Patents by Inventor Bernadette M. Strout

Bernadette M. Strout has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5390243
    Abstract: A system for managing a telemarketing complex is disclosed wherein the probability of meeting a given performance objective by the agents servicing an automatic call distributor (ACD) within the complex is computed for each subinterval of a predetermined service interval. This probability is then compared with threshold levels in order to determine whether the ACD requires that calls be shifted to meet the performance objective or whether calls can be accepted by that ACD. A record is maintained for each subinterval of the probabilities computed for that subinterval and as to whether the system succeeded or failed in achieving the performance objective at the end of the service interval. This record is used to compute the threshold levels used in future comparisons. In addition, the system computes a line-estimation factor which when multiplied by the number of agents working can be used to estimate the call load for an ACD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Brenda L. Casselman, Robert A. Malmi, Bernadette M. Strout
  • Patent number: 5164983
    Abstract: A telemarketing complex is managed by a system that compiles and processes traffic analysis data obtained from customer premises-based information sources as well as public switched telecommunications network-based information sources, such that service levels are automatically and dynamically balanced among telecommunications centers (TCs) in the complex. Typically, the telemarketing complex is comprised of a plurality of ACDs and a plurality of data centers that may be selectively linked to the (TCs) where the telemarketer receives calls. The system includes: (1) an interface to network-based services that report the origin and destination of each of a plurality of calls received by the telemarketer at all locations; (2) an interface to network-based services that enables the telemarketer to affect changes in call processing logic; and (3) a traffic control center processor (TCCP) that accepts input data from all other elements in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: American Telephone & Telegraph Company
    Inventors: Percy B. Brown, Brenda Casselman, Gerard Conn, Robert A. Malmi, Valentine C. Matula, Margaret H. Redberg, Dimitri T. Stein, Bernadette M. Strout