Transition From On-hook To Off-hook (e.g., Idle To Busy) Patents (Class 379/207.07)
  • Patent number: 10063704
    Abstract: A system and method for providing call-back options is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a call in a call routing system, providing at least one call-back option for a caller to receive a call-back, re-allocating resources in the call routing system based at least in part on the at least one call-back: option, and calling the caller based on the at least one call-back option. The caller may specify a specific time, a relative time, or a time range when a call-back is preferred. The caller may also specify one or more telephone numbers in combination with the time preferences. The call-back may be initiated by a voice response unit (VRU) and additional call-back options may be presented to the customer who responds to the call-back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
    Inventors: Nitin Dhir, Richard H. Hogrogian, Robert Thomas O'Reilly, Jr., Ravi Kappagantu
  • Patent number: 9042538
    Abstract: Network architectures, methods, and operations for routing telephone calls are disclosed. A customer premise includes a conventional POTS dedicated communication line to a central office switch and a broadband connection to a data network. The central office switch and the data network are connected by a communication link. A first telephone call originated at the customer premise may be connected via the dedicated communication link. A second or subsequent call originated at the customer premise may be connected via the data network. Optionally, the same call identifier may be assigned to the first and second or subsequent calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clark Stevens, F. Joseph Glynn
  • Patent number: 8891751
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing call parking for a communication network are disclosed. The method first determines a disconnection of a first party's endpoint device, wherein said first party is either a calling party or a called party. The method then determines if said disconnection of said first party's endpoint device is due to hanging up. If said disconnection is not due to hanging up, the method parks a second party wherein said second party is either a calling party or a called party communicating with said first party prior to said disconnection. The method determines if said first party's device is back online and reconnects said first party and second party if said first party's device is back online.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Cheung, Kermit Hal Purdy
  • Patent number: 8712025
    Abstract: A communication terminal includes a communication unit configured to carry out communications with a communication terminal of an intended counterparty; a detector configured to detect information reflecting a status of a user of the own communication terminal; a condition checker configured to check whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by comparing information reflecting a status of a user of the communication terminal of the counterparty, received via the communication unit, with the information detected by the detector; and a controller configured to exercise control so that a communication circuit is established with the communication terminal of the counterparty via the communication unit when it is determined by the condition checker that the condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Asukai, Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Makoto Inoue, Yasushi Miyajima, Kosei Yamashita, Takatoshi Nakamura, Mitsuru Takehara, Toru Sasaki, Masafumi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8406406
    Abstract: A call connection method and apparatus in a communication system are provided, in which a call connection request message is received from each of first and second terminals, it is determined whether the first and second terminals are requesting a call connection to each other, one of the first and second terminals is selected if the first and second terminals are requesting a call connection to each other, the call connection request of the selected terminal is rejected, and a call is connected between the first and second terminals by performing a call connection to the selected terminal according to the call connection request of the non-selected terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Deok-Ki Kim, Jung-Soo Woo, Seung-Hoon Park, Su-Ryong Jeong, Young-Kyun Kim, Ho-Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 8391458
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a communication system is described. A communication interface receives a first user request for a voice service from a communication device. In response to receiving the first user request, the communication interface transfers an initial message requesting access to the voice service. The communication interface receives a response to the initial message that indicates that the voice service is not available. After receiving the response, the communication interface receives a second user request from the communication device. A processing system processes the second user request to determine if the second user request indicates an emergency service. If the second user request indicates the emergency service, then the communication interface transfers a call request for the emergency service. If the second user request does not indicate the emergency service, then the communication interface notifies the communication device that the voice service is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Michael Bloomcamp, Russell E. Huntsman
  • Patent number: 8320548
    Abstract: A method for processing the busyness of flexible alert group with multi-user type, the method comprises: a caller dials a guiding number of Flexible Alert (FA), and the calling is connected to an application server, the application server acquires member numbers of the FA group based on the guiding number, and establishes the callings to each member in the FA group; when one member in the FA group returns a busyness message, if the FA is of the multi-user type, the application server continues waiting for the response from other members in the FA group; and if one member in the FA group hooks off and answers, the application server establishes a session from the caller to the member that hooks off and answers, and releases all the callings to the other members in the FA group; if all the members in the FA group return busyness messages, the application server returns FA group being busy to the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Qiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8213590
    Abstract: A call control system comprises a communication interface and a processing system. The communication interface is configured to receive a first access request from a communication system requesting access to a voice service. The communication interface is configured to, in response to receiving the first access request, transfer a rejection to the communication system that indicates that the voice service is not available. The communication interface is configured to, in response to transferring the rejection, receive a first call request for a priority service from the communication system. The processing system is configured to process the first call request to determine if the first call request indicates the priority service. If the first call request indicates the priority service, then the communication interface is configured to transfer a second access request to a communication network in response to the first call request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Russell E. Huntsman, Eric Michael Bloomcamp, Jeffery O. Green, Pierce Andrew Gorman
  • Patent number: 8213588
    Abstract: A communication terminal includes a communication unit configured to carry out communications with a communication terminal of an intended counterparty; a detector configured to detect information reflecting a status of a user of the own communication terminal; a condition checker configured to check whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by comparing information reflecting a status of a user of the communication terminal of the counterparty, received via the communication unit, with the information detected by the detector; and a controller configured to exercise control so that a communication circuit is established with the communication terminal of the counterparty via the communication unit when it is determined by the condition checker that the condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Asukai, Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Makoto Inoue, Yasushi Miyajima, Kosei Yamashita, Takatoshi Nakamura, Mitsuru Takehara, Toru Sasaki, Masafumi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8189569
    Abstract: An apparatus for switching a user between an IP network and a PSTN is disclosed in the present invention and includes a user port, a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit, a detection circuit, a PSTN port, an IP network interface circuit and an action unit. A method for switching a user between the IP network and the PSTN is also disclosed. According to the method, the action unit is controlled by the control signal from a CPU, thereby implementing the user switching between the IP network and the PSTN on the apparatus. The apparatus and the method enable one or more users to switch between the IP network and the PSTN, implements flexible user selection between the two networks and offers user communication backup when failure occurs. Accordingly, the present invention increases the satisfaction of users and the core competence of enterprises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jinyong Ma
  • Patent number: 8184793
    Abstract: Network architectures, methods, and operations for routing telephone calls are disclosed. A customer premise includes a conventional POTS dedicated communication line to a central office switch and a broadband connection to a data network. The central office switch and the data network are connected by a communication link. A first telephone call originated at the customer premise may be connected via the dedicated communication link. A second or subsequent call originated at the customer premise may be connected via the data network. Optionally, the same call identifier may be assigned to the first and second or subsequent calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clarke Stevens, F. Joseph Glynn
  • Patent number: 8149824
    Abstract: A method for implementing a service triggered by off-hook includes: sending information of a service triggered by off-hook which is subscribed by a user to a service implementing server; carrying out an operation of the service triggered by off-hook according to the information of the service triggered by off-hook when the user is off-hook. The embodiments of the present invention also provide a system for implementing a service triggered by off-hook. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the service implementing server may carry out the operation of the service triggered by off-hook according to a subscription type of the user to implement the service triggered by off-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongda Lin, Tianyu Yang
  • Patent number: 8036360
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method produces a hook status notification. The method comprises detecting an off-hook state, allocating a half-dialog identification, generating an off-hook notification message, and associating the half-dialog identification with the off-hook notification message. In an alternative embodiment, a communication platform is adapted to comprise a processor component operable to receive an off-hook notification message comprising a half-dialog identification, and to store the half-dialog identification. The communication platform subsequently receives a signaling protocol message initiating a dialog, wherein the signaling protocol message is associated with the half-dialog identification. The communication platform then correlates the second signaling protocol message with the stored half-dialog identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Surya B. Gogineni, Daniel P. Linton, Umesh P. Katapadi, Wayne Leung
  • Patent number: 7949115
    Abstract: A method for providing telephony features at an endpoint includes accessing a service framework at an endpoint. The service framework is operable to provide one or more telephony features. Feature logic associated with a first telephony feature is accessed. The feature logic specifies a plurality of actions for implementing the first telephony feature. The first telephony feature is registered to receive an intercept upon the occurrence of an event. The occurrence of the event for which the first telephony feature is registered is identified. The event initiates a transition from a first state to a second state. The feature logic associated with the first telephony feature is loaded to provide the first telephony feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Chen, Michael H. McClung, Jeffery A. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7804949
    Abstract: This invention integrates instant messaging, presence, and other collaborative capabilities with conventional PBX functionality through use of a PBX-Messaging Integration Client (PMIC). The invention in its several embodiments features a method and system for using the PMIC-based computer interface to perform off-hook/on-hook presence notification for a PBX phone, establish media sessions concurrent with PBX telephonic communication, execute custom call treatment in conjunction with a PBX phone, implement call transfer capability between a PBX phone and numerous other devices, and provide PBX call control. The PBX is generally enabled with computer telephony integration (CTI) and, depending on the embodiment, a Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The invention empowers enterprise workers with a diverse, unified and integrated set of both PBX functions and SIP-based collaboration tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Michael S. Wengrovitz
  • Patent number: 7751553
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide voice control of dial tone and audio message in a telephone in an initial off-hook period. A telephone system has a telephone with a receiver having an off-hook position. The telephone system provides a user with control of a telephone function. The telephone system includes an audio output to provide an audio message to the receiver in the off-hook position. The audio message includes an option for playing the audio message or a dial tone the next instance the receiver is in the off-hook position. A control interface receives a selected option in response to a user command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Knowledge Ventures I, L.P.
    Inventor: Larry B. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20100091970
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing call parking for a communication network are disclosed. The method first determines a disconnection of a first party's endpoint device, wherein said first party is either a calling party or a called party. The method then determines if said disconnection of said first party's endpoint device is due to hanging up. If said disconnection is not due to hanging up, the method parks a second party wherein said second party is either a calling party or a called party communicating with said first party prior to said disconnection. The method determines if said first party's device is back online and reconnects said first party and second party if said first party's device is back online.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: ERIC CHEUNG, Kermit Hal Purdy
  • Patent number: 7688962
    Abstract: The present invention provides telephone line subscribers the benefits of simultaneous ringing service without wasting telephone network resources. When a simultaneous ringing service subscriber's wireline telephone (the primary telephone) receives an incoming call, a service switching point connected to the primary telephone sends a query to a service control point. The service control point then checks the busy/idle status of the primary telephone as well as the subscriber's wireless telephone (the secondary telephone). If the primary and the secondary telephones are idle and can receive the call, the service control point instructs the service switching point to forward the call to a service node. Otherwise, the service switching point is authorized to terminate the call. When the service node receives the call from the service switching point, it generates two calls simultaneously: one to the primary telephone and one to the secondary telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Knoerle, Hong Nguyen, Zeeman Zhang
  • Patent number: 7636429
    Abstract: In providing call backup of a VoIP terminal, where the VoIP terminal connected to a VoIP network is automatically provided with a PSTN backup function, the on the hook state is deferred for a predetermined time period even when the on the hook state is required to be performed while a user makes an urgent communication, and a ring tone signal transmitted from a PSTN can be detected even when the telephone connected to the VoIP terminal is in a VoIP mode state. Simultaneously, the telephone connected to the VoIP terminal senses the hook state of the telephone in the state of the PSTN, and can be automatically connected to the VoIP network upon the VoIP terminal being on the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Hwan Kwak
  • Patent number: 7308081
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to processing calls to busy telecommunications lines. In one embodiment, the presence of a subscriber accessing a computer network over a first telephone line via a first computer terminal is detected, wherein the subscriber also has a first telephone station connected to the first line. When a caller calls the first line and the first line is busy, the call is forwarded to a second telephone line associated with a call manager system. The call manager system determines when the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network. At least partly in response to determining that the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network, the call manager system transmits a text message to the caller, the message including the subscriber's phone number. The caller can then call back the first line using the transmitted phone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Callwave, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Trandal, David J. Brahm
  • Patent number: 6639973
    Abstract: An originating party (10) places a call through an originating party called control (30), through a network (40), through a terminating party call control (50) to a terminating subscriber (22). For an inability to complete the connection from the originating subscriber to the terminating subscriber, control is returned from the terminating party call control through network (40) to the call control logic (31) of the originating party call control (30) or directly to the originating subscriber (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jill C. Wheeler, Peter J. Armbruster, Bradley R. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6453023
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for retrieving a telephone call that has been diverted from an originally called user telephone to an alternative destination, such as a voice mail system or another user telephone. An incoming call directed toward the called user telephone is received at an exchange. The exchange routes the call to the called user telephone and monitors the call to determine if the called user telephone answers the call within a predetermined period. If not, the exchange reroutes the call to the alternative destination. Subsequently, a request is received to retrieve the rerouted call for connection with the originally called user telephone. In response, the exchange connects the call with the originally called user telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan W. McKee
  • Patent number: 6389118
    Abstract: An electronic switch in a telephone system provides automatic connection of a subscriber going off-hook to a SN/IP, while at the same time remaining responsive to dialing by the subscriber. The switch also permits access code dialing connection to the SN/IP and provides dial pulse to DTKF conversion over the connection path. Upon request by a off-hook subscriber connected to the SN/IP by the switch, the SN/IP can perform dialing or invoke other call features which will be processed by the switch as if requested by the off-hook subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Edgar Martinez, Mark A. Glemboski