Communication network integrating voice data and video with distributed call processing
US5341374A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S379/908
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A token ring local area network integrates voice, data and image information over a single cable with voice packets having a higher priority than non-voice packets, and with all the voice packets having the same length and the maximum non-voice packet length being related to the voice packet length and to the maximum number of terminals in the network so as to ensure real-time voice reception. Call processing functions are fully distributed among the voice terminals without the use of a centralized processing unit or a centralized data base. Conference calls are effected by each party transmitting conference packets to a single destination party, with conference packets having a unique packet format wherein a single packet incorporates voice information from plural terminals so as to minimize the number of packets traversing the ring. The token ring includes a plurality of interconnected stations or node coupling units, each of which is, in turn, connected to a plurality of nodes or terminals in a star-wired configuration, with each terminal having connected thereto one or more application devices, such as a digital feature telephone, a video camera, or a PC. One or more of the nod…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.