WO2001058120A2

WO2001058120A2 - Gateway connecting calls from a telephone network to a computer network

Info

Publication number: WO2001058120A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/003566
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ken Young-Sang Lee; Jong-Woo Lee; Susan Hae-Won Park
Original assignee: ELTHE Corp
Current assignee: ELTHE Corp
Priority date: 2000-02-04
Filing date: 2001-02-01
Publication date: 2001-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2002-08-04
Also published as: KR20010078223A; AU2001233288A1; KR100426206B1; WO2001058120A3

Abstract

A computer telephony system (100) is configured to connect a call from a telephone network (132) to a computer network (126). In one embodiment, terminal units (110, 114, 118, 122) connected to the computer network are assigned identification codes. When a call is received from a telephone unit (128) connected to the telephone network (132), a requested identification code is obtained. The call is then connected between the telephone unit (128) and the terminal unit (110, 114, 118, 122) having an identification code that matches the identification code obtained from the call.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING COMPUTER TELEPHONY

Inventors: Ken Young-Sang LEE Jong- Woo LEE Susan Hae-Won PARK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for conducting computer telephony. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing computer telephony using a computer network, such as the Internet.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditionally, the public switched telephone network (PSTN) has been used for telecommunications. In general, users place calls on the PSTN using a telephone that establishes an electrical connection with a local telephone office (a central office). The central office responds with a dial tone. The user then dials a telephone number identifying the destination of the call. A network of switching system then connects the call between the caller and the destination.

Over the years, many advances have been made to the PSTN. For example, the signals carried on the PSTN are changing from analog to digital. Also, data other than voice is being carried on the PSTN, such as video, facsimilies, and computer data. The physical transmission lines are also changing from coaxial cables to fiber-optic cables. The number of services being offered by the telephone companies is also increasing, such as voice mail, call forwarding, and call waiting. Another recent advancement has been the development of computer telephony. In computer telephony, calls are carried on computer networks in addition to or instead of on the PSTN. This has been made possible in part by the tremendous increase in the number of computer networks in both business and residential sites throughout the world. More particularly, the growth of the Internet has resulted in an increasing number of private and public computer networks that are interconnected into one global network.

In general, conventional computer-telephony systems provide for telecommunication between two computers through a computer network. Some conventional computer-telephony systems also provide telecommunications between a telephone and a computer. Bu. these conventional computer-telephony systems only allow a caller to call a telephone from a computer. Thus, they do allow a caller to call a computer from a telephone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer telephony system configured to connect a call from a telephone network to a computer network. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of terminal units connected to the computer network are assigned identification codes. When a call is received from a telephone unit connected to the telephone network, a requested identification code is obtained. The call is then connected between the telephone unit and the terminal unit having an identification code that matches the identification code obtained from the call.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The subject matter of the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the claims and the accompanying drawing, in which like parts may be referred to by like numerals: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a screen display of one aspect of the present invention; Fig. 3 through 5 are flow charts of various aspects of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is another flow chart of various aspects of the present invention; and Fig. 8 is a block diagram of still another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to a computer-telephony system for conducting telecommunications through a computer network. In order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, the following description sets forth numerous specific details, such as specific configurations, parameters, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention, but is instead provided to able a full and complete description of exemplary embodiments.

With reference to Fig. 1, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer-telephony system 100 includes a service server 102, a telephone unit 128, a facsimile unit 130, and a plurality of terminals 110, 114, 118, and 122. As will be described in greater detail below, service server 102 is configured to facilitate telecommunications between terminals 110, 1 14, 118, and 122. Service server 102 is also configured to facilitate telecommunications between telephone unit 128 and terminals 1 10, 1 14, 118, and 122. Service server 102 is further configured to facilitate facsimile transmission between facsimile unit 130 and terminals 1 10, 114, 118, and 122.

As alluded to above, in accordance with the present embodiment, service server 102 is configured to communicate with terminals 1 10, 1 14, 1 18, and 122. More particularly, service server 102 communicates with terminals 1 10, 1 14, 1 18, and 122 through computer network 126. In one exemplary embodiment, computer network 126 can include the Internet. It should be recognized, however, that computer network 126 can include any suitable communication link, both private and public, that can facilitate interconnection of computer systems.

In the present embodiment, service server 102 and terminals 110, 114, 118, and 122 exchange data over data lines 136 and 138 using a data exchange protocol. As will be described in greater detail below, in one exemplary embodiment, service server 102 and terminals 110, 114, 1 18, and 122 are configured to exchange data using an Internet Protocol (IP) suite.

In the present embodiment, service server 102 is also configured to communicate with telephone unit 128 and facsimile unit 130. More particularly, service server 102 and telephone unit 28 and facsimile unit 130 communicate over a telephone network 132. It should be recognized that telephone network 132 can include a vast array of public and private voice and data communication services, such as the PSTN. Accordingly, telephone network 132 can include any number of public and private trunk lines, switches, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, service server 102 includes a call-receive server (CRS) 104, an IP-address-location server (ILS) 106, and a database server (DBS) 108. It should be recognized that CRS 104, ILS 106, and DBS 108 can be implemented as any number of individual servers connected together. Alternatively, CRS 104, ILS 106, and DBS 108 can be implemented as partitions of a single server.

In the present embodiment, terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122 can include personal computers, such as desk-top computers, lap-top computers, workstations, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that terminal units 1 10, 1 14, 118, and 122 can include any device configured to communicate with computer network 126, such as a teleconference system, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an internet appliance, and the like. It should also be recognized that terminal units 1 10, 1 14, 1 18, and 122 need not be all the same type of devices. By way of example, terminal unit 1 10 can be a workstation running a Unix operating system. Terminal unit 1 14 can be a Macintosh computer running a MacOS operating system from Apple Computers Inc. of Cupertino, California. Terminal unit 1 18 can be an Intel-based computer running a Microsoft Windows operating system from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington. Terminal 122 can include a teleconference system. Additionally, although four terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122 are depicted, it should be recognized that computer-telephony system 100 can include any number of terminal units 1 10, 1 14, 1 18, and 122. As will be described in greater detail below, each terminal unit 110, 114, 118, and

122 can include a microphone 140 and a speaker 142 configured to capture and reproduce audio signals. It should be recognized that microphones 140 and speakers 142 can be integrated into terminal units 110, 1 14, 1 18, and 122. Alternatively, they can be accessories that connect to terminal units 1 10, 1 14, 1 18, and 122. Furthermore, microphone 140 and speaker 142 can be a headset with a built-in microphone.

As will be also described in greater detail below, each terminal unit 110, 114, 118, and 122 can include an interface program 112. With reference now to Fig. 2, an exemplary embodiment of an icon 200 associated with interface program 112 (Fig. 1) is depicted. In the present exemplary embodiment, when interface program 112 (Fig. 1) is running, icon 200 is displayed on terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122. It should be recognized that interface program 1 12 (Fig. 1) can activate automatically upon startup or can be activated manually by the user.

In the present exemplary embodiment, icon 200 includes a keypad 202, a call button 204, a clear button 206, and a recall button 208. In this regard, icon 200 resembles a standard telephone set. Thus, a call can be made by entering the appropriate number using keypad 202, then selecting call button 204. The entered number can be cleared using clear button 206. And the last dialed call can be redialed by selecting recall button 208. It should be recognized that a call can be made using various user interfaces, including text- based interfaces, voice activated interfaces, and the like. Icon 200 also includes a status indicator 210. As will be described in greater detail below, interface programs 1 12 (Fig. 1) communicates with service server 102 (Fig. 1) through computer network 126 (Fig. 1). When interface program 112 (Fig. 1) forms a connection with service server 102 (Fig. 1), an "on-line" status is indicated in status indicator 210. When the connection is terminated or has not been established, then an "off- line" status is indicated in status indicator 210. It should be recognized that status indicator 210 can use various alternative forms of indication, such as a status indication light, sound, and the like.

Icon 200 further includes a status-scroll list 212, which indicates the connection status of other terminals units 1 10, 1 14, 118, and 122 (Fig. 1). For example, assume that icon 200 is being displayed at terminal unit 110 (Fig. 1). In the present embodiment, status-scroll list 212 can indicate whether terminal units 114, 118, and 122 (Fig. 1) are connected to computer network 126 (Fig. 1). As will be described in greater detail below, this status information can be obtained from service server 102 (Fig. 1).

With reference again to Fig. 1 , in one exemplary embodiment, interface program 112 is implemented as a computer software program written using the C programming language. But it should be recognized that interface program 112 can be implemented using various programming languages. For example, interface program 112 can be implemented using JAVA or PERL programming languages. These programming languages have the advantage that programs written in them can operate independent of the operating system of the terminals on which the programs are executed. In the present embodiment, interface program 112 can be installed on terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122 by dovn-loading it from a web site. It should be recognized, however, that interface program 1 1 can be installed on terminal units 1 10, 114, 1 18, and 122 using various methods. For example, interface program 112 can be distributed on any convenient storage medium, such as diskettes, compact disks, and the like.

In the present exemplary embodiment, telephone unit 128 can include any telecommunications device connected to the PSTN, such as a standard telephone set, a cordless telephone, a mobile telephone, and the like. Facsimile unit 130 can include any facsimile device connected to the PSTN, such as a standard facsimile machine, a computer with a facsimile card or software, and the like.

As depicted in Fig. 1 , CRS 104 is configured to communicate with terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122. More particularly, as alluded to above, CRS 104 and terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122 communicate using a standard data package exchange protocol. In one embodiment, computer network 126 includes a public communications network, such as the Internet. As such, an Internet Protocol (LP) suite is used for transferring data between CRS 104 and terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122.

In an IP suite, terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122 are each assigned IP addresses. More particularly, when terminals 110, 114, 1 18, and 122 connect to computer network 126, they are assigned unique IP addresses using any convenient IP addressing scheme. These IP addresses can be assigned dynamically or statically. For example, assume that terminal unit 1 10 is a computer workstation connected to computer network 126. In dynamic IP addressing, each time terminal unit 1 10 connects to computer network 126, a different IP number can be assigned to terminal unit 110. In static IP addressing, each time terminal unit 110 connects to computer network 126, the same IP number is assigned to terminal unit 1 10. But even in static IP addressing, the IP address of terminal unit 110 can change. For example, terminal unit 110 can be a portable computer that connects to computer network 126 from different sites.

But this can cause problems in a computer-telephony system. For example, if terminal unit 1 10 calls terminal unit 1 14, the IP address of terminal unit 1 14 is used to establish a connection between terminal unit 110 and terminal unit 114. But as alluded to above, the IP address of terminal unit 1 14 can change each time terminal unit 1 14 connects to computer network 126.

As such, as will be described in greater detail below, in one embodiment of the present invention, a unique identification code is assigned to each user of computer- telephony system 100. In one embodiment, each user is assigned a unique Personal

Communication Number (PCN). It should be recognized that the PCN can be associated with terminals 1 10, 114, 118, and 122 rather than with users. It should be further recognized that PCN can include codes of various formats and length.

By way of example, a first user can be assigned one PCN, such as 111. A second user can be assigned another PCN, such as 222. Assume now that the first and second users access computer network 126 through terminal unit 1 10 and 1 14, respectively. Accordingly, when the first user connects to computer network 126, the PCN assigned to the first user, 1 1 1, and the IP address that has been assigned to terminal unit 1 10 are transmitted to service server 102. When the second user connects to computer network 126, the PCN assigned to the first user, 222, and the IP address that has been assigned to terminal unit 114 are transmitted to service server 102. Also, in this manner, service server 102 can track when the first and second users are connected to computer network 126 and service server 102.

More particularly, as described earlier, in one embodiment, terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122 include interface program 112. When interface program 1 12 is first installed on terminal unit 110, 114, 118, or 122, it prompts the user to determine whether the user wants to open a new account. If so, then interface program 1 12 communicates with service server 102 to assign a new PCN. In this manner, new users can join computer-telephony system 100. Assuming now that the user has an existing account, when terminal units 110, 114,

118, and 122 connect to computer network 126, their respective interface programs 112 obtain and transmit their PCNs and IP addresses. These are received by CRS 104 and transmitted to ILS 106, which stores them in DBS 108. So, when the first user calls the second user, ILS 106 can access DBS 108 and determine whether the second user is connected to computer network 126. Moreover, ILS 106 can determine where the second user is through the IP address stored in DBS 108 that is associated with terminal unit 114. With reference now to Fig. 3, the operation of interface program 112 (Fig. 1) outlined above is more specifically set forth in flow chart 300. For the sake of convenience and clarity, the following description will describe interface program 112 (Fig. 1) associated with terminal unit 110 (Fig. 1). It should be recognized, however, that terminal units 114, 118, and 122 (Fig. 1) also include interface program 112 (Fig. 1).

In step 302, when terminal unit 110 (Fig. 1) connects to computer network 126 (Fig. 1), interface program 112 (Fig. 1) obtains the IP address that has been assigned to terminal unit 1 10 (Fig. 1). As alluded to earlier, a different IP address can be assigned each time terminal unit 110 (Fig. 1) connects to computer network 126 (Fig. 1). In step 304, interface program 112 (Fig. 1) transmits the IP address and the PCN to service server 102 (Fig. 1). As alluded to earlier, steps 302 and 304 can be performed each time terminal unit 1 10 (Fig. 1) connects to computer network 126 (Fig. 1). Alternatively, they can be performed within certain time periods, based on certain activities or occurrences, as directed by a user, and the like. For example, steps 302 and 304 can be performed when the IP address assigned to terminal unit 1 10 (Fig. 1) changes.

In step 306, interface program 112 (Fig. 1) waits for a call to be made or received. Accordingly, in one embodiment, interface program 112 (Fig. 1) can remain resident on terminal unit 1 10 (Fig. 1) until a call is made or received. It should be recognized, however, that interface program 112 (Fig. 1) can be deactivated and reactivated when a call is made or received.

At decision 308, when a call is made at terminal unit 110 (Fig. 1), in step 314, interface program 112 (Fig. 1) obtains the number to be called from the user. As described earlier, this can be performed using icon 200 (Fig. 2). In step 316, interface program 112 (Fig. 1) transmits the number to service server 102 (Fig. 1). In step 718, the call is then connected.

At decision 308, when a call is received at terminal unit 1 10 (Fig. 1), in step 310, interface program 112 (Fig. 1) notifies the user about the call. As described earlier, this can be performed using icon 200 (Fig. 2). In step 312, the call is then connected.

With reference again to Fig. 1 , after establishing a connection between terminals 110 and 1 14, service server 102 relays data packages between them to facilitate telecommunications. More particularly, in one exemplary embodiment, terminal units 110 and 1 14 each include a microphone 140 and speaker 142.

In the present embodiment, audio signals are received at microphone 140, then converted to digital signals and compressed using any convenient coder/decoder (CODEC) at terminal unit 110. More particularly, in one exemplary embodiment a CODEC can be provided within interface program 112. The digital signals are then transmitted to CRS 104 through computer network 126. Using the IP address of terminal unit 114 obtained from

DBS 108, CRS 104 transmits the data packages containing the digitized audio signals to terminal unit 114 through computer network 126. At terminal unit 114, the digital signals are converted back into analog signals and decompressed using a CODEC at terminal unit

114. This is then reproduced at speaker 142 at terminal unit 114.

As also stated above, computer-telephony system 100 is configured to facilitate telecommunications between telephone unit 128 and terminal units 110, 114, 1 18, and 122.

For the sake of convenience and clarity, the following description will describe telecommunications between telephone unit 128 and terminal unit 110. But it should be recognized that telecommunications can be conducted between telephone unit 128 and any one or more terminal units 110, 114, 1 18, and 122.

As described above, a caller can place a call from terminal unit 1 10 using interface program 112. In this case, the caller enters the telephone number associated with telephone unit 128. This telephone number is then transmitted to CRS 104, which connects the call. Once the connection between telephone unit 128 and terminal unit 110 has been established, telecommunications can be facilitated by a CODEC located at CRS 104. This

CODEC converts audio signals received from telephone unit 128 into digital signals and compresses the signals. This can then be transmitted to terminal unit 110, where it can be decompressed and converted back into analog signals. This can then be reproduced through speaker 142.

As described above, audio signals received at microphone 140 can be converted into digital signals and compressed using a CODEC at terminal unit 1 10. This can be transmitted to CRS 104 through computer network 126. The CODEC located at CRS 104 then decompresses this signal and converts it into analog signals. This can then be transmitted to telephone unit 128 for reproduction. As a telephone numbei is generally not associated with terminal unit 110, a caller cannot directly call terminal 1 (0 from telephone unit 128. Rather, the caller calls service server 102. More particularly, the caller calls a telephone number associated with CRS 104. This telephone number can be a local number, a long-distance number, or a toll-free number.

Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, a call transfer service offered by the telephone company can be used. As described above, at various times, calls are made to service server 102. For example, when a caller calls from a telephone unit 128. The caller may be discouraged from using this system if the call has to be a long-distance call. One option would be to locate a service server 102 in each service area. But this may not be optimal from a resource allocation and a technical standpoint. Another option is to establish local telephone numbers with the telephone companies with a call transfer service to forward calls from the local telephone numbers to the telephone number of the service server 102. In this manner, service server 102 can be located physically in any desired location without burdening a caller with having to make a long-distance call.

When CRS 104 receives a call from the caller, the caller is prompted with a message requesting that the caller provide the PCN of the party they wish to call. The caller can be prompted to provide this information by pressing the touch-tone keys on their telephone. This can then be decoded and analyzed using any convenient DTMF (Dual- Tone-Multi-Frequency) decoding system. It should be recognized, however, that the PCN can be obtained using various systems. For example, a voice recognition system can be used to obtain vocal responses from the caller.

When the PCN is received, ICS 106 accesses DBS 108 to determine if the user associated with that PCN is currently on-line. If they are, then ICS 106 accesses the most recent IP address associated with that user from DBS 108. Then, CRS 104 connects the call between telephone number 128 and terminal unit 110.

Once the connection between telephone unit 128 and terminal unit 110 has been established, telecommunications can be facilitated by a CODEC located at CRS 104. This CODEC converts audio signals received from telephone unit 128 into digital signals and compresses the signals. In one embodiment, audio signals are sampled using PCM (pulse code modulation) using an ITU-T (International Technology Union) G.729 standard speech coding algorithm. It should be recognized that various sampling methods and speech coding algorithms can be used. The digitized audio signals can then be transmitted to terminal unit 110, where it can be decompressed and converted back into analog signals. This can then be reproduced through speaker 142. As described above, audio signals received at microphone 140 can be converted into digital signals and compressed using a CODEC at terminal unit 110. This can be transmitted to CRS 104 through computer network 126. The CODEC located at CRS 104 then decompresses this signal and converts it into analog signals. This can then be transmitted to telephone unit 128 for reproduction. Although both terminal unit 110 and CRS 104 have been described as being configured with CODECs, it should be recognized that various alternative configurations and devices can be used. For example, a central CODEC can be used.

With reference now to Fig. 4, the operation of CRS 104 (Fig. 1) outlined above is more specifically setforth in flow chart 400. In step 402, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) receives a call from telephone unit 128 (Fig. 1). In step 404, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) prompts for the PCN of the party to receive the call.

After the PCN is obtained, in step 406, ILS 106 (Fig. 1) searches DBS 108 (Fig. 1) for a matching PCN. At decision 408 (Fig. 1), if there is no match, then CRS 104 (Fig. 1) prompts for the PCN again. This can continue until either a matching PCN is provided, the call is terminated, or after a predetermined number of attempts.

If there is a match, then in step 410, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) determines if the user associated with the PCN is currently connected. More particularly, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) communicates with ILS 106 (Fig. 1), which searches DBS 108 (Fig. 1) to determine if the user is currently connected. In decision 412, if the user is not connected, then in step 418, the caller is notified that the user is not available. This can be performed by an automated voice message. If the user is connected, then in step 414, the user is notified about the call. In one embodiment, the user can be notified through interface-program 112. More particularly, a visual and/or audio notification can be provided through icon 200 (Fig. 2). After the user is notified, in step 416, the call is connected. With reference now to Fig. 5, in an alternative embodiment, the operation of CRS 104 (Fig. 1) is depicted in which service server 102 (Fig. 1) includes a voice-messaging feature. Starting with step 410, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) determines if the user is connected. In decision 412, if the user is not connected, then in step 506, a voice message is recorded if the caller leaves one. In step 508, the voice message is then stored for later retrieval by the user.

If the user is connected, then in step 414, the user is notified. In one exemplary embodiment, the user can be notified through interface-program 112 (Fig. 1). More particularly, a visual and/or audio notification can be provided through icon 200 (Fig. 2). In step 502, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) determines if the user wants to receive the call. This can be achieved by prompting the caller to specify whether they want to receive the call. Alternatively, the user can notify CRS 104 (Fig. 1) in advance that they do not wish to receive calls. For example, interface program 1 12 (Fig. 1) can include a setting to indicate that the user does not want to receive calls. If the user does not want to receive calls, then in step 506, a voice message is recorded if the caller leaves one. In step 508, the voice message is then stored for later retrieval by the user. If the user wants to receive calls, then in step 416, the call is connected.

Computer-telephony system 100 (Fig. 1) can also utilize various existing features of the telephone service provided by the telephone company to provide additional features. For example, with reference now to Fig. 6, computer-telephony system 100 can be utilized in conjunction with the call-transfer-when-busy service offered by the telephone companies. This service permits automatic forwarding of a call to a predetermined telephone number if the called number is busy. Thus, if telephone number 128 calls a telephone number at site 600, then this service forwards the call to a designated number. In this instance, a user can designate the number of service server 102 as the forwarding number. Thus, if the telephone number at site 600 is busy, then the calls are forwarded to service server 102.

More particularly, in one embodiment, the calls are forwarded to CRS 104. As described above, CRS 104 then prompts for the PCN of the user being called. Assuming that the PCN entered matches, then CRS 104 connects the call to terminal unit 110 through computer network 126. In this manner, the user can receive calls forwarded from site 600. This feature can be advantages in many circumstances. For example, assume that site 600 is a residence. Also assume that the residence only has a single telephone line and that the user is currently using that line for their computer. Normally, during this time period, the user would not be able to receive phone calls. But using the feature described above, the user can receive the call through their computer.

It should be recognized, however, that terminal unit 110 can also be located away from site 600. Assume that the user and terminal unit 110 is located remote from site 600. The user can receive calls from site 600 if the telephone number at site 600 is busy.

It should be recognized that various additional services provided by the phone company can be used in conjunction with this invention. For example, rather than a call- transfer-when-busy service, a call forwarding service can also be used with this invention. For example, if site 600 is a business and the user is traveling with a laptop (terminal unit 110). The telephone number at site 600 can be automatically forwarded to CRS 104, which then forwards the call to terminal unit 110. With reference again to Fig. 1 , as further described above, computer-telephony system 100 is configured to facilitate transmission of facsimilies between facsimile unit 130 and terminals 110, 114, 118, and 122. For the sake of convenience and clarity, the following description will describe facsimile transmission between facsimile unit 130 and terminal 1 10. It should be recognized, however, that a facsimile can be transmitted between facsimile unit 130 and any one or more terminal units 110, 114, 118, and 122. When a facsimile is to be sent from facsimile unit 130 to terminal unit 1 10, facsimile unit 130 calls service server 102. More particularly, facsimile unit 130 calls a telephone number associated with CRS 104. This telephone number can be a local number, a long distance number, or a toll-free number. When CRS 104 receives the call from facsimile unit 130, it prompts for the PCN number of the receiving party. When CRS 104 detects a facsimile tone sent by facsimile unit 130, it receives and stores the incoming facsimile as a computer file. This file is then sent through computer network 126 to terminal unit 130, where it can be displayed, printed, saved, forwarded, and the like. With reference now to Fig. 7, the operations of CRS 104 (Fig. 1) outlined above is more specifically set forth in flow chart 700. In step 402, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) receives a call from facsimile unit 130 (Fig. 1 ). In step 404, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) prompts for the PCN of the party to receive the facsimile.

After the PCN is obtained, in step 406, ILS 106 (Fig. 1) searches DBS 108 (Fig. 1) for a matching PCN. At decision 408, if there is no match, then CRS 104 (Fig. 1) prompts for the PCN again. This can continue until a matching PCN is provided, the call is terminated, or after a preset number of attempts.

If there is a match, then in step 702, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) receives the facsimile. In step 704, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) stores the facsimile to a computer file. In step 410, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) determines if the user associated with the PCN is currently connected. In decision 412, if the user is not connected, then the facsimile can be stored. More particularly, the facsimile file can be stored in DBS 108 (Fig. 1).

If the user is connected, then in step 707, the user is notified that a facsimile has been received. In one embodiment, the user can be notified through interface-program 112 (Fig. 1). More particularly, a visual and/or audio notification can be provided through icon 200 (Fig. 2).

After the user is notified, in step 708, CRS 104 (Fig. 1) determines if the user wants to receive the facsimile. Again, this can be provided through interface-program 112 (Fig.

1).

In decision 710, if the user indicates that they do not want to receive the facsimile, then in step 714, the facsimile can be stored. If the user indicates that they want to receive the facsimile, then in step 712, the facsimile file is sent through computer-network 126

(Fig* 1).

With reference again to Fig 1, thus far a single service server 102 has been depicted and described. It should be recognized, however, that computer-telephony system 100 can include any number of service servers 102 connected together. For example, with reference now to Fig. 8, a plurality of service servers 102 are connected together into a service network 800. In one embodiment, service servers 102 are connected together through the Internet. But it should be recognized that service servers 102 can be linked using any convenient communications medium. In this manner, service network 800 can be a global network, meaning that a call can be connected from any place in the world to any place in the world. As alluded to earlier, each service servers 102 can include a CRS A04 (Fig. 1), an ILS 106 (Fig. 1), and a DBS 108 (Fig. 1). Alternatively, some service servers 102 can include only one or two of these servers. For example, DBS 108 (Fig. 1) can be provided at only certain central service servers 102. Other local service servers 102 can then access the central service servers 102 to access DBS 108 (Fig. 1).

The present invention has been described and depicted in part with reference to various flowcharts. It should be recognized that each step of these flow charts, and combination of steps, can be implemented as computer program instructions. It should also be recognized that each step of these flowcharts, and combination of steps, can be implemented by special purpose hardware -based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combination of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Additionally, although the present invention has been described in conjunction with particular embodiments illustrated in the appended drawing figures, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific form shown in the drawings and described above.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A method of conducting computer-telephony comprising: assigning an identification code to each one of a plurality of terminal units; receiving a call from a telephone unit; obtaining a requested identification code from said telephone unit; and connecting the call between said telephone unit and a terminal unit having an assigned identification code that matches said requested identification code.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said assigning step further comprises: storing said assigned identification codes in a database.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: determining if said requested identification code contained from said telephone matches any of the assigned identification codes stored in said database.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving Internet Protocol addresses from said terminal units.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising: receiving said assigned identification codes with said Internet Protocol addresses of said terminal units.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said assigned identification codes and said Internet

Protocol addresses are received from an interface program installed on each one of said terminal units.

7. The method of claim 5 further comprising: storing said assigned identification codes in a database.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising: storing said Internet Protocol addresses in said database.

9. The method of claim 5 further comprising: transmitting data packages containing audio signals between said telephone unit and said terminal unit having an assigned identification code that matches said requested identification code.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said step of transmitting data packages further comprises: receiving audio signals from said telephone unit; converting said audio signals into digital signals; compressing said digital signals; packaging said digital signals into said data packages; and transmitting said data packages to said Internet Protocol address matching said assigned identification code of said terminal unit.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said data packages are transmitted to an interface program installed on said terminal unit.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of: decompressing said digital signals at said interface program; and converting said digital signals into audio signals at said interface program.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein said step of transmitting data packages further comprises: receiving data packages containing audio signals from any one or more of said plurality of terminal units; decompressing said data packages; converting said decompressed data packages into audio signals; and transmitting said audio signals to said telephone unit.

14. A method of conducting computer-telephony between a telephone unit connected to a telephone network and a terminal unit connected to a computer network, said method comprising: receiving a call from a caller on the telephone unit; obtaining a personal communication number (PCN) from said caller; and connecting said call between said caller and a user on the terminal unit having a PCN that matches said PCN obtained from said caller.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said obtaining a PCN further comprises: prompting said caller for said PCN; receiving tone signals on the telephone network; and decoding said tone signals.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising: receiving an Internet Protocol address of the terminal unit connected to the computer network; and storing said Internet Protocol address with the PCN associated with said user in a database.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: transmitting data packages containing audio signals between the telephone unit and the terminal unit using the Internet Protocol address received from the terminal unit.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said transmitting data packages further comprises: receiving audio signals from the telephone network; converting said audio signals into digital signals; compressing said digital signals; packaging said digital signals into said data packages; and transmitting said data packages through the computer network using the Internet Protocol address of the terminal unit.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of transmitting further comprises: receiving data packages containing audio signals from the computer network; decompressing said data packages; converting said decompressed data packages into audio signals; and transmitting said audio signals through the telephone network.

20. A method of connecting a call from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to a computer network, said method comprising: assigning identification codes to a plurality of terminal units connected to the computer network; storing said identification codes in a database; receiving the call from the PSTN; obtaining from the call a requested identification code of the terminal unit being called; and connecting the call when said requested identification code obtained from the call matches one of the identification codes stored in said database.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: receiving Internet Protocol addresses from said terminal units; and storing said Internet Protocol addresses in said database.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the call is connected to the Internet Protocol address associated with said identification code obtained from the caller.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: receiving audio signals from the PSTN; converting said audio signals into digital signals; compressing said digital signals; and transmitting said compressed digital signals to the Internet Protocol address on the computer network.

24. The method of claim 22 further comprising: receiving data packages containing audio signals from the computer network; decompressing said data packages; converting said decompressed data packages into audio signals; and transmitting said audio signals through the PSTN.

25. The method of claim 22 further comprising: saving a voice message for the user.

26. The method of claim 22 further comprising: receiving a facsimile from the PSTN; storing said facsimile to a computer file; transmitting said computer file to the Internet Protocol address on the computer network.

27. A method of conducting telecommunications using a computer-telephony system, wherein the computer-telephony system is connected to a telephone network and to a computer network, said method comprising: assigning an identification code to a user of the computer-telephony system; storing said identification code in a database; receiving an Internet Protocol address when said user connects to the computer network; storing said Internet Protocol address in said database; receiving a call from a caller from the telephone network; prompting said caller for said identification code of said user; and connecting said call between said caller and said user using said Internet Protocol address.

28. The method of claim 27 further comprising: receiving audio signals from the telephone network; converting said audio signals into digital signals; compressing said digital signals; and transmitting said compressed digital signals to the Internet Protocol address on the computer network.

29. The method of claim 27 further comprising: receiving data packages containing audio signals from the computer network; decompressing said data packages; converting said decompressed data packages into audio signals; and transmitting said audio signals through the telephone network.

30. A computer telephony system configured to facilitate telecommunications between a telephone unit connected to a telephone network and a terminal unit connected to a computer network, the system comprising: a database having a list of identification codes, wherein the terminal unit has been assigned a unique identification code; a service server configured to prompt for said unique identification code of the terminal unit when a call is received from the telephone unit, wherein said service server searches said database to verify said unique identification code, then connects said call between the telephone unit and the terminal unit.

31. The computer telephony system of claim 30, wherein said service server is configured to receive an Internet Protocol address assigned to the terminal unit and to store said Internet Protocol address in said database.

32. The computer telephony system of claim 31, wherein said service server is configured to receive audio signals from the telephone unit, to convert said audio signals into digital signals, and to transmit said digital signals as data packages to the terminal unit using said internet Protocol address.

33. The computer telephony system of claim 31, wherein said service server is configured to receive data packages containing audio signals from the terminal unit, to convert said data packages into audio signals, and to transmit said audio signals to the telephone unit.

34. The computer telephony system of claim 31 further comprising: an interface program installed on the terminal unit.

35. The computer telephony system of claim 34, wherein said interface program is configured to transmit said Internet Protocol address to said service server when the terminal unit connects to the computer network.

36. The computer telephony system of claim 30, wherein said service server is configured to receive a facsimile transmission from a facsimile unit connected to the telephone network.

37. The computer telephony system of claim 36, wherein said service server is configured to store said facsimile transmission as a computer file, and to transmit said computer file to the terminal unit.

38. The computer telephony system of claim 37, wherein said service server is configured to store said facsimile transmission in said database.

39. The computer telephony system of claim 30 further comprising a voice mail system connected to said service server.

40. The computer telephony system of claim 39, wherein said voice mail system is configured to store messages when the terminal unit is not connected to the computer network.

41. The computer telephony system of claim 30 further comprising a network of service servers configured to facilitate telecommunications between the telephone unit connected to the telephone network in any part of the world and the terminal unit connected to the computer network in any part of the world.

42. A computer telephony system to facilitate telecommunication between a telephone network and a computer network, the system comprising: a plurality of terminal units connected to the computer network; a telephone unit connected to the telephone network; a service server configured to connected a call received from said telephone unit to said terminal units.

43. The computer telephony system of claim 42, wherein said service server includes a database, and is configured to assign said terminal units unique identification codes and to store said identification codes in said database.

44. The computer telephony system of claim 43 further comprising: an interface program installed in each of said plurality of terminal units, said interface program configured to transmit an Internet Protocol address to said service server, wherein said Internet Protocol address is assigned to a terminal unit when said terminal unit connects to the computer network.

45. The computer telephony system of claim 44, wherein said service server stores said Internet Protocol address in said database.

46. The computer telephony system of claim 45, wherein said service server is configured to prompt for said identification code from said call, to search for said identification code in said database, and to connect said call to said Internet Protocol address stored in said database.

47. The computer telephony system of claim 46, wherein said service server includes a CODEC configured to convert audio signals received from said telephone unit into digital signals to be transmitted to said Internet Protocol address.

48. The computer telephony system of claim 46, wherein said terminal unit includes a microphone configured to receive audio signals and a CODEC configured to convert audio signals into digital signals to be transmitted to said service server.

49. The computer telephony system of claim 42, wherein said service server is configured to receive a facsimile transmission from a facsimile unit connected to the public telephone system, to store said facsimile transmission as a computer file, and to transmit said computer file to the terminal unit.

50. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps for conducting telecommunications in a computer telephony system, comprising: assigning identification codes to a plurality of terminal units; receiving a call from a telephone unit; obtaining a requested identification code from said telephone unit; and connecting the call between said telephone unit and a terminal unit having an assigned identification code that matches said requested identification code.

51. The computer readable medium of claim 50, wherein the instructions can further perform the steps of: storing said assigned identification codes in a database; receiving an Internet Protocol address from a terminal unit when said terminal unit connects to the computer telephony system; and storing said Internet Protocol address in said database.

52. The computer readable medium of claim 51 , wherein the instructions can further perform the steps of: searching the database for said Internet Protocol address of said terminal unit using said identification code; and connecting said call to said Internet Protocol address.

53. The computer readable medium of claim 52, wherein the instructions can further perform the steps of: receiving audio signals from said telephone unit; converting said audio signals into digital signals; and transmitting said digital signals to said terminal unit using said Internet Protocol address.

54. The computer readable medium of claim 52, wherein the instructions can further perform the steps of: receiving data packages containing audio signals from said terminal unit; converting said data packages into audio signals; and transmitting said audio signals to said telephone unit.

55. The computer readable medium of claim 52, wherein the instructions can further perform the steps of: receiving a facsimile transmission; storing said facsimile transmission as a computer file; and transmitting said computer file to said terminal unit.