Call Conferencing Patents (Class 455/416)
  • Patent number: 8254897
    Abstract: A method and system for conferencing a landline telephone into a cellular telephone call is disclosed. In response to a landline telephone going off-hook, a cellular telephone corresponding to the landline telephone is identified. When a determination is made that the corresponding cellular telephone is currently engaged in a call, the landline telephone is conferenced into the cellular call. If the cellular telephone is subsequently disengaged from the call, the original cellular call has been effectively transferred to the landline telephone. The inventive method and system may be linked to a cellular-landline conference call service. For example, a user may subscribe to such a service so that the user may automatically transfer a call from the user's cellular telephone to the user's home or office landline telephone when that landline telephone is taken off-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Tong Zhou, Jiongkuan Hou
  • Patent number: 8254544
    Abstract: An n-ways conferencing system using only the participants' telephony devices and without an external conference server. A plurality of telephony devices dial in to and report their mixing capability to a connection topology manager. The connection topology manager also determines the location of each telephony device and neighboring telephony device pairs in the conference service, as each telephony device is used for mixing voice signals of its closest neighbors, and calculates a minimum conference traffic delay for each telephony device. The connection topology manager then builds a topology for the conference service based on the mixing capability, location, and minimum conference traffic delay, wherein the connection topology manager distributes a mixing computation in a substantially uniform manner across the plurality of telephony devices. When a change in the network condition is detected, the connection topology manager rebuilds the topology to bypass the change in the network condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Debanjan Saha, Zon-Yin Shae
  • Patent number: 8249574
    Abstract: A software button and software agent downloaded to a computing in response to actuation of the button make it possible to create a communication connection providing privacy, security and dynamic control of service. In one embodiment an online telephone directory comprised of software buttons is provided, in which a calling party can select a called party by clicking a software button dedicated to the called party. The button provides an identification of the called party, but all contact information is hidden and inaccessible to the calling party. Upon actuation of the button server containing the directory causes download of a software agent to the calling party's computing device, causing it to establish communication with the called party. In a second embodiment, software buttons provide a communication service which is dynamic, the nature or type of service changing based on conditions predefined by the called.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bellmar Communications LLC
    Inventors: Kai Y. Eng, Pramod Pancha
  • Patent number: 8249234
    Abstract: A conferencing system that can be configured by a host, and then reconfigured on the fly, in real time. The host initially provides configuration information to the system to define the initial operation of the conference call. The host can then update this information during the conference call to reconfigure the conference call. For instance, the information may include a question set. The initial question set is presented to participants as they enter the conference call. When the configuration information is changed by providing a new question, the new question is then presented to the participants in the conference call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: American Teleconferencing Services, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Ray Miller, Lee Inman
  • Patent number: 8249648
    Abstract: Convenience is improved when a mobile telecommunication terminal uses a fixed telephone line. The mobile telecommunication terminal to perform communication via a mobile telecommunication network by cellular communication is a dual-mode terminal able to be wirelessly communicated (by non-cellular communication) with a communication device such as a fixed telephone or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access point. The mobile telecommunication terminal when carrying out signal transmission by accessing the communication device via a fixed telephone line connected to the communication device, obtains a telephone number of the mobile telecommunication using usable cellular communication as notifying information and transmits the information to the communication device. The communication device carries out signal transmission via the fixed telephone line so that the telephone number notified from the mobile telecommunication terminal is transmitted to a signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Namatame
  • Patent number: 8249571
    Abstract: A system and method for providing conference calls in a client-server environment is described. In some aspects, conference calling is made possible and efficient for mobile users, including mobile hosts of the conference call who may arrange and set up the conference call easily from a mobile device with the assistance of an application server and/or a call conference server. Also, other mobile users may easily participate in such conference calls from their mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Iskoot, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jacobstein, Isaac David Guedalia, Jacob Guedalia, Sarah Harris
  • Publication number: 20120206557
    Abstract: A communication system is provided that is preferably a peer-to-peer (p2p) system. One or both of audio and video can be transferred among user terminals in the p2p system. The user terminals can include at least one master terminal, which could be an unhosted master terminal that does not communicate its own audio and/or video. In one embodiment, a first master terminal is included that controls video and/or audio, transfers and an unhosted second master terminal is provided that communicates with at least two user terminals to provide desired connectivity involving such user terminals. In another embodiment, an unhosted master terminal is provided when the user terminals include mobile terminals in order to avoid power usage by mobile terminals. This communication system can be utilized with online game playing in which a game server is included, as well as having other communication applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: MASQUE PUBLISHING, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Ridges, James M. Wisler
  • Patent number: 8244228
    Abstract: A first cellular phone having mobility, the first cellular phone including an access point configured to control access of a plurality of second cellular phones to a wireless local area network. The wireless local area network complies with a wireless local area network protocol. A conference controller is configured to control a flow of communication in a communication link between the plurality of second cellular phones accessing the wireless local area network. The flow of communication in the communication link between the plurality of second cellular phones is compatible with the wireless local area network protocol. The communication link between the plurality of second cellular phones is mobile in accordance with the mobility of the first cellular phone. The plurality of second cellular phones establish the communication link through the access point to form a teleconference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Sehat Sutardja
  • Patent number: 8243903
    Abstract: A separate peer-to-peer multi-directional audio channel is established between a subset of the participants to an existing multi-party communication session on the same channel as the original multi-party communication session. Since the secure channel is established on the existing call, the same NAT/firewall traversal mechanisms may be used, and even the same socket may be used. Participants on the secure side conversation can hear both the secure side conversation and the main multi-party communication session. Participants that are not on the secure side conversation may receive packets from the secure side conversation, but are not part of the security association for the secure side conversation and, hence, cannot hear the audio from the secure side conversation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventor: Arn Hyndman
  • Patent number: 8243906
    Abstract: There is provided a group communication system allowing group communication to be performed by a simple operation as well as a group ID number issuing apparatus and a call control apparatus to be applied to such a group communication system. When a user takes a group organization procedure to the group communication system, a group representative telephone number representing the group is issued. After the group representative telephone number is issued, the group representative telephone number can be used in the same manner as for calling a subscriber to call a group member to perform group communication. The group communication can be performed by limiting to a lower level subgroup, a pair of the group representative telephone number and an identifier can be used instead of the subscriber's telephone number to determine the calling partner to make a call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Kojo, Masami Yabusaki
  • Patent number: 8243904
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a method for detecting fraudulent use in a conference calling system. A threshold period is received, wherein the threshold period indicates the maximum allowable time period for a participant of a conference call to enter the conference call prior to the entry of the moderator of the conference call. A monitor detects the entry of the moderator into the conference call and entry of the participants into the conference call. A waiting period is determined for one or more of the participants, wherein the waiting period represents the time period between the entry of the moderator and the entry of the participant. A processor compares the waiting period to the threshold period. If the threshold period exceeds the waiting period, the conference call is allowed to continue. In at least one embodiment, actions are performed with the processor if the waiting period exceeds the threshold period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Steven Lingafelt, James William Murray, James Thomas Swantek
  • Patent number: 8244289
    Abstract: In a case where a PTT start notification is received at a communication part 102, a PTT application for executing processing concerning PTT communication is started up, and an instruction for starting the PTT communication is not input to a key input part 103 for a predetermined time, the PTT application automatically ends and predetermined flag data fg is stored in an external data storage region AR1. After that, when the PTT application is not started up, a notification of reception of an absent signal indicating no reply to the PTT start notification is reported based on the flag data fg stored in the external data storage region AR1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Saya Shigeta
  • Patent number: 8243631
    Abstract: Devices are able to identify other devices in a shared audio space (e.g., a room) by emitting a signal and receiving messages from other devices over a data connection indicating which of the other devices received the emitted signal. Devices that are determined to be in the same audio space can selectively mix audio in a teleconference to inhibit mixing of audio signals for devices that are determined to be in the same audio space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Sampo Syrjänen, Panu Vartiainen
  • Publication number: 20120196584
    Abstract: An arrangement and method in a wireless communication network provides users with full control of service management, defines how a user can enter or leave services, and defines dependencies between services. A mobile terminal initiates establishment of a group and creates a unique groupID. The terminal sends invitations to other terminals to join the group and includes the unique groupID and a service feature tag for a desired service. The terminal will not request a service if it is incompatible with a service already running. Terminals that receive invitations store the groupID and service feature tags. These parameters are used to send acceptances or rejections, and to join later or leave a service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Elena Fersman, Michael Åström
  • Patent number: 8233930
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting up a conference communication between a remote party and a plurality of local parties. A base unit may engage in communication with a remote party. Thereafter, the base unit may apply a floor control process with respect to the local parties to limit the number local parties that can have dedicated channels at any give time. More particularly, the base unit may receive from a local party a request for a new dedicated channel to transmit conference bearer data and responsively establish the new dedicated channel with the local party only if a present number of established dedicated channels with local parties is less than a predetermined threshold. The base unit may then receive conference bearer data and responsively transmit the conference bearer data over a broadcast channel for receipt by the plurality of local parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Travis E. Dawson, David Harris
  • Patent number: 8229083
    Abstract: The invention enhances mobile device software such that upon receipt of a specially formatted SMS message, the software can automatically dial a telephone number that was specified in the message after a configurable timed interval. A further enhancement comprises improvements to the integration between collaboration software (such as Lotus Notes) and mobile device software to enable employees to utilize this invention for connecting to conference calls. An additional enhancement comprises interfacing with a travel reservation system to detect when the user may want such an enhanced SMS message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Candice B. Gilzean, Gahlya Gregory, Fabian F. Morgan, Michael Eric Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8229487
    Abstract: A PoC communication system suitable for a broadcast use or the like is provided. In a communication system including a PoC server 30 and terminals 10 and terminals MS1 to MSn connectable to the PoC server 30, the PoC server 30 classifies the terminals into a terminal of first kind 10 having authority to assign a transmission right and terminals of second kind MS1 to MSn not having the authority to assign the transmission right and registers and manages each terminal joining in a group. The PoC server 30 assigns the transmission right to another terminal belonging to the group on the basis of designation from the terminal of first kind 10, and transmission data from the terminal assigned the transmission right is broadcast at a time via a packet communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Sou Kaida
  • Patent number: 8229096
    Abstract: A method, a system, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for optimizing on-premise conferencing are provided. The method comprises receiving at least one call from at least one caller, identifying at least one on-premise call from at least one caller on the premise, collecting the at least one on-premise call from the at least one call, and connecting the at least one on-premise call to a conference call bridge via a single connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J Marquis, Kenneth William Kurz, Warren Edward Baxley, Douglas Oneal Utley
  • Publication number: 20120184257
    Abstract: A multiparty communication management method employs an initiative computer device to initiate a multiparty communication for connecting to plural receiving communication devices. Next, any receiving communication devices is employed to call an initiative communication device via the user interface or DTMF, whereby the initiative communication device is joined the multiparty lines communication. Finally, the initiative computer device can directly control the voice signals of any of receiving communication devices. By aforementioned method, conferees of the multiparty communication can request the initiator to manage the communication instead of redundant commands required in the art, thereby providing a multiparty communication management method with higher operation rate and greater convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Browan Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Jen Yang, Yung-Hua Chao
  • Patent number: 8223709
    Abstract: A frequency agile wireless response system and method of retrieving user response data from a plurality of users includes providing a base unit and a plurality of handheld response units, each communicating with the base unit over a wireless communication link using a frequency agile communication protocol. Base signals are sent with the base unit to the response units over the wireless communication link. Response signals are sent from the response units to the base unit over the wireless communication link. The base signals include a master transmission and at least occasionally include an extension transmission. The master transmission includes information establishing a time mark for the response units. The master transmission also includes information enabling the response units to receive any extension transmission associated with that base signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fleetwood Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Lambrix, Brian T. Harvey, Steven S. Davis, William S. Buehler
  • Patent number: 8224295
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating communications between a mobile device and a network application are provided. A mobile device transmits a request for data change information that includes a time out interval. The network application receives the request and measures a time elapsed since the receipt of the data change request. The network application will only transmit a notification to the mobile device client if new data is received or the time out interval has elapsed. As notifications are received, the mobile client device tunes the time out interval based upon network and device parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sami Khoury, David Paul Limont, Karl S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8224306
    Abstract: A second communication device is detected in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a call, and a substantially uninterrupted transfer of the call is made to the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund 1, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Allen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8224305
    Abstract: A system and method for wireless conferencing. A personal wireless device is linked with a conferencing system for implementing a conference call. Voice input is received from a user through the personal wireless device. The voice input is transmitted to the conferencing system in response to receiving the voice input. The voice input is broadcast through one or more speakers in communication with the conferencing system in response to determining the voice input may be inaudible to one or more users in a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Shekhar Gupta
  • Patent number: 8223945
    Abstract: A communication system allows a receiving party to request additional time to accept a communication. A telecommunications device of a receiving party detects when the receiving party has indicated a desire for an extended period of time in which to accept an incoming communication. A message is sent to a network communications processor that indicates the receiving party has requested additional time to accept. The network communications processor then processes the communication by resetting or extending a communications availability period associated with the incoming communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drovdahl, Cynthia C. Bevan, Jasdeep S. Chugh, Amanjot Singh
  • Patent number: 8224249
    Abstract: A wireless conference system includes a master device and a slave device. The master device includes a master user interface, a master BLUETOOTH unit, a master memory unit, and a command converting unit. The master user interface includes a master screen. The master memory unit saves a conference document. The slave device includes a slave user interface, a slave BLUETOOTH unit, and an executing unit. The slave memory unit saves a copy of the conference document. Operation commands to operate the conference document are input through the master user interface. The command converting unit converts the operation commands to corresponding slave commands. The corresponding slave commands are transmitted to the slave device by the master BLUETOOTH unit and the slave BLUETOOTH unit. The executing unit executes the corresponding slave commands to operate the copy of the conference document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Sheng Ge
  • Patent number: 8218751
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided that allows participants on the conference call to identify, and then mute or filter, a participant(s) responsible for introducing the noise, regardless of whether the noise is caused by transmission impairments or by the participant(s) being in a noisy location. For example, individual users could be able to press a “test” button that could block each of the participants one at a time. This would allow the source of the noise to be identified. This “test button” could be one or more of provided at the endpoint(s), be enabled through a web interface or, for example, through a dedicated conference call interface at the endpoint(s) or at the conference bridge. The blocking of each participant could occur through interaction with the main PBX using, for example, in-band signaling to the PBX. Once the source(s) of the noise is identified, noise mitigation can be applied as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Hepworth, Paul Roller Michaelis
  • Patent number: 8218458
    Abstract: This method and apparatus is used to process call control protocol messages and quality of service media streams from an internet protocol conferencing session. The status and attributes processed from call control protocol messages are combined with the quality of service information for the parties connecting to a conferencing session for display to users in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Flynn, Choon Shim, Liehua Xie
  • Patent number: 8218749
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base unit and cordless handsets configured to establish a call with a communication apparatus, and a storage unit configured to store information corresponding to the communication apparatus indicating whether a multi-party call among the communication apparatus and at least two of the base unit and the cordless handsets is permitted. Also, a processing unit is configured to determine whether to enable a multi-party call among one communication apparatus, and at least two of the base unit and the cordless handsets based on the information. A method for use with the apparatus can include, in response to receiving a call from one communication apparatus, determining whether to enable a multi-party call to be established among the one communication apparatus and at least two of the base unit and the cordless handsets based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Takahashi, Suzuyo Murai
  • Patent number: 8218460
    Abstract: A network entity, method and computer program product are provided for effectuating a conference session. The method may include receiving a plurality of signals representative of voice communication of the participants. In this regard, the signals may be received from a plurality of terminals of a respective plurality of participants at one of the locations, each of at least some of the terminals otherwise being configured for voice communication independent of at least some of the other terminals. The method of this aspect also includes classifying speech activity of the conference session according to a speech pause, or one or more actively-speaking participants, during the conference session. The signals of the respective participants may then be mixed into a at least one mixed signal for output to one or more other participants at one or more other locations, the signals being mixed based upon classification of the speech activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Laura Laaksonen, Jussi Virolainen, Paivi Valve
  • Patent number: 8218750
    Abstract: A conference call management method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor from a conference call administrator, a command for enabling a first conference call. The computer processor enables the first conference call thereby allowing telecommunications between the conference call administrator and a first participant. The computer processor locks the first conference call such that additional participants are unable to access the first conference call. The computer processor receives from a second participant, a conference call request for accessing a second conference call and routes the second participant to a virtual holding area. The computer processor enables the second conference call and routes the second participant from the virtual holding area to the second conference call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Andrew R. Jones, Charles S. Lingafelt, Kevin C. McConnell, John E. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8219073
    Abstract: A method for presenting multiple communications in a wireless communication device (100) comprising presenting (308) a plurality of communications concurrently with at least one output device of a wireless communication device. The method further comprises formatting the plurality of communications on the at least one output device as a function of the number of communications of the plurality of communications and of at least one condition and a function of a communication characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Hill
  • Patent number: 8218748
    Abstract: A telephone system connects a user to a plurality of telephone call participants in a sequence of calls referred to as a “call chain.” Features of each call in the chain, such as the telephone number(s) of the participant(s) to be called and the scheduled duration of the call, may be stored in a computer-readable record. A first telephone call is established between the user and the first participant in the call chain. The first telephone call may be terminated automatically by the system upon expiration of a predetermined maximum duration or when the first participant hangs up the telephone. Upon termination of the first telephone call, a second telephone call is established between the user and the second participant in the call chain. A third and subsequent telephone calls may be established between the user and the subsequent participants in the call chain in the same manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chakradhar Kondapalli, Sudha Kalyan Kowtha, James Scott Hiscock
  • Patent number: 8213977
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for displaying and controlling information for managing an event. A method according to one embodiment includes displaying accountability information associated with a unit deployed to the event where the accountability information is indicative of accountability of the unit with respect to at least one function to be performed for the event, displaying communication information in a manner for facilitating communications for the event, and displaying status information associated with the at least one unit deployed to the event, wherein the information is displayed in a manner tending to enable control of the information for managing the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Thierry E. Klein, John F. Lertola, Dorel Livescu
  • Patent number: 8213970
    Abstract: The system and method having a specialized software application on a personal computer or a PDA/cell phone that that enables a participant to force an automatic acknowledgement and a manual response to a text or voice message from other participants within the same network. Each participant's PDA/cell phone includes a force message alert software application program for both creating and processing these forced message alerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Ground Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm K. Beyer
  • Patent number: 8213976
    Abstract: A communicating system includes: a plurality of communicating system terminal including a communication unit that transmits and receives audio or video data and a reproducing unit that reproduces the data received by the communication unit; and a server including an administering unit that administers the plurality of communicating terminals as a communication group, an approving unit that approves the transmission of the data by one of the communicating terminals of the communication group, a receiving unit that receives the data transmitted by the one of the communicating terminals, and a transmitting unit that transmits the data received by the receiving unit to the other communicating terminals of the communication group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kenichi Horio, Takashi Ohno, Satoshi Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20120164998
    Abstract: A client for a text-based messaging application for a dual-mode mobile communication device may initiate an audio conference based on a text-based message. Contents of fields of the text-based message may be extracted and utilized to construct an audio conference request message that is subsequently transmitted to an audio conference gateway. Where the text-based messaging application is an instant messaging (IM) client application, it may be configured to recognize a voice connection as being related to an ongoing Data Mode IM conversation. As a consequence of the recognition, the IM client application may maintain the user interface for facilitating participation in the Voice Mode IM conversation. Updates related to the status of the Voice Mode IM conversation may be received at the dual-mode mobile communication device over the voice connection and reflected in changes to the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Gary Philip MOUSSEAU, Eric Ng
  • Publication number: 20120164986
    Abstract: A mobile terminal participates in or originates a multipoint call with at least two other communication terminals connected to at least first and second call lines formed in the multipoint call. The voice data on each call line is separately recorded, or each party's voice data is separately recorded. A playback list is generated with playback selections, where each playback selection corresponds to one of the communication terminals. A user can thereby play back voice data from specific parties in the multipoint call without having to search an entire file to find the specific voice data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Previr RANGROO, In-Hyung JUNG
  • Patent number: 8208912
    Abstract: A mobile telephone performs communication by transmitting voice, which is inputted by a speaker into a communication apparatus having a floor, via a server, to one or more communication devices of one or more listener(s) having no floor. A transmitter transmits a request signal, which requests an acquisition of a floor, to the server (Step S104) when a predetermined operation is performed by a user (Step S103: YES). A receiver receives both a permission signal, which is transmitted from the server in response to the request signal for permitting the acquisition of a floor, and numerical information, which is transmitted from the server, indicating the number of communication apparatuses of the listener(s) (Step S101 and S106). An informing control subunit performs different informing controls in accordance with the number indicated by the numerical information when the receiver receives the permission signal (Step S107 to S109).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Kamii
  • Patent number: 8208913
    Abstract: A second communication device is detected in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a call, and a substantially uninterrupted transfer of the call is made to the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Allen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8208615
    Abstract: A teleconference server may calculate a fully qualified number (FQN), which specifies a string of numbers that, if dialed by an calling party, will establish a call with a called party. The fully qualified number may include, for example, an external access code, an international access code, a country code, a national destination code, and/or a subscriber number. In order to determine a calling party and a called party, the teleconference server may access data regarding a scheduled call. The teleconference server may determine a fully qualified number based on the relationship between the called party and the calling party. The teleconference server may send the fully qualified number to the calling party, which may then initiate a scheduled call with the called party by dialing the received fully qualified number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shashikant H. Jagdale, Krutarth M. Shah
  • Patent number: 8208616
    Abstract: A conference-call system receives a conference-specific access code from an invited participant of a conference call and a conference-specific access code from an initiator of the conference call. The conference-call system grants the invited participant access to the conference call when the conference-specific access code from the invited participant matches the conference-specific access code from the initiator. The conference-specific access code from the initiator and the invited participant each include a base code portion and a portion added to the base code portion by the initiator of the conference call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Sathyanarayana Venkatasubba Sastry
  • Publication number: 20120149348
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a user equipment (UE) participating in a server-mediated communication session maintains an identifier of the session and a list of UEs that are currently participating in the session. The UE determines to suppress its participation level in the session, and configures a member update message to include the identifier and to indicate the suppressed participation level of the UE. The UE transmits the configured member update message to each other UE currently participating in the session. In another embodiment, the UE receives a request to modify one or more of a given set of control parameters associated with the session. The UE determines whether the UE belongs to a subset of UEs that are currently participating in the session and to which permission to modify the given set of parameters is restricted. The UE selectively grants the received request based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Biren R. Patel, Mark A. Lindner
  • Publication number: 20120149349
    Abstract: The application relates to location based telephone conferences. In a location based telephone conference, upon request from a user to join a telephone conference, his location is determined and he is joined to a conference according his location. However, in the prior art it is assumed that the user remains in the telephone conference even if he moves and changes his location. The application addresses a situation where a plurality of telephone conferences, each associated with a specific area (1.4), are provided and a user moves between these areas. The telephone conferences are managed in such a way, that when a subscriber leaves an area assigned to a specific conference, he is switched into another telephone conference which is assigned to the area the user is presently located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Quade
  • Patent number: 8199727
    Abstract: A system and a method in a wireless network utilizing session initiation protocol (SIP) for call control. The SIP payload (SDP) contains a list of available transcoders (codecs) to coordinate transcoder selection to allow for the minimization of transcoders. An additional aspect of the embodiment of the present invention includes a serving MSCe that is operable to determine whether to initiate ringback to the calling party. If ring back is to be initiated, ringback can be initiated from the serving MSCe or from a network element supporting the calling party. The call negotiation process according to the described embodiment of the invention eliminates the requirement for any transcoding in specific situations to result in the number of transcoders used in the voice bearer path to be reduced to 0 (TrFO, Transcoder Free Operation) or to 1 (RTO, remote transmitter operation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Ericsson AB
    Inventors: Marvin Bienn, Gary Stephens, Todd Spraggins
  • Publication number: 20120142324
    Abstract: A method for providing information for a conference at one or more locations is disclosed. One or more mobile devices monitor one or more starting requirements of the conference and transmit input sound information to a server when the one or more starting requirements of the conference is detected. The one or more starting requirements may include a starting time of the conference, a location of the conference, and/or acoustic characteristics of a conference environment. The server generates conference information based on the input sound information from each mobile device and transmits the conference information to each mobile device. The conference information may include information on attendees, a current speaker among the attendees, an arrangement of the attendees, and/or a meeting log of attendee participation at the conference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Taesu Kim, Kisun You, Kyu Woong Hwang, Te-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 8195213
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable product for allowing a member of a mobile communications group, such as a push-to-talk (PTT) group, to receive indications from at least one other mobile communication device that a current conversation or talk spurt may be recorded. The member may further record or receive the recorded conversation or talk spurt, and store the recorded conversation or spurt in a local memory for later retrieval or automatic playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Maggenti, Kulathumani Krishnan, Mohammed Ataur Rahman Shuman
  • Patent number: 8194841
    Abstract: A conferencing system provides the scheduling of virtual meetings with meeting lobbies so that a meeting presenter can conduct a virtual meeting without the need to send out invitations to attendees. A person that wants to conduct a virtual meeting can schedule with the conferencing system a meeting with a meeting lobby. The meeting lobby has an address, but there is no associated privileged information, such as a meeting password. Would-be meeting attendees use the meeting lobby address to enter the meeting lobby as visitors in the lobby, and request to enter the meeting from the meeting lobby. A meeting presenter can then either grant authorization for a visitor in the meeting lobby to enter the meeting, or deny authorization for a visitor in the meeting lobby to enter the meeting. If a visitor in the meeting lobby is denied authorization to enter the meeting from the meeting lobby, the conferencing system removes the visitor from the meeting lobby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anne M. Archambault, Pavel Curtis, Brian Meek, Jeremy B. Smith, Douglas Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20120135715
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dual SIM terminal and an operating method thereof for supporting dual standby and single talk using a single baseband. The dual SIM mobile terminal may include a controller which is a single chipset, a dual SIM, and two radio frequency (RF) units, thereby having an effect capable of providing a service at the same level as a dual SIM using two mobile terminals even with one mobile terminal. Furthermore, dual SIM switching is performed according to a state of the network, a pricing system, and a user's setting, thereby providing the user's desired service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yunhwan Kang, Woohyun Baik, Wooyoung Kwak, Sungkyu Lee
  • Patent number: 8189757
    Abstract: A teleconference system for coordinating a prearranged teleconference includes a memory that stores established parameters for contacting teleconference participants. The teleconference system also includes a caller that systematically hunts and automatically calls out to designated teleconference participants over a communications network based upon the established parameters, without the need for the designated participants to call in to the teleconference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark A. Elias, Neil Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8184542
    Abstract: Verifying a customer premises connection to a communication system having a plurality of ports, each of which serves a corresponding customer premises. A known quantity of data is transmitted to an address corresponding to a specific customer premises. A quantity of data received at a first trial port of the plurality of ports is monitored. If the known quantity of data matches the monitored quantity of data received at the first trial port, then the customer premises connection to the first trial port is thereby verified. If the known quantity of data does not match the monitored quantity of data received at the first trial port, then quantity of data received at a second trial port of the plurality of ports is monitored and, if the known quantity of data matches the monitored quantity of data received at the second trial port, then the customer premises connection to the second trial port is thereby verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Jie Su