(12) United States Patent
`Wilson
`
`111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006829231Bl
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,829,231 Bl
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`(54)
`
`INTERNET PHONE SYSTEM AND
`DIRECTORY SEARCH ENGINE USING
`SAME
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: James E. Wilson, Plano, TX (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: MCI Communications Corporation,
`Washington, DC (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`EP
`JP
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`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`781016
`09172459
`9620553
`9632800
`9638018
`9714238
`9728628
`9733412
`9812860
`
`6/1997
`12/1995
`7/1996
`10/1996
`11/1996
`4/1997
`8/1997
`9/1997
`3/1998
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 08/777,824
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 31, 1996
`
`Int. Cl? ......................... H04J 12/66; H04M 11!00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ..................................... 370/352; 379/90.01
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 370/352, 353,
`370/354, 355, 356; 379/93.27, 93.01, 96.01,
`93.05, 93.07, 93.08, 93.09; 709/245; 375/222
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`Low et al.: "Webin-An architecture for fast deployment of
`in-based personal services".
`C. Yang, "INETPhone: Telephone Services and Servers on
`Internet," University of North Texas, Apr. 1995, pp. 1-5.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner-Due Ho
`Assistant Examiner---Phuongchau Ba Nguyen
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,959,855 A * 9/1990 Daudelin .................... 379/213
`5,604,737 A * 2/1997 Iwami et a!.
`............... 370/352
`5,610,910 A
`3/1997 Focsaneanu et a!.
`5,726,984 A * 3/1998 Kubler et a!. ............... 370/346
`5,761,280 A * 6/1998 Noonen et a!.
`.......... 379/93.27
`5,761,294 A * 6/1998 Shaffer et a!.
`.............. 370/493
`5,764,736 A * 6/1998 Shachar et a!.
`.......... 379/93.09
`5,805,587 A * 9/1998 Norris et a!.
`............... 370/352
`5,838,665 A * 11/1998 Kahn et a!. ................. 370/260
`5,841,840 A * 11/1998 Smith eta!. ............. 379/93.09
`5,884,032 A * 3/1999 Bateman et a!. ............ 709/204
`6,011,794 A * 1!2000 Mordowitz et a!. ......... 370/352
`6,031,867 A * 2/2000 Johnson et a!. ............. 375/222
`6,049,835 A * 4/2000 Gagnon ...................... 709/245
`6,078,579 A * 6/2000 Weingarten ................. 370/352
`6,101,182 A * 8/2000 Sistanizadeh et a!. ....... 370/352
`6,133,940 A * 10/2000 Noonen et a!.
`.......... 379/93.27
`6,185,184 B1 * 2/2001 Mattaway et a!.
`.......... 370/352
`
`An Internet compatible dialer pad is used to dial into an
`Internet server to provide services similar to those found on
`the Plain Old Telephone System ("POTS"). The dialer pad
`has an integrated modem set, an extended keypad with
`alphanumeric entry keys and function keys, display screen
`and display electronics that renders visual call progress
`information to the user as well as other communications
`indicators and related information about the current Internet
`connection. The dialer uses the Public Switched Telephone
`System ("PSTN") and standard LAN/WAN technology to
`give the user entry into a plurality of Internet calling
`functions. An Internet database is maintained and permits
`the dialing party to obtain callee information by entering
`alphanumeric characters via the dialer. Links from the PSTN
`to an Internet data base are not restricted to a specific digital
`data protocol.
`
`28 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 1
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 6,829,231 Bl
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`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 2
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 6,829,231 Bl
`
`.@j INTERNET
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`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 3
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

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`RingCentral v. Estech
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`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 5
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
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`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 6
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`Oalll. Base Search
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 6,829,231 Bl
`
`lnternet Dlr~ory Call Proc&ss Flow
`
`Off Hook and Dial
`Internet Directory Engine
`357
`Data Dial
`
`PP Connection
`Call Router
`
`Directory
`Engine
`
`Data Base
`
`Users Enter Name Press Se
`
`355
`
`365
`
`370
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`FIG. 6
`
`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 7
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`US 6,829,231 Bl
`
`1
`INTERNET PHONE SYSTEM AND
`DIRECTORY SEARCH ENGINE USING
`SAME
`
`2
`In essence, audio applications for the Internet are still in
`their infancy. Problems with voice quality and awkward user
`interfaces detract from their use. As such, the wide array of
`telephone services available to POTS users are not yet
`available to complement existing Internet audio sets.
`More specifically, with present Internet audio sets, the
`user is required to know the address of the voice file
`recipient. When an IP address is dialed, up to 20 digits have
`to be entered by the caller. Remembering and entering these
`10 digits is neither appealing nor practical in most situations.
`Before Internet calling becomes a standard in main stream
`long distance calling applications, the process needs to be
`eased for the average garden variety long distance caller
`who would prefer to place a call in the easiest manner
`15 possible. Use of the POTS along with their chosen long
`distance carrier meets their needs since a long distance call
`over the POTS requires no special equipment, knowledge or
`information and results in a greater chance of getting
`through the intended callee.
`Thus, a system that combine the simplicity of operation of
`the POTS with low cost audio access to the Internet would
`provide numerous advantages over prior Internet audio sets.
`
`20
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`The invention relates in general to a system for transmit(cid:173)
`ting voice date over the Internet and, more specifically, to a
`network architecture that permit voice communications
`using the Internet Protocol with alphanumeric to Internet
`address conversion using a directory search engine and a
`data base of potential callees.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The Internet has become the information "superhighway"
`of choice for an ever increasing number of individuals who
`have turned to it as an inexpensive and effective way of
`exchanging electronic data and information. While often
`thought of as a world-wide network, in reality the Internet is
`comprised of numerous different networks throughout the
`world which are linked together using a common routing
`protocol known as the Internet Protocol ("IP"). This archi(cid:173)
`tecture provides widespread access from an unspecified
`number of terminals or other dial-up equipment around the
`world.
`Individual users, groups and other entities are identified 25
`on the Internet by a unique address conforming to the IP. A
`local access hub provides users with an entry way into the
`Internet network and acts as the exchange point for both
`incoming and outgoing data. The data flows along virtual
`channels consisting of a plurality of gateways, data routers 30
`and other physical equipment which work together to form
`a signal path from message origin to its intended destination.
`Since a point-to-point connection is never established, the
`costs to the user are limited to those charged by the local
`Internet access provider and/or a nominal periodic access 35
`fee.
`The low cost associated with Internet use has spurred the
`development of audio applications that allow users to
`receive and transmit compressed Internet voice messages
`across the Internet. Typically, a user at one end of the
`connection speaks into a microphone attached to a Personal
`Computer ("PC"). The microphone carries the audio voice
`signal to a processor board in the PC which digitizes the
`signal and creates a digital voice file. The voice file is
`compressed and transferred to a selected recipient at a 45
`distant point on the Internet. Once received, the voice file is
`decompressed and converted via digital signal processing to
`an audible signal intelligible to the human ear.
`The typical Internet audio set includes a PC, modem,
`Internet access software, file compression software and
`operating system. The user executes the software off the
`PC's hard disk or floppy drive and the modem provides the
`hardware communications link with the local Internet access
`provider. This operation involves turning the PC ON,
`executing the software, gaining access to the Internet,
`recording the voice file and transmitting its intended recipi(cid:173)
`ent. At the receiving end, the process is substantially the
`same but in reverse.
`While such applications are available and useful for
`inexpensive long distance calling on the Internet, they do
`require ownership or access to a computer and some knowl(cid:173)
`edge regarding the installation, operation and execution of
`the accompanying software. In short, these prior art audio
`sets have not yet replaced the Plain Old Telephone System
`("POTS") on a widespread basis. The POTS, on the other
`hand, has widespread appeal and provides intuitive opera-
`tion.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It has been found the prior audio communications systems
`for the Internet are cumbersome to use and do not provide
`the functionality long distance callers have come to expect
`from their more familiar telephone set.
`As such, it is a primary object of the present invention to
`provide a system that simplifies the use of the Internet for
`long distance calling applications. The invention defines a
`combination of network elements that provide the user with
`a POTS look-a-like dialing pad. The dialing pad has an
`alphanumeric keypad and screen display which provides
`visual call progress information to the user.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`device that is similar to the POTS. In this regard, a true
`telephone phone set, one that doesn't require to be booted up
`40 to run a standard PC, is provided with a phone keypad for
`DTMF dialing similar to a regular phone. The set includes
`a hand set with a receiver and mouth piece and can be used
`to make voice connections via the PSTN and compressed
`audio using the Internet protocol.
`Still another object of the present invention is to provide
`a simplified calling means for originating a call on the
`Internet. A list of known callees can be stored internally
`inside the dialer and retrieved by the user prior to going
`off-hook. For unknown callee addresses, a method of
`50 address conversion is provided wherein the user enters the
`alphabetic name of a potential caller on the dialing pad and
`the name is searched on a user data base to arrive at the
`corresponding Internet address.
`Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
`55 means of initiating an Internet call without prior knowledge
`of the callee's Internet address. In this regard, an directory
`engine and user data base of known IP addresses is main(cid:173)
`tained on a specialized network server accessed through the
`pad, the PSTN and the other existing Internet components.
`60 When a hit is made on the data base, the name is returned
`to the user on the dial pad's display screen. A caller simply
`enters the alphabetic string name and the directory engine
`converts the string to its Internet address equivalent for the
`callee or callees in the database. When more than one hit is
`65 made, all of the matching names are displayed on the dialer
`screen permitting the calling party to scroll the list and
`selected the intended callee.
`
`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 8
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`US 6,829,231 Bl
`
`3
`In one aspect, the present invention defines an Internet
`compatible dialer pad with an integrated modem set that is
`operated by the user via an extended keypad with alphanu(cid:173)
`meric entry keys and function keys. The dialer has an
`integrated display screen and display electronics that renders
`visual call progress information to the user as well as other
`communications indicators and related information about
`the current Internet connection.
`In another aspect of the invention, the dialer uses the
`Public Switched Telephone System ("PSTN") and standard 10
`LAN/WAN technology to gain access to a plurality of
`Internet enhanced calling systems. A directory search engine
`and user data base permit the caller to obtain callee infor(cid:173)
`mation by entering alphanumeric characters on the dialer's
`keypad. Links from the PSTN to an Internet data base are not 15
`restricted to a specific digital data protocol. Suggested
`transmission protocols for the data base and search engine
`include A1M, ISDN or others depending on data traffic.
`For a more complete understanding of the present
`invention, including its features and advantages, reference is 20
`now made to the following detailed description, taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the drawings:
`FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art Internet audio set;
`FIG. 2 is a top side view of the Internet dialer pad
`according to part of the invention;
`FIG. 3 is a detailed circuit diagram for the dialer pad 30
`shown in FIG. 2 according to embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 4 is an architectural block diagram of an Internet
`directory search engine according to one embodiment of the
`invention;
`FIG. 5 is an architectural block diagram of an enhanced
`Internet phone directory search engine according to one
`embodiment of the invention; and
`FIG. 6 is a call progress flow diagram for an Internet
`phone directory connection according to one embodiment of
`the invention.
`Corresponding numerals refer to corresponding parts in
`the figures unless otherwise indicated.
`
`4
`and operates the processing board 27. Other PC 15 functions
`can be operated using keyboard 17.
`The processing board 27 receives the audio analog signal
`from the user via the microphone 23 and cable 25 and
`creates a corresponding digital file using on-board digital
`signal processing. The techniques and methods of digital
`signal processing are well known in the industry and by
`those skilled in the art.
`Next, the user selects an intended recipient from the
`application program interface and the digital audio file is
`sent to the chosen recipient via the modem 29. As shown, the
`modem 29 is communicably attached via cable 31 to the
`Public Switched Telephone Network ("PSTN") 33. Call and
`transmission progress information are displayed on monitor
`19 depending on the status of the connection. For example,
`the monitor 19 can display the recipient, connection status
`and latest activity. Other information can be displayed
`depending on the software program used and the function(cid:173)
`ality of the Internet audio set 10.
`The audio set 10 can also be used to receive audio files
`using the PSTN 33 connection and modem 29. In general, a
`transmitting party at a distant location uses the address of the
`audio set 10 to transmit digitized audio messages over the
`Internet in the manner described above. The audio set 10,
`25 and more specifically processing board 27, receives the
`incoming audio signal and transforms it to its corresponding
`analog equivalent. The analog audio signal is broadcast over
`the PC speaker 35 which is controlled by the audio appli-
`cation software.
`Thus, the prior art audio set 10 provides a mechanism for
`voice communications over the Internet using the above
`described process and hardware shown in FIG. 1. Variations
`of set 10 are also available using similar methods of opera-
`35 tion and allowing users a plurality of similar functionality.
`Such systems, however, are substantially similar in that they
`depend on use of a PC 15, application programs, and other
`similar equipment as shown in FIG. 1.
`Turning now to FIG. 2, one aspect of the invention is
`40 shown, the phone dialing pad, and denoted generally as 50.
`Dialing pad 50 has many of the features of a Plain Old
`Telephone System ("POTS") including hand set 55 which
`has an ear piece 58 and a mouth piece 56 for hearing and
`speaking, respectively. The hand set 55 can be used to
`45 transmit and receive the pure analog audio signals, which are
`digitized and processed for transmission on the network.
`As shown, the hand set 55 is communicably attached via
`cable 57 to base 59. The base 59 houses the various
`telecommunications devices as herein described and as can
`be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
`Accessible from on the top 61 of base 59 are various keys
`and input devices which control the operation and function(cid:173)
`ality of the dialing pad 50. An alphanumeric keyboard 63
`provides a QWERTY type interface from which the user can
`enter alphabetic and numeric entries and messages to be
`included in the Internet message stream. The keyboard 63 is
`similar to the input device of a typical desktop computer.
`In one embodiment, a numeric keypad 65 is shown and
`provided to give the identical Dual Tone Multifrequency
`60 ("DTMF") push button operation of a POTS. Thus, in
`operation a user lifts the hand set 55 and dials into the PSTN
`using keypad 65 to make normal voice DTMF telephone
`calls. In this way, POTS functionality is provided by the
`dialing pad 50 according to one embodiment.
`A microphone 67 is provided on the base 59 and used to
`receive and transmit audible signals from and to the user.
`The microphone 67 is controlled by internal electronics
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`In FIG. 1, a prior art Internet audio set is shown and
`denoted generally as 10. Internet set 10 includes a personal
`computer (PC) 15 with a keyboard 17 and monitor 19. Inside 50
`the PC 15 are a plurality of application programs which are
`stored generally on hard disk 21. A microphone 23 is
`communicably attached to the PC 15 via cable 25 which
`carries audio signals from the user to a processing board 27.
`The processing board 27 digitizes the voice signal and 55
`creates a voice file which can be stored on hard disk 21 prior
`to transmission.
`In operation, a user gains access to the Internet via an
`application program stored on hard disk 21. The manner and
`steps involved in such a process vary depending on the type
`of PC 15 and software program used. A plurality of Internet
`access providers may be used for this purpose wherein the
`user subscribes to the provider and uses a modem 29 to
`establish the communications link between the user and the
`provider. In general, the user executes a voice recording 65
`program stored on hard disk 21. The voice recording pro(cid:173)
`gram accepts an audio signal input via the microphone 23
`
`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 9
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`US 6,829,231 Bl
`
`25
`
`30
`
`15
`
`5
`inside the base 59 (see FIG. 3) and provides audible incom(cid:173)
`ing and outgoing audio signals. In the alternative, audio
`signals can be received and transmitted via the hand set 55
`using the ear 56 piece and mouth piece 58, respectively.
`According to one embodiment, an Internet access button
`69 is provided on the base 59 and used to switch between
`normal DTMF voice calls and Internet dial-up operations. In
`this way, access button 69 can be used to initiate an Internet
`connection using the internal modem set (not shown in FIG.
`2) without interrupting the present DTMF initiated switched 10
`voice connection.
`An integrated display screen 71 is provided to give the
`user visual information about the current Internet connection
`as well as other connection/status information. For example,
`the display screen 71 can show the current callee, a stored
`list of available callees including their Internet addresses, the
`identity of the transmitting party and his Internet address, a
`list of the most currently received or transmitted messages or
`other similar information according to the preprogrammed
`functionality of the dialer pad 50.
`As such, it should be understood that a wide range of 20
`information may be displayed on the display screen 71. In
`the preferred embodiment, display screen 71 is a liquid
`crystal display of the type commonly found in industry.
`The dialing pad 50 connects to the PSTN via jacks 80 and
`82 which provide dual line access to the PSTN via outlets
`84. This configuration provides concurrent DTMF and Inter(cid:173)
`net connections. In an alternative embodiment, single line
`access is provided wherein the dialing pad 50 is used as
`either a DTMF voice or Internet audio set per single session.
`In one embodiment, the connection mode is selected by the
`user with button 69.
`A connection 88 to a computer 90 is also provided to
`permit the transfer of Internet formatted messages between
`the dialing pad 50 and the computer 90. An RS232 jack 86
`is the preferred interface between the Internet phone 50 and
`the computer 90 for serial data transfers although other
`connection protocols, such as parallel bus, may be used.
`In FIG. 3, a circuit diagram for the dialing pad 50 is shown
`and denoted generally as 100. Circuit diagram 100 is one 40
`possible arrangement of components. Those skilled in the art
`will appreciate that other configurations may be employed.
`The components are maintained inside the base 59 and
`assembled during manufacturing by well known means such
`as on a printed circuit board. Standard off-the-shelf campo- 45
`nents which are readily available in the market place may be
`used for most devices and, as such, no particular or specific
`device is necessary to achieve the objects of the invention as
`herein described.
`As shown, a telephone line interface 102 serves as a
`connection between the PSTN and the dialing pad 50. A
`supervisory circuit 104 provides the Onhook/Offhook
`mechanism between the interface 102 and the PSTN and is
`operated by the optical isolator 106. The analog signal is
`received superimposed on a DC level carrier which is 55
`isolated via the transformer primary 108.
`The analog signal is dropped across the secondary portion
`110 of the line transformer where it is load balanced and
`received by the modem data pump 112. In essence, the
`telephone line interface 102, isolator circuit 106, and trans(cid:173)
`former 108, 110 form a direct access arrangement of the type
`well known by those skilled in the art. It should be
`understood, however, that other similar configurations and
`methods of interfacing the modem data pump 112 to the
`PSTN can be used.
`The modem data pump 112 is controlled by CPU con(cid:173)
`troller 116 via path 114. In various embodiments, the data
`
`6
`pump 112 supports a plurality of data transmission, com(cid:173)
`pression and error correction protocols including, without
`limitation, V.34, V.32, V.22, V.42 LAPM, MNP2-5 and still
`others. Such protocols are well known by those skilled in the
`art.
`An audio compression circuit 118 is also shown coupled
`to the data pump 114 via path 117 which supports known
`Internet audio standard protocols such as G.723, G.725 and
`G.729. The compression circuit 118 also supports G.711
`which is the standard audio protocol for all POTS. As
`shown, circuit 118 is coupled to the primary 108 via coil120
`allowing bidirectional audio transmission through and from
`the PSTN.
`A speaker 130 and microphone 132 are provided to
`provide the user with an audible signal output and voice
`input, respectively. During an Internet audio session, the
`optical isolator circuit 106 enables the microphone 132
`portion of the circuit 100 via path 107. Signals from the
`microphone 132 are received by the compression circuit 118
`and transferred to the data pump 112 for signal processing
`and transmission on the PSTN to its intended recipient using
`well known modulation/demodulation techniques.
`Likewise, signals received from the PSTN via the data
`pump 112 are deencoded by the compression circuit 118 and
`delivered to the user via the speaker 130 as an audible output
`signal. The corresponding multiplexing logic (M1 and M2)
`are shown arranged in FIG. 3 per one embodiment.
`DTMF functionality is supported via transceiver circuit
`140 and phone keypad 142. This arrangement gives the
`Internet phone 50 DTMF dial-up capabilities for normal
`voice connections on a switched circuit basis and alphanu(cid:173)
`meric entry during Internet sessions. The phone keypad 142
`combines the inputs from the keyboard 63 and keypad 65
`35 shown in FIG. 2 and is coupled to the controller 116 via
`pathway 144. The controller 116 is programmed to select the
`correct input device depending on the type of connection,
`either standard DTMF or Internet Protocol.
`The preferred display screen 71 is a Liquid Crystal
`Display of the type known to those skilled in the art and is
`controlled by display driver circuit 150 and controller 116
`via path 144. Other system components include memory
`circuits 155 and 157, which, provide the microprocessor
`with permanent and erasable memory area segments for
`performing the various functions herein described. Such
`functions include power-up sequences, system checks and
`other standard system verification processes as well as call
`connect functions, user features and still others.
`One feature of the Internet phone is the ability to connect
`50 to existing Internet access provider services without requir(cid:173)
`ing extensive software knowledge by the user. In one
`embodiment, access parameters are maintained on the eras(cid:173)
`able and programmable memory circuit 157. The access
`parameters control how the phone 50 connects to the user's
`Internet access provider.
`In one embodiment, the user is prompted to enter a
`plurality of access parameters such as the provider's tele(cid:173)
`phone number, IP address, domain name server address, user
`name, password and other similar parameters during initial
`60 setup. The Internet access setup program is stored internally
`by the controller circuit 116 and input by the user is
`accomplished using the phone keypad 142. These param(cid:173)
`eters are stored in memory circuit 157 and used for connec(cid:173)
`tion to the provider once the Internet access button 69 is
`65 depressed.
`The controller 116, as shown, initiates the connection
`using the parameters stored in the memory circuit 157. In
`
`RingCentral Ex-1033, p. 10
`RingCentral v. Estech
`IPR2021-00574
`
`

`

`US 6,829,231 Bl
`
`7
`this regard, a setup program can be internally maintained
`and executed upon initial use or setup by the user.
`Also, the erasable memory circuit 157 can be used to store
`a list of common recipients by their Internet addresses.
`Alternatively, the user creates new recipients for further use
`and retrieval using the alphanumeric keyboard 63 of the
`phone keypad 142.
`Other system components are illustrated in FIG. 3 such as
`watch dog timer circuit 160, audio speaker phone 162 and
`ringer adjustment circuit 165 all of which are well under- 10
`stood by those skilled in the art.
`Turning now to FIG. 4, an architectural model illustrating
`the Internet address search directory system according to
`another aspect of the invention is shown and denoted
`generally as 200. As shown, a plurality of caller dial pads 15
`201, 202 and 203 are connected to a local exchange switch
`205 via PSTN circuits 204. The PSTN circuits 204 and local
`exchange switch form part of the local telephone network
`within the user's geographic area.
`For Internet connections, exchange 205 routes the incom(cid:173)
`ing calls from the dial pads 201, 202 and 203 to the user's
`Internet Service Provider ("ISP") 215 via established Net(cid:173)
`work 210 paths. Next, the message is parsed and decoded to
`determine the recipient before routing 220 it using switched
`Ethernet circuits 222. As is appreciated by those skilled in
`the art, various routing methods and network devices 225
`may be employed to establish the end-to-end message path.
`As shown, a plurality of callees 245, 246 and 247 are
`situated at a second location. The callees 245, 246 or 247
`may have an established Internet audio connection and
`prepared to receive the audio message from any one of the 30
`callers 201, 202 or 203. Alternatively, the callees 245, 246
`or 247 may dial in to their service provider 215 and obtain
`the sent audio message at a later time. Typically, the audio
`file message is stored by the service provider in an electronic
`mail box until it is delivered to its intended recipient.
`In short, audio calls made from the dial pads 201, 202, 203
`are routed through the network 210 and reach a second local
`exchange switch 240 at a distant geographic location. The
`local carrier determines the circuit to the appropriate callee
`245, 246, or 247, who, in turn, can respond to original caller 40
`in like fashion. The process can be repeated to permit
`conversations of varying lengths similar to those achieved
`with the POTS.
`
`35
`
`8
`The search engine 230, user data base 232 and user billing
`information database 234 provide the means for converting
`alphanumeric call identifiers to their equivalent Internet
`address format thus eliminating the need to remember and
`enter numeric Internet routing addresses conforming to the
`Internet Protocol.
`This greatly simplifies the use of the Internet for long
`distance calling applications. When a callee's address
`matching the caller's 201, 202, 203 search request is found,
`the name is displayed on the display screen 71 of the dial pad
`50. The caller then has the option of completing the call to
`the address. When more than one hit is made, the names of
`the qualifying user callees are displayed. The caller then has
`the option of selecting from a scrolled list of potential users
`using the dial pad's keyboard 63 to select the intended caller.
`The architectural scheme of FIG. 4 can be enhanced to
`provide further audio functionality over the Internet. In FIG.
`5, a more sophisticated Internet phone directory search
`engine topology is depicted and denoted generally as 250.
`20 T1 trunk lines 252, 300 connect the local exchange switches
`205, 240 to the local ISPs 215, 305 and to network switches
`302, 304. Likewise, ISDN circuits 254, 256 can provide the
`link between the network 210 and servers functions 308, 310
`and 312. This topology bridges service providers of varying
`25 levels of functionality (those that do not provide directory
`search functions) to an ISP having the Internet conversion
`features such as those described herein.
`Thus, a single user data base 232 can be accessed by a
`wide range of ISPs at different locations. Links from the
`PSTN to an Internet data base are not restricted to a specific
`digital data protocol. Suggested transmission protocols for
`the data base and search engine include ATM, ISDN or
`others depending on data traffic.
`The bridge, router gateways 220 and 258, provide the
`virtual pathways from ISPs 215 and 305 to servers 308, 310
`an