Abstract: A computer-implemented method of processing communications through a multimedia interface that includes a plurality of interface devices and a plurality of input/output devices. Each of the plurality of interface device is capable of connecting to a different communications network, and each of the plurality of input/output devices is capable of processing different media types.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 4, 2000
Date of Patent:
October 12, 2004
Assignee:
Wildfire Communications, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard A. Miner, William J. Warner, Anthony M. Lovell, Eric R. Shienbrood, Keith Gabryelski, Kenneth C. R. C. Arnold, Nicholas C. d'Arbeloff, Kee Hinckley
Abstract: A method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant to receive and manage incoming calls to a subscriber including the steps of receiving an incoming call to the subscriber from a caller; establishing a first connection between the electronic assistant and the caller; establishing a second connection between the electronic assistant and the subscriber; over the second connection, electronically notifying the subscriber of the incoming call; in response to receiving a call accept command from the subscriber over the second connection, linking the caller and the subscriber so that they may communicate with each other; upon linking the subscriber to the caller, switching the electronic assistant to a background mode in which said electronic assistant continues to monitor the subscriber over the second connection while the subscriber is linked with the caller; and in response to receiving a summoning command, switching the electronic assistant into a foreground mode, wherein the electronic assistant whe
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 22, 1997
Date of Patent:
April 4, 2000
Assignee:
Wildfire Communications, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard A. Miner, William J. Warner, Anthony M. Lovell, Eric R. Shienbrood, Keith Gabryelski, Kenneth C. R. C. Arnold, Nicholas C. d'Arbeloff, Kee Hinckley
Abstract: A virtual intercom method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant and including the steps of receiving a voice command from a first party, wherein the voice command identifies a user selectable one of a plurality of subscriber parties; responding to the voice command by generating a greeting to the first party, wherein the greeting is an audio recording in the voice of the identified subscriber; receiving a message generated by the first party for the identified subscriber; and storing the received message for later playback to the identified subscriber.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 24, 1997
Date of Patent:
February 1, 2000
Assignee:
Wildfire Communications, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard A. Miner, David M. Pelland, William J. Warner, Nancy Benovich Gilby
Abstract: A method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant to receive and manage incoming calls to a subscriber including the steps of receiving an incoming call to the subscriber from a caller; establishing a first connection between the electronic assistant and the caller; establishing a second connection between the electronic assistant and the subscriber; over the second connection, electronically notifying the subscriber of the incoming call; in response to receiving a call accept command from the subscriber over the second connection, linking the caller and the subscriber so that they may communicate with each other; upon linking the subscriber to the caller, switching the electronic assistant to a background mode in which said electronic assistant continues to monitor the subscriber over the second connection while the subscriber is linked with the caller; and in response to receiving a summoning command, switching the electronic assistant into a foreground mode, wherein the electronic assistant whe
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 1994
Date of Patent:
July 29, 1997
Assignee:
Wildfire Communications, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard A. Miner, William J. Warner, Anthony M. Lovell, Eric R. Shienbrood, Keith Gabryelski, Kenneth C. R. C. Arnold, Nicholas C. d'Arbeloff, Kee Hinckley