Hold Circuit Patents (Class 379/393)
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Patent number: 11005988Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for providing smart notifications during voice call transitions from hold status to active status are described. An example method can include establishing a call between an endpoint and a remote device; after a determination that the call was placed on hold by the remote device, monitoring, by the endpoint, the call for an indication of a call resume transition, the indication of the call resume transition including at least one of a particular keyword transmitted by the remote device, an active speaker at the remote device, and a dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) input from the remote device; detecting, by the endpoint, the indication of the call resume transition; and in response to detecting the indication of the call resume transition, generating, by the endpoint, a notification indicating that the hold has ended and the call has resumed.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Satish Babu Patakokila, Ramprasad Katkam, Dinesh Kumar Dommaraju, Venkata Leela Kiran Darisi
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Patent number: 10911090Abstract: There is provided a portable terminal that combines a function of physically protecting the screen, a function of protecting privacy of display on the screen, and a function of making the screen viewable when required. A screen drawing process unit decreases viewability of at least a portion of the screen if it is determined that a flip cover having a window region that faces a touch panel and that is translucent or transparent is superposed on a display surface of a smartphone.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kenji Kimura
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Patent number: 8963695Abstract: A vibrator designed to be integrated into a portable electronic device as part of a haptic alert device has a linear electric motor that is coupled to actively drive a moveable weight in back-and-forth directions to produce the desired vibration. A lock mechanism has a restraining member that is biased into a lock position, which prevents the moveable weight from moving in the back-and-forth directions when the vibrator is inactive. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. Johnson, Yehonatan Perez, Sawyer I. Cohen, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
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Patent number: 8717946Abstract: A method and a device for holding calls between networks are disclosed herein. The method includes: receiving a call hold request sent by a UE in a CS network, where the call hold request carries an indication that the UE in the CS network will continue sending media streams; and instructing a peer device to keep receiving the media streams from the UE in the CS network and stop sending the media streams. In the technical solution under the present invention, the UE in the CS network partially releases the radio resources after initiating the call hold operation, and therefore, the UE in the CS network can play local media files to the peer device after the call is held, thus saving network resources and improving the user experience.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuiping Long, Hui Jin, Xiaoyan Duan
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Patent number: 8494122Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to interactive voice response (IVR) system session management and provide a method, system and computer program product for call interruption handling in an IVR data processing system. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for call interruption handling in an IVR data processing system can include detecting a call interruption of a telephone call between a caller and an IVR system during an established IVR session for the caller. The method also can include saving state information for the established IVR session in connection with the caller in response to detecting the call interruption.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Peeyush Jaiswal, James R. Lewis
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Patent number: 8284927Abstract: A telephone is provided with a port for disconnectably connecting an external information source, such as an MP3 player, to the telephone, and an on-hold function that operates while a call of the telephone is on hold and either presents to the telephone's user the information from the external source if the external source is connected, or presents to the user on-hold information from a telephone network if the external source is not connected, or presents silence at the user's option, irrespective of whether or not the external source is connected.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Avaya Inc.Inventors: Christopher Chu, Brijen Doshi, Paul Roller Michaelis, D. Michael Overmyer, Chandra Ravipati, Michael J. Thomas, Patrick Toole, Dongliang Wang
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Patent number: 8259917Abstract: A system and method for generating one-way speech signal samples may include, in a telecommunications network, establishing a call connection between a far-end telephone and a near-end telephone. A resistance component may be selectively configured in parallel with the far-end telephone, where the resistance component has a value representative of resistance produced by the far-end telephone being off hook. A speech signal being communicated from the near-end telephone may be recorded.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLCInventor: Amar N. Ray
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Patent number: 8259912Abstract: A programmable in-the-skin or intelligently connected message on hold delivery system is disclosed which comprises a message storage system and a processor for generating prompts which are transmitted to a control device. The prompts are received at the control device and allow an operator to select from a number of options in order to select, among other things, certain ones of the messages stored on said message storage system for playback, as well as the sequence in which said messages are to be played back. The message playback devices are each provided with one or more libraries of messages, and comprise at least one or more audio and/or visual advertising messages. Said system enables the user to start a pre-recorded audio or visual message at the beginning each time a caller is placed on hold in the telephone system.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Info-Hold, Inc.Inventor: Joey C. Hazenfield
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Patent number: 8194829Abstract: When one party to an active call has momentarily stepped away from the call that has not been put on hold, the other party can record and leave a message for the party that stepped away, and then hang up. The call is monitored for return of the party that stepped away. When the returned party begins to speak, the message is immediately played to the returned party in response. In a conference, after a conferee who wishes to leave the conference, records a message and hangs up, the conference is monitored for either a break in the conversation or conversation directed to the party that left, and in response the message is played to the other conferees.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Avaya Inc.Inventors: Sreerupa Das, ShengXiang Gui, Ashis Maity, Michael J. Thomas
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Patent number: 8130936Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method configured to provide a caller with selectable activities and entertainment when the caller is on-hold. The system and method establishes a connection between a caller and a receiving system, wherein the receiving system is configured to access a plurality of entertainment sources utilizing a selectable link. The receiving system can determine a caller's selection and retrieve the selection from an entertainment provider that stores the selection. The caller can select an entertainment category from a plurality of entertainment categories and select specific audible selections within the categories to be played to the caller. The system and method can provide a menu driven interaction and respond to voice commands and touchtone input to provide the selected entertainment from specific artists, games, and entertainers.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Philip Ted Kortum, Benjamin Anthony Knott, Robert R. Bushey
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Patent number: 8107596Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing on-hold information to a telecommunication terminal that has been placed on-hold during a telecommunication call by receiving a message designating that the telecommunication terminal is to be placed on-hold from a far-end of the telecommunication call, and transmitting an on-hold message to the user of the telecommunication terminal where the on-hold message is selected by the user and generated at a near-end of the telecommunication call.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Avaya Inc.Inventors: Christopher Reon Gentle, Lisa Yoshiko Kawahara, Ashis Kumar Maity, Michael John Thomas
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Patent number: 7995744Abstract: A hook switch turns on a transistor by connecting the positive electrode terminal of a capacitor to a base terminal of a transistor in an off-hook state, causing a speech circuit and telephone lines to be connected. The hook switch turns off the transistor by disconnecting the positive electrode terminal of the capacitor from the base terminal of the transistor in an on-hook state, causing the speech circuit and the telephone lines to be disconnected. A holding circuit holds the voltage at the positive electrode terminal of the capacitor at a substantially fixed value by charging the capacitor with electric power supplied from the telephone lines in an off-hook state.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Uniden CorporationInventor: Yoshinobu Fujiwara
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Publication number: 20090161859Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing “on hold” commands in a call center. A communication dialog is processed by storing a checkpoint containing a context of the communication; monitoring the communication dialog for an “on-hold” condition; and suspending the communication dialog when the “on-hold” condition is detected The “on-hold” condition can be detected by monitoring telephony signaling. The communication dialog can optionally be returned to a restart point, such as a checkpoint, when the “on-hold” condition is detected. The communication dialog can be monitored for an “off-hold” condition and restarted from a checkpoint when the “off-hold” condition is detected. A resume context message can optionally be provided to the caller when the “off-hold” condition is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: George W. Erhart, Valentine C. Matula, David Skiba
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Patent number: 7508929Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for simulating an “in use” condition in a telephone line, so that incoming calls will get a busy signal and, therefore, will not ring all telephones on that line.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Inventor: Anthony George D'Eqidio
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Publication number: 20080181391Abstract: A hook switch turns on a transistor by connecting the positive electrode terminal of a capacitor to a base terminal of a transistor in an off-hook state, causing a speech circuit and telephone lines to be connected. The hook switch turns off the transistor by disconnecting the positive electrode terminal of the capacitor from the base terminal of the transistor in an on-hook state, causing the speech circuit and the telephone lines to be disconnected. A holding circuit holds the voltage at the positive electrode terminal of the capacitor at a substantially fixed value by charging the capacitor with electric power supplied from the telephone lines in an off-hook state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: UNIDEN CORPORATIONInventor: Yoshinobu Fujiwara
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Patent number: 7292869Abstract: A telephone equipment having a main apparatus and a plurality of cordless handsets, which can perform an extension communication with being relayed by the main apparatus. Such a telephone equipment includes a line holding system that holds a connection between the main apparatus and the outside apparatus, an extension communication detecting system that detects start of the extension communication when the communication with respect to the outside apparatus is being held, a timer that measures a time period elapsed from the start of the extension communication, and a notification system that causes at least one of the cordless handsets performing the extension communication to perform a notifying operation when the time period measured by the timer exceeds a predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tsutomu Ukon
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Patent number: 7139391Abstract: A hook switch circuit is shown wherein two high-voltage bipolar transistors, a PNP transistor Q1 and a NPN transistor Q2. that are connected in a regenerative feedback manner to form a bi-stable latch. The regenerative structure permits the use of low beta transistors that may be turned on with a low control current, but still conduct a sufficient off-hook current. Also shown is a polarity steering regenerative switch (MP1, MP2) that provides a power supply voltage from a telephone line pair and may be adapted for a polarity signal and can be combined with a current mirror (MP7) to produce a current signal proportional to the line voltage (LV1).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Integration Associates, Inc.Inventors: Wayne T. Holcombe, Matthijs D. Pardoen
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Patent number: 7123707Abstract: Methods, and communications devices employing such methods, of controlling communications with at least two calling party devices by a user of a called party device. A first call link is established between a called party device and a first calling party device. The called party device then receives a call request from a second calling party device; e.g., a call-waiting indication. A user of the called party device places the first call link on hold, and accepts the call request from the second calling party device to establish a second call link between the called party device and the second calling party device. While the user of the called party device is in communication with the user of the second calling party device, the user can cause a message to be transmitted to the first calling party device, whereby the user of the called party device can communicate information to a user of the first calling party device without interrupting communications with a user of the second calling party device.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Ericsson Inc.Inventors: Farzad Hiri, Mark Peck, Adam Roach
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Patent number: 7085263Abstract: Devices, softwares and methods for network telephony sense if a party that has been placed on hold is talking. If it does, transmitting on hold music or other characteristic sound is discontinued. Accordingly, the other party is not annoyed, such as in a conference call scenario.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventor: Cary Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 7031462Abstract: In an electronic inductor circuit, an operational amplifier drives the base of the electronic inductor transistor, and receives negative feedback from the emitter of the transistor. The transistor and operational amplifier combine to form a voltage-controlled, current source (VCCS) with respect to the loop current. A voltage divider connected across the rectified Tip and Ring voltage (or another node of the circuit at an equivalent voltage) provides a DC reference to the positive input of the operational amplifier, so that the line current automatically increases with an increase in line voltage. A capacitor couples the transmit signal driver to the positive input of the operational amplifier. This electronic inductor circuit can be driven using a low voltage supply and provides sufficient linearity for high-speed modem applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Frank Sacca, Raphael Rahamim
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Patent number: 6978011Abstract: An ADSL POTS splitter includes an enhanced low pass filter. The enhanced low pass filter includes a first filter capacitor, a first non-isolated inductor, a second non-isolated inductor, a first isolated inductor and a common mode choke. The second non-isolated inductor is connected to the first non-isolated inductor. A first winding of the second non-isolated inductor is connected in series with a first winding of the first non-isolated inductor. A second winding of the second non-isolated inductor connected in series with a second winding of the first non-isolated inductor. The first isolated inductor is connected to the first non-isolated inductor with a first winding of the first isolated inductor connected in series with the first winding of the first non-isolated inductor and to a first lead of the first filter capacitor. A second winding of the first isolated inductor connected in series with the second winding of the first non-isolated inductor and to a second lead of the first filter capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: AlcatelInventor: Richard H. Bailey
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Patent number: 6959083Abstract: An audio signal processor which modifies audio signal components outside the conventional audio frequency band. The processor includes a Delta Sigma Modulator (DSM) that receives a non-interpolated digital audio signal sampled at a frequency of at least 198 kHz.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey W. Scott, Andrew W. Krone, Navdeep S. Sooch, David R. Welland
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Patent number: 6947546Abstract: A method for producing a hook-flash event on a loop (6B) incorporating a supervisory signal circuit. The supervisory signal circuit includes a supervisory signal source (2) that causes a supervisory current to flow around the loop through a threshhold detector device (4) and one or more supervised devices (10 and 24). When a counter-signal source (34) is connected to the loop, it opposes the flow of loop supervisory loop current (12), causing its level to drop below the detection threshhold of the threshhold detector device. After a timed period, the counter-signal source is disconnected from the loop, allowing the level of supervisory loop current to return to its normal state, thereby completing the hook-flash event on the loop.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: Michael J. Ceglia
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Patent number: 6873700Abstract: There is provided an announcing method for a notification message in a PBX. The PBX stores the index of a predetermined hold notification message for a corresponding DID (Direct Inward Dialing) number upon incoming a call from a DID office line in a call processing buffer, connects the call between the office line and a corresponding extension line, then announces the hold notification message corresponding to the stored index when the call is placed on hold during the call.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yong-Sang Kim
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Patent number: 6870919Abstract: According to some embodiments, a mute status reminder is provided for a communication device.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Steve R. Dobler
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Patent number: 6853725Abstract: An off-hook management telecommunication system comprising a DTMF detector, an encoder and a microprocessor located within a channel unit. The system allows the user to depress a selected sequence of keys during a line connection which indicate to the microprocessor to hold the line off-hook, via signaling to a central office, despite the fact that the telephone is being returned to an on-hook position. The line is held off-hook for a predetermined amount of time to allow the user to switch telephones.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: Dmitry Levitan
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Patent number: 6850610Abstract: A telecommunications device and a method for providing information to a party placed on hold during a call waiting condition. The telecommunications device includes a memory unit, and a call waiting module in communication with the memory unit. The call waiting module is for transmitting information stored in the memory unit to the party when the call waiting condition is detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property CorporationInventor: Mark A. Coleman
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Patent number: 6836545Abstract: Each of multifunctional telephones has a common hold button for accepting a hold/hold release instruction of a communication partner (extension) under transfer communication; a central processing equipment controls each part of a private branch exchange so that the transfer communication partner concerned is held in accordance with a hold instruction from a multifunctional telephone under transfer communication; the information of a hold target (extension) is registered into a hold information registration area; in accordance with a hold release instruction from a multifunctional telephone holding a communication partner, the information of the communication partner specified by the instruction is searched from the hold information registration area; and the holding of the communication partner specified by the searched information is released to connect the communication partner to the multifunctional telephone concerned, whereby the communication partner (extension) under transfer communication can be heldType: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Hitachi Telecom Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Abe, Shinji Saitou
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Patent number: 6807262Abstract: A switch based feature that allows subscribers to adjust their incoming or outgoing audio signal strength. The value of the transmit or receive pad values on the subscriber line card are adjusted to control the strength of the audio signal transmitted to, or received from, the network. The subscriber controls the feature by sending a hook flash to the switch, entering the DTMF keypad feature code and transmit or receive volume parameters, and then returning to the call.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Stuart O. Goldman
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Patent number: 6785383Abstract: A telephone line connection and disconnection circuit has a diode bridge coupled to the telephone line which converts different voltages of the telephone line into a voltage referenced to ground. A switching circuit is coupled to the diode bridge which opens and closes a conductive pathway for connecting and disconnecting a telephony product from the telephone line. A resistive element is coupled to the diode bridge and the switching circuit which allows for the conductive pathway to be normally closed. An optical isolator is coupled to the switching circuit and the resistive element for sending a control signal to the circuit when required.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Fans Telecom, Inc.Inventors: Yuan-Neng Fan, Shih-Ming Tung
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Patent number: 6778664Abstract: A novel line-current protection circuit for detecting excessive line current from a telephone line and protecting line interface circuitry from the excessive line current is presented. The protection circuit is adapted to detect when an excessive current is present on the tip and ring lines indicative of the misconnection of the modem or other line interface device with a telephone network that presents an incompatible interface standard. The preferred embodiment appreciates the multimode hold current specifications throughout the world and evaluates the connection of the line interface circuit with a telephone line to determine the compatibility therewith. When excessive line current is detected, the line-protection circuit switches the vulnerable line interface out of the circuit. When compatible line current levels are detected, the present invention reconfigures the configurable hold circuit into its original operating (e.g., non-testing) state for call processing.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: 3Com CorporationInventors: Tim Urry Price, Scott W. Rupp, Randy Rollins
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Patent number: 6751306Abstract: A telephone user sets up a “personalized” menu identifying a set of information options from which he or she desires to select when placed on-hold in a telephone system. The user's personal preferences are then saved. When the party later makes a call to a telephone system or is called, and then is placed on-hold, the party's telephone service provider or local equipment accesses the user's personalized menu and offers the one or more information options as defined in the menu. In an illustrative embodiment, the personalized menu options are voiced over the telephone line and the user then makes selections using keypad (i.e. DTMF signaling) or voice input. A response may be interrupted to make another menu selection, or to repeat the current response. If the response being played has not completed when the other party returns, that response is suspended and may be completed when the user is placed back on hold or the call is completed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
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Publication number: 20040091100Abstract: A CMOS implementation for a DC holding circuit in direct access arrangement (DAA) circuitry is disclosed that provides desirable inductive behavior while minimizing power dissipation required by the CMOS integrated circuit, particularly at high loop currents. The DC holding circuitry disclosed may include MOS transistors located on a CMOS integrated circuit and an off-chip power dissipating resistor that acts to dissipate power external to the CMOS integrated circuit. The CMOS implementation disclosed also allows a path for drawing DC current to power other CMOS circuits (e.g., ADCs and DACs) in the CMOS integrated circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey W. Scott, Andrew W. Krone, Navdeep S. Sooch, David R. Welland
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Patent number: 6704565Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a hold termination message service in a communications network. An on-hold telephone call between a hold initiating party and a holding party is monitored at a network node for a hold termination signal, such as a DTMF signal, from the holding party. A hold termination message can be recorded when the hold termination signal is detected. The hold termination message is then delivered from the network node to the hold initiating party.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.Inventors: William G. Parsons, Robert W. Piepho
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Patent number: 6694012Abstract: A system and method that provides a party that has been placed on hold control of music on hold. A dual-tone, multifrequency (DTMF) detector and a processor in the music on hold system monitor two-way connection. If a predefined DTMF signal is detected, the DTMF detector notifies the processor to disable the music on hold. Further, a DTMF code may be defined to cause the processor to decrease/increase the volume of the music on hold.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Carl Robert Posthuma
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Patent number: 6563916Abstract: The system for transmitting a change in call queued/hold state across a communications network (termed “call state notification system” herein) functions to provide an indication to the parties on the existing call connection that the calling party has placed the call on hold and/or the call center has advanced the call connection to the head of the queue for connection to an agent. This is accomplished by enabling the calling party to place their call termination on hold to serve another call or to perform some other task without having to physically monitor the call connection. When the calling party removes the hold state at their terminal device, the call center receives a notification of the reconnection of the calling party to the call connection.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Douglas Anthony Deutsch, Donald Robert Rueckheim, David B. Smith
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Patent number: 6526041Abstract: A system for enabling music to be provided to callers placed on hold in a LAN network used for voice communications. Bandwidth consumption is minimized by ensuring that music-on-hold is provided in a manner that enables most necessary tasks to be executed by a client instead of a server. In specific embodiment, the music-on-hold system is configured to transfer a small application program or applet, having a music file and a media player, from the server to the client if necessary. Concurrently, a real time protocol (RTP) stream carrying music is used to provide music to the client from the server during the applet transfer to ensure that the held caller receives music at all times. The RTP stream is initially used to provide music to held callers.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Siemens Information & Communication Networks, Inc.Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, Uwe Wrede, William Joseph Beyda
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Publication number: 20020191778Abstract: A telephone set starts ringing when receiving in incoming call. The user of the telephone set is able to give an on-hold user command given after start of said signaling. In response to the on-hold command the incoming call is placed automatically on-hold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Chiwei Che, Ya-Cherng Chu
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Publication number: 20020176568Abstract: An off-hook management telecommunication system comprising a DTMF detector, an encoder and a microprocessor located within a channel unit. The system allows the user to depress a selected sequence of keys during a line connection which indicate to the microprocessor to hold the line off-hook, via signaling to a central office, despite the fact that the telephone is being returned to an on-hook position. The line is held off-hook for a predetermined amount of time to allow the user to switch telephones.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventor: Dmitry Levitan
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Patent number: 6430280Abstract: A telephone main unit has a channel switch 11 which is connected to a remote telephone control apparatus 12 via a dedicated line 2; and central controlling means 12 for controlling the channel switch. When the central controlling means receives a hold request from a telephone set 4A connected to the channel switch, the central controlling means sends out to the dedicated line a pulse signal requesting holding in the remote telephone control apparatus, and ignores for a constant time period a pulse signal which is sent from the remote telephone control apparatus via the dedicated line.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Suisaka
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Patent number: 6400804Abstract: An on-hold activity selection apparatus and method that allows an on-hold party to select an on-hold activity, from a menu of on-hold activities, with which to be entertained and/or informed. The on-hold activity selection apparatus detects the occurrence of an on-hold condition in a communication between a first party terminal and a second party terminal. In response to detecting the on-hold condition, the on-hold activity selection apparatus provides a menu of available on-hold activities to the terminal which is placed on-hold. If a reply is received from the on-hold terminal identifying a selected on-hold activity, the on-hold activity selection apparatus then provides the on-hold terminal with the selected activity. The menu of available on-hold activities may be based on profile information, corresponding to the on-hold terminal, stored in a database.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventor: Mitchell K. Bilder
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Patent number: 6240177Abstract: The subject of the invention is a communications device connected in parallel with at least one item of communications apparatus on a transmission line (L1, L2). The device and the apparatus conform to a given template in terms of DC components. The device in accordance with the invention is characterized in that it comprises means (18, R1, R2, R3, D5, DZ) setting the operating point (X) in terms of DC component of the said device alone outside regions of the said template where the DC component of the current may be zero, means (R2, D6, D7, R4, 19, 20) of determining the DC component of the current flowing in the said device, means (20) of detecting a variation in the said DC current component. The invention applies particularly in the field of communication via the switched telephone network.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Thomson multimedia S.A.Inventors: Philippe Guntzburger, Jean-Yves Moraillon
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Patent number: 6219415Abstract: The call hold state notification system functions to provide an indication to the parties presently served by the existing call connection that the original hold state has been terminated. This is accomplished by enabling both parties (multiple parties on a n-way call) to a call connection to place their respective call termination on hold to serve another call or to perform some other task without having to physically monitor the call connection. When any party to the call connection removes the hold state at their respective telephone station set, the remaining parties to the call connection who have a hold state active at their termination receive a notification of the reconnection of the party to the call connection. Optionally, the returning party also receives a notification that the call connection is in an on hold state at the other end of the call connection and that party is being advised of the termination of the held state by the returning party.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Douglas Anthony Deutsch, David B. Smith, Donald Robert Rueckheim
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Patent number: 6201865Abstract: A digital direct access arrangement (DAA) circuitry may be used to terminate the telephone connections at the user's end that provides a communication path for signals to and from the phone lines. Briefly described, the DAA provides a programmable means for the DC termination for a variety of international phone standards. The invention may also be utilized with means for transmitting and receiving a signal across a capacitive isolation barrier. More particularly, a DC holding circuit is provided that has switchable time constants. A first time constant may be utilized during a first operation phase immediately after off-hook conditions to allow for fast settling times. Then, a second operation phase is entered in which a second time constant may be utilized. During the second operation phase the DC holding circuit operates slower to create improved low frequency performance.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Dupuis, George Tyson Tuttle, Jeffrey W. Scott, Navdeep S. Sooch, David R. Welland
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Patent number: 6157713Abstract: A hold circuit arrangement for a telephone, wherein the telephone is coupled to an extension release circuit of an external telephone, the hold circuit comprising an input control terminal; a tri-state input device used for generating a signal for the input control terminal; a power supply used for providing a high impedance level for the input control terminal; a hold button circuit used for allowing a hold button of the telephone to convert a status of the hold circuit through the tri-state input device after the hold function is activated regardless of whether the telephone is off-hook or on-hook; and a detecting circuit used for alternately providing a high impedance high level signal or a high impedance low level signal to detect the status of the tri-state input device when the hold function of the telephone is activated, and deciding whether the telephone is hold or not, and signaling the power supply to stop providing the high impedance level signal to the input control terminal when the hold functionType: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Chyi-Chang Wu
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Patent number: 6122346Abstract: A telephone on-hold system (10) allows a calling party such as a consumer (20) to place the telephone call on-hold from the consumer's handset (18C) in response to dialing a number where the receiving end (R) put the call on-hold pending availability of an agent (22). While the call is on-hold from the consumer's end, a counter-message is played to alert the agent (22) to notify the consumer's handset (18C) that the agent (22) is available, such as by depressing touch-tone keys at the agent's end (18R). The system (10) recognizes the tones and provides an alert (40) to the consumer (20) so as to allow the consumer (20) to end the on-hold status of the call from the consumer's end and undertake normal conversation with the agent (22).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventor: Richard M. Grossman
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Patent number: 6031905Abstract: A telecommunications network-based method for alerting a calling party, placed on hold by the called party, that a called party is ready to communicate comprising the steps of receiving an activation signal for activating the network-based system; monitoring the called party's telephone line for availability, where "availability" refers to the situation when the called party removes the hold condition or when the called party is ready to communicate with the calling party, and informing the called party that the Call Hold Stand-by service is alerting the calling party that the called party is available. The network-based method can operate as calling party feature, independent of the called party, or as a feature that is provided by the called party to the calling party.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: AT&T CorpInventors: Daniel Selig Furman, Christopher P. Gilboy
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Patent number: 5991398Abstract: A telephone apparatus comprises a first audio input device, a second audio input device, a first audio output device, and a second audio output device. The telephone apparatus is operative to couple the first audio input device and the first audio output device to a first telephone line. In response to a first signal, the coupling between the first audio input device and the first telephone line is modified, and the second audio input device and the second audio output device are coupled to a second telephone line.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Ameritech CorporationInventors: Marc Ira Lipton, Robert Derrick Gourdine
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Patent number: 5930339Abstract: This invention relates to arrangements for leaving messages from a held telephone. A recording device or system attached to the held telephone station, to a PBX or to a central office switch records the message in response to a request from the held party. Advantageously, this permits a party who has been put on hold by another party a third alternative between the presently allowed alternatives of hanging on or hanging up; a message may be all that is needed and the held party can be saved from frustration.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Vladimir Nepustil
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Patent number: 5875231Abstract: An on hold telephony service that allows a party placed on hold, if he is a subscriber to the service, to also place the call on hold and then hang up. The on hold service can be implemented on a central office switch or an enhanced services platform connected to the switch. The on hold service is accessed by the party placed on hold, i.e., subscriber, through a transfer function that causes the call to be maintained by the on hold service. When the party who originally placed the call on hold returns to the call, the on hold service informs him that the service will then call the subscriber so that both parties can be reconnected.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: AG Communication Systems CorporationInventors: Daniel Joseph Farfan, Richard James Dobrovich