MULTI-CHANNEL MULTI-ACCESS VOICE OVER IP INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods employing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to provide multi-channel, multi-access voice communication capabilities.

Claims

1. A client/server software based system comprising a plurality of processors and software components, said server software configured to: a) utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) techniques for audio distribution; b) provide control information to a control panel interface that permits a client using said control panel interface to manage audio information; and c) provide a user interface that permits management of a group call between one or more operators acting as callers and a larger number of listeners; wherein said system is a non-blocking system that provides full audio summing allowing audio initiated and directed from one client to another to be delivered and heard by the other client without any action required on the part of the receiving client.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said processors and software components run on hardware.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said clients and server deploy on standard, off-the-shelf, personal computer based hardware using existing network infrastructure within either a private local area network or over the public Internet with no geographic constraints.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said clients or server deploy over a public Internet or private network.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the VoIP techniques utilized allow: a) specification of system and client audio bandwidth to allow user control of audio quality and network bandwidth requirements; and b) specification of the audio time slice per packet to reduce network bandwidth in favor of increased latency which permits operation over limited bandwidth channels.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a system administration interface provides one or both of: a) the ability to remotely configure all parameters of said system; and b) the ability to remotely monitor the status all client connections.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said ability to remotely monitor the status of all client connections includes the ability to monitor audio data rates and packet loss statistics.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein a device interface provides one or more or all of: a) ability to connect a plurality of external audio devices to the system with no user action required; b) ability to interface standard analog telephone lines through the use of an off-the-shelf telephone interface device; and c) ability to sense external logic inputs and activate external logic outputs using input/output hardware.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system supports one or more features that are available in professional hardware based intercom solutions, comprising: a) Channel Isolation (ISO), the ability to create a private two-way point-to-point conversation between clients; b) Channel Interrupt Fold Back, (IFB), the ability to temporarily interrupt or dim an audio source monitored by a client when another client activates a talk that to that client; and c) client adjustable audio level control for each selectable communication channel with differentiated handling of audio levels for individual clients and groups.

10. The system of claim 1, using said VoIP techniques, wherein when used with mobile PDAs, SmartPhones, and other off-the-shelf handheld devices connected over WiFi and Cellular data connections, provides enhanced replacement functionality for traditional Two-Way Radios.

11. The system of claim 1, using said VoIP techniques, wherein when deployed on mini-PCs with a sound card connected to standard analog 4-wire phone, provides enhanced replacement functionality of the traditional hard-wired analog 4-wire conference bridge.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein audio sources include one or more of audio from a wired audio device, audio from a wireless audio device, audio from a telephone, and audio from a two-way radio.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said control information is provided on a plurality of workstations.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each of said workstations are configured to dynamically configure said control information.

15. A method of communicating, comprising sending and receiving audio information using a system of claim 1.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary network architecture of an embodiment of a system of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary user interface in an embodiment of a system of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary user interface in an embodiment of a system of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary user interface in an embodiment of a system of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary administrator control in an embodiment of a system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention provides systems and methods employing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) techniques to provide full summing and non-blocking multi-channel, multi-access voice communication capabilities.

[0039] For example, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a software based Intercom over Internet Protocol (IoIP) for full summing and non-blocking multi-channel/multi-access professional intercommunications.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention operate as a specialized general communications system that runs on standard computer and network hardware and is based on a dedicated server, multiple client architecture. FIG. 1 provides a schematic of an embodiment of this architecture. In this example, the server side emulates the functionality of the hardware based digital matrix used for decades in live performance, broadcast, civil, and defense markets, where highly dynamic, fast, and complex communications requirements are essential. The summing aspect of the server side emulates the functionality of a conference bridge used over a public or private switched telephone network. The system's client side control console emulates the functionality of a professional intercommunications control console. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention bridges disparate intercom and voice communications systems including use with hardware based professional communications control consoles, two-way radios, the public switched network, private phone systems, and VoIP solutions.

[0041] Individual control consoles used on dedicated PC's or wireless handheld devices provide basic point-and-click control for establishing talk and/or listen voice paths. Multiple group and individual voice paths can be established simultaneously and multiple conferences can be accommodated in any complexity. Subscribers may talk and/or listen in a single conference or multiple conferences, in any combination and in any sequence. All basic paths are set up in advance and are “always on,” for instant (multiple) channel access for talking and monitoring. “Dialing” as in a normal telephone system is available to allow seamless interoperability with the public (or a private) switched telephone network.

[0042] The following is a non-comprehensive list of features and benefits employed in various embodiments of the present invention: [0043] Full summing and non-blocking multi channel/multi access professional communications functionality [0044] Operation may be used in any combination of channel type: [0045] Point to Point (private channel between any two operators) [0046] Group Call (one caller to many listeners), and [0047] Party Line (group conference) [0048] Key names and configuration—Talk, Listen, or Talk/Listen—programmable from administrator access program [0049] Dynamic color codes or other indicators that indicate channel status.fwdarw.e.g., offline (gray), online (green and/or red), actuated (bright green and/or red), channel activity (color oscillates), incoming call (color blinks) [0050] Dynamic “answer back” key for incoming calls from clients for whom a dedicated key is not programmed [0051] Client control panels may be oriented horizontally or vertically or other desired configuration and are intended to operate while other programs are running on the same computer [0052] Control panel may be interrogated to indicate who is listening [0053] “Follow me” function may be set up to automatically find and transfer a call to a person who is away from their base [0054] Second audio output enables monitoring from work station speakers [0055] System is ready to interface with two way radio, hardware based communications systems, or public/private telephone networks via standard hardware interfaces [0056] Scales to many channels (e.g., greater than 10, . . . 12, . . . 20, . . . 30, . . . 40, . . . 50, . . . 75, . . . 100, etc.) [0057] Supports clients over the public Internet as well as dedicated, secure, private networks [0058] Digital audio quality [0059] Optimized network bandwidth architecture allows use over 56k modem [0060] Traverses firewalls without configuration

[0061] The description provides a detailed overview of the function in one implementation of the present invention. This implementation is shown, in part, in FIG. 2, showing an exemplary operator control console.

[0062] In this implementation, the operator has the client side control panel in front of him with a plurality of color coded keys. There are three primary types of channel configurations, designated by the keys, which may or may not be present in any certain number: 1) Point to Point for a private channel between two operators, 2) Group Call for a channel between one or more operators acting as callers to typically a larger number of listeners and, 3) Party Line for a group conference.

[0063] The following is written from the perspective of a given operator. Control Panel keys are activated by clicking on them. A gray key signifies an offline Point to Point or Group Call channel which means the operator on the other end is offline. Green keys are Listen keys. A dark green key signifies an online Point to Point or Group Call channel meaning the operator(s) on the other end of the channel are logged into the system. If the key name is oscillating someone is currently talking on the channel. Party Lines always appear online. The given operator can only listen on a channel when activated, changing the dark green key to bright green. Red keys are Talk keys. A dark red key signifies an operator on the other end of the channel is logged into the system. The given operator can only talk on a channel when activated, changing the dark red key to bright red. A green/red key signifies a combined talk/listen key. A blinking dark red key on a Point to Point channel signifies that the operator on the other end is calling the given operator; the given operator must click on the key to establish a return voice path. Point to Point typically have talk only keys for all operators and Party Lines typically have talk and listen keys for all operators. Group Call channels typically have talk and listen keys for operators assigned to talk and only listen keys for others.

[0064] The system is programmable such that each operator may have different keys. Any operator may listen and/or talk to no channels or as many channels as are available on his control panel, simultaneously. If an operator wants to establish a direct voice path with another operator and a Point to Point is not set up on the other operator's station he can do so by using his Answer Back button on the control panel. The operator right clicks on the Answer Back button, selects the operator he desires to call (a list of all users logged on to the system at that point in time will be displayed), and then activates the button. The Answer Back button on the control panel of the operator being called will flash and indicate the name of who is calling him. The called operator clicks on the Answer Back button and establishes a return voice path. The Answer Back key will time out after a pre-set interval if there is no response. In this case a right click on the key will open a list of who called and if more than one incoming call has arrived with no response, the list will show all calls that were not responded to. This list may be cleared when desired. If dialog is to continue it is common for the operators to move discussion to a Party Line to keep the Answer back channel open for other callers.

[0065] The system administrator has flexibility in naming control panel keys for each operator. A Point to Point may show an individual's name or function, such as “Dave,” “Director,” or “Plant Mgr.” A Group Call channel may be named descriptively such as “Emergency” or “Security.” Similarly, a Party Line may be named “Conference.”

[0066] The system interfaces with two-way radios, hardware based communications systems, and public/private telephone networks. These channels are typically designated to reflect such and may be talk only (such as paging) or talk/listen. They can be set up as Point to Point, Group Call, or Party Line depending on functional requirements. For use with a two-way radio clicking on the talk key initiates the transmit function. For call out to a public/private telephone network an operator right clicks the Talk key corresponding to the telephone interface which brings up a dial pad to establish a voice path.

[0067] The following section describes non-limiting examples of applied uses of the systems and methods of the present invention.

Testing and Simulation

[0068] A test aircraft is being flown in the area of a test base and all the systems on the aircraft are undergoing tests. The test team is located in a ground station and is interconnected to the base-wide communications and support infrastructure. Constant and critical communications must be maintained among individual groups in their respective disciplines as well as with an overall test director, control tower, range safety officer/team, and emergency personnel such as fire and medical services. In addition the test could span an area that includes additional ground stations at distant locations. The test success and the safety of ground personal and the public require highly dynamic, fast, and complex communications. FIGS. 3 and 4 show exemplary control consoles.

TABLE-US-00001 Key: Aircraft Testing Virtual Control Panel TST DIRECTOR—Test Director TOWER—Control tower VHF RADIO—Very High UHF RADIO—Ultra High Frequency radio channel Frequency radio channel PILOT—Aircraft Pilot SAFTY—Range Safety radio channel Officer and team FLT DATA—Group monitoring AVIONICS—Team monitoring flight data avionics systems ENG TEAM—Team monitoring TELEMETRY—Team monitoring general engineering telemetry data sig. EMERGENCY—Emergency PAGING—Hanger and channel for test base shop area paging

Port Security

[0069] A port is being monitored by security officials and there are several people constantly watching port activity and ship movements at sea. Instant communications is necessary between central control room personnel and others located at key vantage points and in mobile vehicles. In addition, interface to Coast Guard, local police, local fire department, and weather service liaison officials is provided. Instant and reliable communications ability is critical to insure homeland security and public safety. No time will be wasted while operators hunt for telephone numbers and try to handle multiple communications devices typically used for individual tasks. The ability to bring together all communications needs in one universal easily changeable system greatly simplifies operations and eliminates the need for time consuming training and re-training as systems are updated over time. Adding additional stations is as simple as adding a computer and the system may be fully and seamlessly accessed from anywhere.

TABLE-US-00002 Key: Port security Virtual Control Panel CST GRD—Coast Guard S WATCH—South Watch Tower Command Channel RADIO 1—Radio RADIO 2—Radio Channel 2 Channel 1 N WATCH—North Watch EMRGNCY—Emergency All Call Tower COMMAND—Port WEATHER—Weather Service Chn. Security Command FIRE—Local Fire POLICE—Local Police Liaison Department Liaison P. RELATIONS—Public RADAR—Radar Operator Relations Officer

Water Distribution

[0070] A regional water distribution system is operated and monitored from a control room located within one plant. This plant is connected with other plants in a regional water sharing plan. The combined operation as well as each individual plant must be constantly monitored to insure a reliable and safe domestic water supply. The plants must be able to communicate at several levels in a seamless manner. Each plant has several operators who must be in constant touch with local personnel as well as with each other. In addition to normal operations, security has become a major issue and with it, greater needs in terms of instant and reliable local and wide area communications. A single system capable of interfacing to all internal and external systems (i.e. security department radios and local police) can simplify and integrate communications for fewer errors, higher efficiency, and increased public safety. As needs change the system can be re-programmed and expanded with virtually no down time, further enhancing overall cost savings.

TABLE-US-00003 Key: Water Distribution Virtual Control Panel PLANT 1—Storage/ PLANT 2—Storage/ Reservoir Plant 1 Reservoir Plant 2 PLANT 3—Storage/ MAINT—Maintenance Reservoir Plant 3 Department SECURITY—Security EXT PAGE—Outdoor Department Area Page PLANT 4—Storage/ PLANT 5—Generator Reservoir Plant 4 Plant 5 PLANT 6—Generator FLD TEAM—Local Plant Plant 6 Mobile Personnel TEST LAB—Water POLICE—Local Police Quality Testing Lab Department Liaison

Energy Distribution

[0071] A regional electrical power distribution grid is operated and monitored from a control room located within one plant. This plant is connected with other plants in a regional power sharing grid. The combined operation as well as each individual plant must be constantly monitored to insure reliable and consistent operation. The plants must be able to communicate at several levels in a seamless manner. Each plant has several operators who must be in constant touch with local personnel as well as with each other. Security, interoperability with other communication systems, and system flexibility are critical.

TABLE-US-00004 Key: Power Generation Virtual Control Panel PLANT 1—Generator PLANT 2—Generator Plant 1 Plant 2 CNTL RM—Central SECURITY—Security Control Room Department FLD CREW—Field PAGING—Outdoor Crew Radio Channel Area Page PLANT 3—Generator PLANT 4—Generator Plant 3 Plant 4 MAINT—Maintenance ENG OFFC—Engineering Department Office GEN ROOM—Local PLANT MGR—Plant Generator Room Manager Office

Live Events

[0072] World Class Events such as Olympics Summer Games are years in the making requiring hundreds of creative and planning meetings leading up to rehearsals a few weeks prior. Assembling all team members at the venue prior to the Games is not practical, especially as many involved work multiple shows. Unlike a traditional telephone conference, systems and methods of the present invention afford team leaders instantaneous access to team members with no dialing or number searching and the power to manage simultaneous communications with multiple separate work groups while maintaining privacy between individual groups. In addition, individual groups may be joined together further enhancing flexibility.

TABLE-US-00005 Pre Production Team Members Executive Producer - Translator - Beijing Beijing Creative Producer - Creative Producer - United States France Creative Producer - Production Designer - Italy/Australia England Musical Director - Choreographer - anywhere anywhere in the world in the world Segment Creator 1 - Segment Creator 2 - anywhere in the world anywhere in the world Graphic Artist - Associate Producer - anywhere in the world anywhere in the world Technical Director - Mechanical Engineering - anywhere in the world multiple locations

[0073] The following section describes exemplary, non-limiting implementation of the present invention for the replacement of two-way radios. Over the last 50 years, two-way radios, also called push-to-talk radios, have become a staple of many industries and public service agencies with millions of two-way radios in use around the world. Europe's 10.sup.th largest airport, Schiphol in Holland, for example, uses 14,000 walkie-talkies. Public agencies, retail industries, emergency operations, utilities, health care, transportation, and businesses around the world depend on these legacy devices to keep their field and mobile workforces in touch. Job-site applications include restaurants, retail, security, property management, schools, construction, and recreation. Regardless of the application, two-way radios are islands unto themselves, the last major communications technology outside of the IP fold, and at a time when virtually every business and organization in the developed world uses IP networks.

[0074] In some embodiments, the present invention utilizes control console software loaded onto a standard Internet-enabled handheld device. Such a system has the richness of professional intercommunications functionality previously discussed, including full duplex functionality. Flexibility and interoperability go from virtually non-existent to the cutting edge of today's IP-based communications systems and scalability is significantly improved. In some embodiments, the network orientation offers all the necessary support, such as monitoring channels, maintaining security, controlling the flow of communications among the different resources, and uniting disparate proprietary communications systems.