WO2002025461A1

WO2002025461A1 - A method and system for ipv6/h.323 protocol based on-demand/multidirectional multimedia communication, in a local broadband network infrastructure

Info

Publication number: WO2002025461A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/029358
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hitoshi Kaji; Koji Fukutomi
Original assignee: Uteina Corporation
Priority date: 2000-09-20
Filing date: 2001-09-19
Publication date: 2002-03-28
Also published as: AU2001294597A1

Abstract

A method and system for Internet Protocol Version 6 ('IPv6') and H.323 based Local Electronic Community (LEC) on-demand and multidirectional multimedia communication via audio, video, and digital data by which local-community businesses, organizations, and residents store, post and share information, communicate and doing commerce with each other. The server system functions as the gatekeeper and directory system for multiple Internet/Access Service Providers and their subscribers by implementing the capacity of IPv6 and H.323 protocols. The client system (230, 220) works with Web browser, H.323 client (221, 231) software and/or other necessary components. The local business/classified advertisers or organizations/groups post HTML documents and/or video. Therefore, when a communicator accesses, by using his/her identification and password, from the client system (230, 220), he/she finds information and then reaches the desired party without changing systems. The Local Area Community is closed woven together via a joint network of CATV, xDSL, FTTx, and Wide-band Wireless networks. The Local Electronic Community is interconnected with other Local Electronic Communities via Internet or broadband network backbones worldwide.

Description

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IPV6/H.323 PROTOCOL BASED ON-DEMAND/MULTIDIRECTIONAL MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION, IN A LOCAL BROADBAND NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ■

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication method and system for network infrastructure, more particularly, to a local electronic community on-demand and multidirectional multimedia communication method and system for a local Internet Protocol network. BACKGROUND ART

Due to presently rapid development of the broadband infrastructure, multimedia communication is about to enter a new dimension. Most Internet service providers (ISP) are looking at the multimedia as a Web-based, on-demand communication means crossing national boundaries. Internet phone and videoconferencing, presently using H.323 as a de-fact standard protocol, are also being developed as a replacement for long-distance communication where the Internet infrastructure is still needed to be cleared up to eliminate a lot of bottlenecks. However, it is very important to look at where a certain local infrastructure currently stands. High-speed (i.e., DSL, cable, fiber-optic, etc.) networks, offered by incumbent local exchange carriers ("ILEC"), competitive local exchange carriers ("CLEC"), CATV operators, and other resellers, are almost reaching the stage where the future multimedia communication can take place. The so-called local loops that have a lot less bottlenecks compared to wide-range geographical areas can be much more efficient to control the high (efficient) bandwidth, by the appropriate routing network systems, to adapt multidirectional multimedia communication. Moreover, wide-band wireless communication is about to enter a new phase of multimedia communication such as W-CDMA, CDMA2000, sometimes referred to as 3G or IMT2000 wireless protocol, which most likely will start first in major metropolitan areas.

It is of concern how to pave the way for such local community-based multidirectional multimedia communication network. Regardless of how far the technology can take human life, daily activities for most people take place in their own community and they rely on local resources for their livelihood. Such immediate needs are what move people. The advantage is to adopt local multidirectional multimedia communication for their home offices, telecommuting jobs from home, professional businesses including plumbers, psychiatrists and dentist, schools and other countless local community activities. The new method of communication will stimulate the local economy as well. We have named the next generation of our community as the Local Electronic Community ("LEC") and the LEC Server as "LEXEi".

On the other hand, wireless communication network is much more rapidly being adapted to the society compared to Internet usage. Almost all of people in the community will have mobile phones in the near future, and the device will be improved with wide-bandwidth communication such as W-CDMA, CDMA2000, etc., which will handle multimedia communication like videophone and video streaming. Wireless World Wide Web will be a very big topic today from wireless phone service companies such as Sprint PCS, AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, NTT DoCoMo, etc. and hardware manufactures such as Qualcomm, Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola, Samsung, etc. Wireless videophone is also emphasized for the next generation, and Internet Protocol (IP) will be one of standard protocols for the network. It is very feasible and beneficial to the society. Therefore, the integration of all high-speed multimedia communication in both wired and wireless communications will be essential to create the new network based community. For the new network generation and human life, one of the biggest concerns is the security and privacy issue. For the purpose of this security, several technologies and protocols are being developed along with the efficiency of communications.

Internet Protocol version 6 ("IPv6"), having 128-bit addressing to be able to assign most of objects of the Earth and providing more efficient loop-back routing, multicasting, and security system, compared with current Internet Protocol version 4 ("IPv4"), has been developed by experts at the Internet Engineering Task Force ("IETF") (see http ://www.ietf . org) . However, the present IPv4 is so widespread that any sudden change or upgrade is not an easy task to achieve. Newer developed servers, routers and other related hardware and software for server and client systems have a so-called hybrid system of IPv4 and IPv6 to be prepared for the new generation protocol. Therefore, the local community, with this new method and system, can be the perfect selection for the first adaptation of the hybrid.

On the other hand, H.323 multimedia communication protocol has been developed by the International Telecommunication Union ("ITU") (see htt : //www. itu. org) associated with the Open H.323 Forum (see http://www.opcnt.323.org) where participating people and entities contribute to the technology significantly. Although H.323 technology is being experimented with a new communication method, by using this new generation of multimedia communication protocol in the Internet where no quality of service, particularly in terms of bandwidth control, is always guaranteed, good communication is not always achieved. Therefore, actual implementation is very slow. H.323 version 2 was defined in January of 1998; having a lot of improvements such as security (H.235), fast call setup, call transfer/diversion (H.450), etc.

As a competing technology, Microsoft Corporation developed Net Meeting, using Open H.323 source codes, and currently provides multimedia communication client software as free software with its Internet Explorer. Net Meeting works well within a limited network such as in-office local area network ("LAN") with static IP address, without a directory server (it is not an easy task for end-users to set up at their premises at this time). However, it is difficult to communicate with outside world. For example, even though Microsoft or other hosting entities provide a directory server service such as http .7/ils.microsoft. com, the requirements for hosting this kind of server are significant size of bandwidth and speed in order to satisfy communicators of the world of the Internet. From a viewpoint of hosting such a server, it should network with less bottleneck or have high-bandwidth available network infrastructure, like LAN's or corporate Intranets. Therefore, having recent broadband deployments in local loops it makes much more sense to install such a server from a designated geographical area for the designated local services. Internet phone services, including gateway from/to public switched telephone network ("PSTN"), have been developed by such as Net2Phone (see http://www.nct2phonc.com). Deltathree (see http://www.deltathree.com). Dialpad (see http://www.dialpad.com), etc. to give the Internet community a way to save the cost of long distance phone calls. Traditionally, Internet phone services require to be deployed with Internet Relay Chat ("IRC") servers or similar capable servers throughout certain Internet nodes in order to satisfy those communicators in the world of the Internet. Recently, many people, especially the young generation, use Internet messaging services, such as AOL Instant Messenger (provided by America On Line at http ://www.aol .co ), ICQ (provided by ICQ.com at http://www.icq.com), MSN Messenger Services (provided by Microsoft Network at http://www.msn.com), etc., to communicate with on-line friends and colleagues with the functions of chatting, file transferring/sharing, E-mailing, etc. These messaging services also host their servers in certain Internet nodes to satisfy their communicators. From a viewpoint of human communication, although it is very convenient to communicate over long distances, particularly at very low or no cost, most communications, particularly in community lives, occurred in the local community area where the network infrastructure is ready. Therefore, once again, it makes much more sense to install such a server from a designated geographical area for the designated local services. On the other hand, ordinary web site content providers provide yellow pages, directories (white pages), classified ads, and bulletin boards. Zip2 (see http ://www.zip2. com) provides business search (considered as the yellow pages), people human communication, although it is very convenient to communicate over long distances, particularly at very low or no cost, most communications, particularly in community lives, occurred in the local community area where the network infrastructure is ready. Therefore, once again, it makes much more sense to install such a server from a designated geographical area for the designated local services. On the other hand, ordinary web site content providers provide yellow pages, directories (white pages), classified ads, and bulletin boards. Zip2 (see http ://www.zip2.com) provides business search (considered as the yellow pages), people search (considered as the white pages), local maps, and categorized search capability, particularly aiming at the local community. WorldPages.com (see http://wvvvv.worldpages.com) provides, with more global perspective, people search (considered as the white pages) and business search (considered as the yellow pages) by which the address, telephone number and other information can be obtained. Other information service sites such as http ://www. yellowpages.com, http://www.yellowpagesmc.com, http://www.bigbook.com, http://www.theultimates.com, and http://www.resersephonedirectory.com are provided mostly on a nationwide or global basis. However, it may be difficult to receive up-to-dated local information from these sites in the global Internet. For classified advertisement sites, such as http://www.classified.yahoo.com, http ://wvvw.adq uest.com, http://www.santel.net, and http://www.bigbook.com are available by which people may post their ads at no cost. Still, these types of services are nationwide so that it may not be easy for local people to join due to local characteristics not being enhanced. For the network community, networks such as http://www.onlinecommuinty.com, which provides chat rooms and bulletin boards, create a new dimensional on-line community. For special interest groups, the web sites, such as http://www.backpackeurope.com, http -.//www.babycenter.com, and http://www.smallbusiness.com provide bulletin board services for the exchange ideas and information in the virtual network community. As to the other web sites, today's so-called "Internet.com" services are geared toward a borderless global market (community), not geographical community specific where LEC will be serviced as the local specific and local particular network system and method.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention provides a method and system for Internet Protocol ("IP") based on-demand and multidirectional communication with audio, video, and data, with H.323 protocol, for the local community, defined as the Local Electronic Community ("LEC"). With this LEC network system,^" local-community businesses, residents, and workers can store, post and share data (information), and they can communicate each other as easy as using the telephone. A communicator can access, using his/her identification or user name and password, the server system called "LEXEi", via the IP network system with a Web browser, H.323 client add-in software and/or other necessary components from his/her client system to find the data as to whom the communicator wants to communicate with. The local business and classified advertisers (commercial) or community organizations (non-commercial) can post data as HTML documents and/or digital video; therefore, when the communicator accesses LEXEi, he/she will search the data needed and reach the desired party with a videophone and data sharing. LEXEi provides secured H.323 multidirectional communication. When the communicator cannot reach the desired party, LEXEi can locate the desired party at an alternative destination or LEXEi will keep/send the electronic mail, voice mail, or video mail for the absent desired party. LEXEi is the server that runs and manages IP broadband communication, in wired and wireless form, among different Internet service providers or access service provider ("ISP/ASP") as the gatekeeper, gateway, and directory server that manages and exchanges database seamlessly within the local loops. LEXEi implements with IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) to enhance the capability of each individual and group network address for security/privacy and efficient networking ISP/ASP's can provide much more advantages, compared with current business models, by offering LEXEi value-added multidirectional services to obtain more loyal subscribers and to gain additional income stream from the revenue sharing of LEXEi services. Principal objectives of the present inventions are: (1) To create a multidirectional IP network communication within a local community; (2) To create a multimedia IP network communication with audio, video, and data;

(3) To create an IP communication beyond different ISP/ASP's seamlessly;

(4) To create a gateway between IP and non-IP communication;

(5) To create a system of the efficient and secured network communication;

(6) To create a method of user-participated networks for businesses, organizations, and individuals; (7) To create a yellow pages, directories, and bulletin boards with simultaneous communication capability;

(8) To provide secured private/group database for participants;

(9) To provide electronic commerce capabilities for participants; (10) To provide locating alternate connections and messaging; and

(1 1) To provide a system for all of the people of a community, without knowledge of computer network/communication, to join as an electronic network community. Principal structures of the present inventions are:

(1) To establish a broadband/wide-band network system within local loops; (2) To establish an Internet Protocol Version 6 (or the later version) based network system;

(3) To establish a H.323 based multimedia network system;

(4) To establish a gatekeeper of interconnection (routing) among ISP/ASP's; and

(5) To establish a gateway to non-IP communications and to other IP networks. Advantages of the present inventions are:

(1) For everybody to adopt the new generation of network system for their own needs without an enormous investments;

(2) For everybody from old economy to participate in the technology-based new economy; (3) To stimulate local activities and economy to be more vital in efficient and safe manners;

(4) To provide communication method easily usable by seniors, children, minorities, and novice users; and

(5) To exchange or trade the local activities, business, and culture with other local communities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGS. IA - IC illustrate basic components and procedures in an embodiment of the present invention of local electronic community. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a multidirectional communication protocol (IPv6+H.323) diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of profile registration which all communicators create necessary database. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of communication procedure, which includes on-demand information retrievable and multidirectional on-line communication.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of locator procedure, by which all communicators can re-direct a call at current specified destination.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of simultaneous human assisted process to help for those novice or non-tech users.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating electronic commerce transaction process amongst participating communicators.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and system for Internet Protocol ("IP") based on-demand and multidirectional multimedia communication with audio, video, and data within a local communication network system. A communicator is provided with an identification or user name (ID) and password by which the server system, LEXEi, identifies the communicator. LEXEi keeps a database of all of communicators. When the communicator, by using a client system, accesses the server system with the appropriate IP (either IPv6 or IPv4) where LEXEi is implemented or connected, the client system will display, by HyperText Markup Language ("HTML"), a menu of selections. When the system is used for a first time, a communicator registers characteristic information, as an individual, group, or merchant, and then obtains an identification and password. Then, the communicator can store and/or post data (information) for other communicator's references or own usage. The communicator can search certain information and pick up the desired party/parties to communicate with so that LEXEi will establish H.323 based multidirectional multimedia communication with audio, video, and/or data. LEXEi also provides the communicators with security (i.e., implementing with H.235 standards of H.323, Encapsulated Security Payload of IPv6, etc.). The communicator can modify, add, delete and post his/her/its information and data files, followed by LEXEi's instruction after the identification is authenticated, at any time. LEXEi will update the database with the change(s) immediately under the identification. The communicator can upload multimedia contents, such as digital video, for either commercial or non-commercial basis. When the communication is established, LEXEi will provide a secure scheduler (database), whiteboard, typing board, real-time file (data) sharing (i.e., using T.120 protocol), Web browsing, and electronic commerce transaction capabilities. When the communicator cannot reach the desired party, LEXEi will locate the desired party using an alternative destination address registered or updated in the database (i.e., using H.450 of H.323, Mobile IP of IPv6, etc.). LEXEi will also keep/send an electronic mail, voice mail, or video mail for the absent desired party with appropriate information (i.e., the communicator's name and callback address). The communicator accesses with his/her/its identification and password to retrieve the message(s). As the system of the present invention, the server system called LEXEi, functions as the gatekeeper and directory system for multiple Internet/Access Service Providers ("ISP/ASP") and their subscribers, to establish efficient quality of service, in terms of routing/bandwidth and secured network, while implementing the capacity of IPv6 and H.323 protocols while the client system works with a Web browser, H.323 client software and/or other necessary components.

FIGS. IA - IC illustrate basic components and procedures in an embodiment of the present invention of a local electronic community. Section.101 illustrates three kinds of characteristics of a communicator. The communicator, at the first time of registration in the server system ("LEXEi"), will select one characteristic amongst Individual (101A), Group (101B), and Merchant (101C). The Individual user is defined as "consumer"- in the community. The Group user is defined as "organization" such as a company, school, non-profit organization, etc. The Merchant user is defined as "business" such as s store, professional, service provider, etc. The Individual users will be able to belong to a Group. The Merchant can have its own Group so that Individual users in a Group may belong to or be associated with the Merchant. Each characteristic communicator will have his/her/its own identification ("ID") and password, which can be modified at any time for a security purpose. The Individual users can use the same ID and password of the Group. Section.102 illustrates databases that each communicator owns. The Individual user is provided with his own Directory (102A) database, allocated by his/her ID, where all-personal information such as name, address, IP address, social security number, banking information, etc. will be stored.. Information in the Directory can be designated as either opened (public) information or closed (private) information. Also, the Directory, fully or partially, can be accessed by either communicators with permitted^'ID associated with the password or, if so defined, any communicator. Having permitted ID's from certain communicators such as friends, the Individual user can create his/her own private Directory like an address book in the community. The Group user owns the Bulletin Board (102B) database, allocated by its ID, by which the Individual users can access to post and/or retrieve information. The information will be created with HTML or other multimedia contents such as digital video. The Individual users will be categorized on a number of levels, such as managers, supervisors, viewers, etc. in the Group. Each categorized level has a certain level of access to the Bulletin Board. LEXEi, as a default, will provide a classified bulletin board for all of Individual users to use for their individual commerce. The Merchant owns a Yellow Pages (102C) database, allocated by its ID, which the Merchant posts information of its business for the Individual as well as Group users. The information is created with HTML and digital video as well as other formatted multimedia contents. Each Individual, Group or Merchant user owns Scheduler ( 102D), Message ( 102E), and Data Storage ( 102F) databases for a purpose of keeping track of daily activities. The Scheduler database (102D) also keeps track of historical activities in LEXEi as well so that he/she/it can retrieve old information. For example, if the communicator wants to call somebody whom he had talked to in the past, then the communicator opens his/her/its Scheduler database as a diary to find the person (i.e., sorted by dates and/or names). Individual user's Scheduler database is transparent with Schedulers of Group and

Merchant so that double booking may be avoided. Information stored in the Message database can be sent to the address specified. Any user can use this Message database as his/her/its own memo pad such as to-do-list as well. Data Storage is to use as remote disk drive for all of Individual, Group, and Merchant users. FIGS. IB and FIG. IC demonstrate communication processes and correspondence between communicator's client system and LEXEi as the server system. Section.103 illustrates that a communicator accesses LEXEi, on-demand-basis, with his/her/its assigned ID and password from which LEXEi verifies the communicator and keeps secured transactions as defined in his/her/its profile. Section.104 illustrates that a communicator searches, after his/her/its ID is authenticated, Directory, Yellow Pages, Bulletin Board and download necessary information into his/her/its client system which displays the information with HTML and digital video as well as other formatted multimedia contents. The communicator also obtains his/her/its information from Scheduler and Message database, and data files from his/her/its Data Storage as a remote disk drive. Section.105 illustrates that LEXEi establishes H.323 multidirectional multimedia communication, and/or possible or alternative non-H.323 depending upon availability, between communicators' client systems. The communicator picks up a party or parties to communicate with from LEXEi's databases of Directory, Yellow Pages, Bulletin Board, Scheduler, and/or Message. Section.106 illustrates a function of Locator feature. When communicator is trying to reach a desired party, but the party is not present at the prime location, LEXEi will re-route the communication to an alternative destination. Then, the communicator will talk to the party without finding another location by himself/herself/itself. Section.107 illustrates a function of messaging between communicators. When the communicator sends his/her/its multimedia based message such as video mail, LEXEi keeps the message in an appropriate address specified or sends the message with ordinary E-mail with an attachment of multimedia file(s). FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. Section.210 is a diagram of the LEXEi server system, which consists of Web Page (211), Server System - Engine (212), Security & Routing Table (213), Database (214), User Data Storage Facility (215), and Electronic Commerce Facility (216). Web Page (211), which consists of Directory, Yellow Pages, and Bulletin Board, is to publish the information that may be restricted with access permission. Server System - Engine (212) contains the core programming to control the administrative system management, network management, which is described in detail in FIG. 3, and database management. Security & Routing Table (213), as also described in detail in FIG. 3 (Routing System and Directory System), is to use the authentication as well as privacy protection of data (information) stored in the certain databases, and to use the most efficient communication routing along with security management. Database (214) contains all data (information), in the Directory, Yellow Pages, Bulletin Board, Scheduler, and Message, that is categorized to keep it as public open and private information. User Data Storage Facility (215) is to use a remote disk drive for the communicator. Electronic Commerce Facility (216) is to use the enhancement of cyber monetary transactions within the communication established by LEXEi. Coordinating with local banking facilities, the Merchant will be able to facilitate this electronic commerce feature. This can be done in a similar manner as credit card payments are authorized over the Internet for Internet purchases. Section.220 is a client system of an initiating communicator, which installs basic software components of Web Browser (221), add-in software (222) such as IPv4/IPv6 protocol, video streaming client, and/or other necessary components, and H.323 client (223) software. On the other hand, Section.230 is another client system of a receiving communicator, which also has basic software components of Web Browser (231), add-in software (232) such as IPv4/IPv6 protocol, video streaming client, and/or other necessary components, and H.323 client (233) software. When the initiating communicator (220) accesses by the LEXEi server system (210) via local IP network (240), LEXEi will establish the routing line (241), defined by the Routing Table (213), to the desired party of the initiating communicator. When communication is established, virtual communication line (242) is connected between the communicators so that they can talk on the line as a present telephone or videoconference system.

FIG.3 is a multidirectional communication protocol (IPv6+H.323) diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. The LEXEi server system (310) located in a certain network facility as shown in (350) where Internet Service Providers and Access Service Provider (ISP/ASP) co-locate and/or interconnect via broadband networks such as Ethernet, fiber-optic lines, etc. This LEXEi server system contains protocol engines, as described H.323 Gatekeeper (311), H.323 Multipoint Control Unit (312), H.323 Gateway (313), IPv6 Routing System (314), and Directory System (315), by which all IPv6 protocol as well as H.323 protocol can be managed. Gatekeeper (311) manages the admission control, with various authentication mechanisms, and the address translation from an alias name to transport address, defined in the Registration Admission Status ("RAS") system in order for the communicator to assess, with the alias name - user friendly name, and to receive an authorization to communicate. In addition, Gatekeeper manages the bandwidth of a network to make sure that a call has enough bandwidth in order to achieve a reasonable quality of service, provides zone management that can be used within the designated group for security purpose (i.e., partitioning with the proxy system, gateway, etc.), performs ability such as call forwarding and call transfer, and keeps track of accounting information. Multipoint Control Units ("MCU") (312) provides capability of conference with three or more communicators' client systems or gateway to participate in a multi-session conference. The MCU uses a Multipoint Controller ("MC"), that provide all participating client systems with a certain level of quality of service, and uses Multipoint Processors ("MP"), by which MCU decodes the video streaming and provides the mixing operation for all participating clients systems. Although the MCU can be set up either with centralized or decentralized (a multicasting IP network is required), along with the enhancement of IPv6 multicasting capability, MCU at LEXEi is also applying the hybrid method by which bandwidth can be managed efficiently while all communication is controlled. Gateway (313) provides the ability to communicate with other communication devices such as a regular phone system via a publicly switched telephone network ("PSTN") or mobile phone system via a wireless network (other than IP network). LEXEi provides the interfaces, with IPv6, to/from those non-IP telecommunication operators. Gateway (313) also functions to interface the IP communication at a different location of LEXEi as illustrated in (318), where a different gatekeeper controls the networks, so that the communicator can communicate beyond multiple LEXEi servers. Routing System (314) for an IPv6 network, which contains all network-addresses associated with Directory System (315) for the communicators so that efficient routing service can be established. The Routing System (314) manages the LEXEi router, as illustrated at 363. For the most desirable quality of service network, the Routing System will establish the most efficient routing for multidirectional communication with using anycast addressing, unicast addressing, and/or multicast addressing, depending upon coordination with routers (361/362) of ISP/ASP (340/341) or client system (320/330). With MCU, Routing System will be coordinated with the most efficient multicasting routing (or unicast/multicast combined) for multi-session conference as illustrated as 371/381 and 391. Directory System (315) does the alias name to IP address translation, as similar in principle to domain name server ("DNS"). In order to establish an efficient routing, a

The communicator client system A (320), physically connected with its ISP/ASP (340), that has IP address (either IPv4 or IPv6), appropriate ID and password to access LEXEi, and H.323 client software to communicate with the communicator B. In the client system, either IPv4 or IPv6 (or the dual stack) protocol (321) can be implemented. The communicator may obtain multiple IPv6 addresses given by the ISP/ASP so that the client system will be able to use the IP address to identify itself for certain purposes. Those addresses are registered at LEXEi database, such as Directory System (315), to establish the most efficient loop back routing. When the client system has only IPv4 protocol, the router (361), which has the dual stack capability, ISP/ASP (340) is able to encapsulate the IPv4 with IPv6 so that a client system with only IPv4 can still participate in network system (some restrictions may be applied such as security issues). A client system A's ID and password (322) are given by LEXEi in order to access the LEXEi server system that the communicator activates as a member of LEC. H.323 client software (323) is installed in order to establish an IP communication network. This H.323 client system may use any vendor's software (i.e., LEXEi H.323 client software or Microsoft Net Meeting) which is compatible with LEXEi server system with IPv6. The communicator client system B (330) and its network routing via its ISP/ASP (341) has the same relationship and logic as associated with the appropriate diagram numbers illustrated and described here for the communicator A (320).

A Broadband Internet/Access Service Provider ("ISP/ASP") (340) services client system A (320). This ISP/ASP provides DSL, CATV, FTTx, Wireless, etc. as a broadband/wide-band service provider who converts the transmission packet to an IP packet in order to communicate with LEXEi. Broadband Internet/Access Service Provider (341) services to the client system (330). This ISP/ASP also provides DSL, CATV, FTTx, Wireless, etc. as a broadband/wide-band service provider who converts the transmission packet to IP packet in order to communicate with LEXEi. LEXEi and ISP's/ASP's meet at a place like Central Office, Data Center, Co-Location Site, Telecom Building, LEXEi network facility, or other network facility (350). The connection is via local area network (i.e., 100Mbps Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, FDDI, etc.) inside the facility or dedicated line (i.e., T-l/DS-1, T-3/DS-3, OC-1, OC-3, OC-12, etc.) in remote location. The interconnection is IP packet traffic via routers as illustrated (361), (362) and (363). The router (361), having the dual stack capability of IPv4 and IPv6, of the ISP/ASP that provides access service for the communicator A (320). If the communicator's client system has an IPv6 address, which is registered at LEXEi, this ISP/ASP's router will automatically route the packet to LEXEi router (363). This router will route to the Internet, in terms of today's commonly used network (372) such as World Wide Web or Internet E-mail, etc., with the encapsulated IPv4 address. When the client system has only IPv4 protocol, this router will be able to encapsulate the IPv6 with IPv4 so that a client system with only IPv4 can still participate in this network system (some restrictions may be applied such as security issues). This router works closely with LEXEi router (363) and Directory System (315) for the efficient routing system by which this router sends IP packets to the LEXEi router as shown at (371) and/or other routers such as (362) via (391). The router (362) of ISP/ASP (341) who provides the connection service for client system B (330) has the same relationship and logic as associated with the appropriate diagram numbers illustrated and described here for the router (361). The LEXEi router (363) recognizes IPv6 packets in order to process the communication. With Routing System (314) and Directory System (315) at LEXEi server system (310) for IPv6 network, which contains all network-addresses for the communicators so that an efficient routing network can be established. For the most desirable quality of service network, LEXEi router 363 with the Routing System (314) associated with Directory System (315), will establish the most efficient routing for multidirectional communication depending upon coordination with routers (361/362) of ISP/ASP (340/341) or client systems (320/330), by using anycast addressing, unicast addressing, and/or multicast addressing. With MCU and Routing System, these routers are coordinated with the most efficient multicasting routing (or unicast/multicast combined) for multi-session conference as shown at (371/381/391).

The communicator client system A (320) will access ISP/ASP (340) via DSL, CATV, FTTx, and Wide-band Wireless network system (370). If client system (320) is connected via firewall or proxy, the H.323 proxy is provided for the network translation. ISP's/ASP's router (361) transmits at 371 the IP packet to LEXEi's router (363). For an ordinal usage of the Internet access (i.e., World Wide Web, E-mail, etc.) (372), via independent or encapsulated IPv4 address, IP packet of the communicator client system A (320) is transmitted via ISP's/ASP's router (361) to the Internet. The communicator client system B (330) and its network routing via its ISP/ASP (341) has the same relationship and logic as associated with the appropriate diagram numbers illustrated and described here for the client system A (320). With all above network/routing systems, H.323 client (323) of the communicator client system A (320) and H.323 client (333) of the communicator client system B (330) is logically connected and communicated with each other at (390).

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of profile registration by which all communicators create a necessary database. Section.4 1 illustrates the procedure of how to set up ID and password as well as a database for each communicator. When a communicator accesses LEXEi from his/her client system for the first time in order to register as a communicator of the Local Electronic Community ("LEC"), LEXEi responds with a message of "Welcome to your Local Electronic Community - LEC, and please specify your characteristic." (402). The communicator selects one characteristic from Individual, Group, or Merchant. For the Individual category, the communicator enters his/her profile (404), and obtains his/her ID and password (407). The Individual communicator will own a database, allocated with his/her ID, in the Directory and Scheduler as well as Data Storage (410). For the Group category, the communicator enters its profile (403) and obtains its ID and password (406). The Group communicator will own a database, allocated with its ID, in the Bulletin Board and Scheduler as well as Data Storage (409). For the Merchant category, the communicator enters his/her/its profile (405) and obtains his/her/its ID and password (408). The Merchant communicator will own a database, allocated with his/her/its ID, in the Yellow Pages and

Scheduler as well as Data Storage (411). The Group communicator will be able to register, in the Bulletin Board, Individual names, picked up from Directory, so that those selected Individual ID's will belong to its Group ID (412). The Merchant communicator will be able to register, in the Yellow Pages, Group names, picked up from Bulletin Board, so that those selected Group ID's will belong to its Merchant ID (413). With those triangle relationships, data in Directory, Bulletin

Board, and Yellow Pages database will be transparent to the ID owners with certain restrictions and security/privacy conditions (415). Furthermore, for daily activities in the LEC, data (information) in Scheduler as well as Data Storage for each characteristic of a communicator will be transparent to the ID owners with certain restrictions and security/privacy conditions (414). After the communicator finishes all registrations for the LEC, LEXEi asks whether he/she/it has an ordinary Internet domain name and/or E-mail address (416). If he/she/it has at least one, LEXEi registers the IPv4 address and/or alias name with appropriate information; then, LEXEi implements the necessary message conversion to communicate to/from Internet (417).

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the communication procedure, which includes on-demand information retrieval and multidirectional on-line communication. Section.501 illustrates a procedure for retrieving information on an on-demand basis and how to communicate with other communicators in the LEC. A communicator can access the LEXEi system server with his/her/its ID and password being authenticated at 502. Then, the communicator's client system displays a menu of information categories, as Message (503 A), Scheduler (503 A), Data Storage (503 A), Bulletin Board that includes classified advertisements for common usage (503B), Directory (503C), and Yellow Pages (503D). After the communicator select the information category, he/she/it can either display or download the information or data file in his/her/its client system 504. If the communicator needs to communicate with a desired party at 504, LEXEi will establish H.323, and/or possible or alternative non-H.323 depending upon availability, based on communication (508A, 508B, and 508C). LEXEi also uses the function of Locator (507A and 507B), described in detail in the FIG. 6, to look for a possible alternative destination of the desired party. While the communication is on-line (established), the communicators can share information (data) of Scheduler, Message, and Data Storage (509). Also, during the communication, these communicators, simultaneously viewing each other, can draw on a Whiteboard, type characters in the Typing Board, and browse Directory, Bulletin Board, Yellow Pages, or Internet Web sites at 509. For some reason, such as not reaching the party, if the communicator(s) need(s) to send a message (511), he/she/it can use the capability of Scheduler, Message, Data Storage, Whiteboard, Typing Board, and/or Browser (512) feature(s).

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the locator procedure, by which all communicators can re-direct a call from a current specified destination. Section.601 illustrates the procedure of how to locate the desired party or parties for a communicator to communicate with. Upon a communicator's request, LEXEi establishes on-line communication at 602. The first step that LEXEi does is to search the specified parry's profile database in Bulletin Board. Dire tnrv Yellow «σp« »t ΛOΛ tn

reach the desired party, LEXEi will respond "Are you still looking for the party?" (607). When the communicator chooses "Yes, I want to reach the party.", LEXEi will keep on trying to reach them as specified in the profiles at 608 in the duration of a certain time (i.e., defaulted 60 minutes). When LEXEi finds the desired party, it will send a message to the communicator if currently on-line and they still want the party to join into the conversation at 609 and 610. If the communicator is no longer on-line or upon requested by the originating or requesting party, LEXEi will call back the originating or requesting party to re-establish the on-line communication network at 609 and 610.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of simultaneous human assisted process to help for those communicators who are novices or non-tech users. This function is to use for communicators who are not familiar with the LEC system and/or who need to find information quickly. Section.701 illustrates a procedure, with human assisted walk-through support, of how to find and retrieve information on an on-demand basis in the LEC. A communicator can access LEXEi with his/her/its ID and password authenticated at 702. If a communicator requests the Home 911 help selection at 703, a LEXEi operator who is familiar with LEXEi's database and the information will communicate with the communicator via a H.323 network connection at 704. The communicator's and operator's client system simultaneously display the same menu of information category, such as Message (705A), Scheduler (705A), Data Storage (705A), Bulletin Board (705B), Directory (705C), and Yellow Pages (705D). Thereafter, they walk through together to select information category, he/she/it can either display or download the information or data file in his/her/its client system at 706.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic commerce transaction process amongst participating communicators. Any communicator is able to post his/her/its services and goods to be sold at the LEXEi server system (810) where Web Page, having directory, yellow pages, and bulletin board (including classified advertisements) (812), Database, having user profile, order keeping, and sales records data (81 1), and Security and Electronics Commerce Facility (813) are provided. The client system (830/840) of sellers, who are merchants, groups, or individuals, can access at 834/844 the LEXEi's server system (810) with web browser at 831/841 with his/her/its ID and password at 832/842. The communicator (seller) can post services or goods at yellow pages, bulletin board (classified advertisement), and/or directory. The communicator (seller) is able to keep information of the user profile, such as banking or credit card merchant number, order and sales records at the secured Database 811 via 814 of LEXEi server system (810) for record keeping and retrieval purposes. When the client system (830/840) has certain computer system, such as inventory and accounting system, data of the database (811 via 814) can be retrieved or updated, with certain application programming interface ("API") provided, from the computer system as a transaction basis. The client system (850/860) of purchasers, who are merchants, groups, or individuals, can access at 854/864 Web Pages (812) at LEXEi server system (810) to find and then purchase certain goods and/or services. When the communicator (purchaser) pays the amount for the goods or services at the Web Page (812), the LEXEi server system, as a secured transaction, retrieves the necessary information, such as banking or credit card information, from Database 811 via 814 where the communicator's records are kept. As such monetary transaction occurs, the LEXEi server system processes with the Security System and Electronic Commerce Facility (813 via 815), which is connected at 816 with outside the Banking System, such as clearinghouses' or bankers' network systems (820), for the authentication and funds availability. While the seller (830/840) and the purchaser (850/860) communicate via H.323 communication at 833/853 via 871 or 843/863 via 881, the seller can call at 834/844 his/her/its own Web Page (812) where the monetary transaction can take place so that the purchaser will be able to access (854/864) the page to disburse the payment, such as deposits or service fees, on a real time basis.

The software and control programs such as core programs, gatekeeper, H.323 client software application programming interface, etc. can be written by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to those embodiments. Modification within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, along with expansion of the LEC and increasing the number of communicators, several applications can be developed, such as systems corresponding with the most useful information (data) communication, to schools, hospitals, companies, government offices, police departments, fire departments, etc. LEXEi is able to enhance seamlessly the local banking facility (i.e., connecting with the debit-card system) so that local bankers and merchants can take advantage of daily monetary transactions in terms of safety as well as quickness. LEXEi can also be a very useful tool for senior citizens, where more elders of demographic are increasing worldwide, so that applications such as senior citizen community services, emergency needs, and communication systems with drugstores and hospitals can be provided. The invention of LEXEi will continue to develop with new versions and standards provided by such as ITU for current H.323 and IETF for current IPv6, and various Application Programming Interfaces ("API") with the capacity of providing efficient network with security (privacy) features. LEXEi will also provide those standards and API's for the industry.

Furthermore, LEXEi can be deployed more into the network infrastructure with fiber-optic telecom companies, CATV operators, wireless communication companies, satellite communication companies, etc., so that in order to provide communicators for more advantages, network protocol and security protocols will be adapted and implemented (i.e., seamlessly multidirectional communication with SS7 and digital CATV/Satellite networks). LEXEi's can implement LEC to LEC worldwide; therefore, all communicators in one LEC will be able to access another LEC to search their needs or to exchange ideas and business.

Claims

CLAMS 1. A system of local electronic community of on-demand and multidirectional communication over a computer network comprising: under control of a server system; managing at least Internet Protocol version 6 routing system among different Internet Service Providers and Access Service Providers within local loop networks; establishing and managing efficient multidirectional Internet Protocol network routing; managing on the efficient on-demand Internet Protocol network system; establishing at least a H.323 multimedia communication using audio, video and digital data on the Internet Protocol network system; streaming video and/or audio on the Internet Protocol network system; managing data sharing on the Internet Protocol network system; managing secured communication on the Internet Protocol network system; establishing and controlling a minimum desirable quality of service on the Internet Protocol network system for users who access via different Internet Service Providers and Access Service Providers; managing multi-point conferences at least three communicators on the Internet Protocol network system simultaneously; and communicating with non-Internet Protocol, non-H.323 and/or other Internet Protocol/H.323 network systems; and under the control of a client system; accessing at least on Internet Protocol version 4 via Internet Service Providers and Access Service Providers within local loop networks; accessing the service system by a communicator using at least a user name associated with a password; communicating via H.323 protocol using audio, video, and digital data with other client systems; uploading and retrieving HTML and multimedia data; receiving video and audio streaming from the server system; and simultaneously accessing Internet with at least Internet Protocol version 4.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the server system is a gatekeeper.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the server system is used as a directory server.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the server system is a gateway.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein the server system is used as a Multi Control Unit.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein the server system manages dual stack routing systems of at least Internet Protocol version 6 and Internet Protocol version 4.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein the routing systems are used as means for dual stack routing of at least Internet Protocol version 6 and Internet Protocol version 4.

8. A system according to claim 1 wherein the server system comprises a means for a remote file storage of client systems.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein the client system is used as a means for a multidirectional telephone apparatus.

10. A system according to claim 1 wherein the client system is used as means for multidirectional videoconferencing.

11. A system according to claim 1 wherein the client system is used as means for on-demand information uploading and retrieval.

12. A method of local electronic community of on-demand and multidirectional communication comprising: under control of a server system; establishing multidirectional communication among desired parties; establishing and managing a desired quality of service communication; providing secured communication; providing data sharing capability; locating an alternative destination for on-demand and multidirectional communication specified in a database; storing and sending electronic mail, video mail, voice mail and data for and to client systems; exchanging messages from a client system with Internet electronic mail; keeping accounting records and historical records of the client systems; and providing electronic commerce for the systems; and under control of a client system; uploading information to the server system using an identification and associated password; responding to public and secured access which is retrievable by using the identification and associated password; posting and retrieving information HTML data and multimedia data; and storing and retrieving computer files under its own control.

13. A method of claim 12 wherein a communicator uses the server system as a means for information directory service.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein a communicator uses the service system as a means for yellow pages service.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein a communicator uses the system server as a means for bulletin board service.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein a communicator uses the system server as a means for classified advertisement.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein a communicator uses the system server as a means for remote disk storage of computer files.

18. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a means for connecting the local electronic community system with a plurality of other local electronic community systems.

19. The method according to claim 12 further comprising the step of connecting the local electronic community with a plurality of other local electronic communities.