IES80396B2

IES80396B2 - A teleconferencing system

Info

Publication number: IES80396B2
Authority: IE
Inventors: Eamon Daniel Troy; Gerard Patrick Moore
Original assignee: Spectel Res Ltd
Priority date: 1997-12-22
Filing date: 1998-03-19
Publication date: 1998-06-17
Also published as: IES970916A2; IES79056B2; IES980201A2; GB2332811A; IE980202A1; GB2332811B; GB9806564D0

Abstract

A teleconferencing system (1) has a switch server (4) connected to a digital switch (2). The switch server (4) is in a network (5) having a number of workstations (6), a database server (7), a conference manager (8), and a booking controller (9). The switch server (4) and the database server (7) operate in server mode and the workstations (6) and the conference manager (8) operate in dual client mode to both of the servers. The booking controller (9) acts in single client mode only with respect to the database server (7). The workstations (6) operate to establish conferences and to monitor status in real time. Control activity records (20) govern control links to individual conferees, and conference connection states are maintained in a table (30).

Description

“A Teleconferencing System” The invention relates to a teleconferencing system, sometimes alternatively referred to as an audio conferencing system.

The increasing globalisation of commerce is creating ever-increasing requirements for communication between people at remote sites in a more comprehensive manner than is allowed by one-to-one telephone, fax, or electronic mail communication. It is for this reason that many advances have been made in teleconferencing systems.

In recent years, many of the technical advances which have been made have concentrated on the provision of images, sometimes to the extent of live video image data communication between remote sites to simulate the environment of a conference room as closely as possible. For example, developments in this area are described in US5594859, US5594495, US5557330, US5546324, GB2282506, and US5157491.

Handling of image data creates the problem of providing sufficient bandwidth and processing capacity, and therefore many of the developments which have been made in teleconferencing systems to provide live video images have addressed these problems. The solutions to these problems often involve use of expensive hardware and relatively high communication costs. Further, it appears that functionality of the teleconferencing system is limited by the image data processing requirements.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a teleconferencing system which provides a wide range of functions to assist in monitoring and control of conferences to the benefit of the conferees. Such functions include, for example, access control security, broadcast facilities, integrated announcements, record/playback, remote diagnostics, polling, question and answer facilities, messaging, and booking and scheduling functions. It is another object of the invention to provide a range of S 8 0 396 -2functions such as the above with relatively simple hardware and at a relatively low cost.

According to the invention, there is provided a teleconferencing system comprising:a digital switch connected to a switch server; a network connected to the switch server and comprising at least one workstation operable in client mode with respect to the switch server; means in the switch server for passing control signals from the workstation to the switch; a database server in the network with respect to which each workstation is operable in client mode, the database server comprising means for controlling access of the workstations to conferee data; and means in each workstation for capturing conferee connection status data and generating a graphical display indicating conference progress, and for dynamically maintaining status of conference connections and of an audio monitor link to the switch.

In one embodiment, each workstation comprises means for maintaining monitor records for the monitor link. Preferably, each workstation comprises means for maintaining current, transient, and required monitor records.

In one embodiment, each record has a state including a connection status of idle, conference, or intercept. -3 In another embodiment, each workstation comprises means for exclusively updating the required record and for automatically transmitting a request signal to the server when updating the required record.

Preferably, the switch server comprises means for exclusively updating the current record with acknowledgements to the request signals.

In one embodiment, each workstation comprises means for exclusively updating the transient record with the state specified by a command to the switch server while awaiting an acknowledgement.

Ideally, the database server comprises means for storing a booking record for each conferee to participate in a booked conference, and means for allowing synchronised access by workstations to conference data to allow multiple workstation operation for a single conference.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a conference manager configured to operate in client mode with respect to both the switch server and the database server, the conference manager comprising means for determining when a booked conference is due and for signalling the switch server of this fact. Preferably, the conference manager comprises means for retrieving a booking identifier from the database server and for transmitting the booking identifier to the switch server.

In another embodiment, each workstation comprises means for establishing a dialling-out link with the database server, and the database server comprises means for automatically notifying the workstation of updates. Preferably, the updates include locking state data synchronising multiple workstation control to avoid duplication of conferee dialling. -4 The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a teleconferencing system of the invention; Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of the system; Fig. 3 is a sample screen display, and Figs. 4 and 5 are tables showing the manner in which control and monitoring activity is implemented.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a teleconferencing system 1 of the invention. The system 1 comprises a digital switch 2 connected to digital trunks 3. The trunks 3 handle conferee connections when taking part in a conference. The switch 2 is connected to a switch server 4, which is in turn connected to a local area network 5 having workstations 6, to monitor and control conferences.

In more detail, the trunks 3 are ISDN trunks, the switch 2 comprises a cabinet housing communication circuits. The server 4 is configured to operate in server mode whereby workstations connected in the network 5 are clients. The workstations 6 access a database server 7 which stores data including configuration files and activity logs. The network 5 also includes a conference manager 8 and a booking controller 9. Finally, the system 1 comprises a monitor audio link 10 from the switch 2 to operator headphones 11.

The client/server methodology is used for interworking of the devices of the network 5. Both the switch server 4 and the database server 7 operate in server mode. The -5workstations 6 and the conference manager 8 are clients to both servers, and the booking controller 9 is a client to only the database server 7.

In operation, calls enter the system 1 over the two Mbit ISDN links 3, each link being thirty-two compressed PCM coded channels. Two of these channels are used by the ISDN protocol, thus leaving thirty channels available for calls. Each two Mbit link is serviced by a single primary rate interface (PRI) card, each shelf being fitted with a number of PRIs. A shelf fitted with three PRIs provides ninety channels. A dedicated PRI is fitted in the shelf to interface with the digital messaging system, not shown, connected in the network 5. This allows for up to thirty simultaneous messaging channels which can be used for any combination of message playback and conference recording/playback.

Calls arriving at the PRI are passed to a switch matrix in a CPU circuit. This circuit is in direct communication (via RS 232) with the switch server 4. The server 4 routes the call to the correct conferee. Should a PIN be required, the server 4 instructs the CPU to make a connection from the caller’s line to the messaging channel and instructs the messaging controller to play a message (on that channel) requesting a PIN code. On receiving the correct PIN code the server 4 instructs the CPU to release the caller into the conference.

Conferences are handled by a conference (CNF) circuit. Each CNF has thirty-two channels, allowing up to thirty-two callers per circuit and ten conference bridges allowing for up to ten conferences per circuit. Conferences can be linked across two or more CNFs where the resources available on the first circuit are insufficient to allow the next conference to exist solely on that circuit. In this case, the switch server 4 instructs the CPU to link bridges from one CNF to another.

Referring now to Figs. 2 to 5, operation of the system 1 for scheduled dialling is now described. A flow chart illustrating the main steps for establishing a conference and monitoring and control is indicated by the numeral 40 in Fig. 2. In step 41, the -6booking controller 9 makes a conference reservation with the database server 7. This reservation includes a set of booking records, there being one record for each conferee. This record includes dialling information, name, address, and any other required information for the conference. The database server 7 assigns a booking identifier (BID) to this booking.

Also operating in client mode, the conference manager 8 monitors booking start times with respect to real time. When the conference manager 8 detects an impending conference start time, in step 42 it transmits a signal to the switch server 4 to activate the conference. The BID is included with this signal. In step 43, workstations 6 log on to the server 4 specifying a range of CIDs about which notification of activity is required. This causes relevant workstations 6 to participate in establishing the conference which has been booked.

One or more workstations 6 in step 45 logs on to the database server 7 in a Schedule Dialling Mode. In step 46, the database server 7 downloads conferee data for that conference. This includes all data from the conferee records required to allow the workstation 6 to control a dial out to the conferee. As indicated by the decision step 47, while each workstation 6 remains in this mode, in step 48 the database server 7 updates the workstation 6 with changes. These updates include the connection, and a locking state which synchronises all workstations 6 active for the same conference. The workstation 6 exits this mode in step 49, usually when all connections have been made.

After all of the connections have been established, a workstation 6 performs on-going control and monitoring of the conference which has been established.

Because the workstation 6 and the conference manager 8 have dual client-mode operation with respect to both the switch server 4 and the database server 7, the various processing devices in the network 5 work in a synchronised and efficient -Ί manner with centralised storage of data. Also, because of the manner in which the conferee records are controlled by the database server 7, network traffic is minimised.

It is not essential that a conference be established arising from a booking as described 5 above. For example, a conference may be established by a conferee acting as a moderator who links with a messaging device (not shown) on the network 5 to establish the connections. Such activity is monitored by a workstation 6.

For on-going conference control, the operator at a workstation is presented with a 10 screen 60 as shown in Fig. 3. The upper toolbar displays various icons in the following order from left to right:- conferee is in conference, - the conferee is mute whereby he or she can listen but not participate, - the conferee is on hold, - a button to allow the operator to highlight all conferees in the active conference to allow the operator perform an action with respect to all conferees, - dial out function, - intercept function, - roam function, - reorganise screen function, and 30 delete conferee function. -8As is clear from Fig. 3, the workstation actively monitors the status of each conferee’s connection, there being one row per connection. Alternatively, a “Tile” display mode may be used.

The icon of each row allows immediate identification of the connection status. A mouse and cursor are used to select one or more conferees which are then highlighted. As shown in Fig. 3, conferee 15 is highlighted. Once a particular conferee are selected, the operator can use the upper toolbar to change the status to a status such as to mute or hold. The dial out function allows the operator to connect with a conferee. Where the intercept function is activated, the conferee is placed into direct communication with the operator and temporarily out of the conference. Having intercepted a conferee, the operator “presses” one of the three leftmost icons to cause the selected conferee to enter into conference in the manner specified. The roam function continually rotates the operator connection around each of the conferences that have at least on conferee. The time spent in each conference is dynamically configurable, and has a default time of 5 seconds. The delete caller function terminates the connection of each of the selected conferees.

Referring now to Fig. 4, the manner in which each workstation 6 tracks status of the various conferee connections is illustrated. There are n connections and the status include conference, intercept, muted, hold, bell, messaging, moderator, moderator intercept, and dialling. Each workstation 6 views these states by logging in to a mode on the switch server at which all conferee data is captured and reported to the relevant workstation 6. These reporting signals activate the icons shown in Fig. 3 to reflect the new state. One report signal causes alternating display of graphics representing open and closed mouths to simulate talking.

Referring now to Fig. 5, the manner in which a workstation monitor is maintained is now described. Each workstation maintains three sets of monitor records, namely -9current, transient and required records. The monitor is the operator audio link, and the state of each monitor record is determined by the following. (a) The connection status, namely “IDLE”, “CONFERENCE”, or “INTERCEPT”. (b) The identifier CID of the conference to which it is attached, if the connection status is not IDLE. (c) A transmit audio mode ON (talking) or OFF (silent).

The current record is maintained by the switch server 4 and the workstation 6 does not have the facility to update this record. However, interfacing functions in the workstation 6 have the facility to update the required record.

A low priority background process in each workstation tracks differences between the “current” and “required” states. When a difference is detected, the workstation 6 transmits control signals to the switch server 4 to change the state of the monitor. Switch server acknowledgements from these commands set the current state. The state specified by a command, while pending acknowledgement, is stored in the transient record.

Control of the monitor is assisted by some switch server dialling modes. In a “backpath” mode, the monitor audio receive function is connected to the dialled channel to allow an operator hear the progress of a call. In an “auto intercept” mode, when a dialled call is answered, the call is placed in intercept with the monitor. Monitor connection management functions are disabled during dialling in the above modes, and conversely, these modes are disabled if the connection status is INTERCEPT. - 10An example is shown in Fig. 5 whereby at time ti. the operator link is in conference as indicated by the current record. If the operator inputs a signal to the workstation 6 requesting a change to intercept, the required record is given intercept status at time tj. Updating the required record to intercept status causes a request to be transmitted to the switch server 4. In response, the switch server 4 changes the status of the transient record to intercept (at time t2), and the status of the current record to idle. This is because it is not possible to directly transfer from conference status to intercept status. Subsequently, at time t3, the transient record remains at intercept status and the current record is changed to intercept status also.

In addition to allowing schedule dial-out functions, the workstations 6 allow manual operator interaction generally for both establishing conferences and tracking them using a screen such as that illustrated in Fig. 3. Conferences may be established by dialling in instead of using the schedule dial-out facilities.

It will be appreciated that the invention provides a wide range of conference control functions with a simple network architecture.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but may be varied in construction and detail within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A teleconferencing system comprising:a digital switch connected to a switch server; a network connected to the switch server and comprising at least one workstation operable in client mode with respect to the switch server; means in the switch server for passing control signals from the workstation to the switch; a database server in the network with respect to which each workstation is operable in client mode, the database server comprising means for controlling access of the workstations to conferee data; and means in each workstation for capturing conferee connection status data and generating a graphical display indicating conference progress, and for dynamically maintaining status of conference connections and of an audio monitor link to the switch.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each workstation comprises means for maintaining monitor records for the monitor link, and wherein each workstation comprises means for maintaining current, transient, and required monitor records, and wherein each record has a state including a connection status of idle, conference, or intercept, and wherein each workstation comprises means for exclusively updating the required record and for automatically transmitting a request signal to the server when updating the required record., and wherein the switch server comprises means for exclusively updating the current record with acknowledgements to the request signals, and wherein each workstation comprises means for exclusively - 12updating the transient record with the state specified by a command to the switch server while awaiting an acknowledgement. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the database server comprises means for storing a booking record for each conferee to participate in a booked conference, and means for allowing synchronised access by workstations to conference data to allow multiple workstation operation for a single conference, and further comprising a conference manager configured to operate in client mode with respect to both the switch server and the database server, the conference manager comprising means for determining when a booked conference is due and for signalling the switch server of this fact, and wherein the conference manager comprises means for retrieving a booking identifier from the database server and for transmitting the booking identifier to the switch server, and wherein each workstation comprises means for establishing a dialling-out link with the database server, and the database server comprises means for automatically notifying the workstation of updates. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the updates include locking state data synchronising multiple workstation control to avoid duplication of conferee dialling. A system substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.