WO2000021317A1 - Wireless control of a pbx - Google Patents
Wireless control of a pbx Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000021317A1 WO2000021317A1 PCT/US1999/023387 US9923387W WO0021317A1 WO 2000021317 A1 WO2000021317 A1 WO 2000021317A1 US 9923387 W US9923387 W US 9923387W WO 0021317 A1 WO0021317 A1 WO 0021317A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- pbx
- air interface
- transmitting
- client
- over
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W84/00—Network topologies
- H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
- H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
- H04W84/16—WPBX [Wireless Private Branch Exchange]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/725—Cordless telephones
Definitions
- a private branch exchange is a circuit switch that serves a community of terminals, such as telephones, facsimile machines, and computers. By interconnecting the terminals, the PBX provides an inexpensive and convenient communication network among the community of terminals .
- the PBX is also connected to nodes in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) , thereby providing communication paths to terminals outside the network.
- PSTN public switched telephone network
- Many PBXs also provide a number of special services .
- the PBX interconnects the terminals using voice and data lines which are connected to a digital switch via a voice or data interface card.
- the PBX is connected to the PSTN by a set of trunk line which are connected to the digital switch via a trunk interface card.
- the PBX also includes a line scanner for monitoring and detecting activity on the voice, data, and trunk lines.
- the PBX is controlled by a processing unit which responds to activity indications from the line scanner, allocates switching resources and service circuits as needed, maintains the connection for the duration of each call, returns the resources to idle state to await other calls, and supports numerous service features such as voice mail, call transfer, and conference calls.
- the processing unit also supports a user interface through which a user can control the operation of various features of the PBX.
- the user interface is usually similar to a user interface of a computer system.
- the processing unit receives inputs from the user through a keyboard or mouse and displays outputs on a visual display. By inputting various commands, the user can cause the PBX to route an incoming call to a particular terminal.
- many PBXs include an integrated database which can store user name/extension pairs and other information. The processing unit allows the user to access the information in a quick and reliable manner.
- the user at the processing unit is well situated to act as an operator for the PBX.
- the PBX includes a special terminal known as an operator terminal which allows the operator to communicate with users of the PBX, including parties making incoming calls to terminals interconnected to the PBX.
- the operator terminal is usually located in close proximity to the user interface.
- the processing unit, the user interface, and the operator terminal together provide the control over the PBX as well as the communications capability for an operator situated at the user interface and operator terminal to perform operator functions.
- the operator terminal and the user interface are stationary, the mobility of the operator is confined to the proximate area of the operator terminal and the processing unit .
- the foregoing imposes a number of limitations which affect the operation of the PBX. For example, because the operator must remain in a confined area, the operator is unable to do other duties such as servicing terminals interconnected to the PBX. Additionally, certain maintenance operations on various portions of the PBX may require the user of operator functions for proper testing. Where the tested portion of the PBX is not situated in the proximate area of the operator terminal and the user interface, the restriction on the mobility of the operator becomes unduly inconvenient .
- the present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling a private branch exchange (PBX) which includes a processing unit for controlling the PBX, a user interface for receiving input from an operator and receiving output from the processing unit, a transceiver for transmitting input from the user interface to the processing unit over a wireless air interface, a transceiver for transmitting output from the processing unit to the user interface over the wireless air inter ace .
- PBX private branch exchange
- FIGURE 1 is an exemplary Private Branch Exchange
- FIGURE 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a PBX system integrated with a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) in accordance with the principals of the present invention
- FIGURE 3 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a private wireless telephone system is used to support the operator terminal;
- FIGURE 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the client, the PBX system, and the cordless phone in accordance with the principals of the present invention.
- the PBX system includes a PBX 105 serving any number of terminals 110, such as telephones 110a, facsimile machines 110b, and computers 110c. By interconnecting the terminals 110, the PBX 105 provides an inexpensive and convenient communication network among the community of terminals.
- the PBX 105 is also connected to nodes in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 115, thereby providing communication paths to terminals outside the PBX system 100 (not shown) .
- PSTN public switched telephone network
- the PBX interconnects the terminals 105 using voice and data lines 120a, 120b which are connected to a digital switch 125 via a voice or data interface card 130a, 130b.
- the PBX 105 is connected to the PSTN by a set of trunk lines 120c which are connected to the digital switch 125 via a trunk interface card 140.
- the PBX also includes a line scanner 145 for monitoring and detecting activity on the voice, data, and trunk lines 120a, 120b, 120c.
- the PBX system 100 is controlled by a processing unit 142 which responds to activity indications from the line scanner 145, allocates switching resources and service circuits as needed, maintains the connection for the duration of each call, returns the resources to idle state to await other calls, and supports numerous service features such as voice mail, call transfer, and conference calls.
- the processing unit 142 also supports a user interface 150 connected to the processing unit via a set of cords 152a through which a user can control the operation of various features of the PBX.
- the user interface 150 is usually similar to a user interface of a computer system.
- the processing unit 142 receives inputs from the user through input means such as a keyboard 150a or mouse 150b and displays outputs on output means such as a visual display 150c. By inputting various commands, the user can cause the PBX 105 to route an incoming call to a particular terminal 110. Additionally, many PBXs systems include an integrated database 155 which can store user name/extension pairs and other information.
- the processing unit 142 allows the user to access the information in a quick and reliable manner.
- the processing unit 142, the user interface 150 and the integrated database 155 form a computer system 160 connectable to the PBX 105.
- the processing unit 142, the user interface 150, and the integrated database 155 are completely integrated and physically form a portion of the PBX 105.
- the user at the user interface 142 is well situated to act as an operator for the PBX.
- the PBX includes a special terminal known as an operator terminal 165 which allows the operator to communicate with users of the PBX, including parties making incoming calls to terminals interconnected to the PBX.
- the operator terminal 165 is usually located in close proximity to the user interface .
- the processing unit 142, the user interface 150, and the operator terminal 165 together provide the control over the PBX system 100 as well as the communications capability for an operator situated at the user interface 150 and operator terminal 165 to perform operator functions.
- the operator terminal 165 and the processing unit 142 attached to the user interface 150 are stationary, the mobility of the operator is confined to the proximate area of the operator terminal 165 and the processing unit 142.
- the foregoing imposes a number of limitations which affect the operation of the PBX system 100. For example, because the operator must remain in a confined area, the operator is unable to do other duties such as servicing terminals interconnected 110 by the PBX system 100. Additionally, certain maintenance operations on various portions of the PBX system 100 may require the user of operator functions for proper testing. Where the tested portion of the PBX system 100 is not situated in the proximate area of the user interface 150 and the operator terminal 165, the restriction on the mobility of the operator becomes unduly inconvenient . The restriction on the mobility of the operator can be removed by using a wireless air interface through which the user interface and the processing unit communicate, as well as the operator terminal and the PBX.
- the operator can input data for the processing unit using a portable user interface which transmits the inputs over a wireless air interface to the processing unit.
- the processing unit can output data to the portable user interface by transmitting the output over the wireless air interface to the portable user interface .
- the operator terminal and the PBX can similarly use the wireless air interface.
- a server 242 is a class of computers used to handle file, print, and application services which are common to all the networked computers, known as clients 250. Because the server 242 comprises the processing unit 142 of the PBX system 100, the server is able to provide the operator function capabilities supported by the processing unit 142. Providing the operator functionality at the server 242 is advantageous because the operator functionality can be accessed from any of the clients 150 which can be sparsely located about a geographic area.
- the user interface 150 and the operator terminal 165 are integrated into the client 250.
- the client 250 is easily adapted to incorporate the user interface 150 and the operator terminal 165.
- the keyboard 250a, mouse 250b, and visual display 250c indigenous to the client 250 can be used as the user interface 150.
- the operator terminal 165 can be supported by a suitably connected microphone 265a to receive voice from the operator, and suitably connected speakers 265b to send audible signals to the operator. Supporting the operator terminal 165 in the foregoing manner is known in the art as Computer/Telephony Integration.
- the client 250 accesses the server 242 through a wireless air interface 268.
- Input signals received at the client 250 from the operator via either the keyboard 250a, mouse 250b, or the microphone 265b are forwarded to a wireless modem 271.
- the wireless modem 271 can either be integrated into the client 250 or connected thereto.
- the wireless modem 271 includes a transceiver 274 which transforms the inputs into a radio signal that is transmitted over the wireless air interface 268.
- the radio signal is received by a transceiver known as an access point 277 which forwards the signal to the server 242.
- Outputs from the server 242, as well as voice signals directed to the operator, are sent to the client 250 in a similar manner.
- the outputs and voice signals are transmitted as a radio signal by the access points 277 to the client 250 over the wireless air interface 268.
- the radio signals is received by the transceiver 274 of the wireless modem 271 which sends the outputs and voice signals to the client 250.
- the client 250 displays the outputs on the visual display 250c and sends the voice signals to the speaker 265b.
- the server 242 is shown directly connected to the access point 277 receiving the signal from the client 250, those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous other access point configurations are possible.
- the signal can be received by an access point 277 known as a repeater which retransmits the radio signal from the client 250 to another access point 277 which is in closer proximity to the server 242. The process is repeated until an access point 277 connected to the server 242 via a wireline receives the signal and sends the signal to the server 242.
- the PBX system 100 By integrating the PBX system 100 with the wireless LAN 200, the expands geographic confines for the operator to the range of the wireless air interface 268. By using a portable personal computer as a client 250, the operator's mobility is further expanded. Accordingly, the operator can do numerous other tasks such as testing a terminal of the PBX system 100.
- the wireless LAN 200 is suitable for transmitting the voice signals to and from the operator terminal 165, use of an alternative transmission means may be preferable.
- the protocols and communication standards for the wireless LAN 200 are often optimized for data transmission and may be disadvantageous for voice signal transmission.
- the additional traffic of the voice signals may create bottlenecks where the wireless LAN 200 is used by clients 250 for computer functions besides the controlling the PBX system 100.
- many PBX systems 100 support a private wireless telephone system. Accordingly, in an alternative embodiment, the operator terminal 165 can use the private wireless telephone system.
- the PBX system 100 uses a wireless LAN 200 to communicate to the user interface 150, and a private wireless telephone system 300 to communicate to the operator terminal 165.
- the operator terminal 165 is realized using a cordless phone 305.
- the cordless phone 305 receives voice input from the operator and transmits radio signals representing the voice input to a base station 310 over a wireless air interface 315.
- the base station 310 forms a portion of network of base stations known as a base station system (BSS) 320.
- BSS base station system
- the BSS 320 can include base stations 310 either connected to the PBX system 100 or physically separate from the PBX system.
- the base stations 310 which are connected to the PBX system 100 forward the received signal to the PBX system 100 using a wireline connection.
- the base stations 310 that are separated from the PBX system 100 act as repeaters and retransmit the received signal to another base station 310 that is in closer proximity to the PBX system 100. The process is repeated until the signal is received at a base station 310 that is connected to the PBX system 100 via a wireline connection.
- Voice signals at the PBX system 100 that are to be directed to the operator are transmitted to the cordless phone 305 in a similar manner.
- the voice signal is transmitted by the BSS 320 as a radio signal across the wireless air interface 315 to the cordless phone 305.
- the cordless phone 305 receives the radio signals and converts the radio signals into an audible voice signal for the operator.
- the private wireless telephone network 300 represents an alternative communication channel for the operator terminal 165. Because the wireless LAN 200 is not used for voice transmission, the cordless phone 305 can be completely separated from the client 250. This is especially advantageous in an office with both a wireless LAN 200 and a private wireless telephone system 300 because the modifications to preexisting clients 250 and cordless phones 305. It is noted that the private wireless telephone network may include any number of cordless phones 305 and clients 250. Because the client 250 and the cordless phones 305 are separated, any client/cordless phone pair can be used by an operator.
- FIGURE 4 a flowchart illustrating the operation of the client 250, the PBX system 100, and the cordless phone 305 is described.
- an operator at a client 250 establishes a client/server session with the processing unit 142 of the PBX system 100, known in the art as "logging on.”
- the PBX system 100 may require a predetermined password from the operator to log on. Logging on permits the operator at the client 250 establishes an interface with the processing unit 142 of the PBX system 100.
- the cordless phone 305 is separated from the client 250, an operator terminal session must be established between the cordless phone 305 and the PBX system 100. Accordingly, the particular cordless phone 305 must be identified to the PBX system 100.
- the operator enters an identification number associated with the cordless phone 305 at the client 250. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the identification number can comprise, for example, a serial number, an extension number, or a directory phone number.
- the PBX system 100 establishes the cordless phone 305 as the operator terminal and the operator can then proceed to use the cordless phone 305 and the client 250 for operator functions.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
- Sub-Exchange Stations And Push- Button Telephones (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99970250A EP1119989A1 (en) | 1998-10-06 | 1999-10-06 | Wireless control of a pbx |
AU14435/00A AU1443500A (en) | 1998-10-06 | 1999-10-06 | Wireless control of a pbx |
NO20011758A NO20011758L (en) | 1998-10-06 | 2001-04-06 | Wireless control of a PBX |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16724598A | 1998-10-06 | 1998-10-06 | |
US09/167,245 | 1998-10-06 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000021317A1 true WO2000021317A1 (en) | 2000-04-13 |
Family
ID=22606552
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/023387 WO2000021317A1 (en) | 1998-10-06 | 1999-10-06 | Wireless control of a pbx |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1119989A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1443500A (en) |
NO (1) | NO20011758L (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000021317A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002098117A1 (en) * | 2001-05-28 | 2002-12-05 | Trio Ab | A coupling arrangement related to a mobile telecommunications system |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0526106A2 (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1993-02-03 | AT&T Corp. | Integrated wireless telecommunication and local area network system |
WO1998039941A1 (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1998-09-11 | Ericsson Inc. | Wireless telephony system enabling access to pc based functionalities |
-
1999
- 1999-10-06 AU AU14435/00A patent/AU1443500A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-10-06 EP EP99970250A patent/EP1119989A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-10-06 WO PCT/US1999/023387 patent/WO2000021317A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2001
- 2001-04-06 NO NO20011758A patent/NO20011758L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0526106A2 (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1993-02-03 | AT&T Corp. | Integrated wireless telecommunication and local area network system |
WO1998039941A1 (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1998-09-11 | Ericsson Inc. | Wireless telephony system enabling access to pc based functionalities |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002098117A1 (en) * | 2001-05-28 | 2002-12-05 | Trio Ab | A coupling arrangement related to a mobile telecommunications system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NO20011758D0 (en) | 2001-04-06 |
AU1443500A (en) | 2000-04-26 |
EP1119989A1 (en) | 2001-08-01 |
NO20011758L (en) | 2001-04-06 |
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