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 13, the indirect communication system includes a contact location server 1308. The contact location server 1308 has the ability to receive instructions from the calling device 1300, which may be a cell phone, via a base station 1306 instructing the contact server 1308 to establish contact to connect to a VoIP-enabled computer 1302. This manual contains the computer address 1302, and server address 1308 where the contact is made. The contact location server 1308 may have a contact channel 1320 identified by the computer address 1302 and the contact address server 1308.

[0158] If, for example, 66.168.100.2 is the address of the computer 1302 and 250.19.2.10 is the address of the server 1308 of the contact, the channel address for the contact may be 66.168.100.2@250.19.2.10. In one embodiment, the computer 1302 may also be a contact server. In this case, the calling device 1300 would enter the address of the receiving computer 1302, allowing the calling device 1300 to be connected directly to the computer 1302 via the base station.

[0159] It is also possible to make calls from a calling device 1300 to a PC with a broadband and VoIP connection. In the case of a direct VoIP connection, the IP address of the receiving computer 1302 will be entered in the calling device 1300, for example 66.168.100.2. In this case, the contact location is on the receiving computer 1302 (i.e. 66.168.100.2). [0160] Alternatively, when making a call through the contact server 1308, a computer IP address for receiving voice calls 1302 may be entered, such as 66.168.100.2, or the server IP address 1308 of a contact location, for example 165.113.223.2. In another embodiment, the contact server address 1308 may be a specialized MPS or any other PC equipped with VoIP. Also, from the application point of view, a PC equipped with VoIP is the equivalent of a SIP telephone, so the communication format in this chapter may also be appropriate for a SIP telephone.

[0161] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 14, the indirect communication system uses the contact point server 1408 to establish a connection between the calling computer 1400 equipped with modem 1401 and the receiving device 1402, which may be a mobile phone. The contact location server 1408 receives instructions from the calling computer 1400 that has a modem notifying the receiving device 1402 about the expected connection. These instructions include the telephone number of the receiving device 1402 and the server address 1408 of the contact location.

[0162] The contact location server 1408 sends the generated signal 1402 to the receiving device 1402. The contact location server 1408 creates the contact channel 1420 based on the telephone number of the receiving device 1402 and the address of the contact location server 1408. The calling computer 1400 waits for the receiving device 1402 to connect to the contact server 1408 after establishing connection with the contact server 1408. The contact location server 1408 has the ability to receive VoIP packets routed to the contact location server 1408 from the calling computer 1400 and to forward these VoIP packets to the receiving device 1402. Thus, this system allows a mobile phone to connect to another device via the internet, while saving money and offering good quality calls.

[0163] In another embodiment, the cell phone can be called from a PC that may have a broadband connection and VoIP. In this embodiment, the VoIP client (software) is activated and the number of the receiving device is entered, for example 2222, along with the server address (MPS) of the contact point, i.e. 88.192.168.11.1. Note that many VoIP software clients specified by the ITU H.323 standard should contain fields for the telephone number and gateway address. If MPS is a dedicated MPS, MPS can generate a short ring signal and wait for connection from the receiving device. [0164] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 15, the indirect communication system includes a contact server 1508 having the ability to transmit a signal 1512 and create a contact channel 1520. Signal 1512 is generated when the contact server 1508 receives an instruction from the calling device 1500, which may be a cell phone, via base station 1506. This manual contains the telephone number of the receiving computer 1502 having the 1501 modem, as well as the server address 1508 where the contact is made. [0165] The contact location server 1508 sends the generated signal to the receiving computer 1502. The contact channel 1520, in the contact location server 1508, has the ability to receive VoIP packets from base station 1506. Base station 1506 converts voice data received from the calling device 1500 into VoIP packets. The contact location server 1508 has the ability to forward those VoIP packets that are directed to the contact location server 1508 to the receiving computer 1502 having modem 1501. [0166] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 16, the indirect communication system includes server 1608 contact points having PSTN 1630 gateway. The contact location server 1608 has the ability to receive messages from a calling device such as a 1600 telephone using a public switched telephone line via the PSTN 1630 gateway. The contact location server 1608 also has the ability to receive messages from the receiving device 1602, which may be a cell phone, via base station 1506. The 1608 contact server also has the ability to send a signal to the 1602 receiving device from a 1600 telephone using a public switched telephone line via the PSTN 1630 gateway, after receiving instructions from the 1600 telephone. This manual contains the telephone number of the 1602 receiving device and the 1608 server address making contact.

[0167] The contact location server 1608 creates a contact channel 1620. The telephone number of the receiving device 1602 and the server address 1608 of the contact location are combined to identify the channel 1620 for establishing contact. The contact channel 1620 has the ability to receive VoIP packets that were previously transformed in the PSTN gateway 1630 when they were received from the calling device using the PSTN 1601 line. The contact channel 1620 has the ability to forward these VoIP packets to the nearest base station 1606, and from base station 1606 to the receiving device 1602. Thus, telephone 1600 using a public switched telephone network line can make a connection to the receiving device 1602, thereby allowing the mobile telephone for low connection costs and good quality calls.

[0168] In one embodiment, a personal computer (PC) connected to the public switched telephone line (ordinary telephone line) by, for example, a modem can be used to make internet connections through a dialing network. In this embodiment, the PC dials the ISP number via modem. ISP will provide internet access to this PC via the public switched telephone line. After connecting to the internet, the software VoIP client can be used to make a connection with a mobile phone. This process is the same as connecting a PC (with broadband access and VoIP) to a mobile phone.

[0169] In another embodiment, a computer connected to the public line of a switched telephone network with a dialing network can be called from a cellular telephone. Initially, the cell phone creates a ringing format, such as 123456@165.113.223.2, where 123456 is the telephone number of the public switched telephone network. MPS sends a short signal to the modem and disconnects. The modem, together with the appropriate software, will start the computer so that it connects to the Internet and MPS, making VoIP calls possible.

[0170] In another embodiment, a connection to a cellular telephone can be made from an independent public switched telephone line, such as a public switched telephone line without direct internet access. In this embodiment, the public switched telephone gateway can be installed in MPS. If, for example, 464530 is the telephone number for the public switched telephone network gateway, and for example 2222 the telephone number for the mobile telephone, then the first number can be used to create a connection between telephone 123456 and the public switched telephone network gateway at the MPS (e.g. 464530). After connecting to MPS, MPS can generate a short signal to a mobile phone and make the final connection to this mobile phone by creating a channel to make contact 2222@165.113.223.2.

[0171] In another embodiment, a mobile telephone connection can be made to a standalone public switched telephone line, without direct internet. In this embodiment, the public switched telephone gateway can be installed in MPS No. 464530. The mobile telephone (No. 2222) can connect to the number 123456 of the independent public switched telephone line through the MPS and the public switched telephone gateway. Initially, the number of the independent public switched telephone line is entered, that is 123456, and the "PSTN connection" button is pressed, or a similar option. The cell phone connects to MPS and creates a contact channel such as 2222@165.113.223.2. By entering the number 123456 and pressing the "PSTN connection" button, the mobile phone will instruct MPS and the public switched telephone network gateway to select the connection to number 123456.

[0172] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 17, the indirect communication system includes a contact location server 1708 with a temporary contact channel 1720. The 1708 contact server 1708 is connected to the 1702 phone through the PSTN 1730 gateway and the PSTN 1712 line. The contact location server 1708 has the ability to handle the connection between the calling device 1700, which may be a cell phone, through base station 1706, and the phone 1702 using the PSTN 1712 line.

[0173] Contact location server 1708 generates a signal to send to telephone 1702 after receiving instruction from the calling device 1700 via base station 1706. This instruction includes channel address 1720 for establishing contact in the form of a combination of telephone number 1702 and server address 1708 making contact. The 1720 contact channel has the ability to receive VoIP packets that were previously converted from voice data in the 1706 base station after receiving them from the calling device 1700. The 1720 channel also has the ability to forward VoIP packets to the PSTN 1730 gateway. The PSTN 1730 gateway uses VoIP software to convert packets into voice data and send them to a 1702 phone.

[0174] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 18, the indirect communication system includes a contact location server 1808 having the ability to receive outgoing VoIP packets and to forward outgoing VoIP packets. Received outgoing VoIP packets are received from base station 1806 of the calling device 1800, which may be a mobile phone. Receiving outgoing VoIP packets includes the IP header. The IP header contains the destination address and source address. The destination address is the address of the server 1808 where the contact is made. The source address is the base station address 1806 of the calling device 1800.

[0175] Contact location server 1808 forwards the packets to base station 1807 of receiving device 1802 by changing the destination address from the address of server 1808 of contact location to address of base station 1807 of receiving device 1802, which can also be a mobile phone. Contact location server 1808 also changes the source address from base station address 1806 of calling device 1800 to contact location server 1808. This implementation allows the mobile phone to connect to any device using the internet. The roles of developing device 1800 and receiving device 1802 can be reversed without loss of generality.

[0176] Fig. 19 is a flowchart of an indirect communication method. The whole process begins with operation 1900. In operation 1902, a signal is sent to the receiving device notifying the receiving device of the expected connection. In operation 1904, the calling device connects to the contact server. In operation 1906, the contact server generates an intermediate contact channel. In operation 1908, the receiving device connects to an intermediate channel for making contact. In operation 1910, packets received from the calling device are forwarded to the receiving device on the contact channel. The trial ends at operation 1912.

[0177] Fig. 20 shows a flowchart of generating an address for use in the embodiment of an indirect communication method. The process begins with operation 2000. In operation 2002, the telephone number of the public switched telephone network of the contact point server is entered. In operation 2004, the mobile device's phone number is entered. In Operation 2006, the contact server receives the telephone number of the mobile device. In Operation 2008, the contact server generates a signal containing a short two-ringing tone, server address, and mobile phone number. In operation 2010, a portable receiving device receives this signal. In Operation 2012, the portable receiving device connects to the contact server. In 2014 operation, the contact server forwards the packets received from the calling device to the receiving device. The process is completed at operation 2016.

[0178] Fig. 21 shows a process of forwarding packets for use in the form of implementing the indirect communication method. The process starts operation 2100. In operation 2102, the contact server receives incoming packets from the calling device. In operation 2104, the contact server converts the incoming packets to outgoing packets by exchanging the destination address for the receiving device address and exchanging the source address for the contact server address. In operation 2106, the contact server sends outbound packets received from the calling device to the receiving device. The process ends on operation 2108.

[0179] Fig. 22 shows a channel setting process for establishing contact for use in the embodiment of an indirect communication method. The process starts with operation 2200. In operation 2202, the contact server receives the telephone number of the receiving device and the VoIP connection. In operation 2204, the contact server sets up the contact channel. In operation 2208, the contact server sets up the contact channel address formed from the receiving device number and the contact server address. The process ends on operation 2210.

[0180] Fig. 23 shows a process of setting up a telephone connection for use in the form of an indirect communication method. The process starts with operation 2300. In operation 2302, the calling device initiates the VoIP connection button. In operation 2303, the calling device connects to the server. In operation 2304, the calling device sends a signal to the receiving device. In operation 2306, unless the receiving device is occupied, the receiving device either rejects the incoming call or accepts the incoming call, or offers an alternative channel for making contact. In operation 2308, the receiving device rejects the incoming call. In operation 2310, the receiving device accepts the incoming call and connects to the contact server. In operation 2312, the receiving device offers a counter proposition of an alternative contact channel and connects to this alternative contact channel. In operation 2314, a rejection notification from operation 2308 is sent to the contact server. The process ends on operation 2316.

[0181] Fig. 24 shows a contact location server 2408 having the ability to support communication between a calling device 2400 and a plurality of receiving devices 2402, such as during a conference call. In this case, the contact location server 2408 will copy each packet received from the calling device 2400 within the contact channel 2420 and forward these copies to separate receiving devices 2402 connected to the contact channel 2420.

[0182] Each of the receiving devices 2402 will have a connection established with the server 2408 contacting location after receiving a short two-tone signal, but without responding to the connection represented by a short two-tone signal, or otherwise it will disconnect immediately. Thus, each of the receiving devices 2402 will hear the calling device 2400. Cell phones can join a conference call even if the conference call is already in progress. This can be achieved by creating a connection to the contact channel or to the host cell phone. Normally, "2222@88.168.11.1" is the contact channel, the host's cell phone number is 2222. Thus, an advantage of the present invention is that the indirect communication system allows the mobile device to connect to multiple devices via the contact server 2408, as in the technique of speech transmission via the Internet (VoIP), while avoiding the use of airtime.

[0183] Fig. 25 shows a contact location server 2508 having the ability to support communication between multiple calling devices 2500 and multiple receiving devices 2502, such as during a conference call. In this case, the contact location server 2508 will copy each packet received from each of the calling devices 2500 within the contact channel 2520 and forward these copies to separate receiving devices 2502 connected to the contact channel 2520. The contact location server 2508 may in turn support multiple contact channels 2520. Each of the numerous contact channels 2520 may in turn support multiple calling devices 2500 or receiving devices 2502. The calling devices 2500 and receiving devices 2502 may have similar functionality, differing only in the current direction of communication from or to the server 2508 of the place of contact.

[0184] Each of the receiving devices 2502 may have established a connection to the server 2508 of the contact location after receiving the short two-tone signal, but without responding to the connection represented by the short two-tone signal, or otherwise it will disconnect immediately. Thus, each of the receiving devices 2502 will hear each of the 2500 calling devices. Thus, the advantage of this embodiment is that the indirect communication system allows any mobile device to connect to multiple devices via the 2508 server contact point, as in the technique of internet speech transmission (VoIP), while avoiding the use of airtime.

[0185] In one embodiment, the indirect communication system is implemented by producing specialized hardware cell phones. In this way, the following new functions can be added to existing cellular functions: transmitting and receiving compatible radio waves (RF) using wireless media such as WiMAX, and connecting to a base station; generating indirect ringing sound for receiving devices (mobile phones); setting the VoIP channel for making contact on the Internet (e.g. contact server); and connecting to the receiving device via VoIP.

[0186] By developing a specialized mobile phone, full menu access and control, user interfaces including options, single check boxes, multiple check boxes, and buttons can be obtained. In this embodiment, the cell phone circuit design may include hardware such as a chipset.

[0187] In another embodiment, the indirect communication system is implemented by downloading software to a mobile phone, for example via a wireless link. Such a mobile phone may be a programmable mobile phone which can be controlled by third parties. The software that can be downloaded may include a menu, user interface, single check boxes, multiple check boxes, and buttons. Such a mobile phone may be able to generate or switch to compatible RF radio frequencies via a wireless link connecting to the BS base station in order to contact the BS. Cell phone software can be updated with new features, and additional features can be added. In one embodiment, the indirect communication system can be implemented purely in software. In other embodiments, an additional download mechanism for a mobile phone for wireless download can also be a CD via a PC, direct or indirect memory cards or external drives, a website, and more.

[0188] In another embodiment, a snap-in, such as a two-way telephone or two-way telephone, may be added to existing telephones to implement an indirect communication system. In order to gain a wider range of mobile users, an accessory (overlay) can be added to the bottom of the phone. For this implementation, such a hardware adapter turns an existing mobile phone into a two-way radio. That is, this snap-in captures the sound on your cell phone and sends a signal to BS via a wireless link. In one embodiment, the communication between such an attachment and the BS is similar to a radio. In addition to the hardware snap-in itself, the software in this snap-in can also be software that you can download so that the update is easily available.

[0189] In another embodiment, referring again to Fig. 1, the calling device 100 and the receiving device 102 may be in different networks. In general, an internet voice transmission network can be considered as being implemented on a specific "server" operating on the internet, and as a specific piece of software (or hardware) known as a "client" that is installed in a computer or other voice connection device . In some cases, one VoIP network will not be able to make direct calls to another VoIP network over the IP network. This can happen when, for example, there is incompatibility between the implementations on the server from which the connection originates and the target server, such as different protocols, standards, and other problems.

[0190] This can also happen when there is incompatibility between client implementations that may result from differences in protocols or standards as well as due to different users and passwords. The calling device 100 may be, for example, a GSM telephone, while the receiving device 102 is a CDMA telephone. In this case, the calling device 100 need not know in what type of network the receiving device 102 is operating.

[0191] The calling device 100 will rather send to the receiving device 102 an instruction about the network of the calling device 100 in addition to the short ring signal when starting a call. The receiving device 102, after receiving details of the calling device network 100, can run the appropriate client software to correspond to the calling device network 100, and connect to the internet and the specific server 108 of the contact location.

[0192] For one VoIP network, there is a need to install only one client software on the calling device 100. The client software can be downloaded to the activation device 100, and run only when needed. This implementation can reduce airtime, because the VoIP network will not have to be active, connected, or occupy antenna resources at all times.

[0193] The principles, embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments described above and should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. It should be noted that changes can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0194] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described above, it should be understood that it is provided by way of example only and not by limitation. Thus, the width and scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exemplary embodiment described above.

[0195] Of course, numerous modifications and variants of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It should therefore be borne in mind that the invention may be embodied in other ways than as specifically described herein.

[0196] Numerous features and advantages of the present invention emerge from the detailed description, and therefore the intention of the appended claims is to include all such features and advantages of embodiments which fall within their actual scope. In addition, since numerous modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is not desirable to limit the inventive embodiments to the particular structure and function described herein and described, and therefore any appropriate modifications and equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention may be implemented.