US 5,629,978 A · Service delivery using broadband

Abstract

A system and method for purchasing, customizing and modifying switch-based and Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) telephone services through the Broadband Network. The system and method utilize a Graphical User Interface (GUI), a remote control and a Set Top Terminal (STT). The GUI is operative to access both Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and non-PSTN telephone services. The remote control is similarly operative to navigate the GUI. Finally, the STT, which is provided in electrical communication with the GUI and the Broadband Network is provided for receiving downloaded video for display to the subscriber on the GUI and sending upstream signaling to the Broadband Network. The Graphical User Interface leads the telephone services subscriber through configuration options and permits the subscriber to easily purchase, customize and modify selected telephone services without direct interaction with service provider personnel.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A system for providing a telephone service subscriber the interactive capability to activate or create telephone services without direct interaction with telephone service provider personnel, comprising:

a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) having Service Activation and Control functionality including Service Negotiation;
a Set Top Terminal (STT) for receiving downloaded video and for sending upstream signaling;
a Broadband Network electrically coupled between the PSTN and the SST, the Broadband Network comprising a level 1 network for coordinating the delivery of video applications and for handling the upstream signaling from the STT, a level 2 gateway for providing an interface for video applications, and at least one level 3 video application;
a Graphical User Interface GUI) electrically coupled to the STT, said GUI operative to display the downloaded video to the telephone service subscriber and to access the Service Activation and Control functionality in the PSTN;
and,
a Control Unit for enabling the telephone service subscriber to navigate the GUI.

3 more elements

A method for providing a telephone service subscriber the interactive capability to activate or create telephone services without direct interaction with telephone service provider personnel, comprising the steps of:

providing a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) having Service Activation and Control functionality including Service Negotiation;
providing a Set Top Terminal (STT) for receiving downloaded video and for sending upstream signaling;
providing a Broadband Network electrically coupled between the PSTN and the SST, the Broadband Network comprising a level 1 network for coordinating the delivery of video applications and for handling the upstream signaling from the STT, a level 2 gateway for providing an interface for video applications, and at least one level 3 video application;
providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) electrically coupled to the STT, said GUI operative to display the downloaded video to the telephone service subscriber and to access the Service Activation and Control functionality in the PSTN;
navigating the GUI with a Control Unit to interactively select the desired telephone service sought to be activated or created;
downloading video from the Broadband Network on the STT for display to the telephone service subscriber on the GUI;
and,
generating control signals at the STT for receipt by the Service Activation and Control functionality in the PSTN via the Broadband Network so as to effect the desired activation or creation of telephone services.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Service delivery using broadband

Life of this patent

Service delivery using broadband

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13