(12) United States Patent
`Rogers
`
`I lllll llllllll Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll llllll llll llll llll
`
`US006556564B2
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`(54) SCHEDULED INTERNET PROTOCOL
`TELEPHONE INSTRUMENT SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Steven A. Rogers, Alton, NH (US)
`
`Primary Examiner-Douglas Olms
`Assistant Examiner-J3ob A Phunkulh
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Weingarten, Schurgin,
`Gagnebin & Lebovici LLP
`
`(73) As.signee: Cetacean Networks, Inc., Portsmouth,
`NH (US)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 66 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/780,685
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 8, 2001
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2001 /0033565 A l Oct. 25, 2001
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/181,099, filed on Feb. 8,
`2000.
`Int. Cl.7
`. . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . ..... . . . .. . . . .... . . . .. . .. ..... . H04L 12/66
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl ........ ................ 370/352; 370/443; 370/498;
`379/88.17
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 370/352, 353,
`370/354, 355, 356, 389, 419, 474, 476,
`442, 443, 444, 498; 709/88.17
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PKJ'ENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,526,353 A
`5,610,920 A
`5,825,873 A
`5,832,275 A
`6,185,184 Bl
`
`............. 370/60.l
`6/ 1996 Henley el al.
`3/1997 Doll el al. .................. 370/389
`l0/J998 Du ncan et al. ............. 379/419
`11/1998 Olds .......................... 395/712
`2/2001 Matta way et al.
`. .. . . . . . . . 370/230
`
`A LAN telephone which makes voice telephone calls over a
`local area network (LAN) data network. Acoustic voice
`sounds are digitally encoded and transmitted as data, over
`the LAN. T he disclosed telephone simu.ltaneously receives
`LAN data packets and decodes them, translating the data
`into acoustic audio voice sounds. A.I.I communications with
`the network occur through the use of the LAN, including
`data for call control and [or voice signals. The disclosed
`LAN telephone uses a packet scheduliag technique to pre(cid:173)
`vent packet collision, delay or loss. The scheduling tech(cid:173)
`nique relies on time of transmission and arrival to switch
`packets. Additionally, the disclosed LAN telephone is oper(cid:173)
`able lo receive power from a data switch, usiag LAN wiring.
`T he instrument further includes a means for auaching
`peripheraJ devices through an electronic interface system, as
`well as an internal system for allowing the te lephone to be
`moved, from oae connection to another, without changing
`the telephone aumber. The instrument also provides a sys(cid:173)
`tem for automatically changing the internal control software
`of the instrument, or of any connected peripheral. A system
`for connecting an external "speaker-phone" system is also
`disclosed, which gives the instrument's user the ability to
`place the voice audio source and pickup in a location that is
`convenient to the user and not necessarily co-located with
`the instrument itself.
`
`21 C laims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`Schedule Interval 40
`
`...
`
`Schedule Assignment
`
`lHeartbeat
`Packet
`41
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`~- Data "A1" 42
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`
`Data "A2" 43 ':J..
`...
`
`{Heartbeat
`Packet
`41
`
`Schedule Assignment for First Telephone "A"
`
`a Dala 01
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`
`6
`
`and A1 ...
`
`Schedule Assignment for
`Two Telephones ("A", and "B") Active
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`Data 81 and A1
`47
`
`- - -;
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0001
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 1 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Status Display 3
`
`Operator
`Console 7
`
`LAN Cable
`
`Handset 2
`
`Left
`Accessory
`Connector 4
`
`Internal
`Speaker 5
`
`LAN Telephone
`Base Unit 6
`
`FIG.1
`
`Telephone Handset
`10
`
`Punch-down Block
`12
`
`Wall Jack 11
`14
`
`00000
`
`Telephone Handset
`13
`
`11
`
`Instrument Cable 18
`
`12
`
`FIG. 2
`Prior Art
`
`WAN Link
`17
`
`ODO
`
`PBX
`16
`
`Multipair Cable
`15
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0002
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Telephone Power
`Supply 29
`
`Network Server(s) 26
`
`Telephone Handset 21
`CJ
`000
`000
`000
`
`•
`•
`•
`
`Telephony Server 27
`
`0
`
`Wide Area
`Telephone Interface
`28
`
`Telephony Server Link 30
`
`29
`
`29
`
`Telephone Handset 23
`D
`coo
`000
`000
`
`Desktop Computer(s) 24
`
`[Q]
`
`•
`•
`•
`
`Telephone Handset 25
`CJ
`000
`000
`000
`
`1 - - - - - ----' Local Area Network
`Switch 22
`
`FIG. 3
`Prior Art
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0003
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 3 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Schedule Interval 40
`
`Schedul: ;s.sig_n_m_e-nt _ __ _ __.'t'T"'! Heartbeat
`FIG. 4(a)
`pa;~et
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`Voice Packet(s)
`{ ___ -_oa_ta_'_'A_1 "_4_2__ • •
`
`Data "A2'' 43 :J_
`
`0
`
`{Heartbeat
`Packet
`41
`
`Schedule Assignment for First Telephone "A"
`FIG. 4(b)
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`
`L Data "81" 44
`
`• • •
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`Data"B2" 4 5 1 ~41
`
`Schedule Assignment for Second Telephone "B"
`FIG. 4(c)
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`
`Voice Packet(s)
`
`µDatas1rA1 ••• _ _________ o __ : __ ta-~ ... ~7andA1
`
`Schedule Assignment for
`Two Telephones ("A", and "B") Active
`
`FIG. 4(d)
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0004
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 4 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Left Accessory
`Connector 53
`
`Handset
`Connector 70
`
`Right Accessory
`Connector 52
`
`Handset
`Connector 72
`___._~Signal Conditioning ,__,...___. ...---.----.
`72
`
`Internal Speaker 69
`Internal Microphone 68
`LAN Connector
`67
`
`Dual-Voltage Power
`Conditioning 54
`
`(
`
`A to D
`DtoA
`
`-
`
`- -- -
`
`-
`
`Serial "USS".___,,_....,
`Interface
`Circuits 55
`
`Microprocessor 7 4
`
`Power
`Circuit
`66
`
`DC Power
`LAN Physical
`Interface (PHY) 65
`
`'
`
`)
`I
`I
`I
`_1
`
`Digital Signal
`Processor 75
`
`LAN Media
`Access Controller
`(MAC) 64
`
`Microprocessor
`Bus 76
`
`....---...___,
`
`Text Display
`63
`
`Output Latches 62
`
`Input
`Latches
`60
`RAM Memory 58
`Flash Memory 57
`
`ROM Memory 56
`
`Key Switches 59
`
`Indicators 61
`
`FIG. 5
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0005
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet S of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Accessory
`Power
`System
`86
`
`Low-Pass
`Filter
`Network
`83
`
`DC/DC
`(Converter
`84
`
`48VDC 5VDC
`In
`Out
`
`Accessory
`Power
`System
`85
`
`1
`T\
`
`Pin 1. 2
`
`Pin 3. 6
`
`Pin 4 5
`
`Pin 7. 8
`
`+
`-
`+
`
`
`
`- +
`
`
`
`- +
`
`-
`
`Transmit
`Data
`
`48VDC p . 1
`air
`Power
`
`Receive
`Data
`
`48VDC p. 2
`air
`Power
`
`48VDC
`Power
`
`48VDC p. 3
`air
`Power
`
`48VDC
`Power
`
`48VDC Pair4
`Power
`
`LAN Connector (Surge Arrestor
`82
`80
`
`LAN Telephone
`Curcuit Card
`fil.
`
`FIG.6
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0006
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 6 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Vee +48
`VDC90
`
`Cuurent Sense
`Resistors 98
`
`Vee
`+5 or 48 voe 100
`
`HV Cornparato
`92
`
`Microproccessor Bus 9
`
`FIG. 7(a)
`
`5VDC Power
`Switch 97
`
`D-
`101
`
`D+
`102
`
`Pin 2
`
`Pin3
`
`Pin4
`
`Output Latch
`96
`
`Accessory
`USB "A"
`Power Gnd Connector
`104
`103
`
`Pin 1
`
`Pin 2
`
`Pin 3
`
`Pin4
`
`105
`
`Input Power Bus
`+5or48VOC ------
`118 -----
`
`To Accessory Downstream
`Power Circuit
`
`NC
`
`48-5 DC-DC
`Converter 112
`
`5-3.3 DC-DC
`'n-....&.-' Converter 114
`
`Vcc+5V
`116
`
`Power Select
`Switch 113
`
`-- Input
`Buffer 119
`
`48V
`Comparator 111
`
`Power Gnd 109
`
`FIG. 7(b)
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0007
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 7 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Left Accessory
`Right Accessory Connector 121
`Connector 120
`
`Dual-Voltage Power
`Conditioning 122
`
`Output Latches
`128
`
`Key Switch Matrix
`130
`
`Indicators 131
`
`Microprocessor
`124
`
`Serial "USS"·~___.
`Interface
`Circuits 123
`
`Output Latches
`132
`
`Text
`Display 133
`
`Input
`Latches
`129
`
`Data and Address Bus
`134
`
`RAM Memory 127
`Flash Memory 126
`ROM Memory 125
`
`FIG. 8
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0008
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 8 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Initialization and Self Test 141
`
`Initial Display 142
`
`Idle State
`144
`
`y
`
`DHCP Question 147
`
`y
`
`Power lnit Display
`143
`
`I OK Version 1.1 ~
`I Fail
`:RAM, Power ~
`I DHCP?=Y ~
`
`Fail Display
`146
`
`DHCP Display
`148
`
`Instrument IP Entry
`Display 151
`
`Enter Instrument IP 150
`
`Instrument IP Number=
`10.201.222.32
`
`Server IP Entry
`Display 153
`
`Enter Server IP 152
`
`Instrument IP Number=
`10.201.222.37
`
`FIG. 9(a)
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0009
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 9 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Initialization and
`SelfTest 162
`
`lnit Display
`164
`
`Initial Display 163
`
`~
`
`Idle State
`165
`
`Access DHCP
`IP 167
`
`Y
`
`y
`
`Delay 169
`
`Send Logon
`170
`
`Log on
`Display 171
`
`E]-/
`
`Logon Fail
`Display 175
`
`Logon Failure
`172
`
`FIG. 9(b)
`
`N
`
`Response?
`174
`
`y
`
`Ready 176
`
`~
`
`Ready Display
`177
`3/2212001 _/
`10:55:09 AM
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0010
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 10 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`IXl
`
`Screen record for:
`
`I Frost, Jack
`Instrument Serial Number: l 343-547-789-2001 -34
`Sw i t ch : j .__ _La_ke_s_ide_2 _ _ _ _ _ ~
`. _ _ I 7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __,
`Switch Slot:
`
`Switch Port:
`
`Physical Location:
`
`Instrument Type:
`
`7124 39
`
`3-230-4
`
`SES-2
`
`Instrument Description:
`
`Single Executive Station
`
`Extension Number:
`
`6255
`
`User Record for LAN Phone Auto-ID
`FIG. 9(c)
`
`XI
`Location Record Switch: j Lakeside 2
`13
`
`Slot:
`
`I
`I
`
`User Record
`180
`)
`
`I-
`
`I-
`
`Port:
`
`CD 3-230-4 11 Frost, Jack
`I
`IT] 3-230-3 I Conference Room, Small I
`L ocation
`I Re
`CD
`3-231-3 I Morgon, Anna
`cord 181
`1)
`[iJ 4-232-1 I Clayton, Jean
`I
`[D 5-233-1 I Brockton, George
`I
`IT] 6-234-1 I Unassigned
`
`Location Record for LAN Phone Auto-ID
`FIG. 9(d)
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0011
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 11 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Receive Update
`Command 191
`
`.__ I Upd-ate _
`
`____,~
`
`Update Program
`Display 201
`
`Authenticate and Send
`Response 192
`
`Receive Update 193
`
`Send Update
`Fail Message ~
`
`Perfonn Error
`Check 195
`
`N
`
`Store in Flash
`Memory 197
`
`Send Update AcK
`198
`
`I OK Version 1.2
`
`Update OK Display
`199
`
`jJ
`
`FIG. JO
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0012
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 12 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`SpeakerPhone
`Accessory 210
`
`"On-Off' Indicator
`219
`On-Off Button
`218
`
`Speaker and
`Microphone 212
`
`/ Microphone Array
`// (Hidden) 214
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/ _,..
`
`Microphone Array .___ __
`211
`
`Mute Button 213 Microphone Array
`______ _.
`_,,.,../ (Hidden} 214
`__ _,,___ __ Mute Indicator
`215
`
`Accessory Cable
`217
`
`FIG. 11
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0013
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 13 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Upstream Accessory
`Connector 220
`
`Front
`Microphone Array
`235
`
`Rear
`Microphone Array
`236
`
`Top Speaker 237
`Top Microphone 238
`
`Signal Conditioning
`234
`Dual-Voltage Power
`Conditioning 221
`
`A too
`0 to A
`_.._.__ Accessory
`Power 222 Converters
`233
`
`Serial "USB"''---'
`Interface
`Circuits 223
`
`Microprocessor 232
`
`Digital Signal
`Processor 231
`
`Microprocessor
`Address & Data
`Bus 238
`
`Input
`Latches
`228
`RAM Memory 226
`Flash Memory 225
`
`ROM Memory 224
`
`Mute, On-Off
`Switches 227
`
`Output Latches 62
`
`_ Mute, On-Off
`Switches 230
`
`Internal Block Diagram for Speakerphone Accessory
`FIG.12
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0014
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 29, 2003
`
`Sheet 14 of 14
`
`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`Off Axis Person
`240
`
`Speakerphone
`Accesory 246
`
`Rear
`Microphone
`Array 245
`
`Front
`Microphone ===
`Array 241
`
`Centered Person
`244
`
`Microphone 242
`
`Speaker 243
`
`FIG.13
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0015
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`1
`SCHEDULED INTERNET PROTOCOL
`TELEPHONE INSTRUMENT SYSTEM
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELAl'EO
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to
`provisional application serial No. 60/181,099, entitled
`"LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) TELEPHONE
`INSIBUMENT SYSTEM", and filed Feb. 8, 2000.
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`
`NIA
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to telephone
`instruments, and more specifically to telephone instruments
`that are directly connected to a data LAN (Local Area
`Network).
`As it is generally known, telephone systems for business
`use normally consist of a centra.l switch or Private Branch
`exchange (PBX), illustrated by PBX 16 shown in FIG. 2,
`which connects to telephones throughout the business via a
`twisted pair wire 14 and 15. An example of such a system
`configuration is depicted in FIG. 2. In most cases the PBX
`16 will use a single twisted pair cable 14 to connect with the
`telephone instrument 13. During operation of the system
`shown in FIG. 2, the PBX 16 sends signals to and receives
`signals from the telephone instruments 10 and 13 via a
`frequency translated modem system.
`Existing PBX systems typically use dedicated wiring,
`shown as multi-pair cables 15 in FIG. 2, connected to the
`PBX 16. The multi-pair cables 15 are connected to puoch(cid:173)
`dowa blocks 12. The punch-down blocks 12 are normally
`placed in a closet on the floor of the office building, near the
`telephone instruments 10 and 13. The individual station
`cables 14 are also connected to the punch-down blocks 12.
`The station cables 14 lead to the wall jacks 11. The telephone
`instruments 10 and 13 are connected to the system via
`instrument cables 18 to the wall jack 11. '!be telephones 10
`and 13 are powered via a DC current that is carried by the
`same pair as that used for signaling. Telephone calls are
`made outside the premises via a Wide Arca Network (WAN)
`Link 17 connected to the PBX unit 16. The WAN link 17 is
`often a multi-channel circuit, such as what are commonly
`referred lo as "Tl" or " PRI" links.
`The typical existing PBX system requires dedicated wir(cid:173)
`ing. It does not share wiring with the data LAN that is
`common in most businesses. Thus, two wiring networks are
`normally requ.ired within an office building, one for data and
`one for telephones.
`Recently, a technique for creating a ''virtual" PBX bas
`been employed that is referred to as a "LAN-PBX." Io this
`technique, U1e telephone instrument uses a common Ethernet
`LAN cable, instead of a single twisted pair cable, to com(cid:173)
`municate with the PBX. An illustrative LAN-PBX system is
`shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the PBX is actually a
`telephony server 27 with switch control software that is
`coonected to the LAN. The telephooes 21, 23 and 25 are
`Ethernet LAN devices that aL<;o communicate over the LAN.
`Thus the telephony application, consisting of telephones 21,
`23, and 25, and a telephony server 27, attached to a WAN
`interface 28, can utilize the same switch 22 as the computers
`24 and network data servers 26. The advantage of the
`LAN-PBX architecture shown in FIG. 3 is that the tele-
`
`5
`
`20
`
`2
`phones 21, 23 and 25 can use the same wiring and data
`switches as are used to convey LAN data, thus resulting in
`increased flexibility and overall lower cost.
`A significant problem with the LAN-PBX approach illus-
`!rated in FIG. 3 is that telephony data has different delivery
`requirements than normal computer and server data. 'fole(cid:173)
`phooy data must be delivered on-time (within a few
`milliseconds), and without delay, on a continuous basis.
`Normal computer data can usually suffer delays of a few
`10 hundred milliseconds without difficulty. Delays of iliis mag(cid:173)
`nitude (a few hundred milliseconds) are commoo in com(cid:173)
`puter network<>. lbey occur because computer data is trans(cid:173)
`milled at a variable and unpredictable rate. As a result, there
`can be momentary blockages and congestion, even though
`15 the network bas adequate baodwidtb for tbe average data
`load.
`Existiog LAN-PBX systems attempt to solve this problem
`by giving telephony data priority over computer data. Io the
`event of data congestion, such existing systems pass tele(cid:173)
`phony data ahead of computer data. This priority system can
`work when only one telephooe with data to transmit is
`preseot on a given circuit at a given time. However, when a
`circuit must carry multiple telephone connections, the con(cid:173)
`gestion problem can arise again. This happens because
`2 5 multi ple packets with equivalent priority give no means for
`arbitration. Consider the 1elephony Server Link 30 shown in
`FIG. 3. When multiple telephone calls arc placed to the
`WAN interface 28 they must all pass through the link 30. lo
`that event, multiple telephony data packets, all having
`30 equivalent priority, may simultaneously require shared tele(cid:173)
`phony server link 30 resource. A priority mechanism cannot
`distinguish between them, and the packets cannot interfere
`with one another.
`AnoU1er problem with tl1e LAN-PBX is that Ethernet
`cables and switches make no provision for providing power.
`Genera.fl y, in an Ethernet-based system as shown in FIG. 3,
`power is provided by a separate telephone power supply 29
`at each station or instrument. As a result, it is difficult to
`operate the entire network in the event of a power outage.
`The tL'>er must provide backup power at each iostrumenl,
`instead of ceotraUy, as is possible with a typical PBX
`system.
`Additionally, both PBX and LAN-PBX systems have
`45 difficulty supporting multiple types of instmments, ia a
`Elexible manner. Some instruments need many features,
`while others need only basic capabilities. T here is no con(cid:173)
`venient way to extend or modify an instrument's behavior
`without complete replacement. l bat is, accessories to instru-
`50 ments are rarely supported.
`Typical existing PBX systems, such as the one illustrated
`in FIG. 2, s11ffer from another problem. The telephone
`number of a particular handset is determined by the circuit
`jack to which it is attached. This is inconvenient, as users
`55 may need to move a handset from one jack to another, wbile
`maintaining the same telephone number. U oder such
`circumstances, the typical PBX user must reconfigure tbe
`switch.
`Finally, existing LAN telephones are operated by intcr-
`60 nally stored control software. Such software must normally
`be installed separately into each instrument. This procedure
`makes software updates and corrections difficult, since each
`instrument must be reloaded individually.
`For the reasons stated above, it would be desirable to have
`65 a LAN telephone instrument system which uses the same
`wiriog system as is used to convey data transmission, and
`which operates without the delays that may occur in existing
`
`35
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`40
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0016
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`3
`systems. It would further be desirable to have a LAN
`telephone instrument system which a) operates using power
`supplied over Ethernet cables, b) provides for accessory
`allachments, c) can maintain a phone number even when
`moved to a new jack, and d) enables convenient download-
`ing of software.
`
`s
`
`4
`DETAILED OESCRIP'n ON OF THE
`INVENTION
`All disclosures of provisional application serial No.
`60/181,099, entitled "'LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)
`TELEPHONE INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", and filed Feb. 8,
`2000, are hereby iocluded by reference herein.
`FIG. 1 shows a physical representation of an embodiment
`of Lhe disclosed LAN telepbooe. The embodiment of the
`LAN telephone shown in FIG. 1 includes a base unit 6
`containing elecrronics circujtry necessary to provide the
`functions associated with the base unit 6 as described herein.
`The base unit 6 supports a handset 2, an internal speaker 5
`for speakerphone functions, and a status display 3 for
`displaying user status information. The base unit 6 may be
`connected to a data switch via a LAN cable 1, for example
`by way of a conventional data cable infrastructure, such as
`that shown in FIG. 3. An accessory connector is provided on
`each side of the base unit 6, as i.llustraled by le(t accessory
`connector 4. Using the accessory connectors, it is possible to
`add a variety of accessory devices, including an operator
`console 7 as s hown in FIG. l , and/or an external speaker(cid:173)
`phone.
`The internal circuitry o[ an illustrative embodiment of the
`base un.it 6 is shown in FIG. 5. The embodjment of the
`disclosed LAN telephone shown in FIG. 5 is implemented as
`a microprocessor based system. Specifically, a microproces(cid:173)
`sor 74 is shown allached lo a parallel microprocessor bus 76,
`which provides an interface to various components via its
`address and data lines. In the embocliment of FIG. 5, the
`microprocessor 74 may, for example, be a Reduced Instruc(cid:173)
`tion Set Computer (RISC) processor, using a 16 bit wide
`data bus. The bus 76 is also connected to a Read Only
`Memory (ROM) 56, Flash Memory 57, and a Read And
`35 write Memory (RAM) 58. The bus 76 further connects lo
`USB interface circuits 55, as well as input latches 60 and
`output latches 62. T he bus 76 additionally connects to a
`LAN Media Access Contro ller 64, a text display 63 and a
`Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 75.
`The organization of the hardware shown in FIG. 5 advan-
`tageously permits featllfes of the disclosed LAN telephone
`to be implemented using contro l software. For example, the
`microprocessor 74 ma y use three types of memory to store
`such control software: ROM 56, Flash 57 and RAM 58. The
`45 ROM 56 may be used to store the microprocessor's basic
`initialization program. When the LAN telephone is powered
`on, usually by attachment to the powered LAN cable 1, the
`microprocessor 74 first e xecutes a portion of its control code
`that is stored in the ROM 56. The control code program
`50 stored in the ROM 56 causes the microprocessor 74 to
`initialize all hardware peripherals of the LAN telephone,
`sucb as the MAC 64 and the output latches 62. The control
`code program stored in the ROM 56 further performs a
`self-test of the LAN telephone. The self test includes check-
`55 ing the microprocessor itself, testing the RAM 58 and
`performing a checksum verification of the contents of ROM
`56 and the Flash memory 57. The ROM 56 also contains
`program code operable to load the Flash memory from the
`MAC 64.
`One of the indicators 61, for example a light emitting
`diode (LEO), is placed on the bottom of the LAN telephone,
`near the lAN connector. This LEO indicator is attached to
`a ftip-tlop register that automatically resets itself on each
`power up, thus causing the LED indjcator to turn on. As the
`65 microprocessor 74 finishes its self-test, it toggles the "set"
`line on tl1e flip-flop register by activating a one bit port on
`the output latches 62. This action causes the LED indicator
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Consistent with tbe present invention, a LAN telephone
`ins1rumen1 is disclosed. The disclosed LAN telephone uses lO
`a Time-based Routing (TBR) technique to schedule packets
`of voice-telephony data. Through use of the Time-Based
`Routing technique, the problems of multiple LAN telephone
`instruments sending contending or colliding packets is
`avoided. 1ne disclosed LAN telephone operates in connec- 15
`tion with a system for providing power to the LAN tele(cid:173)
`phone instrument through an attached LAN cable. This
`allows multiple LAN telephone instruments to be centrally
`powered.
`1be disclosed LAN telephone (urther includes a technique 20
`for automatically providing a remote switch with location of
`the LAN telephone instrument, thus enabling automatic
`direction of calls thereto. Additionally, a system for remote
`configuration of the control program of a LAN telephone
`instrument is also disclosed, which employs the LAN itself 25
`to provide the data connection over which the control
`program is downloaded.
`The present disclosure further includes a system for
`allachment of telephone instrument accessories, which may
`be used to extend the functional capability of the LAN 30
`telephone instrument. An illustrative accessory, an operator
`console, is described in detail.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
`The invention will be more fully understood by reference
`to the following detailed description of the invention in
`conjunction with the drawings, of which:
`FIG. l shows a physical depiction of the LAN telephone,
`with an operator console accessory unit, and an internal 40
`speakerphone unit;
`FIG. 2 depicts a typical Private Branch Exchange (PBX);
`FIG. 3 depicts a typical lAN-PBX system;
`FIGS. 4a--4d show schedule assignment for two of the
`disclosed LAN phones sharing the same circujt path;
`FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative internal block diagram for an
`embodiment of the disclosed LAN telephone;
`FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative schematic diagram showing
`an external power system for an embodiment of the dis(cid:173)
`closed LAN telephone;
`FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show an illustrative schematic dfa(cid:173)
`gram for an accessory power system and interface system;
`FIG. 8 shows an illustrative block diagram of an operator
`console accessory unit;
`FIGS. 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 9(d) show software flowcharts
`and entry fields of an automatic identification system for the
`disclosed LAN telephone;
`FIG. lO shows a software flowchart of the disclosed 60
`control program change system;
`FIG. 11 shows a physical depiction of the disclosed
`external speakerphone accessory;
`FIG. U shows a block diagram of the disclosed speak(cid:173)
`erphone accessory; and
`FIG. 13 illustrates the beam-steering technique of the
`disclosed speakerphone accessory.
`
`ZTE/SAMSUNG 1005-0017
`IPR2018-00111
`
`

`

`US 6,556,564 B2
`
`s
`to turn off. In this way, the LAN telephone's main electron(cid:173)
`ics module can indicate if it is functioning properly. The
`control code instmctioos stored in the ROM S6 may, in
`addition, also display an '"OK" message in the text display
`63. However, in the event that the text display 63
`malfunctions, the LED indicator wilJ still operate.
`When the microprocessor 74 finishes executing the con(cid:173)
`trol program code stored in the ROM S6, it then executes
`control program code stored in the flash memory S7. The
`main body of tl1e LAN telephone control program function(cid:173)
`ality is stored in the flash memory S7. Flash memory S7 is
`advantageously capable of having its contents uvdated or
`replaced. Through use of this capability of the flash memory
`S7, the LAN telephone can be loaded with new program
`code providing additional or modified functionality.
`S imilarly, a fault or bug in the control program can be
`repaired, by storing a new program into the flash memory
`S7. If no program code is loaded in the flash memory S7, or
`if the program in the ftash memory S7 does not yield a proper
`error check, then the microprocessor will enter an idle state.
`In this idle sta te, the microprocessor awaits a new control
`program to be downloaded into the LAN phone, for example
`from a LAN switch.
`The RAM memory SS is used for the storage of program
`variables and state information. The RAM S8 may have part
`or all of its memory protected via a "battery backup". Io this
`way variable values can be maintained across a power
`failure.
`During operation, the disclosed LAN telephone may
`communicate with other LAN telephones via the LAN to
`which it is attached. The LAN telephone uses the LAN MAC
`64 to send and receive packets of data in Ethernet format.
`The LAN MAC 64 is connected to the LAN cable using a
`PHYsical interface (PHY) 6S. The PHY 6S provides level
`and impedance translation, as well as other signal condi(cid:173)
`tioning needed to send packets over a twisted pair wire. T he
`PHY 6S is connected to the LAN Connector 67. The LAN
`Connector 67 may, for example, be a conventional "RJ"
`style connector (e.g. RJ-45). The PHY 6S uses two twisted
`pair wires within the cable bundle attached to the LAN
`Connector 67, one Cor transmit data and one for receive data.
`Io an illustrative embodiment, the disclosed LAN tele(cid:173)
`phone obtains its operating power from the LAN cable 1
`shown in FIG. 1, through the LAN Connector 67. This
`embodiment makes use of another, normally unused wire
`pair in the cable bundle to receive power, Cor example from
`a LAN switch. The received power is conditioned and
`voltage translated via the power circuit 66. This power
`circuit 66 is further described herein with reference to FIGS.
`6 and 7.
`The LAN telephone base unit 6, as shown in FIG. 1,
`includes a number of user buttons, shown for purposes of
`illustration as key switches 59 in FIG. 5. The key switches
`S9 may be operated by a user, in order to dial calls, and/or
`to access various features of the LAN telephone. The states
`of the key switches 59 are determined by the microprocessor
`74 as it reads the contents of the input latches 60. The input
`latches 60 are connected to the key switches 59. Io this way,
`more key switches can be accommodated, for a given
`number of input latch ports. The microprocessor 74 read5 the
`key switcbes 59 periodically, for example, at times deter(cid:173)
`mined by an internal interrupt. The microprocessor 74
`rejects spurious key transitions, only accepting those that arc
`active for at least a minimum lime.
`LED indicators on tbe disclosed LAN telephone may be
`used to display call status. The microprocessor 74 may
`
`5
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`6
`control the state of such indicators, as needed, via com(cid:173)
`mands to the output latches 62.
`The text display 63 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 may, for
`example, be a two-line Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The
`text display 63 ma y receive power from a circuit card within
`the LAN telephone. The microprocessor 74 writes messages
`to the text display 63 to provide assistance to the user.
`Accessories may be connected to the disclosed LAN
`telephone via a modified Universal Serial Bus (USB) inter-
`lO face. Io the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5, this interface
`is provided via USB controllers 55, which are connected to
`the bus 76. The microprocessor 74 may send and receive
`messages and commands to accessories via this modified
`USB interface. The USB Controllers SS are connected to the
`15 lef1 S3 and right S2 accessory connectors via a power
`conditioning circuit 54.
`Connection to the handset 2 s hown in FIG. 1 is made via
`the DSP 75 s hown in FIG. 5. The OSP 75 is an integrated
`Processor that is optimized for manipulating analog signals
`that are translated into digital form. The DSP 75 is connected
`to the bus 76. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the DSP 75
`includes an internal dual-port RAM, which is connected to
`a DSP core processor and to the bus 76. Io this way, the DSP
`75 may be issued commands and its control program loaded
`by the microprocessor 74, out of the flash memory S7, over
`the bus 76. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the DSP 75
`al.so includes an internal ROM, which can contain a basic
`"Boot" program for the DSP. After in.itializatioo, the DSP 7S
`provides a message, via its dual-port memory, to the micro(cid:173)
`processor 74, indicating that the DSP 75 is ready to accept
`its control program. The control program of the DS P 7S is
`loaded into DSP memory, by tlle microprocessor 74, prior to
`the LAN telephone entering a " Ready" state. Io the Ready
`state, the LAN telephone is ready to accept and place
`telephone calls.
`The DSP 75 is further shown connected to the analog
`inputs and outputs via Analog to Digital (A to D) aod Digital
`to Analog (D to A) converters 73. The converters 73 translate
`40 the analog, voltage-based signal into a digital signal. Io the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the A to D and D to A
`converters 73 are combined into one package, providing
`two-way translation. The handset 2 (FIG. 1), and a headset
`(not shown), are connected to the base unit via the handset
`45 connector 71 and headset connector 70 shown in FIG. S. The
`internal speaker 69 and internal microphone 68 shown in
`FIG. 5 are directly connected to the OSP 75 via a signal
`conditioning element 72. T he signal conditioning element
`72 also provides an interface to the handset connector 71 and
`50 the headset connectors 70. The signal conditioning clement
`72 provides signal limiting, gain or attenuation, filtering, and
`power, as needed.
`To initiate or receive telephone calls, the LAN telephone
`receives control messages from a switch or telephone server,
`55 via the LAN to which ii is connected. These messages and
`associated responses are used to initiate telephony sessions.
`For example, when a call is in progress, speech audio is
`received by the microphone of the handset 2, and conveyed
`through signal conditioning clement 72 and converter 73 to
`60 the DSP 75. The speech audio is thus sampled and converted
`into a stream of digital numbers ("samples") by tbe A-D
`functionality of the converters 73. Each such number rep(cid:173)
`resents the voltage of the received microphone speech