US20130163490A1 - Voip analog telephone system with connection to home monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-port VoIP telecommunications system that allows the user to gain access to telephone connectivity through the Internet by connecting directly to the Internet or by connecting to the Internet through the existing Internet connection of a computer or cell phone device. The present system includes an Ethernet port, a Wi-Fi receiver to facilitate the transmission and receipt of Internet protocol signals wirelessly, a USB plug connectable to the ATA, connectivity to a home monitoring network and connectivity to Bluetooth devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/366,851, filed by the same applicant on Feb. 6, 2009. This application claims the Feb. 6, 2009 filing date as to the common subject matter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• This invention relates to a telecommunications system for personal phones or residential users that enables Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony and facsimile services, and more specifically to a multi-port VoIP telephone system that allows the user to gain access to telephone connectivity through the Internet and utilize an analog telephone handset by transmitting through a device that is connected to the Internet by using an USB (Universal Serial Bus) port of a computer already connected to the internet or by connecting directly to the Internet via an RJ 45 port (or Ethernet port) or an existing Wi-Fi network or any other way to get connected to the Broadband Internet such as Wireless 3G (Third Generation) Services or Bluetooth (the short range wireless connectivity standard).
• 2. Description of Related Art
• Land line telephone systems that include telephone handsets with wiring that goes through a publicly switched telephone network (PSTN) with a central office for switching are well known in the prior art. The basic technology behind how these systems are delivered has not changed much since its inception. Besides the fact that each individual phone set must be wired to be connected directly to each other individual handset during the telephone communication, the circuit is connected between both of the handsets and through the central office switchboard during the conversation.
• Wireless telephony, which includes the use of wireless handsets and networks of cellular antennas, has increased immensely. This has allowed telephone users to connect to each other wirelessly from virtually any location that has access to a cellular network.
• VoIP is a general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over the Internet or other packet-switch networks. Other terms whose meaning is synonymous include IP telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband, broadband telephony, and broadband phone, all of which are used when network connectivity is available over broadband internet access. VoIP systems typically interface with traditional PSTN, allowing for transparent telephone communications world wide.
• Typically, phones using a VoIP service can work from almost anywhere when connected to a computer that is accessing the Internet. However, some IP networks can be inherently unreliable and not provide a mechanism to ensure that data packets are delivered in sequential order. This can cause problems such as mitigating latency and jitter. Other problems can arise in channel routing VoIP traffic through firewalls and address translators.
• In the last few years, VoIP services have begun to be marketed commercially. These services have become more feasible in large part because of the increased availability of broadband internet access. Subscribers to these VoIP services are able to make and receive calls as they would over a traditional PSTN. Full service VoIP phone companies provide inbound and outbound calling with direct inbound dialing.
• In one VoIP scenario, an analog telephone adapter (ATA) is connected to and accesses the Internet through a computer with a broadband Internet connection and an existing telephone jack in order to provide service that is very similar to traditional PSTN. This service is typically offered by broadband internet service providers such as cable companies and telephone companies as a cheaper flat rate telephone service.
• Another VoIP scenario involves using the signaling protocol Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). SIP is widely used for setting up and tearing down multimedia communication sessions such as voice and video calls over the internet. SIP can be used for creating, modifying, and terminating two party or multi-party sessions consisting of one or more media streams. A motivating goal for SIP was to provide a signaling and call set up protocol for IP based communications that can support a superset of the call processing functions and features present in the PSTN. It is designed to enable the construction of and various functionalities within network elements designated proxy servers and user agents that permit familiar telephone like operations such as dialing a number, causing a phone to ring, hearing ring back tones, or busy signal.
• A primary limitation of existing VoIP systems is that they must use a computer in order to establish the requisite connection to the Internet.
• What is needed is a VoIP analog telephone system for personal phones and residential users that allows the user to gain access to telephone connectivity by transmitting through the USB port of a computer or other device that is connected to the Internet or by connecting directly to the Internet via an RJ 45 port or an existing Wi-Fi network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A multi-port VoIP analog telephone system for connecting personal phones and residential users that includes telephony and facsimile services comprising a conventional telephone or facsimile machine which includes a telephone jack and an ATA device that includes an RJ 45 port and at least one USB port and is connected to the telephone jack. The ATA device can be connected to a computer, a broadband modem through a RJ 45 port or a Wi-Fi router, allowing it to connect to the internet.
• In its most basic setup, the system comprises the traditional analog telephone or facsimile machine connected to an ATA. The ATA is powered through its USB port either though a connection to a computer or through power adapter. The ATA can access the Internet directly through an RJ 45 port built in or indirectly by connecting through the ATA's USB port to a computer that is connected to the Internet or a device with access to the Internet through a cell phone network.
• In a more advanced setup, the ATA hardware can be supplemented so that the ATA can access to the Internet wirelessly through a Wi-Fi network (or WiMax, or other standard wireless Internet networks) that is locally available or by a Bluetooth wireless connection to a computer already connected to the Internet.
• The basic platform for the system includes a central processor, a storage medium, a memory source, a network interface card (NIC), a USB pot, an Internet input, aRJ 11 port (or any telephone port), and a reset switch which is included with an LED. The USB port can be used to input a power source, an Internet connection, or both. CODEC and SLIC circuitry is connected to the processor. The platform also includes an RJ 45 connector and RJ 11.
• The user can gain access to telephone connectivity either through the USB port of any computer or cell phone like devices with Internet access, through an RJ 45 port connected to a switch, modem, or router without the need of a computer, or via a built-in Wi-Fi receiver without the need for a computer connection. The wireless connection through cell phone like devices can be through a GSN, EVDO, CODMA, and/or WIMAX network or other wireless networks.
• The system also has an option for onboard dialers, ringtones, ring light, port inter phase for normal and/or Bluetooth auto input/output that completely eliminates the need for an external analog telephone device if the user so desires.
• The ATA uses a SIP protocol hosted locally to provide the telephony functionality. The telephone system includes normal features such as call hold, call transfer with or without consultation, call waiting, three party conference, call forwarding, do not disturb, speed dial, repeat dial on busy, caller ID number and name, caller ID block, anonymous call rejection, configurable country tones, distinctive ring, hot line, call hunting between extension, speed dial of ten numbers and address, message wait indication, visual message waiting indication, configurable hook flash, adaptive jitter buffer, facsimile (transparent and facsimile relay), 411 information, and advanced voice security features such as RTP.
• The system itself is plug-in-play and may have a CD that will help to install drivers on the computer connected to the Internet. The multi-port functional approach is also plug-in-play. The telephone functionality is auto configured and the ATA will take the user configuration from the network. The user sets the user account from a web page. The ATA can be identified by its MAC address and/or a serial number that can be electronically webbed.
• It is an object of this invention to provide a VoIP analog telephone system that can be connected to the Internet either directly or indirectly, with the ability to use several means of connecting to establish telephone communications.
• It is another object of this invention to provide a VoIP telephone system for personal telephone use that allows for connection to a computer through the USB port wherein the computer does not need an SIP application in order to allow clean computer sharing.
• It is another object of this invention to provide a VoIP telephone system that provides unlimited calls to fixed phones throughout the United States, prepaid premium phone features, and VoIP service with any fixed phone, all while using an analog telephone headset.
• In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the connections used in the present invention.
• FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the connections used in the present invention.
• FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the connections used in the present invention.
• FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention using a USB connection to a computer.
• FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention using an Ethernet connection.
• FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention using a Wi-Fi connection.
• FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention using a USB connection to a cell phone.
• FIG. 9 shows a schematic exploded diagram of the present invention with power connector adapters and power adapters.
• FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the analog telephone adapter of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention having a plurality of internet connections.
• FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention having connectivity with a home monitoring system.
• FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention having connectivity with a home monitoring system and Bluetooth connectivity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring now to the drawings and, in particular,FIGS. 1 through 3 the heart of the present invention is theATA10, which is a rigid device with atall end11 and ashort end20. Thetall end11 houses several of the ports that are needed to enable the numerous functions of the invention. AnLED light12 provides a visual display of the current power and operational state of theATA10. Thereset button17, when depressed by a user, shuts down and then immediately restarts theATA10. TwoUSB ports13,14 perform the function of providing data input/output as well as power input to the device. AnEthernet port15 allows an Ethernet cord to be directly connected to theATA10 so that the invention can be used without a computer with Internet access. Thetelephone jack16 is where theATA10 can receive a connection from an analog telephone handset.
• Theshort end20 of the invention contains a Wi-Fi adapter port23. In order to enable theATA10 to employ a Wi-Fi Internet connection to utilize VoIP service, a Wi-Fi adapter24 must be inserted into the Wi-Fi adapter port23. When the Wi-Fi adapter24 is fully engaged with the Wi-Fi adapter port23, the ATA will search for available Wi-Fi networks and connect to an available Wi-Fi network.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, thecontrol circuitry25 in theATA10 contain several key components, all of which is mounted on to a platform. The heart of the circuitry components is thecentral processor25. TheATA10 also requires a random access memory component, a NIC component, and a storage medium component. In addition, the storage medium will contain the necessary software to perform the basic VoIP operations, including CODEC, SLIC, and SIP. Each of these components connect work through the processor and the various ports depending upon a particular input from the Internet and output to the Internet that will be achieved from the physical connection to an analog telephone handset.
• Referring now toFIG. 5, the basic telephone VoIP system is shown that includes ananalog telephone handset30 as one would find in the conventional residence or even commercially. Theanalog telephone handset30 is connected to theATA31 through the ATA's31 telephone port (RJ 11 or compatible). TheATA31 is shown connected to acomputer32 through a USB cord that is connected to thecomputer32 and to the USB port on theATA31. Thecomputer32 is shown wired to a modem33 (or router, modem/router combination device and/or a switch), which the computer is using to obtain access to the Internet. TheATA31 receives power and accesses the Internet through the computer's32 existing power supply and Internet access and is able to provide VoIP service through the computer's32 Internet connection. When the VoIP system is configured in this way, a user is able to place and receive telephone calls nationwide without theanalog telephone headset30 being wired through a PSTN.
• Referring now toFIG. 6, the VoIP system that does not require a computer is shown that includes a basicanalog telephone handset40. Theanalog telephone handset40 is connected to theATA41 through the ATA's41 telephone port (RJ 11 or compatible). TheATA41 is shown connected to a USBelectric plug adapter42 through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's41 USB ports. The USBelectric plug adapter42 allows theATA41 to receive electrical power without a computer connection. TheATA41 is also shown connected directly to a modem43 (or router, modem/router combination device and/or a switch) with an Ethernet cord (RJ 45 or compatible) plugged into its Ethernet port. This allows theATA41 to access the Internet through themodem43 without a computer connection. TheATA41 is able to utilize a direct connection to the Internet through the ATA's41 NIC component, which is similar to the NIC component found in computers. The NIC component may be on a NIC card or may be on a mainboard or equivalent. When the VoIP system is configured in this way, a user is able to place and receive telephone calls nationwide without theanalog telephone handset40 being wired through a PSTN and even without a wired connection to a computer.
• Referring now toFIG. 7, the VoIP system that does not require a computer is shown that includes a basicanalog telephone handset50. Theanalog telephone handset50 is connected to theATA51 through the ATA's51 telephone port (RJ 11 or compatible). TheATA51 is shown connected to a USBelectric plug adapter52 through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's51 USB ports. The USBelectric plug adapter52 allows theATA51 to receive electrical power without a computer connection. TheATA51 is also shown exchanging wireless signals with awireless router53. This facilitates theATA51 to access the Internet wirelessly through thewireless router53 without a computer connection or even a wired connection to a modem, router, modem/router combination device and/or a switch. TheATA51 is able to connect to the wireless signal through the ATA's51 Wi-Fi adapter and theATA51 utilizes the connection to the Internet through the ATA's51 NIC component, which is similar to the NIC component found in computers. When the VoIP system is configured in this way, a user is able to place and receive telephone calls nationwide without theanalog telephone handset50 being wired through a PSTN and even without the a wired connection to a computer or a modem.
• Referring now toFIG. 8, the VoIP system that does not require a computer is shown that includes a basicanalog telephone handset60. Theanalog telephone handset60 is connected to theATA61 through the ATA's61 telephone port (RJ 11 or compatible). TheATA61 is shown connected to a USBelectric plug adapter62 through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's61 USB ports. The USBelectric plug adapter62 allows theATA61 to receive electrical power without a computer connection. TheATA61 is also shown connected to acell phone63 through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's61 USB ports. When configured in this manner, theATA61 can access the Internet through the cell phone's63 Internet connection. Generally, it is through a cell phone's63 connection to thecell phone tower64, whether the connection is of a GSM, CDMA, or EVDO standard, that the cell phone is able to obtain access to the Internet. However, theATA61 can also access the Internet through thecell phone63 if the cell phone is connecting to the Internet through an available Wi-Fi or WIMAX signal.
• Either way, this configuration provides the most flexibility in terms of location and facilitates theATA61 to access the Internet wirelesslycell phone63 without a computer connection, a wired connection to a modern, router, modem/router combination device and/or a switch, or even a nearby Wi-Fi signal. When the VoIP system is configured in this way, a user is able to place and receive telephone calls nationwide without theanalog telephone handset60 being wired through a PSTN and even without the a wired connection to a computer or a modem, or even a WLAN nearby.
• Referring now toFIG. 9 the system is shown set up to have theanalog phone70 connected toATA71 to include the WI-FI device72 and a series ofpower adapters73,74, and75 which are power connector adapters.
• Referring now toFIG. 10, an embodiment of a VoIP system that includes an ATA and does not require a computer but can be used with a computer connected using theUSB port84 is shown that includes a basicanalog telephone handset80. Ananalog telephone handset80 or computer may be connected to theATA81. Theanalog telephone handset80 may be wired to theATA81 or connected through the ATA's81 telephone port (RJ 11 or compatible)89. TheATA81 as shown may include anEthernet connection82,phone line connection83, or both. In addition, the ATA includes a power source, and power may be provided via aconnection84 to a USB electric plug adapter through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's USB ports. A USB electric plug adapter allows theATA81 to receive electrical power without a computer connection. TheATA81 also includes a variety of transceivers for communication via systems such asBluetooth85, a wirelesshome automation network86,WiFi87 or cellular telephone service, such as 3G, 4G, LTE or any other similar service known in the art. Thus, the ATA may act as a router or access point for transmitting and receiving signals via 3G, 4G, LTE, WiFi, WiMAX and/or any other known interface.
• Other embodiments of the system of the invention is shown inFIGS. 11-13.
• Referring now toFIG. 11, the VoIP system that does not require a computer is shown that includes a basicanalog telephone handset90. Theanalog telephone handset90 is connected to theATA91 through the ATA's91 telephone port (RJ 11 or compatible)96. TheATA61 is shown connected to acell phone92. The connection may be through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's91 USB ports. When configured in this manner, theATA91 can access theInternet93 through the cell phone's92 Internet connection. Generally, connection to the internet may be through a cell phone's92 connection to the cell phone tower, whether the connection is of a GSM, CDMA, LTE, EVDO, or other standard, that the cell phone is able to obtain access to the Internet. However, theATA91 can also access the Internet through thecell phone92 if the cell phone is connecting to the Internet through an available Wi-Fi or WIMAX signal. Alternatively, the cell phone function may be built into theATA91 as shown inFIG. 10. In addition, the ATA may connect to the Internet through the ATA'sWiFi adapter94 orEthernet port95.
• Referring now toFIG. 12, the VoIP system that does not require a computer is shown that includes a basicanalog telephone handset100. Theanalog telephone handset100 is connected to theATA101 through the ATA's101 telephone port (RJ 11 or compatible)108. TheATA101 is shown connected to acell phone102. The connection may be through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's101USB ports103. When configured in this manner, theATA101 can access theInternet104 through the cell phone's102 Internet connection. Generally, connection to the Internet may be through a cell phone's102 connection to the cell phone tower, whether the connection is of a GSM, CDMA, LTE, EVDO or other standard, that the cell phone is able to obtain access to the Internet. However, theATA101 can also access the Internet through thecell phone102 if the cell phone is connecting to the Internet through an available Wi-Fi or WIMAX signal. Alternatively, the cell phone function may be built into theATA101 as shown inFIG. 10. In addition, the ATA may connect to the Internet through the ATA'sUSB port103,WiFi adapter105 orEthernet port106.
• The ATA may then interface with a home automation sensor, actuator or network, all of which are “home automation network” hereafter, via awireless interface port107. The connection to the home automation network may be a 433 MHz or equivalent network, Digital European Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) system, Zigbee or Z-Wave system or other wireless interface to connect with a home automation network, including thermostats or other climate control devices, lighting, or alarm systems. Other elements to a home automation network include two-way cameras, two way voice communication, climate control access and adjustment, including HVAC equipment and fans, alarm setup and monitoring for conditions such as smoke, fire, access violations, perimeter monitoring, motion sensors, remote door commands, and fire suppression system control. In addition, the ATA may work with the home automation network to coordinate scheduled events such as preset lighting and temperature control. The ATA may work with the home automation network to use event triggered macros, such as adding lighting at night when motion occurs in a room, or setting temperature when an alarm has been armed.
• The ATA also supports existing Ethernet, USB, and Wifi interfaces to connect the elements of the home automation network with these interfaces. “Home automation network” also includes sensors, actuators and systems for one or more homes, vehicles, business establishments, and the like, in multiples or in combinations.
• The Internet connection may be through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's101USB ports103. When configured in this manner, theATA101 can access theInternet104 through the cell phone's102 Internet connection. Generally, connection to the internet may be through a cell phone's102 connection to the cell phone tower, whether the connection is of a GSM, CDMA, LTE, EVDO, or other standard, that the cell phone is able to obtain access to the Internet. However, theATA101 can also access the Internet through thecell phone102 if thecell phone102 is connecting to theInternet104 through an available Wi-Fi or WIMAX signal. Alternatively, the cell phone function may be built into theATA101 as shown inFIG. 10. In addition, theATA101 may connect to theInternet104 through the ATA'sUSB103,Wifi adapter105 orEthernet port106.
• Referring now toFIG. 13, another embodiment of a VoIP system that does not require a computer is shown that includes a basicanalog telephone handset110. Theanalog telephone handset110 is connected to theATA111 through the ATA's111 telephone port (RJ11 or compatible)119. TheATA111 is shown connected to acell phone112. The connection may be through a USB cord that is plugged into one of the ATA's111USB ports113. When configured in this manner, theATA111 can access theInternet114 through the cell phone's112 Internet connection. Generally, connection to the Internet may be through a cell phone's102 connection to the cell phone tower, whether the connection is of a GSM, CDMA, LTE, EVDO, or other standard, that the cell phone is able to obtain access to the Internet. However, theATA111 can also access the Internet through thecell phone112 if the cell phone is connecting to the Internet through an available Wi-Fi or WIMAX signal. In addition, the ATA may connect to the Internet through the ATA'sUSB port113,WiFi adapter115 orEthernet port116.
• The ATA may then interface with ahome automation network117 as described above. TheATA111 may also have aBluetooth interface118. TheBluetooth interface118 may allow for connection to headsets. In addition, a Bluetooth connection may be made to a telephone handset using CELLLiNK™ or similar technology. With a connection to a Bluetooth handset, the system provides a telephonic connection.
• While several connections are described herein, the various permutations of all of the elements of connectivity and communication are also contemplated herein.
• The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims (21)

What is claimed is:

1. A multiport Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system for telecommunications, said system comprising:

an analog telephone for transmitting and receiving sound;

an analog telephone adapter (ATA) comprising a rigid body, a central processor, a storage medium, a memory source, a network interface component (NIC), one or more USB ports, a plurality of Internet inputs, and a telephone port;

said analog telephone connected to said telephone port in for transmission and receipt electronic signals from the ATA;

said NIC being coupled to at least one Internet input;

and whereby said analog telephone handset communications are performed through the Internet.

2. A VoIP system as inclaim 1, wherein the ATA further comprises a first Internet input comprising an Ethernet port, allowing the NIC to facilitate the transmission and receipt of Internet Protocol signals.

3. A VoIP system as inclaim 1, wherein the ATA further comprises a second Internet input comprising one or more Wi-Fi receivers allowing the NIC to facilitate the transmission and receipt of Internet Protocol signals wirelessly.

4. A VoIP system as inclaim 2, wherein the ATA further comprises a second Internet input comprising one or more transceivers of the list comprising 3G, 4G, LTE, and Wi-Fi transceivers allowing the NIC to facilitate the transmission and receipt of Internet Protocol signals wirelessly.

5. A VoIP system as inclaim 1, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for communication with a home monitoring network.

6. A VoIP system as inclaim 1, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for a Bluetooth connection.

7. A VoIP system as inclaim 5, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for a Bluetooth connection.

8. An analog telephone adapter (ATA) comprising a rigid body, a central processor, a storage medium, a memory source, a network interface card (NIC), one or more USB ports, a plurality of Internet inputs; said NIC being coupled to the Internet input;

9. An ATA as inclaim 8, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for communication with a home monitoring network.

10. An ATA as inclaim 8, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for a Bluetooth connection.

11. An ATA as inclaim 9, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for a Bluetooth connection.

12. A method of initiating and sending a VoIP communication, said method comprising:

providing a physical and electrical connection between an analog telephone handset and an analog telephone adapter (ATA);

providing a physical and electrical connection between said ATA and a power source;

providing a plurality of electrical connections between said ATA and the Internet;

causing said telecommunications device to transmit VoIP data through the ATA;

providing analog telephone communications between analog telephone handsets over the Internet.

13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the ATA connects directly to the Internet through at least one of a connection on a cellular network, a wired Ethernet connection or a wireless connection on a Wi-Fi network.

14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for communication with a home monitoring network.

15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for a Bluetooth connection.

16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for a Bluetooth connection.

17. A method of initiating and sending a VoIP communication, said method comprising:

providing a connection between a telecommunications device and an analog telephone adapter (ATA);

providing an indirect connection between said ATA and the Internet, wherein the ATA connects though a computer's existing Internet connection or though a device with access to a wireless cell phone network; and

causing said telecommunications device to transmit VoIP data through the ATA.

18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the ATA connects indirectly to the Internet though a computer's existing Internet connection or a device with access to a wireless cell phone network.

19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for communication with a home monitoring network.

20. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for a Bluetooth connection.

21. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the ATA further comprises a port for a Bluetooth connection.

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