Patents by Inventor Melanie L. Smith

Melanie L. Smith 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: 8472612
    Abstract: An improved system and method that allows a customer waiting, for example, in a call center queue to leave contact information, a preferred callback time frame and drop out of the queue. The system and method computes a priority access code and a time frame when its use is valid that coincides with the preferred callback time frame of the call center or customer service department, etc. In response to the request for a priority access code to use when the customer calls back, the system and method sends the customer a callback message including the priority access code and time frame when its use is valid. During the time frame the priority access code is valid, the customer contacts the call center for example by calling back or by initiating a web chat, etc., re-enters the queue and uses the priority access code. This allows the customer to enter a general queue at their convenience and at a higher priority or go straight to the head of the general queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Goringe, Alex M. Krumm-Heller, Alan Green, Peter D. Runcie, Melanie L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7571239
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for determining one or more credentials of a network device. The system and method select a first network device from among a plurality of network devices, access a credential repository, contact the first network device, and test the validity of the first set of credentials. The credential repository comprises a first set of credentials corresponding to the first network device. If a user provides invalid or no credentials, a candidate credential queue can be used to guess a valid second set of credentials when the first set of credentials is not valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Goringe, Muneyb Minhazuddin, James D. Schreuder, Alex M. Krumm-Heller, Alastair J. Rankine, Melanie L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7515695
    Abstract: An Interactive Voice Response unit (IVR) is provided that includes a menu structure comprising a plurality of menus, each menu comprising a plurality of options that are selectable by a user, wherein the plurality of menus and each menu's respective plurality of options define a plurality of potential navigation paths for the user through the menu structure and a processor operable to receive, from the user, a request to change the menu structure; effect the requested change to the menu structure; and associate the changed menu structure with the requesting user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Chan, Neil Hepworth, Melanie L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030131096
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for determining one or more credentials of a network device. The system and method select a first network device from among a plurality of network devices, access a credential repository 108, contact the first network device, and test the validity of the first set of credentials. The credential repository 108 comprises a first set of credentials corresponding to the first network device. If a user provides invalid or no credentials, a candidate credential queue 112 can be used to guess a valid second set of credentials when the first set of credentials is not valid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher M. Goringe, Muneyb Minhazuddin, James D. Schreuder, Alex M. Krumm-Heller, Alastair J. Rankine, Melanie L. Smith
  • Patent number: D737098
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Melanie L. Smith