TW387184B - Network conferencing system supporting multiple protocols' - Google Patents

Abstract

A network conferencing system supporting multiple protocols can be used in a network that provides multiple users. At least two kinds of protocols can be allowed for the data transmission among thosse users. The components of each user consist of a network interface, a multiple protocol interface and a application module. The network interface installs and stores corresponding protocols during the initialization. Each protocol module supports the basic control and the I/O of data transmission of certain protocol. The multiple protocol interface manages the network interface using multiple sockets that each protocol module is assigned a unique socket port.

Description

本發明係有關於網路通訊技術，特別是有關於一種可 支援多種協定之網路會議系統。 隨著網路技術的蓮勃發展與計算機的日益普及，經由 叶算機成為網路系統中之成員已是未來的趨勢。而網路系 統按性質概可區分為企業内部網路系統（或 Netware)、網際網路系統（Internet)、或撥接網路系統 (譬如可利用數據機或整體服務數位網路進行撥號者）等 等，計算機可透過各自安裝的協定與上層軟體進行網路通 訊’藉以傳遞文字、語音、圖像等資料。 目前利用網路傳輸的會議系統中，最#具代表性的產品 為Vocaltec 公司的I-Phone和Microsoft 公司的NetMeeting 一者。但疋’Vocaltec公司的I-Phone主要係針對欲經由 網際網路獲致通話的理念而設計，並未考量在企業内部網 路的應用’因此僅支援TCP/IP協定’對於沒有tcp/ip協定 的用戶便無法適用。私 雖然Microsoft公司的NetMeeting可支援多種協定， 但應用於企業内部網路時’由於沒有内建的祠服器，必須 透過直接位址（IP位址或網路卡MAC實體位址）或計算機主 機名呼叫接收端。由於IP位址可能會動態分配、MAC實體 位址較長不便記憶、以及主機名可能會被更改等問題，故 這種呼叫方式會降低系統效能，增加使用上的不便。另 外，Net Meet ing僅對TCP/IP協定支援語音傳輸，對其他協 定則否’如是，若未安裝TCP/IP協定之用戶將無法進行語 音通訊。甚者，NetMeeting在執行會議通話時，整個會議The present invention relates to network communication technology, and more particularly to a network conference system capable of supporting multiple protocols. With the rapid development of network technology and the increasing popularity of computers, it has become a future trend to become a member of the network system through Ye computers. The network system can be divided into corporate internal network system (or Netware), Internet system (Internet), or dial-up network system (such as those who can dial using a modem or an overall service digital network) according to their nature. And so on, the computer can communicate with the upper-layer software through the respective installed protocols to communicate text, voice, and images. At present, the most representative products of conference systems using network transmission are one of Vocaltec's I-Phone and Microsoft's NetMeeting. But 疋 'Vocaltec's I-Phone is mainly designed for the idea of getting a call via the Internet, without considering the application in the corporate intranet.' So it only supports the TCP / IP protocol. 'For those without the TCP / IP protocol, The user cannot apply. Although Microsoft's NetMeeting can support multiple protocols, when it is applied to the corporate intranet, 'there is no built-in server, you must use a direct address (IP address or network card MAC address) or a computer host. Call receiver. Because the IP address may be dynamically allocated, the MAC entity address may be long and inconvenient to remember, and the host name may be changed, this call method will reduce system performance and increase inconvenience in use. In addition, Net Meet ing only supports voice transmission for the TCP / IP protocol. No for other protocols. If so, users who do not have the TCP / IP protocol cannot perform voice communication. What's more, when NetMeeting is performing a conference call, the entire conference

C:\Program Files\Patent\0549-3627-E.ptd第 五、發明說明（2) 群中僅有兩個 議通話。 因此，本 統，不僅可支 援數據機撥接 撥接網路等系 本發明之 有内建的多協 之接收端，大 性。 本發明之 以支援各種協 的同步傳輸。 本發明之 以鏈式架構實 訊。 為獲致上 多種協定之網 複數用戶端以 兩種以上之通 路介面、一多 在初始化時將 援某一通訊協 協定共用介面 用戶可使用s吾音通訊，並 發明之一目的，在於提供C: \ Program Files \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E.ptd Fifth, description of the invention (2) There are only two conference calls in the group. Therefore, this system not only supports modem dial-up, dial-up network, etc., but also has a built-in multi-protocol receiver in the present invention. The present invention supports synchronous transmission of various protocols. The present invention is implemented in a chain structure. In order to obtain a multi-protocol network, a plurality of clients use two or more communication interfaces, and one will support a communication protocol during the initialization. The user can use sigma communication, and one of the objects of the invention is to provide

援TCP/IP、SPX、NetBEUI 者，故可涵蓋企業内部網 統之應用。 另一目的’在於提供一種 定共用伺服器，僅以用戶 幅提昇呼叫的效率和增加 再一目的，在於提供一種 定之語音通訊，實現語音 再另一目的，在於提供一 現會議群内每一用戶均可 述諸項目的，本發明可藉 路會議系統來完成》此一 鏈式架構連接而得，此等 訊協定進行傳輸。而每一 協定共用介面、以及一應 相應的協定模組安裝内儲 定的基本控制與傳輪數據 藉由複數套接口對網路介 未能實現真正的會 一種網路會議系 箄多種協定，也支 路、網際網路、和 網路會議系統，具 列表選取所欲呼叫 用戶使用之方便 網路會議系統，可 、文字、以及圖像 種網路會議系統， 同時進行語音通 由提供一種可支援 網路會議系統係由 用戶端間可以至少 用戶端包括：一網 用模組。網路介面 ，每一協定模組支 的輸入/輸出。多 面進行管理，對每Support TCP / IP, SPX, NetBEUI, so it can cover the application of enterprise intranet. Another purpose is to provide a fixed-share server that improves the efficiency and increase the call only by the user ’s amplitude. Another purpose is to provide a fixed voice communication to realize the voice. Another purpose is to provide each user in the existing conference group. If all the items can be described, the present invention can be completed by way of a road conference system. This chain structure is obtained by connection, and these information protocols are transmitted. And each protocol shares an interface, and a corresponding basic module control and transmission data stored in the corresponding protocol module installation. By using a plurality of interfaces to the network interface, it is impossible to realize a network conference and multiple protocols. Also branch, internet, and web conference systems, with a list of convenient web conference systems, text, and image web conference systems for users who want to call, and provide voice communication The network conference system is supported by the clients. At least the clients include: a network module. Network interface, each protocol module supports input / output. Multi-faceted management

C:\ProgramFiles\Patent\0549-3627-E. ptd第 5 頁 五、發明說明（3) ----—------ 協疋棋組分配唯一的套接口值。查认#C: \ ProgramFiles \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E. Ptd page 5 5. Description of the invention (3) ---------------- The Xunqi team assigns the unique socket value. Check #

將所需傳送:Μ你 當傳送時’自應用層 後，分據傳送至多協定共用介面動態地進行封包 時，由模巧行相應之處理後傳送出。當於接收 定共用介 ^定模組進打相應之處理後，及於多協 應用層、對所接之數據進打統一的格式處理，再通知 應用厝進行擷取。 =讓本發明之上述和其他目&、特徵、和優點能更明 細說明如^文特舉—較佳實施例，並配合所附圖式，作詳 圖示之簡單說明： 第1圖係顯示根據本發明之網路會議系統會議群内若 干用戶間連接架構的示意圖； 第2圖係顯示所示為用戶端的架構示意圖； 第3圖係顯示以動態封包方式而得之數據包的結構圖 示； 第4圖所示為實現鏈式連接或是多點連接架構之用戶— 伺服器總合系統方塊圖；以及 第5圖所示為根據本發明一用戶嘗試以多種協定連接 另一用戶的流程圖。 符號說明： 1〜網路；2〜用戶端；20〜通訊應用軟體；22〜多協定共 用介面；221-224〜套接口； 225〜用戶訊息列表；226-229~ 緩衝區；24-網路介面；241-244〜協定模組；4~祠服器； 40〜主控制模組；42〜用戶列表；44〜多協議共用介面；以The required transmission: when you transmit ’from the application layer, the data is transmitted to the multi-protocol shared interface to dynamically packetize it, and then it is sent out by the appropriate processing. After receiving the specified shared media, the corresponding module will perform the corresponding processing, and in the multi-cooperation application layer, the received data will be processed in a unified format, and then the application will be notified to retrieve it. = Let the above and other objects of the present invention &, features, and advantages be explained in more detail, such as ^ wen special mention-the preferred embodiment, and with the accompanying drawings, a simple description of the detailed illustration: Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the connection structure among several users in the conference group of the network conference system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the architecture of the client; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a data packet obtained by dynamic packet Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a user-server integrated system that implements a chained or multi-point connection architecture; and Figure 5 shows a user trying to connect to another user with multiple protocols according to the present invention flow chart. Explanation of symbols: 1 ~ Internet; 2 ~ Client; 20 ~ Communication application software; 22 ~ Multi-protocol common interface; 221-224 ~ Socket; 225 ~ User message list; 226-229 ~ Buffer zone; 24-Network Interface; 241-244 ~ protocol module; 4 ~ temple server; 40 ~ main control module; 42 ~ user list; 44 ~ multi-protocol common interface;

C:\Prograin Fi 1^5^^611^0549-36274. ptd第 6 頁 五、發明說明（4)^ — ----—~一 --- 及’ 46〜網路介面。 實施例： 議群ί ^照第1圖，所示為根據本發明之網路會議系統會 c、D、右^干用戶間連接架構的示意圖，圖示中係以A、Β、 μ 4 E等五個用戶為例。第1圏所示會議群内諸用戶間是 接架構進行連接，如第1圖所示，用戶Β與用戶Α和C直 ，用戶^與用戶B和D直接連接，用戶D與用戶c和e直 :接，用戶Α及用戶Ε為末端用戶，故僅分別與用戶B*D 直接連接。 根據本發明’會議群内諸用戶A、B、c、D、E問進行 傳輪時毋需在統一的協定（pro to col)下進行。如第1圖 中，=戶λ和B間是以協定w進行通訊傳輸，用戶B和^間是 =協定X進行通訊傳輸，用戶C*D間是以協定y進行通訊傳 =’用戶D和E間是以協定z進行通訊傳輸。換言之本 2網路會議系統内，㈣用戶間傳輪所使用的读 :其他相鄰用戶間傳輸時所使用的協定。此處「相鄰：異 二」。-語’係指鏈式架構下相鄰之意，而非實體上的相 目前諸協定中屬TCP/IP、Novel 1公司之spx、 Microsoft公司之NetBEUIt為普遍，另外以數據機撥接者 也相备普及，故第1圖所示之協定讲、父、丫、2可為 TCP/IP、SPX、NetBEUI、數據機撥接等中之任一者。 再者，第1圖所示會議群内諸用戶是以鏈式架構進 連接，然此鏈式架構僅為諸多連接方式中語音傳輸效率較C: \ Prograin Fi 1 ^ 5 ^^ 611 ^ 0549-36274. Ptd page 6 V. Description of the invention (4) ^ — ----— ~ 一 --- and ’46 ~ network interface. Embodiment: According to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the conference users c, D, and the right users in the network conference system according to the present invention is shown. A, B, and μ 4 E are shown in the figure. Wait for five users as an example. The users in the conference group shown in Figure 1 are connected by a connection architecture. As shown in Figure 1, user B is directly connected to users A and C, user ^ is directly connected to users B and D, and user D is connected to users c and e. Direct: Connected, users A and E are end users, so they only connect directly with users B * D, respectively. According to the present invention, the users A, B, c, D, and E in the conference group need not perform the transfer under a unified agreement (pro to col). As shown in Figure 1, = user λ and B use the protocol w for communication and transmission, and users B and ^ use the protocol X for communication and transmission, and user C * D uses the protocol y for communication = 'user D and Communication between E is based on protocol z. In other words, in this 2 network conference system, the reading used by the user's transfer wheel: the protocol used when transmitting between other adjacent users. Here "Adjacent: Different Two". -The word "means adjacentness under the chain structure, not the physical counterparts in the current protocols are TCP / IP, Novell's spx, Microsoft's NetBEUIt, etc. They are relatively popular, so the agreement shown in Figure 1, father, y, and 2 can be any of TCP / IP, SPX, NetBEUI, modem dial-up, and so on. In addition, the users in the conference group shown in Figure 1 are connected by a chain structure. However, this chain structure is only a more efficient voice transmission among many connection methods.

C:\Program Files\Patent\0549-3627-E. ptd第 Y 發明說明（5) 因Λ’也可採用單一用戶A同時連接用戶B、C、D、 理能力 構行之’唯此時用戶A主機需具備較高階處 ^能力、以及網路需具有足夠的頻帶寬的前提下，亦屬可 ’所示為用戶端2的架構示意圖，此用戶： 了 乂疋第1圖所示用戶八1、（：、1)、£中之任_者。此用 戶端2包括：通訊應用軟體模組2〇、多協定共用介面22、 以及網路介面24。若根據國際標準組織所制訂之〇SI (open systems interconnection)模式區分，通訊應用軟體2〇係 屬〇si模式之應用層（applicati〇n Uyer)，多協定共用介 ， 面22係應〇si模式之展現層（presentat i〇n layer)和議程 層（session layer)，網路介面模組24係屬〇SI模式之傳輸 廣（transport layer)、網路層（network layer)、以及資 料鏈結層（data link layer) 0通訊應用軟體模組20、多 協定共用介面22、以及網路介面24，係按上層至底層之順 序連接而得。 網路介面24為多種協定模組之組合，在程式初始化 時’網路介面24會自動偵測當前系統，獲致當前可用協定 列表，同時將相應的協定模組安裝儲存。如第2圖中所 示，便是在程式初始化後，網路介面24内安裝有一 TCP/IP 協定模組241、一SPX協定模組242、一NetBEUI協定模組 243、以及一數據機撥接模組244等等。每一協定模組 241、2 42 '243、244各自獨立操作，支援某一特定協定的 基本控制與傳輸數據的輸入/輸出。在網路介面24亦負責C: \ Program Files \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E. Ptd Y description of the invention (5) Because Λ 'can also use a single user A to connect to users B, C, D, and physical ability at the same time. Host A must have higher order processing capabilities and the network must have sufficient frequency bandwidth. It can also be shown as the architecture diagram of client 2. This user: User 8 shown in Figure 1 Any of (1, (:, 1), £). The client 2 includes a communication application software module 20, a multi-protocol shared interface 22, and a network interface 24. If it is differentiated according to the 0SI (open systems interconnection) mode established by the International Standards Organization, the communication application software 20 is an application layer (applicati0n Uyer) of the 0si mode, with multi-protocol shared interfaces. Presentation layer and session layer. The network interface module 24 is a transport layer, network layer, and data link layer of the 0SI mode. (Data link layer) 0 The communication application software module 20, the multi-protocol shared interface 22, and the network interface 24 are obtained by connecting in order from the upper layer to the lower layer. The network interface 24 is a combination of various protocol modules. When the program is initialized, the network interface 24 will automatically detect the current system, obtain a list of currently available protocols, and install and store the corresponding protocol modules. As shown in Figure 2, after the program is initialized, a TCP / IP protocol module 241, a SPX protocol module 242, a NetBEUI protocol module 243, and a modem dial-up are installed in the network interface 24. Module 244 and so on. Each protocol module 241, 2 42 '243, 244 operates independently, supporting the basic control of a specific protocol and the input / output of transmitted data. 24 is also responsible for the web interface

C:\ProgramFiles\Patent\0549-3627-E. ptd第 8 頁 五、發明說明（6) 將用戶2經由一網路1連接其他用戶。 多協疋共用介面22係藉由若干套接口（socket)對網路 . 介面24進行管理，當用戶2經由網路1每新增一個通訊對 象，即由多協定共用介面22自動分配一個相對應的套接口 值，並且確認每一套接口值的唯一性。即如第2圖所示， ： 多協定共用介面22以套接口 221對應於網路介面24之 TCP/IP協定模組241，以套接口 222對應於網路介面24之 SPX協定模組242 ’以套接口 223對應於網路介面24之 ’ NetBEUI協定模組243 ’以套接口 224對應於網路介面24之 數據機撥接模組244。套接口的功用係支援不同的通訊協 。 定’例如資料的可靠分發、保持訊息順序、以及保持訊息 介面等。 另外’多協定共用介面22為每一套接口分配一個相應 的緩衝區，如第2囷所示’以套接口 221對應於緩衝區 226，以套接口 2 22對應於緩衝區227，以套接口 223對應於 緩衝區228 ’以套接口 224對應於緩衝區229。此等緩衝區 . 225、226、227、228至少有兩種功能；一可快速操取下層 (網路介面24)數據’以避免下層緩衝區溢出而導致傳輸阻 塞的問題；二為上層（通訊應用軟體）的讀取提供統一的介 · 面。 ， 再請參照第2圖，所有已分配之套接口 221、222、 223、224和相應之緩衝區226、227、228、229係以統一的 用戶訊息列表225進行管理。此用戶訊息列表22 5的基本單 位是用戶節點，每一用戶節點對應一組套接口和緩衝區。C: \ ProgramFiles \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E. Ptd page 8 5. Description of the invention (6) Connect user 2 to other users via a network 1. The multi-protocol shared interface 22 manages the network through several sockets. The interface 24 manages each time a user 2 adds a communication object via the network 1, the multi-protocol shared interface 22 automatically allocates a corresponding one. And confirm the uniqueness of each set of interface values. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the multi-protocol shared interface 22 corresponds to the TCP / IP protocol module 241 of the network interface 24 with the socket 221, and corresponds to the SPX protocol module 242 of the network interface 24 with the socket 222 ′ The socket 223 corresponds to the 'NetBEUI protocol module 243' of the network interface 24. The socket 224 corresponds to the modem dial-up module 244 of the network interface 24. The function of the socket is to support different communication protocols. Such as reliable distribution of data, maintaining message order, and maintaining message interfaces. In addition, 'multi-protocol common interface 22 allocates a corresponding buffer for each set of interfaces, as shown in Section 2', with socket 221 corresponding to buffer 226, socket 2 2 corresponding to buffer 227, and socket 223 corresponds to the buffer 228 ′, and the socket 224 corresponds to the buffer 229. These buffers. 225, 226, 227, 228 have at least two functions; one can quickly access the data of the lower layer (network interface 24) to avoid the problem of transmission blockage caused by the overflow of the lower layer buffer; the second is the upper layer (communication Application software) provides a unified interface. Please refer to FIG. 2 again. All the allocated sockets 221, 222, 223, 224 and the corresponding buffers 226, 227, 228, 229 are managed by a unified user message list 225. The basic unit of the user message list 22 5 is a user node, and each user node corresponds to a set of sockets and buffers.

C:\Program Files\Patent\0549-3627-E.ptd第 9 頁 五、發明說明（7) 而每一節點記錄著包括合法標誌、當前狀態字、套接口 值、緩衝區入口、用戶名、不同協定位址、以及當前協定 等訊息，下表一所列即為上列諸訊息與其用途之對照表。 訊息名稱 用途 節點合法標誌 標註該節點是否為一合法節點 節點模式標諸 標註該節點為主呼叫方或是被呼叫方 節點當前狀態字 儲存該點當前狀態（呼叫、連接、切斷 等） 套接口值 儲存與該節點對應之套接口值 緩衝區結構入口 儲存該節點對應緩衝區結構的入口位 址 編碼方式 表示該節點的語音編碼方法 用戶訊息結構入口 儲存該節點對應用戶訊息結構的入口 位址 連接次數計數器 儲存嘗試連接的次數 連接速率 儲存連接的最高速率（Baud Rate) 當前所用協定 該節點當前所使用之協定 下一節點入口 儲存下一節點的入口位址 表一C: \ Program Files \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E.ptd page 9 V. Description of the invention (7) Each node records including the legal flag, current status word, socket value, buffer entry, user name, The addresses of different agreements, as well as the current agreement, are listed in the table below. Message name Purpose Node legal flag indicates whether the node is a legal node Node mode flag indicates whether the node is the main caller or called party The node's current status word stores the current status of the point (call, connect, disconnect, etc.) socket The value stores the socket value corresponding to the node. The buffer structure entry stores the entry address of the corresponding buffer structure of the node. The encoding method indicates the voice encoding method of the node. The user message structure entry stores the entry address of the node corresponding to the user message structure. The number of counters stores the number of attempts to connect. The connection rate stores the highest baud rate of the connection. The protocol currently in use. The node currently uses the protocol. The next node entry stores the next node's entry address.

C:\ProgramFiles\Patent\0549-3627-E.ptd第 10 頁 五、發明說明（8) 表 節點合法標誌的作用是表示該節點數據是否 f $。f該標誌設定為"非法"，則該節點其餘之數據均被 δ®定無效。此節點合法標誌提供靈活的列表管理 方式。 編碼方式訊息的作用是為特定的軟體提供特定服務， 諸如在網際網路通話（in 卜⑽e)的應用裡， 記錄著對於語音數據的編碼方式。 〜 η 連接次數計數器訊息的作用是記錄嘗試連接之次數。 為免於不使用時佔用系統資源，系統中可提供一監聽程 式二在監聽程式監聽到呼叫請求時，㈣我關閉並開啟主 程/由於此一過程需時較長，所以呼叫方需連續發送數 第一個呼叫信號是用來觸發監聽程Ϊ Ϊ 式已開啟’便可正式連接。連接次數計 =二程 連接次數。 丨文疋讦数此一 連接速率訊息的作用是提供下層網路 高速連接迷率之設定。由於多協定共用m 2 援多種協定，彳能同時存在著不同的傳】為能實現支 保對於上層應用層20的統一性，必須能壶 但為能確 所提供任意大小的數據包；但是，理上層應用層20 數據時，又必須確保此等數據的連續性。面，在傳送語音 因此，根據本發明在傳送數據包時， 方式行之，亦即傳送端對語音數據先行封勺、，2態封包的 容許的範圍内，將非語音數據（諸如文念匕’並在頻寬所 、圖形等數據）拆C: \ ProgramFiles \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E.ptd page 10 V. Description of the invention (8) Table The function of the node legal flag is to indicate whether the node data is f $. f If this flag is set to "Illegal", the rest of the data of this node will be invalidated by δ®. The legal flag of this node provides flexible list management methods. The function of the encoding method message is to provide specific services for specific software, such as recording the encoding method of the voice data in the application of Internet calling (in ⑽e). ~ Η The connection counter message is used to record the number of connection attempts. In order to avoid consuming system resources when not in use, a monitor program can be provided in the system. When the listener monitors the call request, I close and open the main process The first call signal is used to trigger the monitoring process. Ϊ The mode is turned on, and the connection can be officially established. Connection count meter = Second-pass connection count.丨 The purpose of this connection rate message is to provide settings for the high-speed connection rate of the underlying network. Because multi-protocols share m 2 and support multiple protocols, different transmissions cannot exist at the same time. In order to achieve the uniformity of support for the upper application layer 20, it must be able to provide data packets of any size; When the upper layer applies the layer 20 data, it must ensure the continuity of this data. In the transmission of voice, therefore, according to the present invention, when transmitting a data packet, the method is performed, that is, the transmitting end first seals the voice data, and the 2-state packet allows the non-speech data (such as a text message) 'And in the bandwidth, graphics and other data)

C:\ProgramFiles\Patent\0549-3627-E. ptd 第 11 頁 五、發明說明（9) 的ί據包接在語音數據後傳送；而接收端接收到此 數據包後’先將語音數據傳予上層進行處理，其 據則先予以暫存，待整個非語音數據集滿後， 勺層讀取。第3(a)-(C)圖所示即為三種可能的數據 ’如第3⑷圓所示之數據包僅包含語音數據， 圖包含有語音數據和部份非語音數據而第3(c)圈 匕含有非語音數據。因此，藉由動態封包的方式，能確 Γϊϊίί:以連續料，另外，能充分利用既有的傳輸 頻冤傳送數據。 據此，下層網路介面24内各協定模組的傳輸動作，將 根據當前最高速率來調整傳送封包的大小， 立 時數據的連續性與有效性。 示扣《等Ρ 下一節點入口訊息記錄下一個用戶訊息的入口位址， 多協定共用介面藉由此下一訊息連結各節點，方便 信息列表進行查詢暨管理。 而表一内緩衝區結構入口對應之緩衝區結構列表詳 於下表二。 名稱 用途 讀取位置 記錄當前的讀取位址 寫入位址 記錄當前的寫入位址 緩衝區入口位址 儲存相應緩衝區入口位址C: \ ProgramFiles \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E. Ptd Page 11 V. The data packet of the invention description (9) is transmitted after the voice data is transmitted; and after receiving the data packet, the receiving end transmits the voice data first It is processed by the upper layer, and the data is temporarily stored. After the entire non-speech data set is full, the scoop layer reads it. Figures 3 (a)-(C) show three possible types of data. The data packet shown in circle 3 contains only voice data. The figure contains voice data and some non-speech data. Figure 3 (c) The dagger contains non-speech data. Therefore, by means of dynamic packetization, it is possible to ensure that data is transmitted continuously, and in addition, the existing transmission frequency can be fully utilized to transmit data. According to this, the transmission operation of each protocol module in the lower-level network interface 24 will adjust the size of the transmission packet according to the current highest rate, and the continuity and validity of the data will be immediately. The button "The next node entry message records the entry address of the next user message. The multi-protocol common interface connects each node by this next message, which facilitates query and management of the information list. The buffer structure list corresponding to the buffer structure entry in Table 1 is detailed in Table 2 below. Name Purpose Read position Record current read address Write address Record current write address Buffer entry address Store corresponding buffer entry address

所對應之用戶訊息結構則 ·· 而表一中用戶訊息結構入 不於列表三。 名稱 用途 用戶名 s己錄用戶姓名 別名 S己錄用戶別名 擴展名 記錄用戶擴展名 IP位址 記錄用户的IP位址 SPX位址 記錄用戶的SPX位址 NetBEUI用戶名 記錄用戶的NetBEUI名 支援協定 記錄當前用戶所支援的協定 表三 此用戶訊息結構主要是記錄用戶訊息，提供予飼服器 (將於下文詳述）查詢之用，並便於對遠端用戶的選取操 η 作。 簡言之，多協定共用介面22透過套接口查詢相應節 點，再根據該節點所使用協定，以不同的控制和數據交換 方式與相對應的底層協定模組進行控制和數據交換《故從 傳送的角度言，用戶將需要傳送的數據經由上層通訊應用The corresponding user message structure is ··· The user message structure in Table 1 is not included in List 3. Name Purpose User Name s Recorded User Name Alias S Recorded User Alias Extension Record Record User Extension IP Address Record User IP Address SPX Address Record User SPX Address NetBEUI User Name Record User NetBEUI Name Support Agreement Record Table 3 of the agreement supported by the current user This user message structure is mainly for recording user information, provided to the feeder (to be described in detail below) for query, and to facilitate the selection operation of remote users. In short, the multi-protocol shared interface 22 queries the corresponding node through the socket, and then controls and exchanges data with the corresponding underlying protocol module in different control and data exchange modes according to the protocol used by the node. In perspective, the user will need to transmit the data via the upper-layer communication application.

C:\PrograinFiles\Patent\0549-3627-E. ptd第 13 頁 五、發明說明（11) 軟體20傳送至多協定共用介面22，由多協定共用介面22對 數據的進行封包處理後，分發予各底層協定模組24卜244 進行處理後’及於網路1傳送。若為接收言，各底層協定 模組24卜244負責處理網路1傳來的數據，再送至多協定共 用介面22對所收到之數據進行處理，產生統一格式之數 據’送予上層通訊應用軟體進行列印、顯示、儲存、或播 放等操作。由於多協定共用介面22以套接口形式為上層之 應用層20提供統一的控制和數據交換，故上層之應用層與 所用之通訊協定無涉，只需藉由不同的套接口進行統一的 操作即可。 然而’上述網路會議系統會議群内若干用戶間連接架 構（不論是鏈式連接、或是多點連接），均是基於用戶—伺 服器（client-server)的方式實現。請參照第4圖，所示為 實現鏈式連接或是多點連接架構之用戶-伺服器總合系統 方塊圖。 ' 第4囷中’一伺服器4用以對網路1進行管理，此飼服 器4包括：一主控制模組40、一用戶列表42、一多協定共 用介面44、以及一網路介面46等，其中，多協定共用介面 44和網路介面46之架構及作用與用戶2者相同，故於此不 再贅述。至於主控制模組40的兩大功用，一為馨應客戶端 註冊、註銷、以及更新申請，另一功能是管理用戶列表。 用戶列表42之節點架構即如下表四所示。 1^1 1^1 C:\PrcgramFues\patent\G549-3627-E.ptd$---- 五、發明說明（12) 參數名稱 用途 ~ 用戶訊息 記錄相關用戶訊息 狀態標誌 記錄該節點當前狀態 位置字 記錄當前節點在列表的位置 表四 以下對伺服器2與用戶端間進行連接伺服器4、用戶註 冊、呼叫遠端用戶、定時更新等操作分述如下。譬如，第 4圖所示網路2係以三個用戶A、B、C為例，其中，用戶人適 欲與伺服器4進行連接’而用戶B和C則已與伺服器4建立連 線。 (1) 連接伺服器：當用户A欲連接伺服器4，則多協定 共用介面22在初始化階段先查詢本地伺服器列表。若有词 服器訊息，則嘗試以該伺服器訊息連接伺服器4 ;若嘗試 失敗或本地無伺服器列表，則發送廣播信號申請祠服器訊 息。伺服器4收到廣播信號後，即將伺服器訊息發送至用 戶A ’而用戶A收到飼服器4訊息後’再次嘗試連接词服器 4 〇 (2) 用戶註冊：一旦用戶A連接伺服器4成功後，多協 定共用介面22即向伺服器4發送包括用戶名、所支援協 定、位址訊息等本地用戶訊息予伺服器4。而飼服器4收到C: \ PrograinFiles \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E. Ptd page 13 V. Description of the invention (11) The software 20 is transmitted to the multi-protocol common interface 22, and the data is processed by the multi-protocol common interface 22 and then distributed to each The underlying protocol module 24 and 244 process it and send it on network 1. In order to receive the speech, each of the underlying protocol modules 24 and 244 is responsible for processing the data transmitted from the network 1, and then sends it to the multi-protocol sharing interface 22 to process the received data to generate data in a uniform format and send it to the upper-layer communication application software Print, display, save, or play. Because the multi-protocol common interface 22 provides a unified control and data exchange for the upper application layer 20 in the form of a socket, the upper application layer has nothing to do with the communication protocol used, and only needs to perform unified operations through different sockets. can. However, the connection structure between several users in the above-mentioned network conference system conference group (whether it is a chain connection or a multipoint connection) is implemented based on a client-server method. Please refer to Figure 4, which is a block diagram of a user-server integrated system that implements a chain connection or multi-point connection architecture. A 'server 4' is used to manage the network 1. The feeder 4 includes a main control module 40, a user list 42, a multi-protocol common interface 44, and a network interface. 46, etc., among them, the structure and function of the multi-protocol common interface 44 and the network interface 46 are the same as those of the user 2, so they will not be repeated here. As for the two functions of the main control module 40, one is to register, deregister, and update the application for the client, and the other is to manage the user list. The node structure of the user list 42 is shown in Table 4 below. 1 ^ 1 1 ^ 1 C: \ PrcgramFues \ patent \ G549-3627-E.ptd $ ---- V. Description of the invention (12) Purpose of parameter name ~ User message record related user message status flag records the current status of the node The position of the word record of the current node in the list is as follows. Table 4 below describes the operations of connecting server 2 to the client, server 4, user registration, calling a remote user, and regular updates. For example, the network 2 shown in FIG. 4 uses three users A, B, and C as an example. Among them, the user is willing to connect with the server 4 ', and the users B and C have established a connection with the server 4. . (1) Connection server: When user A wants to connect to server 4, the multi-protocol shared interface 22 first queries the local server list during the initialization phase. If there is a server message, try to connect to server 4 with the server message; if the attempt fails or there is no local server list, send a broadcast signal to apply for a server message. After the server 4 receives the broadcast signal, it sends the server message to the user A ', and after the user A receives the message from the server 4', he tries to connect to the server 4 again. After 4 is successful, the multi-protocol sharing interface 22 sends a local user message including the user name, supported protocols, and address information to the server 4 to the server 4. And Feeder 4 received

C:\Prc«ramFiles\Patent\0549-3627-E.ptd第 15 頁C: \ Prc «ramFiles \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E.ptd page 15

用戶訊息後’即將其寫入用戶列表42内以備查詢，完成用 戶註冊程序。 (3) 呼叫遠端用戶··假若用戶B的上層模組2〇需要連接 網路2内其他用戶時，首先向伺服器4申請用戶列表42。然 後根據本地所支援的協定與用戶列表42中諸用戶所支援之 協定交集篩選，獲致可呼叫用户清單，供用戶B遠取呼叫 所欲連接之用戶。接著，若呼叫操作發現存在多種協定 時，則多協定共用介面22依序嘗試以本地所支援之各種 支援協定進行連接，直至成功為止。 (4) 定時更新·以用戶c為例。用戶c已與伺服器4建立 連線，並每隔一段既定時間間隔，會以多協定共用介面22 向伺服器4註冊，伺服器4收到註冊訊息後，即更新用戶列 表中用戶C的記錄，表示用戶C尚處於連接狀態。若伺服器 4長時間未收到某一用戶的註冊信息的話，則自動將該用 戶自用戶列表内清除，藉以確保在線用戶列表 性。 據此，透過此伺服器-用戶間的協調操作，本地用戶 毋需瞭解被呼叫對象所使用的具體協定，僅通過伺服器4 上所呼叫用戶的用戶名，即可連接遠端用戶，簡化 用上的複雜程度》 請參照第5圖’所示為根據本發明一用戶嘗試以多種 協定連接另一用戶的流程圖。第5圊中係以用戶能 tcp/ip、spx、NetBEUI等三種協定為例。首先於步驟5〇 進行初始化’意即對本機端所支援的·^^^、δρχ、After the user message ', it is written into the user list 42 for query and the user registration process is completed. (3) Calling a remote user ... If the upper module 20 of user B needs to connect to other users in the network 2, first apply for a user list 42 to the server 4. Then, based on the intersection of the protocols supported by the local and the protocols supported by the users in the user list 42, the list of callable users is obtained for user B to remotely call the user to which he wants to connect. Then, if the calling operation finds that there are multiple protocols, the multi-protocol sharing interface 22 sequentially attempts to connect with various support protocols supported locally until it succeeds. (4) Regular update · Take user c as an example. The user c has established a connection with the server 4 and will register with the server 4 through the multi-protocol shared interface 22 at a predetermined interval. After the server 4 receives the registration message, it updates the record of the user C in the user list Indicates that user C is still connected. If the server 4 has not received the registration information of a user for a long time, it will automatically clear the user from the user list to ensure the online user listability. According to this, through this server-user coordination operation, the local user does not need to know the specific agreement used by the called party, and can only connect to the remote user through the user name of the called user on the server 4, simplifying the use. Please refer to FIG. 5 'for a flowchart of a user trying to connect to another user with various protocols according to the present invention. In the fifth case, three protocols, such as TCP / IP, SPX, and NetBEUI, can be used as an example. First, perform initialization at step 50. This means that the supported ^^^, δρχ,

五、發明說明（14) 〜V. Description of the invention (14) ~

NetBEUI等三種協定在程式初始化時，經第2圖所示之網路 介面24自動偵測當前系統可用協定，並將相對應的 TCP/IP、SPX、NetBEUI協定模組安裝儲存。 然後，於步驟5卜56依序嘗試以TCP/IP、SPX、NetBEUI and other three protocols automatically detect the available protocols of the current system through the network interface 24 shown in Figure 2 when the program is initialized, and the corresponding TCP / IP, SPX, and NetBEUI protocol modules are installed and stored. Then, in steps 5 and 56, try TCP / IP, SPX,

NetBEUI等三種協定進行連接，倘若均連接失敗，則進行 步驟57通知上層20連接嘗試失敗。若於步驟52、54、或56 知嘗試以TCP/IP、SPX、或NetBEUI等三種協定中之一者進 行連接成功’則逕行步驟58分配新的緩衝區（諸如第2圖所 示標號226〜229中之一者），再於步驟59建立新的套接口 (諸如第2圖所示標號221〜224中之一者），分配予唯一的套 接口值。接著，進行步驟60將節點合法標誌、節點模式標 誌、節點當前狀態字、套接口值、緩衝區結構入口、編碼 方式、用戶訊息結構入口、連接次數計數器、連接速率: 當刖所用協定、下一節點入口等連接訊息，加入用戶訊息 列表2 2 5内，然後’於步驟6 1通知上層2 〇連接成功。 综合上述，根據本發明之網路會議系統，不僅可支援 TCP/ΪΡ、SPX、NetBEUI等多種協定，也支援數據機撥接 者，故可涵蓋企業内部網路、網際網路、和撥接網路等系 統之應用。此外，僅以用戶列表選取所欲、叫之接收端，' 大幅提昇呼叫的效率和增加用戶使用之方便性《再者，可 以支援各種協定之語音通訊，實現語音、文〜字、以及圖像 的同步傳輸，並以鏈式架構實現會議群内每一用戶均可同 時進行語音通訊。 雖然本發明已以較佳實施例揭露如上，然其並非用以NetBEUI and other three protocols are used to connect. If all the connections fail, go to step 57 to notify the upper layer 20 that the connection attempt failed. If at step 52, 54, or 56 it is known that the attempt to connect using one of the three protocols such as TCP / IP, SPX, or NetBEUI is successful, then go to step 58 to allocate a new buffer (such as the number 226 ~ shown in Figure 2) One of 229), and then create a new socket (such as one of the numbers 221 to 224 shown in FIG. 2) in step 59, and assign it to the unique socket value. Next, proceed to step 60. The node legal flag, node mode flag, node current status word, socket value, buffer structure entry, encoding method, user message structure entry, connection times counter, connection rate: when the protocol is used, next The connection information such as the node entrance is added to the user message list 2 2 5, and then the upper layer 2 is notified of the successful connection in step 6 1. To sum up, according to the network conference system of the present invention, not only can support various protocols such as TCP / IP, SPX, NetBEUI, but also modem dial-up users, so it can cover corporate intranet, Internet, and dial-up networks. Road and other systems. In addition, just select the desired and called receiver from the user list, and greatly improve the efficiency of the call and the convenience of the user. "Furthermore, it can support various protocols for voice communication, and realize voice, text, characters, and images. Synchronous transmission, and use the chain structure to realize that each user in the conference group can carry out voice communication at the same time. Although the present invention has been disclosed above in the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to

五、發明說明（15) 限定本發明，任何熟習此技藝者，在不脫離本發明之精神 和範圍内，當可作更動與潤飾，因此本發明之保護範圍當 視後附之申請專利範圍所界定者為準。V. Description of the invention (15) The invention is limited. Any person skilled in the art can make changes and retouches without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the invention shall be regarded as the scope of the attached patent application. Defined shall prevail.

C:\Program Files\Patent\0549-3627-E.ptd第 18 頁C: \ Program Files \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E.ptd page 18

Claims (1)

一多協定共用介 用介面藉由複數套接 該協定模組分配唯一 一應用層，耦接 自該應用層將所需傳 態地進行封包後，分 傳送；當於接收時， 應處理後，及於該多 行統一的格式處理， 面，耦接於該網路介面，該 口對該網路介面進杆答禅 踢义共 认如认 田進仃官理，而對每— 的套接口值；以及 於該多協定共用介面；當於傳送時， 送之數據傳送至該多協定共用介面動 送予該等協定模組進行相應之處理 係經該網路介面該等協定模組進行相 協定共用介面對所接收之該等數據進 再通知該應用層進行操取。 2.如申請專利範圍第1項所述之該可支援多種協定之 網路會議系統’其中，該多協定共用介面係以一用戶訊阜 列表對該等套接口進行管理。 ~ 3·如申請專利範圍第2項所述之該可支援多種協定之 網路會議系統，其中，該多協定共用介面尚包括複數緩衝 區，每一該緩衝區對應於該等套接口中之一者。 4.如申請專利範圍第1項所述之該可支援多種協定之 網路會議系統，其中，該動態地進行封包方式，係對語音 數據先予以連續性地封包，並在該網路會議系統之頻寬所A multi-protocol shared interface allocates a unique application layer by plurally socketing the protocol module, and is coupled to the application layer to packetize the required transmission state and then transmit; when receiving, it should be processed after And the unified format processing of the multiple lines, the surface is coupled to the network interface, and the port ’s response to the network interface is as good as the field ’s official management, and the set of each — Interface value; and the multi-protocol common interface; when transmitting, the data sent to the multi-protocol common interface is sent to the protocol modules for corresponding processing via the network interface and the protocol modules The agreed sharing interface then informs the application layer to perform operations on the received data. 2. The network conference system capable of supporting multiple protocols as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the multi-protocol common interface manages these interfaces with a user information list. ~ 3. As described in item 2 of the scope of the patent application, the multi-protocol network conference system can support a plurality of protocols, wherein the multi-protocol common interface also includes a plurality of buffers, each of which corresponds to one of the sockets. One. 4. The network conference system capable of supporting multiple protocols as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the dynamic packetization method is to continuously packetize voice data first, and then in the network conference system Bandwidth Institute C:\Program Files\Patent\0549-3627-E.ptd第 19 頁C: \ Program Files \ Patent \ 0549-3627-E.ptd page 19 ί許的範圍内，將非語音數據拆成較小的數攄接在該語音 數據後。 5.如申請專利範圍第1項所述之該可支援多種協定之 網路會議系統，其中，該網路内之該等用戶間呈一鏈 構。 ~ % 6，如申請專利範圍第1項所述之該可支援多種協定之 網路會議系統’其中，該網路經由一伺服器進行管理。Within a limited range, the non-speech data is divided into smaller numbers and then connected to the speech data. 5. The network conference system capable of supporting multiple protocols as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the users in the network are in a chain structure. ~% 6, as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, which is a network conference system that can support multiple protocols, wherein the network is managed by a server.