Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A Bluetooth based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system (100) for communicating using a Bluetooth based Remote Control Unit (RCU) (112) of a set-top box unit (STB unit) (108), said system (100) comprising:
• a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) (102) configured to generate signaling messages and further configured to receive incoming voice data packets from a packet-switched IP network, for communicating said received incoming voice data packets and said signaling messages with said RCU (112); and
• an STB call processing unit (210) configured in said STB unit (108), said STB call processing unit (210) configured to facilitate initiation, reception and termination of call sessions using said RCU (112), and further configured to cooperate with said CPE (102) to send outgoing voice data packets and event messages, generated by said RCU (112), to the CPE (102).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said CPE (102) is selected from the group consisting of an Ethernet CPE, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) CPE, and a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) CPE.
3. The system as claimed 1, wherein said CPE (102) is a stand-alone unit and is configured to communicate with said STB unit (108) over an Ethernet channel (114).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said STB unit (108) comprises a Bluetooth communication module (110) configured to facilitate communication with said RCU (112) over a Bluetooth wireless interface.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said RCU (112) is configured to establish a full-duplex two-way communication over said Bluetooth wireless interface between said RCU (112) and said STB unit (108).
6. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said CPE (102) is associated with a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC) or Foreign Exchange Subscriber (FXS) phone line interface (104).
7. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said RCU (112) includes:
• a microphone interface (302) configured to receive a sound input from a user, and further configured to generate a voice data based on said received sound input;
• a speaker interface (304) configured to receive a voice data, and further configured to convert said received voice data into a sound output for the user;
• a keypad (306) for enabling the user to initiate, receive, and terminate call sessions; and
• an event generator unit (308) configured to generate event messages based on operation of said keypad (306) and inputs received by said microphone interface (302) and said speaker interface (304), and further configured to transmit said generated event messages to said STB unit (108) over said Bluetooth wireless interface,
wherein said event generator unit (308) is implemented using one or more processor(s).
8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said STB call processing unit (210) comprises:
• a Bluetooth to Ethernet converter (230) configured to cooperate with said RCU (112) to receive said generated voice data and said generated event messages, and further configured to convert said received voice data and event messages from Bluetooth formats into Ethernet formats, thereby generating said linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages; and
• an STB transceiver (232) configured to cooperate with said Bluetooth to Ethernet converter (230) to receive said linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages, and further configured to transmit said received linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages to said CPE (102) in the form of Ethernet packets,
wherein said Bluetooth to Ethernet converter (230) is implemented using one or more processor(s).
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said CPE (102) comprises:
• a voice data processing unit (208) having:
i. a voice decoder (212) configured to receive said incoming voice data packets over a packet-switched IP network, and further configured to decode said received incoming voice data packets to generate linear decoded voice data packets; and
ii. a voice encoder (214) configured to receive said linear outgoing voice data packets from said STB call processing unit (210), and further configured to encode said received outgoing voice data packets to generate encoded voice data packets for transmission over said packet-switched IP network, and
• a host control processing unit (202) comprising:
i. a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call manager (204) having:
a. a first memory (216) configured to store a pre-determined set of signaling rules; and
b. a processor (218) configured to monitor incoming and outgoing call sessions, and further configured to cooperate with said first memory (216) to generate SIP signaling messages based on the status of said incoming and outgoing call sessions and said pre-determined set of signaling rules;
c. an SIP to raw message converter (220) configured to cooperate with said processor (218) to receive said SIP signaling messages, and further configured to parse said received SIP signaling messages to generate raw signaling messages from said SIP signaling messages; and
d. a raw message transceiver (222) configured to cooperate with said SIP to raw message converter (220) to receive and transmit said generated raw signaling messages to said STB unit (108) in the form of Ethernet packets, and
ii. a linear to ETH converter unit (206) comprising:
1. a data converter (224) configured to cooperate with said voice data processing unit (208) to receive said linear decoded voice data packets, and further configured to convert said linear decoded voice data packets into Ethernet format for transmission; and
2. a data transceiver (226) configured to cooperate with said data converter (224) to receive said voice data packets, and further configured to transmit said received voice data packets to said STB unit (108) in the form of Ethernet packets,
wherein said voice data processing unit (208) and said linear to ETH converter unit (206) are implemented using one or more processor(s).
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said STB call processing unit (210) comprises an Ethernet to Bluetooth converter (228) configured to cooperate with said CPE (102) to receive said raw signaling messages and said linear voice data packets, and further configured to convert said received raw signaling messages and linear voice data packets from Ethernet formats into Bluetooth formats for communicating with said RCU (112),
wherein said Ethernet to Bluetooth converter (228) is implemented using one or more processor(s).
11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said STB call processing unit (210) comprises:
• a second memory (234) configured to store a first pre-determined set of operating rules; and
• a first state machine (236) configured to cooperate with said CPE (102) and said RCU (112) to receive said raw signaling messages and said raw event messages, and further configured to cooperate with said second memory (234) to process said received raw signaling messages and raw event messages to generate a set of operating commands for said Bluetooth to Ethernet and Ethernet to Bluetooth converters (230, 228) based on said first pre-determined set of operating rules.
wherein said first state machine (236) is implemented using one or more processor(s).
12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said SIP call manager (204) includes a raw to SIP message converter (238) configured to cooperate with said STB call processing unit (210) to receive said raw event messages, and further configured to convert said received raw event messages to SIP event messages.

13. The system as claimed in claims 6 and 12, wherein said CPE (102) comprises:
• a third memory (240) configured to store a second pre-determined set of operating rules; and
• a second state machine (242) configured to cooperate with said host control processing unit (202) and said STB call processing unit (210) to receive said raw signaling messages and said raw event messages, and further configured to cooperate with said third memory (240) to process said received raw signaling messages and raw event messages to generate a set of operating commands for said SIP to raw message converter (220), said data converter (224), said raw to SIP message converter (238), and said FXS/ SLIC phone line interface (104) based on said second pre-determined set of operating rules,
wherein said second state machine (242) is implemented using one or more processor(s).

14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said voice processing functionality of said CPE (102) is implemented in the form of a tool installable in said STB unit (108), for initiating and receiving the voice calls through Bluetooth based RCU.
, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a Bluetooth based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system.
DEFINITION
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) – The term “Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)” hereinafter refers to any terminal and associated equipment located at a subscriber's premises rather than at provider’s premises. CPE generally refers to devices such as telephones, routers, network switches, residential gateways (RG), set-top boxes, fixed mobile convergence products, home networking adapters and Internet access gateways that enable consumers to access communications service providers' services and distribute them around their house via a local area network (LAN).
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – The term “Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)” hereinafter refers to transmission of voice and multimedia content over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Specifically, VoIP refers to provisioning of communications services such as voice, fax, SMS, and voice-messaging over the public Internet.
Raw message – The term “raw message” hereinafter refers to a data object that hasn't undergone any encoding process.
State machine – The term “state machine” hereinafter refers to a device that controls the operation of various modules/units of a communication system based on (i) the status of a remote control unit and/or a telephone, and (ii) the status of call sessions initiated, received or terminated using the remote control unit and/or the telephone.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Current Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) based Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) boxes provide triple play services which include high speed internet data (HSI), voice and video for Internet Protocol television (IPTV), in which the voice is delivered to a fixed analog phone attached to the CPE box. As the phone is connected to the CPE box, any user wishing to make or receive a call has to come near it. Thus, the current Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) based analog phones are immobile and restrict a user’s movement.
To address this problem, cordless phones have been developed using technologies such as Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT)/Cordless Advanced Technology—internet and quality (CAT-iq). These technologies extend the voice signal from CPE boxes to a cordless handset through a base station. But this cordless handset and its associated base station hardware with separate protocol is costlier than the GPON CPE itself.
Further, in current generation set-top boxes (STBs), Bluetooth based remotes are replacing the traditional Infra-Red (IR) remotes. These Bluetooth based remotes are used to carry out functions such as changing the Television (TV) channels, switching ON/OFF the STB, and increasing or decreasing volume of TV using Bluetooth technology through voice commands using Google’s voice assistant feature. These remotes also support and facilitate voice command based search over the Internet. But they only allow one-way voice communication i.e. from remote to STB and not vice versa.
There is, therefore, felt a need for developing a cost-effective system for enabling VoIP based communication that eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a Bluetooth based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a Bluetooth based VoIP telephony system that is cost-effective.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a Bluetooth based VoIP telephony system that uses an existing Remote Control Unit (RCU) associated with a set-top box (STB) for enabling VoIP based communication.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a Bluetooth based VoIP telephony system that can be realized with minimal hardware changes in the existing STB RCUs and minimal software changes in the existing Optical Terminal Network (ONT)/Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and STB units.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a Bluetooth based VoIP telephony system that can be used as a substitute for costlier Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT)/ Cordless Advanced Technology - internet and quality (CAT-iq) based cordless telephony solutions.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a Bluetooth based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system for communicating using a Bluetooth based Remote Control Unit (RCU) of a set-top box unit (STB). The system comprises two major components i.e. a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and an STB call processing unit. The CPE is configured to generate signaling messages, and is further configured to receive incoming voice data packets from a packet-switched IP network, for communicating the received incoming voice data packets and the signaling messages with the RCU. The STB call processing unit is configured in the STB unit. The STB call processing unit is configured to facilitate initiation, reception and termination of call sessions using the RCU, and is further configured to cooperate with the CPE, to send outgoing voice data packets and event messages generated by the RCU to the CPE. The CPE is selected from the group consisting of an Ethernet CPE, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) CPE, and a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) CPE.
In an embodiment, the CPE is a stand-alone unit and is configured to communicate with the STB unit over an Ethernet channel. The CPE is associated with a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC) or Foreign Exchange Subscriber (FXS) phone line interface.
In an embodiment, the STB unit comprises a Bluetooth communication module. The Bluetooth communication module is configured to facilitate the STB unit to communicate with the Bluetooth based RCU over a Bluetooth wireless interface.
In an embodiment, the RCU comprises a microphone interface, a speaker interface, a keypad, and an event generator unit. The microphone interface is configured to receive a sound input from a user, and is further configured to generate a voice data based on the received sound input. The speaker interface is configured to receive a voice data, and is further configured to convert the received voice data into a sound output for the user. The keypad enables the user to initiate, receive, and terminate call sessions. The event generator unit is configured to generate event messages based on the operation of the keypad, and the microphone and speaker interfaces. The event generator unit is further configured to transmit the generated event messages to the STB unit over the Bluetooth wireless interface.
In an embodiment, the STB call processing unit comprises a Bluetooth to Ethernet converter and an STB transceiver. The Bluetooth to Ethernet converter is configured to cooperate with the RCU to receive the generated voice data and the generated event messages, and is further configured to convert the received voice data and event messages from Bluetooth formats into Ethernet formats, thereby generating the linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages. The STB transceiver is configured to cooperate with the Bluetooth to Ethernet converter to receive the linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages, and is further configured to transmit the received linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages to the CPE in the form of Ethernet packets.
In an embodiment, the CPE comprises a voice data processing unit and a host control processing unit. The voice data processing unit comprises a voice encoder and a voice decoder. The voice encoder is configured to receive the linear outgoing voice data packets from the STB call processing unit, and is further configured to encode the received outgoing voice data packets to generate encoded voice data packets for transmission over the packet-switched IP network. The voice decoder is configured to receive the incoming voice data packets over the packet-switched IP network, and is further configured to decode the received incoming voice data packets to generate linear decoded voice data packets. Thus, the voice data processing (i.e. encoding and decoding) burden is confined to CPE only, thereby avoiding extra burden on STB unit.
The host control processing unit comprises a linear to ETH converter unit and a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call manager. In an embodiment, the SIP call manager includes a raw to SIP message converter configured to cooperate with the STB call processing unit to receive the raw event messages, and further configured to convert the received raw event messages to SIP event messages for making outgoing VoIP calls.
The linear to ETH converter unit comprises a data converter and a data transceiver. The data converter is configured to cooperate with the voice data processing unit to receive the linear decoded voice data packets, and is further configured to convert the linear decoded voice data packets into Ethernet format for transmission. The data transceiver is configured to cooperate with the data converter to receive the voice data packets, and is further configured to transmit the received voice data packets to the STB unit in the form of Ethernet packets. In an embodiment, the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call manager includes a first memory, a processor, an SIP to raw message converter, and a raw message transceiver. The first memory is configured to store a pre-determined set of signaling rules. The processor is configured to monitor incoming and outgoing call sessions, and is further configured to cooperate with the first memory to generate SIP signaling messages based on the status of the incoming and outgoing call sessions and the pre-determined set of signaling rules. The SIP to raw message converter is configured to cooperate with the processor to receive the SIP signaling messages, and is further configured to parse them and generate raw signaling messages. The raw message transceiver is configured to cooperate with the SIP to raw message converter to receive and transmit the generated raw signaling messages to the STB unit in the form of Ethernet packets. Thus, the SIP signaling parsing and creation is confined to CPE only, thereby avoiding extra burden on STB unit other than handling the raw/plain messages.
In an embodiment, the STB call processing unit comprises an Ethernet to Bluetooth converter configured to cooperate with the CPE to receive the raw signaling messages and the linear voice data packets, and further configured to convert the received raw signaling messages and linear voice data packets from Ethernet formats into Bluetooth formats for communicating with the RCU.
In an embodiment, the STB call processing unit comprises a second memory and a first state machine. The second memory is configured to store a first pre-determined set of operating rules. The first state machine is configured to cooperate with the CPE and the RCU to receive the raw signaling messages and the raw event messages, and is further configured to cooperate with the second memory to process the received raw signaling messages and raw event messages to generate a set of operating commands for the Bluetooth to Ethernet and Ethernet to Bluetooth converters based on the first pre-determined set of operating rules.
In an embodiment, the CPE comprises a third memory and a second state machine. The third memory is configured to store a second pre-determined set of operating rules. The second state machine is configured to cooperate with the host control processing unit and the STB call processing unit to receive the raw signaling messages and the raw event messages, and is further configured to cooperate with the third memory to process the received raw signaling messages and raw event messages to generate a set of operating commands for the SIP to raw message converter, the data converter, the raw to SIP message converter, and the FXS/ SLIC phone line interface based on the second pre-determined set of operating rules.
Alternatively, the voice processing functionality (voice data processing and call signaling) of the CPE is implemented in the form of a tool installable in the STB unit.
Advantageously, the RCU is configured to establish a full-duplex two-way communication over the Bluetooth wireless interface between the RCU and the STB unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A Bluetooth based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a Bluetooth based VoIP telephony system;
Figure 2 illustrates an architecture diagram of the system of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a Remote Control Unit (RCU) of the system of Figure 1; and
Figure 4 illustrates an architecture diagram of the system of Figure 1, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – System
102 – Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
104 – Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC)/Foreign Exchange Subscriber (FXS) phone line interface
106 – Analog phone
108 – Set-top box (STB) unit
110 – Bluetooth communication module
112 – Bluetooth based Remote Control Unit (RCU)
114 – Ethernet channel
202 – Host control processing unit
204 – Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call manager
206 – Linear to ETH converter unit
208 – Voice data processing unit (DSP)
210 – STB call processing unit
212 – Voice decoder
214 – Voice encoder
216 – First memory
218 – Processor
220 – SIP to raw message converter
222 – Raw message transceiver
224 – Data converter
226 – Data transceiver
228 – Ethernet to Bluetooth converter
230 – Bluetooth to Ethernet converter
232 – STB transceiver
234 – Second memory
236 – First state machine
238 – Raw to SIP message converter
240 – Third memory
242 – Second state machine
302 – Microphone interface
304 – Speaker interface
306 – Keypad
308 – Event generator unit
402– Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) tool
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being "connected to," another element, it may be directly connected to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, or section from another element, component, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
A Bluetooth based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system (hereinafter referred as “system 100”) for communicating using a Bluetooth based Remote Control Unit (RCU) 112 of a set-top box unit (STB unit) 108, of the present disclosure, is now being described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 4.
Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the system 100 comprises Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) 102 and an STB call processing unit 210. The STB call processing unit 210 is configured in the STB unit 108. The CPE 102 is configured to generate signaling messages and is further configured to receive incoming voice data packets from a packet-switched IP network, for communicating the received incoming voice data packets and the signaling messages with the RCU 112. The STB call processing unit 210 is configured to facilitate initiation, reception and termination of call sessions using the RCU 112, and is further configured to cooperate with the CPE 102, to send outgoing voice data packets and event messages generated by the RCU 112, to the CPE 102. The CPE (102) can be selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, an Ethernet CPE, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) CPE, and a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) CPE.
In an embodiment, the CPE 102 is a stand-alone unit (such as an internet box) and is configured to communicate with the STB unit 108 over an Ethernet channel 114. The CPE 102 may be associated with a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC) or Foreign Exchange Subscriber (FXS) phone line interface 104 for an analog phone 106. To extend the voice functionality of the analog phone 106 also into STB unit 108, the CPE 102 is connected to the STB unit 108 through the Ethernet channel 114. The system 100, thus allows incoming call sessions to be attended and outgoing call sessions to be initiated using either of the analog phone 106 and the RCU 112.
In an embodiment, the STB unit 108 comprises a Bluetooth communication module 110. The Bluetooth communication module 110 is configured to facilitate the STB unit 108 to communicate with the RCU 112 over a Bluetooth wireless interface. Advantageously, the RCU 112 is configured to establish a full-duplex two-way communication over the Bluetooth wireless interface between the RCU 112 and the STB unit 108.
Referring to an embodiment of Figure 3, the RCU 112 comprises a microphone interface 302, a speaker interface 304, a keypad 306, and an event generator unit 308. The microphone interface 302 is configured to receive a sound input from a user, and is further configured to generate a voice data based on the received sound input. The speaker interface 304 is configured to receive a voice data, and is further configured to convert the received voice data into a sound output for the user. The keypad 306 is configured to enable the user to initiate, receive, and terminate call sessions. In an embodiment, the keypad 306 is a Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) keypad. The event generator unit 308 is configured to generate event messages based on the operation of the keypad 306, the microphone interface 302, and the speaker interface 304. The event generator unit 308 is further configured to transmit the generated event messages to the STB unit 108 over the Bluetooth wireless interface. The event messages are associated with status of the analog phone 106 or the RCU 112 such as on-hook, off-hook, and dialed digits. In an embodiment, the event generator unit 308 is implemented using one or more processor(s).
In an embodiment, the STB call processing unit 210 comprises a Bluetooth to Ethernet converter 230 and an STB transceiver 232. The Bluetooth to Ethernet converter 230 is configured to cooperate with the RCU 112 to receive the generated voice data and the generated event messages, and is further configured to convert the received voice data and event messages from Bluetooth formats into Ethernet formats, thereby generating the linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages. The STB transceiver 232 is configured to cooperate with the Bluetooth to Ethernet converter 230 to receive the linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages, and is further configured to transmit the received linear outgoing voice data packets and raw event messages to the CPE 102 in the form of Ethernet packets. Thus, the voice data processing (i.e. encoding and decoding) burden is confined to CPE 102 only, thereby avoiding any extra burden on STB unit 108. In an embodiment, the Bluetooth to Ethernet converter 230 is implemented using one or more processor(s).
In an embodiment, the CPE 102 comprises a voice data processing unit 208 and a host control processing unit 202. The voice data processing unit 208 comprises a voice encoder 214 and a voice decoder 212. The voice encoder 214 is configured to receive the linear outgoing voice data packets from the STB call processing unit 210, and is further configured to encode the received outgoing voice data packets to generate encoded voice data packets for transmission over the packet-switched IP network. The voice decoder 212 is configured to receive the incoming voice data packets over the packet-switched IP network, and is further configured to decode the received incoming voice data packets to generate linear decoded voice data packets. The voice data processing unit 208 may be implemented using digital circuits such as digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors and general-purpose computers.
In an embodiment, the host control processing unit 202 comprises a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call manager 204 and a linear to ETH converter unit 206. In an embodiment, the SIP call manager 204 includes a raw to SIP message converter 238 configured to cooperate with the STB call processing unit 210 to receive the raw event messages, and further configured to convert the received raw event messages to SIP event messages for making outgoing VoIP calls.
The linear to ETH converter unit comprises a data converter 224 and a data transceiver 226. The data converter 224 is configured to cooperate with the voice data processing unit 208 to receive the linear decoded voice data packets, and is further configured to convert the linear decoded voice data packets into Ethernet format for transmission. The data transceiver 226 is configured to cooperate with the data converter 224 to receive the voice data packets, and is further configured to transmit the voice data packets to the STB unit 108 in the form of Ethernet packets. In an embodiment, the linear to ETH converter unit 206 is implemented using one or more processor(s).
In another embodiment, the SIP call manager 204 includes a first memory 216, a processor 218, an SIP to raw message converter 220, and a raw message transceiver 222. The first memory 216 is configured to store a pre-determined set of signaling rules. The processor 218 is configured to monitor incoming and outgoing call sessions, and is further configured to cooperate with the first memory 216 to generate SIP signaling messages based on the status of the incoming and outgoing call sessions and the pre-determined set of signaling rules. The SIP to raw message converter 220 is configured to cooperate with the processor 218 to receive the SIP signaling messages, and is further configured to generate raw signaling messages from the SIP signaling messages after parsing. The raw message transceiver 222 is configured to cooperate with the SIP to raw message converter 220 to receive and transmit the generated raw signaling messages to the STB unit 108 in the form of Ethernet packets. Thus, the SIP signaling parsing and creation mechanism is confined to CPE 102 only, thereby avoiding any extra burden on STB unit 108 other than handling the raw/plain messages.
In an embodiment, the STB call processing unit 210 comprises an Ethernet to Bluetooth converter 228 configured to cooperate with the CPE 102 to receive the raw signaling messages and the linear voice data packets, and further configured to convert the received raw signaling messages and linear voice data packets from Ethernet formats into Bluetooth formats for communicating with the RCU 112. The Ethernet to Bluetooth converter 228 may be implemented using one or more processor(s).
In an embodiment, the STB call processing unit 210 comprises a second memory and a first state machine. The second memory 234 is configured to store a first pre-determined set of operating rules. The first state machine 236 is configured to cooperate with the CPE 102 and the RCU 112 to receive the raw signaling messages and the raw event messages, and is further configured to cooperate with the second memory 234 to process the received raw signaling messages and raw event messages to generate a set of operating commands for the Bluetooth to Ethernet and Ethernet to Bluetooth converters (230, 228) based on the first pre-determined set of operating rules.
In an embodiment, the CPE 102 comprises a third memory 240 and a second state machine 242. The third memory 240 is configured to store a second pre-determined set of operating rules. The second state machine 242 is configured to cooperate with the host control processing unit 202 and the STB call processing unit 210 to receive the raw signaling messages and the raw event messages, and is further configured to cooperate with the third memory 240 to process the received raw signaling messages and raw event messages to generate a set of operating commands for the SIP to raw message converter 220, the data converter 224, the raw to SIP message converter 238, and the FXS/ SLIC phone line interface 104 based on the second pre-determined set of operating rules. For example, when an incoming call session is received, the analog phone 106 and the RCU 112 ring simultaneously, as both the analog phone 106 and the RCU 112 are working with same phone number. The second state machine 242 monitors the status of the analog phone 106 and the RCU 112 by means of raw signaling messages and raw event messages. The second state machine 242 controls the operation of the SIP to raw message converter 220, the data converter 224, raw to SIP message converter 238, and the FXS/ SLIC phone line interface 104 such that the voice data is received at the phone that goes off-hook first and the other phone is muted. Advantageously, the first state machine 236 and the second state machine 242 are implemented using one or more processor(s).
The format of signaling and event messages communicated between the CPE 102 and the STB unit 108 is as shown below.
Message Format Definition:

• Magic Number: 0xEC6F598A (example)
• Message type:
o top 8 bits: signal/event/audio,
o bottom 8 bits: subtypes
• Message length: length of payload
• Sequence: used for audio packets
• Payload: used for audio packets (typically: 160 or 320 bytes)
The message type includes:
1. SIGNAL: communicated from the CPE 102 to the STB unit 108;
2. EVENT: communicated from the STB unit 108 to the CPE 102; and
3. AUDIO: communicated between the CPE 102 and the STB unit 108.
The signal, event and audio messages are associated with a plurality of statuses of the call sessions, the analog phone 106, and the RCU 112. Each status is assigned an enum value. The following table describes messages and associated statuses.
Message Enum value Status
(Description)
TYPE_SIGNAL_CALL_INDICATION 0x0101 A call comes in, with Caller ID, Bluetooth phone i.e. RCU 112 needs to ring with caller ID display
TYPE_SIGNAL_CALL_PROGRESS 0x0102 Outgoing call, 180/183 ringing is received, Bluetooth phone 112 plays ringback tone
TYPE_SIGNAL_CALL_CONNECT 0x0103 Outgoing call, 200OK is received, audio is established
TYPE_SIGNAL_CALL_DISCONNECT 0x0104 BYE is received, disconnect current line

TYPE_EVENT_HOOK_ON 0x0201 On-hook event
TYPE_EVENT_HOOK_OFF 0x0202 Off-hook event
TYPE_EVENT_DIAL_DIGITS 0x0203 Dialed digits

TYPE_AUDIO_UPSTREADM 0x0301 Audio payload from STB unit 108 to the CPE 102
TYPE_AUDIO_DOWNSTREADM 0x0302 Audio payload from the CPE 102 to the STB unit 108

Based on the above message definition, the basic call session control flow is summarized below.
Outgoing call –
• RCU 112 is off-hook, STB call processing unit 210 sends TYPE_EVENT_HOOK to the CPE 102;
• RCU 112 dialed an expected number, STB call processing unit 210 sends TYPE_EVENT_DIAL to CPE 102;
• CPE 102 creates and sends out SIP INVITE message and informs FXS/ SLIC phone line interface 104 that line is occupied by RCU 112;
• 180 ringing is received at the CPE 102, CPE 102 sends signal thread TYPE_SIGNAL_CALL_PROGRESS to the STB unit 108;
• Remote connect with 200OK is received at the CPE 102, CPE 102 parses the SIP message and sends signal thread TYPE_SIGNAL_CALL_CONNECT to the STB unit 108; and
• RTP session is started, audio task at STB unit 108 starts to work.
Incoming call –
• INVITE is received at the CPE 102, CPE 102 parses SIP message and sends signal thread TYPE_SIGNAL_CALL_INDICATION to STB unit 108 with caller id information to the STB unit 108;
• RCU 112 rings, while SLIC phone 106 is ringing too;
• If RCU 112 connects first, STB call processing unit 210 sends TYPE_EVENT_HOOK_OFF to the CPE 102, CPE 102 informs FXS/ SLIC phone line interface 104 that line is occupied by the RCU 112, SLIC phone’s 106 ringing stops;
• If SLIC phone 106 connects first, the CPE 102 sends TYPE_SIGNAL_CALL_DISCONNECT to the STB unit 108;
• 200OK is sent out; and
• RTP session is started, audio task at STB unit 108 starts to work.
In an alternate embodiment, referring to Figure 4, the voice processing functionality (voice data processing and call signaling) of the CPE 102 is implemented as a tool 402 installable in the STB unit 108. In this embodiment, the CPE 100 includes the SIP call manager 204, the voice data processing unit 208, the third memory 240 and the second state machine 242. The tool 402 is installable in the STB unit 108 to facilitate initiation, reception and termination of call sessions without using the internet box 102, but may be connected to the internet over Wi-Fi or other means. Thus, upon installing the tool 402 in the STB unit 108, the STB unit 108 carries out signal processing and voice data processing functionality of the internet box 102. For example, during an incoming call session, the voice decoder 212 of the voice data processing unit 208 of the tool 402 receives incoming voice data packets over the packet-switched IP network and decodes the received incoming voice data packets to generate decoded voice data packets. The decoded voice data packets are transmitted to the STB call processing unit 210 to generate voice data packets in Bluetooth formats for communicating with the RCU 112. The processor 218 of SIP call manager 204 generates SIP signaling messages indicating the status of call session. The SIP to raw message converter 220 generates raw signaling messages from the SIP signaling messages. The raw message transceiver 222 transmits the generated raw signaling messages to the STB call processing unit 210 which converts the raw signaling messages into Bluetooth format for communicating with the RCU 112.
Similarly, during an outgoing call session, the RCU 112 generates and transmits outgoing voice data and event messages to the STB unit 108 in Bluetooth formats. The STB call processing unit 210 transmits the outgoing voice data and event messages to the tool 402. The voice encoder 214 of the tool 402 receives and encodes outgoing voice data packets for transmission over the packet-switched IP network. The SIP call manager 204 of the tool 402 receives raw event messages and converts the received raw event messages to SIP event messages for facilitating outgoing communication. This embodiment does not include an FXS/SLIC phone line interface. Therefore, only the RCU 112 will ring when an incoming call is received.
Advantageously, a Proprietary Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) engine which supports regional languages (like Telugu) or English can be integrated into either of the STB unit 108 or the RCU 112 as an embedded ASR engine to recognize the spoken data and convert it into text for further processing i.e. either for internet search or controlling home appliances through voice commands. Thus, the RCU 112 can be used as a voice assistant.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of provide a Bluetooth based voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system that:
• is cost-effective;
• uses an existing Remote Control Unit (RCU) associated with a set-top box (STB) for enabling VoIP based communication; and
• can be realized with minimal hardware and software changes.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.