CA2624972C

CA2624972C - Voice over internet protocol (voip) location based conferencing

Info

Publication number: CA2624972C
Application number: CA2624972A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jon Croy; John Gordon Hines
Original assignee: TeleCommunication Systems Inc
Current assignee: TeleCommunication Systems Inc
Priority date: 2005-10-06
Filing date: 2006-10-04
Publication date: 2015-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-04
Also published as: WO2007044455A3; EP1943793A4; CA2624972A1; EP1943793A2; WO2007044455A2

Abstract

A Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) device uses its location to narrow down known and unknown potential VoIP third parties meeting the user's criteria, based on their physical proximity to the initial caller and other pre-determined characteristics, to join in a phone conference. A VoIP soft switch includes conference bridges that eliminate the conventional requirement that they dial digits for a direct link with another specific VoIP communications device. Instead, location information relating to the initial VoIP user is passed to the VoIP conference bridge, either from the user's VoIP
communication device or from their respective location server. The location information is then compared by the VoIP soft switch against other VoIP
devices to find potential VoIP users within a defined geographic region surrounding the initial VoIP user. Those VoIP users matching the criteria are sent an Invite message to join the conference, which they may or may not accept.

Description

VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL (VolP) LOCATION BASED CONFERENCING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to Voice Over Internet (VolP) protocols and architectures.
More particularly, it relates to location based conferencing services using VolP.

2. Background of the Related Art Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VolP) is a technology that emulates a phone call, but instead of using a circuit based system such as the telephone network, utilizes packetized data transmission techniques most notably implemented in the Internet.
The use of VolP technology is growing quickly. Given VolP
technology, there are at least three VolP scenarios:
1. A VolP UA that is physically connected to a static data cable at a "home"
address. For instance, an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) that is connected to the "home" data cable and uses traditional telephone devices.
2. A VolP UA that is physically connected to a data cable at a location different than its "home" address. For instance, a laptop computer device utilized away from home as a VolP software telephone would be a VolP
'visitor' device as described by this scenario.

3. A VolP UA that is wireleless, physically disconnected from any data cable.
In this situation, the VolP UA connects to the VolP service provider via either a wide-are wireless technology (e.g., cellular, PCS, WiMAX) or via a local-area wireless technology (e.g., Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), UWB, etc.) using a laptop computer or handheld device.
VolP phone calls are routed to a VolP voice gateway, from which they are passed on to their destination. A VolP voice gateway or soft switch is a programmable network switch that can process the signaling for all types of packet protocols. Also known as a 'media gateway controller,' call agent,' or 'call server,' such devices are used by carriers that support converged communications services by integrating SS7 telephone signaling with packet networks. Softswitches can support, e.g., IP, DSL, ATM and frame relay.
VolP telephone technology is quickly replacing conventional switched telephone technology. A location of a given VolP device may be provisioned to be at a given geographic location, or queried from a home location register (HLR) in a mobile system.
With given VolP technologies, a VolP user must know the specific phone number of an individual, business, or other entity that they wish to call.
There is no conventional technique for allowing a conference call between two or more VolP users. In the Internet venue, users can find each other using a "chat room", but the burden nevertheless remains on the user to search for, identify, and use a specific phone number or Universal Resource Identifier (URI) information to reach specific entities. This creates inefficiency and lack of flexibility with respect to the desire to establish a conference call, preventing VolP users from managing their own communication needs and preferences.
Generally, voice communication using VolP technologies is limited to only point-to-point direct links between familiar or previously identified parties.
There is a need for an architecture and methodology that simplifies the complexity of conferencing VolP calls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) conference bridge comprises a conference bridge application active in a location addressed using Internet Protocol. A module determines a geographic boundary of a given conference. A plurality of Internet interfaces are provided to the conference bridge application, to accept a respective plurality of VolP telephone users.
Wherein a conference is established between the plurality of VolP telephone users, each of the plurality of VolP telephone users being within the geographic boundary.
A Method of conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications devices in accordance with another aspect of the present invention comprises establishing at least one conference bridge. At least one criteria is defined for participation in the given conference bridge. A VolP
call to the conference bridge is received from an initial VolP user. A location of the initial VolP is compared to a location of at least one other VolP user. An invite message is issued to another VolP user based on a match of the location of the at least one other VolP user being within a desired proximity to the location of the initial VolP user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. I shows an exemplary architecture of a VolP conference bridge application operating in a soft switch of a VolP provider to provide VolP
location based conferencing, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows an exemplary message flow diagram for establishing a VolP location based conference, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Fig. 3 shows a VolP user originating an invitation to join a conference bridge in a VolP soft switch, in a business to business or business to consumer scenario, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows exemplary signal/call flow for a VolP user originating an invitation to join a conference bridge sent to other VolP users as shown in Fig.
3.
Fig. 5 shows a VolP user originating the transmission of a series of Invitations to join a conference bridge in a VolP soft switch, in a peer to peer or consumer to consumer scenario, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Fig. 6 shows exemplary signal/call flow for a VolP user originating an invitation to join a conference bridge sent to other VolP users as shown in Fig.
5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
A VolP user from time to time might wish to initiate a conversation with other (known or unknown) VolP users based on location and other shared attributes/criteria. The need may be for a single point-to-point type connection, or it may extend to the desire for a multi-user conference with other VolP
users.
Existing conferencing systems for putting VolP users in touch with one another relies upon prior knowledge and contact information existing between the specified users. The present invention provides a way for VolP
users to use VolP technology to form temporary or permanent "VolP
Communities" or VolP conferences by initiating an interaction based on location and other shared attributes, supply/demand relationships, or other criteria.
Currently, there is no existing mechanism to create a voice link between VolP communication devices based on the location of each VolP user (and potentially other preferences or attributes). Existing VolP technology does not address this problem for VolP calls nor does it for any conference established based on location. For instance, while Internet text chat rooms provide a means of communication between party's, Internet text chat rooms do not utilize the user's location to find and invite available individuals/businesses/entities.
The present invention provides the ability for a VolP user to utilize their own geographic position to narrow down or pinpoint known and even

4

5 unknown potential VolP third parties meeting the user's criteria based on their physical location to join in on a phone conference.
Fig. 1 shows an exemplary architecture of a VolP conference bridge application operating in a VolP soft switch of a VolP provider to provide VolP location based conferencing, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
In particular, as shown in Fig. 1, a VolP communications device 104 is serviced by their service provider's soft switch 102. A positioning center 106 provides location data upon request from the soft switch 102. Other VolP
users 110, 112, 114 etc. are potential members of any given conference.
Conference bridges 100 are implemented on the VolP soft switch 102 located, e.g., at the VolP service provider's VolP network.
While the VolP soft switch 102 is, preferably capable of being provisioned with as many VolP conference bridges 100 as are required in any particular application, only one conference bridge 100 is shown in Fig. 1 for simplicity of explanation.
Also, while the conference bridge 100 is shown implemented in the soft switch 102, it can be embodied within another suitable network element having an Internet Protocol (IP) type connection (e.g., TCP/IP) with the initial user 104 as well as with the potential conferees 110, 112, 114.
The use of a conference bridge .100 eliminates the otherwise conventional requirement that the VolP user 104 dial digits for a direct link with another specific VolP communications device 110, 112 or 114. Instead, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, location information relating to the initial VolP user 104 is passed to the VolP conference bridge 100, either from the user's VolP communication device 104 or from their respective location server 106. The location information is then compared by the VolP
soft switch 102 against other VolP devices 110, 112, 114 etc. to find matching predetermined location-based criteria, e.g., within a geographic vicinity of the user's VolP communication device 104.

The VolP soft switch 102 makes use of the location information.
Based on the location, the VolP conference bridge 100 identifies potential other participants to be asked to join the conference currently established by the initial VolP user 104 on the conference bridge 100, and outputs invites or requests to join that conference 100 to the specific URLs, phone numbers and/or other identifying address information relating to VolP communications equipment 110, 112, 114 of the potential other participants.
The soft switch 102 also maintains the attributes and rules from other communication devices 110, 112, 114 etc. for receiving conference bridge calls, as well as the fixed location (e.g., a place of business) or the ability to query for a current location (e.g., for mobile communication devices such as mobile phones) for each device. Based on this information, with or without other user input (e.g., to select or prioritize among a list of available third parties), the soft switch 102 invites one or more other communication devices 110, 112, 114, etc. to join the conference bridge. This creates a voice link between the first user 104 and the other third parties 110, 112, 114 without requiring the first user to know the contact information or name of the third parties 110, 112, 114.
Fig. 2 shows an exemplary message flow diagram for establishing a VolP location based conference, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
In particular, as shown in Fig. 2, the initial VolP user 104 sends a request for conference bridge call to the soft switch 102. Preferably the initial VolP user 104 includes location information with the conference request call 201.
However, as depicted in Fig. 1, location information can be obtained from an appropriate positioning server 106 if not available from the initial VolP user 104.
Subsequent to the incoming conference call 201, suitable potential conferees are determined, and those that are within the geographic boundary pre-set or pre-provisioned into the conference bridge are invited with respective invite messages 204, 206.
In operation, the user's VolP communication device 104 dials a pre-determined phone number (or URL) to initiate a conference bridge 100 on the

6 relevant VolP soft switch 102. Various phone numbers (or URL's) may be made available at the VolP conference bridge 100, each corresponding to a respective VolP conference bridge 100 each with its own pre-established profile of who will be invited once the conference bridge 100 is first entered by the initiating VolP
user 104.
For instance, one VolP conference bridge 100 may be profiled to invite all other VolP users within a geographic boundary of, e.g., 1 mile radius from a center point formed by the location of the initiating VolP user 104. A
geographic boundary need not be merely a distance range. For instance, a geographic boundary may comprise, e.g., the grounds of a college or schoolyard, a workplace, etc., or be as specific as those VolP users within a given room (e.g., gym) at the college or schoolyard. Another VolP conference bridge 100 with its own phone number may correspond to invites to all other VolP users 110, 112, 114 etc. currently located in, e.g., a given sports stadium.
The profiles used to identify the potential other VolP conference participants may provide additional filtering characteristics beyond the location based information, e.g., other VolP users who are contained not only within the pre-established geographic boundaries set for a given conference bridge 100, but also listed within a `conference buddy' list pre-listed by the user. Thus, as a result, `buddies' that a user has pre-listed that are within the sports stadium at the time of the user's call will be invited to join a VolP conference bridge.
Fig. 1 shows use of a VolP positioning center (VPC) 106. The VolP
soft switch 102 may receive the user's location information either from each of the VolP communication devices 104, 110, 112, 114 etc., or from the VPC 106.
The VolP soft switch 102 preferably uses both the location information of the initiating VolP user 104, together with any profile criteria set for a given conference bridge 100, to determine a list of potential other conferees to be sent Invite messages inviting them to join the established VolP conference bridge 100. The profile information for the conference bridge 100 is preferably either pre-established by the VolP service provider (e.g., to set a geographic boundary within a sports stadium), and/or may be input by the initiating user

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through keypad entry or voice response on the communications device.
Alternatively, profile information for a particular conference bridge may be pre-established via an appropriate web page and transmitted via the Internet to the soft switch 102 or other host gateway.
The VolP soft switch 102 preferably also maintains the attributes and rules from other VolP communication devices 110, 112, 114 for receiving conference bridge calls, as well as the fixed location (e.g., a Place of business) or the ability to query for a current location (e.g., for mobile communication devices such as mobile phones) for each device. Based on this information, with or without other user input (e.g., to select or prioritize among a list of available third parties), the VolP soft switch 102 invites one or more other VolP
communication devices 110, 112, 114, etc. to join the VolP conference bridge 100. This creates a voice link between the first VolP user 104 that initially called into the VolP
conference bridge 100, and the other potential, third party conferees 110, 112, 114, etc., without requiring the first VolP user 104 to know the name or even the contact information of the other potential, third party conferees 110, 112, 114, etc.
Upon receipt of an invite to a VolP conference bridge 204, 206, the potential other VolP users 110, 112, 114, etc. are preferably notified similar to an incoming telephone call, e.g. with a ring signal, though it may be customized to be distinguished from the sound of an otherwise ordinary incoming phone call.
For instance, a given unique phone tone may be activated upon receipt of an invite 204, 206 to a conference bridge 100.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the Vol P
user(s) 110, 112, 114 receiving invitations to join a VolP conference 100 may be provided with a filter that automatically rejects any/all invite requests not meeting their own specific criteria (e.g., maintained on their VolP devices 110, 112, themselves, though such filtering may alternatively be performed at a network level, e.g., at the VolP soft switch 102 or other centralized location.
Benefits of the invention include that there is no effective limit to the number of participants in the conference VolP call, there are no cold transfers of

8 a call as VolP invitees enter or leave the conference bridge 100, and there is the ability to continue the conference call even after the initial VolP user 104 disconnects.
The present invention has particular applicability with any/all VolP
users, VolP service providers, and/or even Public Safety Access Points (PSAPs).
Fig. 3 shows a VolP user 104 originating an invitation to join a conference bridge 100 in a VolP soft switch 102, in a business to business or business to consumer scenario, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
In particular, as shown in Fig. 3, a VolP user 104 initiates an invitation or request 204 based on certain pre-defined criteria for a service provider or a peer attribute. The VolP service provider acquires the user's location information, either directly from the VolP communications device 104 or by request to the LIS 106, and initiates a conference on the conference bridge 100. The conference bridge 100 issues invitations or notifications to one or more potential VolP conferee users 110, 112, 114 etc. based on the location of the original user 104 and the specified criteria, by comparison to attribute or provider data for the other VolP users 110, 112, 114 etc. The conference bridge 100 enables participation by multiple parties and does not depend on the participants' knowledge of or current access to each other's contact information, profile /
attributes / business type, or location. In addition, VolP users can elect when to receive notifications based on their current status (away, available, business hours, etc.) For instance, the VolP user 104 would initiate a call to the conference bridge 100, thus initiating the sending of invitations or requests to potential conferees 110, 112, 114 etc. based on certain criteria (e.g., "tow truck drivers currently in Seattle"). Upon receipt of the initial call from the initiating VolP user 104, the VolP service provider initiates a conference bridge 100 and issues an Invite or other notification to one or more VolP users 110, 112, 114 etc.
who have selected or subscribed to receive such conference notifications for this particular conference topic (as defined by its criteria). Subscriptions may be ,

9 semi-permanent criteria for that particular conference bridge 100 (e.g., occupations or interests of the registered user of the relevant VolP device) or temporary criteria (e.g., passengers on a specific airline flight, ticket agents with extra tickets for a specific event, etc.) The conference bridge 100 enables participation by multiple parties and does not depend on the participants' knowledge of or current access to each other's contact information. In addition, VolP users can elect when to receive notifications based on their current status (e.g., away, available).
More sophisticated implementations of the invention include adaptation of the criteria for a given conference bridge 100 to correspond to a particular live auction. For instance, in such application, the matchmaking database 300 functions as an automated auction tool by accepting as criteria for the auction data such as the proposed cost of service, and then connect the lowest bidder of those potential bidders 110, 112, 114 to the conference bridge 100.
Preferably, the initiating VolP user 104 is allowed to pre-define given criteria for the conference bridge 100, e.g., a maximum number of participants (e.g., the first 4 providers or peers who accept the conference invitation), or other criteria for choosing among multiple users (e.g., to select the VolP user(s) 110, 112, 114 etc. whose location is closest to the initiating VolP
user 104 who initiated the conference invitation in the first place).
Fig. 4 shows exemplary signal/call flow for an initiating VolP user 104 calling to establish a conference bridge 100, causing invitations to be transmitted to each potential VolP conferee using IP protocol (e.g., TCP/IP) to join the conference bridge 100 as shown in Fig. 3. In response, each invited VolP user 110, 112, 114 may accept or reject the invitation with an Accept or Reject message transmitted via Internet Protocol back to the VolP soft switch 102 that transmitted the initial invite messages 204, 206.
Offline activity also occurs, separate from the call flow, e.g., to update location data (be it permanent or temporary) and critera or attributes for the conference bridge 200 itself. Availability data may also be maintained and updated offline, e.g., relating to pre-defined times for the conference bridge to be established, and/or to the current status of the conference bridge 100.
Fig. 5 shows a VolP user 104 originating the transmission of a series of Invitations 504 to join a conference bridge 100 in a VolP soft switch 102, in a peer to peer or consumer to consumer scenario, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
In particular, as shown in Fig. 5, the VolP user 104 can call a conference bridge 100 and provide particular, customized criteria for the conference. In a peer-to-peer scenario as shown in Fig. 5, the VolP user 104 issues a peer-to-peer request 550 such as a call searching for tickets to a specific public event (e.g., "Falcons Tickets"), searching for others with a similar hobby or interest (e.g., "Chess Players"), matchmaking services forming a personal add (e.g., "Male 30-35"), etc.
In the disclosed embodiment, the peer-to-peer conference is initiated by a call by an initiating VolP user 104. The conference bridge 100 may be pre-established with pre-determined criteria, and the initiating VolP user merely calls the appropriate conference bridge 100. In such case, the VolP
service provider may establish network-wide criteria itself, or may allow customized conference bridges as a service to their subscribers.
Alternatively, the criteria for the conference bridge may be established by the initiating VolP
user 104. The criteria may be transmitted to the soft switch to establish the relevant conference bridge 100 preferably with data contained within the call from the initiating VolP user 104.
The peer attributes and desired geographical boundaries of the conference are maintained in a matchmaking database 500 in communication with the VolP soft switch 102 or other gateway that hosts the conference bridge 100.
The VolP soft switch 102 issues a Peer Request 504 with location data to any/all VolP users 110, 112 and/or 114 fitting the criteria for the conference. In response, those VolP users 110, 112 and/or 114 who accept entry into the conference (e.g., by activating an 'Accept' button on the VolP

communications device), return an Accept message 505 to the inviting VolP soft switch 102. Those VolP users 110, 112 and/or 114 that don't accept the Invite (either by activating a `Reject' button on the VolP communications device, or simply by not responding to the Invite message 204 within a given period of time) return a Reject message 505 to the inviting VolP soft switch 102.
The invited VolP users 110, 112, 114 may include a filter allowing through only acceptable Invite messages based on criteria established by or on the receiving VolP users 110, 112, 114.
Fig. 6 shows exemplary signal/call flow for a VolP user originating an invitation to join a conference bridge sent to other VolP users as shown in Fig.
5.
In particular, the peer-to-peer request 550 issued by the VolP user 104 is depicted in Fig. 6, as are the respective Invite messages 504 and Accept or Reject messages 505 from each of the invited VolP users 110, 112, 114.
The present invention allows VolP users to find their most appropriate conferees, provider or peer match with minimal user interaction.
This is particularly helpful for mobile VolP users (e.g., while driving, walking, etc.) Moreover, there is no effective limit to the number of participants in the conference call (within network hardware limits of the conference bridge itself).
There is also no risk of cold transfers of a VolP telephone call as participants aren't handled in point-to-point connections that are transferred but rather join or exit an established conference at will.
Furthermore, participants in the conference call can continue in the conference even after the initial user disconnects.
Potential markets for the present invention include VolP service providers who may implement the inventive VolP multi-user conferencing as a value added services for users. Other uses of the invention include consumer and business VolP users with respect to commercial, government, educational activities, and Public Safety Access Points (PSAPs), to name a few.

VolP location based conferencing in accordance with the principles of the present invention has particular applicability with any/all VolP users, VolP
service providers, and/or Public Safety Access Points (PSAPs).
While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments,

Claims

1. A
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) conference bridge, comprising:
a conference bridge application addressable by an Internet Protocol, said conference bridge application adapted to receive a request to establish a conference comprising at least one user entered customized criteria text string for limiting participation in said establishment of said conference;
a module to establish a geographic boundary of a given conference;
and a plurality of Internet interfaces interfaced to said conference bridge application, said plurality of Internet Interfaces accepting communications from a respective plurality of VolP users;
wherein said conference is established between said plurality of VolP
users based on said geographic boundary and said user entered customized criteria text string.

2. A method of conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications devices, comprising:
establishing at least one conference bridge;
receiving at least one user entered customized criteria text string for limiting participation in said given conference bridge;
receiving a VolP call to said conference bridge from an initial VolP
user;
comparing a location of said initial VolP user to a location of at least one other VolP user to establish a proximate distance there between; and establishing said at least one conference bridge between said VolP
voice communications devices based on said proximate distance and said user entered customized criteria text string.

3. The method of conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 2, further comprising:
requesting a location of said initial VolP user from a positioning center.

4. The method of conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 2, further comprising:
obtaining a location of said initial VolP user from said initial VolP user.

5. The method of conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 2, wherein:
a plurality of conference bridges are established.

6. The method of conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 5, wherein:
said plurality of conference bridges are established on a soft switch.

7. The method of conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 6, wherein:
said soft switch is located in a VolP service provider's network.

8. Apparatus for conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications devices, comprising:
means for establishing at least one conference bridge;
means for receiving at least one user entered customized criteria text string for limiting participation in said given conference bridge;
means for receiving a VolP call to said conference bridge from an initial VolP user;
means for comparing a location of said initial VolP user to a location of at least one other VolP user to establish a proximate distance there between;
and means for establishing said at least one conference bridge between said VolP voice communications devices based on said proximate distance and said user entered customized criteria text string.

9. The apparatus for conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 8, further comprising:
means for requesting a location of said initial VolP user from a positioning center.

10. The apparatus for conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 8, further comprising:
means for obtaining a location of said initial VolP user from said initial VolP user.

11. The apparatus for conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 8, wherein:
said means for establishing at least one conference bridge establishes a plurality of conference bridges.

12. The apparatus for conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 11, wherein:
said plurality of conference bridges are established on a soft switch.

13. The apparatus for conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 12, wherein:
said soft switch is located in a VolP service provider's network.

14. The apparatus for conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 8, further comprising:
means for issuing an invite message to another VolP user based on a match of said location of said at least one other VolP user being within a desired proximity to said location of said initial VolP user.

15. The method of conferencing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VolP) voice communications device according to claim 2, further comprising:
issuing an invite message to another VolP user based on a match of said location of said at least one other VoIP user being within a desired proximity to said location of said initial VolP user.