Title: Targeted and intelligent multimedia conference establishment services
Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100), a conference establishment server coordinates the scheduling of a conference call. The server receives request for conference calls (202). The request includes a list of participants and may include an indication of the resources necessary and any rules for the conference call. The request may indicate critical resources or participants that are required for the call. Based on the request, the server determines a conference time and notifies participants of the time (204, 206, 210). Prior to conference time, participants are reminded of the time and automatically connected to the call. The server may check the status of users on the telecommunications network to determine availability. If a critical participant or resource is unavailable at conference time, the conference may be cancelled with notification to the participants.
Patent Number: 6,870,916 Issued on 03/22/2005 to Henrikson, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Henrikson; Eric Harold (Remond, WA);
Lee; Chinmei Chen (Woodbridge, IL);
Mathai; Stinson Samuel (DesPlaines, IL);
Sand; Donna Michaels (Remond, WA)
|
| Assignee:
|
Lucent Technologies Inc. (Murray Hill, NJ)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
953509 |
| Filed:
|
September 14, 2001 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
379/202.01; 379/158; 379/203.01; 455/416 |
| Intern'l Class: |
H04M 003//42 |
| Field of Search: |
379/202.01,455.416,203.01,204.01
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 4965819 | Oct., 1990 | Kannes | 348/14.
|
| 6163692 | Dec., 2000 | Chakrabarti et al. | 455/416.
|
| 6275575 | Aug., 2001 | Wu | 379/202.
|
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 1098504 | May., 2001 | EP | .
|
Other References
Kaukonen S. et al.: "Agent based conferencing using mobile IP-telephony"
IEEE Workshop on Multimedia Signal Processing. Proceedings of Signal
Processing Society Workshop on Multimedia Signal Processing, XX, XX, Sep.
13, 1999, pp. 593-598, XP002160273.
|
Primary Examiner: Matar; Ahmad F.
Assistant Examiner: Le; Karen
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a multimedia telecommunications system including a user terminal, a
server for conference establishment and a means for facilitating
communication between the user terminal and the server, a method for
scheduling a conference call comprising the steps of:
the server receiving a request for a conference call, including an
indication of participants for the conference call; the server determining
an availability of participants for the conference call;
the server notifying participants of a conference time for the conference
call;
the server requesting confirmation from participants of availability for
the conference call, where at least one participant is designated a
critical participant, where a critical participant is deemed required for
the conference call;
the server designating a predetermined amount of resources as critical
resources, where critical resources are deemed necessary for the
conference call;
the server reserving the critical resources for the conference call;
the server determining that the conference time is approaching;
the server determining an availability of participants and resources for
the conference time;
the server sending a notification to participants that the conference time
is approaching; and
the server canceling the conference call if a critical participant or
critical resource is unavailable.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of the server
adjusting the conference time based on a response to a request for
confirmation.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the request for a conference call includes
rules governing the conference call.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining the availability
of participants and resources includes at least one of checking a calendar
associated with a participant and determining whether a mobile user
terminal is available.
5. In a multimedia telecommunications system for coupling users for voice
and multimedia communications, an apparatus for scheduling conference
calls, comprising:
a user terminal;
a server for conference establishment; and
a means for facilitating communication between the user terminal and the
server, where the server is programmed to:
receive a request for a conference call, including an indication of
participants for the conference call;
notify participants of a conference time for the conference call;
request confirmation from participants of availability for the conference
call;
include an indication of at least one participant that is designated a
critical participant for the conference call, where a critical participant
is deemed necessary for the conference call;
designate a predetermined amount of resources as critical resources, where
critical resources are deemed necessary for the conference call;
reserve at least critical resources for the conference call;
determine that the conference time is approaching;
determine an availability of participants and resources for the conference
time;
send a notification to participants that the conference time is
approaching; and
cancel the conference call if a critical participant or critical resource
is unavailable.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the server is programmed to adjust the
conference time based on a response to a request for confirmation.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the request for a conference call
includes rules governing the conference call.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the server is programmed to determine
the availability of participants by checking a calendar associated with a
participant and determining whether a mobile user terminal is available.
9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the server is programmed to reserve at
least one of a conference bridge and a conference number as resources.
10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the server is programmed to send
materials associated with the conference call to participants.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to telecommunications networks, and in
particular, to the provision of conference services in a multimedia mobile
telecommunications network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Wireless communication systems are well known. Wireless communication
systems allow mobile radiotelephones to communicate with each other and
other networks, such as the Internet and the public telephone network.
First and second generation wireless telephone systems are generally
constrained in the amount of bandwidth available for communication. This
limits capacity and also the types of services that are provided. Third
generation wireless systems hold the promise of greater bandwidth, thereby
increasing capacity and allowing for enhanced services, such as multimedia
services. Third generation wireless communications devices include, in
addition to a voice communication interface, capability for communication
of data and display of data, including video.
Conference calls between multiple participants at different locations are
known. Conference calls improve efficiency by reducing travel time and
costs associated with face-to-face meetings. The establishment of a
conference call requires several steps. First, a day and time for the
conference call must be established. This generally entails contacting
each conference participant to determine common availability. This step
alone can take an enormous amount of time, especially where potential
participants are not readily accessible. After a date and time are set for
the conference call, resources to facilitate the call must be reserved.
For example, a conference bridge for an audio or video portion of the
conference may be reserved. Also, attachments or exhibits, such as slides,
video clips or other presentation aides, may be provided to conference
participants, usually in advance of the day and time for the conference.
Once the necessary resources are reserved and allocated for the conference
call, conference access data may need to be supplied to each participant.
For example, a conference bridge number and password may need to be
distributed to conference participants to permit calling into the
conference bridge. The steps described above complete the setup of the
conference call. The actual conference call requires additional steps.
Namely, each conference participant must connect to the conference call at
the appropriate time with the appropriate capability to interact with
other participants, including possibly the exchange of audio data, video
data, files, conference presentation materials and the like.
Unfortunately, the steps required for a successful conference call are
cumbersome and time consuming. Nonetheless, conference calls are
increasingly useful and important. And, with the advent and proliferation
of proposed third generation wireless systems, ubiquitous availability and
capability will only make conference calls more important.
Therefore, a need exists for improved conference call establishment
services to improve the efficiency of conference calls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a method is provided
for scheduling a conference call. The method begins with the receipt of a
request for a conference call. The request for the conference call
includes at least the participants for the call. Preferably, the request
also includes resources for the call and rules for the call. Some
resources and participants may be designated critical and therefore,
required for the call. After the request is received, participant
availability is determined. Preferably, participant availability is
determined by examining calendars for the participants for the call. Based
on availability, a conference time is selected. The participants are
notified of the conference time and preferably have an opportunity to
confirm availability at the conference time or suggest an alternate time.
Once a conference time is determined, the resources necessary for the
call, for example, a conference bridge and conference number, are reserved
for use.
In another aspect of the present invention, after a conference time has
been scheduled, prior to the beginning time for the conference, the
conference participants are notified of the impending start time. This
notification is preferably made via a text, audio or video message. If
critical resources or participants have been identified, availability of
those resources and participants may be required before beginning the
conference call. Once the necessary resources and participants are
available, the conference call is established with participants.
A conference establishment server resides in or is coupled to a
telecommunications network. The conference establishment server
coordinates resource and participant availability and conference
establishment. The conference establishment server receives a request for
a conference call, including an indication of participants for the
conference call; determines a commonly available time of participants for
the conference call; sends to participants a notification of a conference
time for the conference call; reserves resources for the conference call;
and determines whether the conference should take place according to
predetermined rules.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multimedia services network that provides
conference establishment services in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for scheduling multimedia
conference services in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for changing a prescheduled
conference call in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for establishing a
prescheduled conference call in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a multimedia
communications system 100 in accordance with the present invention. Users
interact with multimedia communications system 100 via user equipment or
user terminals 102. Multimedia communications system 100 includes a third
generation wireless system, as defined by the 3.sup.rd Generation
Partnership Program, also known as 3GPP (see 3gpp.org). User terminal 102
is typically a mobile device that includes a user interface and an
interface for coupling to communications system 100. The user interface of
user terminal 102 is typically referred to as terminal equipment and
generally includes an audio interface, such as a microphone and speakers,
a visual interface, such as a display, and a user input interface, such as
a keyboard or touch pad. The interface for coupling to communications
system 100 is typically referred to as a mobile terminal and generally
includes an over-the-air interface for transmitting and receiving data.
The over-the-air interface of user terminal 102 is used to communicate with
base stations 104. In the preferred embodiment, base stations 104 include
an over-the-air interface that is complementary to the over-the-air
interface of user terminal 102. Most preferably, user terminal 102 and
base stations 104 communicate over-the-air using a packet-based protocol.
Multimedia communications system 100 provides users with a variety of
options for communication. Users are able to transmit and receive
multimedia communications, including audio, voice, video, and all types of
data. Multimedia communications system 100 provides access to data
networks, such as the Internet, and public telephone networks, including
wireless networks.
In the preferred embodiment, the multimedia communications that are
directed to and received from users via base stations 104 are coordinated
and transferred using a serving GPRS (GSM Packet Radio System) support
node (SGSN) 106, a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) 110, a call session
control function (CSCF) 114 and a home subscriber system 118. SGSN 106
coordinates multimedia transmissions to and from base stations 104. SGSN
106 is coupled to GGSN 110 via a data link 112. GGSN 110 interfaces the
multimedia communications to and from SGSN 106 to other networks. Call
session control function 114 is coupled to GGSN 110 via a data link 116.
Call session control function 114 coordinates and executes a signaling
protocol used to establish, maintain and control calls or sessions for
communications involving user terminals 102. A home subscriber system 118
is coupled to call session control function 114 via a data link 120. Home
subscriber system 118 includes subscriber profile information, including
information traditionally associated with a home location register for a
mobile subscriber.
To facilitate ancillary and support functions within multimedia
communications system 100, a charging gateway function (CGF) 122 and a
media resource function 124 are provided. Charging gateway function 122 is
coupled to SGSN 106 and GGSN 110 to account for packets passing through
these elements for accounting, billing and other purposes. Media resource
function 124 is coupled to call session control function 114 and to GGSN
110. Media resource function 124 provides resources for conference
bridging, tones, announcements, text-to-speech conversion, automatic
speech recognition and other service functions for communications through
GGSN 110.
GGSN 110 couples user terminals 102 to other networks. In particular, GGSN
110 is coupled to an Internet protocol (IP) network 146 via a data link
148. Data link 148 preferably implements a packet-based protocol for
transfers to a data network. Data link 148 and IP network 146 provide
access to any elements connected to IP network 146, such as, for example,
a computer 154. GGSN 110 is also coupled to a media gateway 130 via a data
link 150. Media gateway 130 is in turn coupled to a public switched
telephone network 142 via a communications link 152. Media gateway 130
converts packetized voice received from GGSN 110 to a circuit-switched
protocol acceptable to the public switched telephone network 142.
Conversely, media gateway 130 converts circuit-switched communications
received from public switched telephone network 142 to packetized
communications acceptable to GGSN 110. Media gateway 130, data link 150,
and communications link 152 provide an interface for user terminals 102 to
the public switched telephone network 142. By virtue of this connection,
user terminals 102 are coupled to elements attached to the public switched
telephone network, such as telephone 144.
The signaling and control necessary to interface GGSN 110 with public
switched telephone network 142 is controlled and provided by call session
control function 110, a media gateway controller 126 and a transport
signaling gateway 134. Media gateway controller 126 is coupled to call
session control function 114 via a data link 128. Media gateway controller
126 is coupled to control media gateway 130 via data ink 132. Call session
control function 114 determines based on a signaling protocol any
necessary media gateway resources needed for a particular communication or
session. These needs are transmitted to media gateway controller 126,
which in turns configures and establishes the necessary resources in media
gateway 130 and also provides the necessary signaling to transport
signaling gateway 134. The resources in media gateway 130 are configured
to transfer the actual (bearer) data between the GGSN 110 and the public
switched telephone network 142. Transport signaling gateway 134 converts
the signaling protocol from the media gateway controller 136 to a
signaling protocol necessary for public switched telephone network 142.
Applications and services are preferably coupled to multimedia
communication system 100 for use in interaction with user terminals 102.
In particular, call session control function 114 is coupled to an
applications and services network 156 via a data link 158. Also, home
subscriber system 118 is preferably coupled to application and services
network 156. A myriad of services and applications may reside in or be
coupled to application services network 156, including database services
from a database 160.
In the preferred embodiment, SGSN 106, GGSN 110, CGF 122, media resource
function 124, CSCF 114, media gateway controller 126, media gateway 130,
and home subscriber system 118 are processor-based apparatus with data
link interfaces for coupling together as described above and shown in FIG.
1. These apparatus include one or more processors that execute programs to
implement the functionality described herein and generally associated with
third generation wireless systems.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for scheduling a conference
call in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is described below
with reference to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The method for
scheduling a conference call preferably begins when a conference requester
enters a conference call request including all information necessary for
the conference call (202). Preferably, the request is in the form of a Web
page interface accessible by a user terminal 102 or any other terminal
device that couples to multimedia communications system 100. Most
preferably, the request is received, and the method is executed, by a
conference establishment server, which is alternatively, a server in
applications and services network 156 or implemented by any
processor-based apparatus discussed above or shown in FIG. 1. The
information necessary for the conference call preferably includes a list
of participants, an indication of resources desired for the call, and
rules for the conference call. Preferably, some information is designated
as critical, indicating that the particular information or resource may be
necessary for the conference call. For example, a speaker that will
present information on the conference call may be designated a critical
participant, since without the speaker the information will not be
presented. The list of participants preferably includes contact
information for the participants, such as a telephone number or IP
address. Most preferably, the list of participants includes availability
information for the participants, such as available dates and times or the
location of an electronic calendar with available dates and times. The
resources specified for a call include conference bridge circuits, audio
and video mixing circuits, software necessary for sharing files and other
information, or any other resources desired or needed for the conference
call. The rules for the conference call generally include limitations on
the call, for example, a time of day or a particular day of week.
Once the conference call request is entered (202), the conference
establishment server initiates a check on the availability of the
necessary participants and resources, as specified in the request (204).
Preferably, participant availability is determined by checking an
electronic calendar associated with the participant. Alternatively,
participant availability is supplied with the request for the conference
call or it is determined by direct contact with the participant, such as
via an e-mail, text message, telephone call, interactive multimedia
session, or Web interface. Direct contact with the participant should
include the ability to receive input from the participant. Direct contact
with the participant may or may not require human intervention.
Participant availability information is returned to the conference
establishment server.
Resource availability is preferably determined by assessing resources
necessary based on the participants, resources and rules associated with
the request. After an assessment of the necessary resources, functions
supplying those resources are queried for availability. For example, media
resource function 124 may be queried by the conference establishment
server to determine if and when a bridge for audio/video conferencing is
available to interconnect four participants using user terminals 102. The
availability information associated with resources is returned to the
conference establishment server.
The conference establishment server uses the participant availability
information and the resource availability information to determine if
there is a day and time at which the participants and resources are
available for a conference call (206). If no available day and time is
found, the requester of the conference call is notified (208), including a
notification of the unavailable participants or resources. The requester
may then use this information to adjust the conference call request (202).
If the conference establishment server determines a time and a date at
which the participants and resources are available for a conference call
(206), then the conference participants are notified of the conference
date and time and any additional information needed for setup of the
conference call (210). In addition, confirmation of availability is
requested by the conference establishment server (210). Preferably, the
notification to the conference participants is conveyed via a text
message, audio message, video message, interactive multimedia session, or
a combination of these, automatically generated by the conference
establishment server. For example, a user terminal may receive a text
message indicating a date and time for a conference call, a listing of
attributes for the call, such as audio, video, and a request for
confirmation of availability. Preferably, any materials associated with
the conference call, such as presentation materials or files, are sent to
users with the notification of the conference date and time.
The conference establishment server determines whether it received a
confirmation from the conference participants (212). Preferably, critical
participants must be confirmed and non-critical participants may be
confirmed. That is, the requester may require some confirmations, but may
not require confirmation from all participants. Most preferably, the
request for confirmation allows a participant to enter alternate
availability times, if necessary. If the necessary confirmations are not
received, indicating unavailability of critical participants for the
conference call, then a determination is made as to whether the conference
requester has specified an option for a timeout override (213).
Preferably, a timeout override option automatically confirms participants
who fail to respond to a confirmation request within a predetermined
amount of time. That is, if a required confirmation is not received from a
participant within a predetermined period of time, then the participant is
confirmed. The timeout override option permits tentative scheduling of the
conference call without undue delay in spite of lack of a critical
confirmation. If there is a timeout override option, then when the timeout
period expires, the conference is tentatively scheduled, even though
critical participants may not be confirmed (216). If there is not a
timeout override option (213), and required confirmations are not received
(212), then the conference call requester is notified of the
unavailability of participants or resources (208). Preferably, this
notification is conveyed via a text message, audio message, video message,
interactive multimedia session, or a combination of these, automatically
generated by the conference establishment server. The requester may adjust
the parameters for the conference call request as a result of determining
a participant is unavailable (208, 202).
If the necessary confirmations are received (212), or after tentatively
scheduling the conference call (216), then the conference setup is
finalized (214). Preferably, finalizing the conference call setup includes
reserving the necessary resources for the conference call. Most
preferably, the participants' calendars are annotated to indicate the
scheduled conference call. Also, any materials associated with the
conference call, if they have not previously been sent, are sent to
participants via email, a text message, a video message, an interactive
multimedia session or via a courier service. Alternatively, materials
associated with the call are sent to participants any time prior to or
during the conference call. Also, at setup finalization (214) or
thereafter, participants receive access codes or any other data needed for
the call, such as passwords.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for changing a prescheduled
conference call in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, the
conference establishment server executes the method for changing the
prescheduled conference call. Any time prior to the time set for the
conference call, the conference establishment server may receive a request
from a confirmed or unconfirmed participant to add or delete a
confirmation (302). Preferably, the participant enters the request via
user terminal 102. Then, the conference establishment server determines
whether the participant wants to add a confirmation (304). If the
participant merely adds a confirmation, then the conference setup is
updated (306). Updating the conference setup preferably includes sending
notification to the conference requester and conference participants.
If the participant wants to delete a confirmation (308), then a
determination is made as to whether the deletion is for a required
participant (310). If the deletion is not for a required participant, then
the conference setup is merely updated (306). If the deletion is for a
required participant, as in the case where a conference was tentatively
scheduled (216), then a determination is made as to whether the requester
wants to proceed or not proceed with the conference call (312). If the
requester wants to proceed, then the conference setup is updated (306). If
the requester does not want to proceed, then the prescheduled conference
call is canceled (314) and the participants are notified about the
cancellation (316). The determination as to whether to proceed with the
conference call (312) is preferably made through an interactive exchange,
such as multimedia messaging between the conference establishment server
and the requester. Alternatively, the server may be preprogrammed to make
this choice based on a default setting or input from the requester, which
input may be supplied as a part of the conference call request (202).
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for establishing a
prescheduled conference call in accordance with the present invention.
Preferably, the conference establishment server executes the method for
establishing the prescheduled conference call in coordination with the
necessary resources for the call. First, the conference establishment
server receives the input necessary for the conference call, including
participants, rules, resources and the time and date for the conference
call (402). Preferably, this information is generated as a result of
execution of the method described above with respect to FIG. 2.
Alternatively, the conference call information is entered directly by a
user.
When the time for the conference call approaches (404), the conference
establishment server does a preliminary check on the availability of
participants and resources (406). In the preferred embodiment, where the
participants are associated with a user terminal 102, the presence and
availability of user terminal 102 is determined by querying home
subscriber system 118. Most preferably, home subscriber system 118
maintains data on the presence of user terminals 102, including whether
and where a user terminal 102 may be roaming. Also, home subscriber system
118 may maintain alternate contact information for a participant
associated with a particular user terminal 102. Where the participants are
not associated with a user terminal 102, a preliminary check on
availability may or may not be required. Resource availability is
determined by querying the functions that provide the resources. For
example, media resource function 124 may be queried to determine if a
conference bridge circuit is available. Or, SGSN 106 may be queried to
determine if bandwidth is available for communications with a user
terminal 102. Preferably, the preliminary check of participants and
resources (406) does not result in canceling the scheduled conference
call, but may result in notification to a conference requester that there
is the potential for problems with the conference call.
Preferably, once the conference time approaches, a notification is sent to
the participants (408). For example, five minutes prior to a schedule
conference call, each participant may receive a notification via email, a
text message, an audio message, a video message, an interactive multimedia
session, or a combination of these, to indicate that a conference call
will begin in five minutes. Most preferably, the notification includes an
option for at least critical participants to confirm availability for the
approaching conference (410). If required confirmations are not received
(410), then a conference call requester is notified of the unavailability
of a critical participant (412). Also, unavailability of a critical
resource may require a similar notification to a conference requester. The
conference requester may elect to proceed or not proceed with the
conference call (414). An election to proceed preferably includes sending
conference access instructions to unconfirmed participants to allow these
participants to join in the call when they are available. An election not
to proceed results in the conference call being canceled (418), and all
participants are notified of the cancellation (420).
If, on the other hand, the requester elects to proceed in spite of lacking
confirmation from some critical participant (414), or all required
confirmations are received (410), then the conference call is initiated
(416). Preferably, the conference call is established by a server setting
up the necessary bearer resources and initiating calls to the available
participants. This may entail establishing calls with alternate contacts
or on roaming systems for mobile participants, such as participants using
user terminals 102. Also, the availability of resources and capabilities
for communication and file sharing at a user terminal may be checked. In
the preferred embodiment, conference call establishment may also include
sending a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) INVITE message (as defined by
Internet Engineering Task Force--IETF--RFC 2543) to participants to
establish multimedia sessions. As an alternative to a server initiating
calls, participants of the conference call may call into a conference
bridge, which may or may not include a password for security. Most
preferably, a server confirms that all critical participants have bearer
resources for the conference call before a notification is given to the
participants to begin the call.
The present invention provides for the scheduling of conference calls in a
multimedia telecommunications network based on the availability of
participants and resources. First, there is a conference call request. A
conference establishment server receives the request. Then, the conference
establishment server determines whether the necessary participants and
required resources are available for the conference call. If so, then the
conference establishment server sets up a conference time, notifies the
participants of the conference time, and requests confirmations from the
participants. Advantageously, this invention allows a party to set up a
conference call in a very timely and cost efficient manner.
Whereas the present invention has been described with respect to specific
embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes and
modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art and it is
intended that the invention encompass such changes and modifications as
fall within the scope of the appended claims.
*
