Patent ID: 7099288
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of connecting at least two users for exchanging video data messages via an internetwork, each user having a respective assigned IP address for said internetwork and a respective assigned telephone identifier number for a public-switched telephone network, said method comprising the steps of: maintaining in a server coupled to said internetwork a database of registered users, said database including for each registered user a respective telephone identifier number and a respective IP address; maintaining active connection sessions between said server and each registered user that is available any a particular time; receiving an access request in said server from a requesting user to establish a data transfer to a desired user on said internetwork, said access request including a target telephone identifier number associated with said desired user; comparing said target telephone identifier number with said telephone identifier numbers in said database; if said target telephone identifier number is found in said database, then forwarding an initiation message to said desired user using a respective IP address stored in said database; said desired user sending an accept message in response to said initiation message if said desired user wishes to exchange video said data messages with said requesting user; and said server relaying said video data messages between said users, whereby said video data messages are exchanged without said users having direct access to the IP address of each other.