Call Conferencing Patents (Class 455/416)
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Patent number: 7814150Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for initiating an online meeting over a data network between a host party with a first computer and an attendee party with a second computer. Consider that a phone connection already exists over a telephone network between a first phone of the host party and a second phone of the attendee party. A start meeting message is sent over the data network to a data center. A meeting identification is subsequently received from the data center. The meeting identification is stored in a first device that is coupled to both the first phone and the first computer, and the meeting identification is transmitted from the first device over the telephone network to a second device, where the second device is coupled to both the second phone and the second computer.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Stewart H. Sonnenfeldt, Venkatram R. Kuditipudi, Amo Penzias, Subrah S. Iyar
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Patent number: 7809390Abstract: A method for providing information about a push-to-talk communication session includes facilitating a push-to-talk communication session among a plurality of endpoints and receiving from a first endpoint of the plurality of endpoints a request for floor control comprising a request to transmit communications in the communication session. The method includes, in response to receiving the request for floor control, providing to the first endpoint a signal communication indicating a status message and that the first endpoint has been granted floor control in the push-to-talk communication session.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, Dean M. Zanone, Shah Talukder
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Publication number: 20100248704Abstract: A process for the stereophonic acquisition, transmission, and reproduction of sound events for communication applications in telephony with headphones and microphones available for each participant which to each ear area of every participant is assigned a combination consisting of an earphone or a headphone as well as a microphone each, provided in close proximity one to the other in connection that has no acoustic echo or feedback, whereby the real, binaurally acquired environment, related to the head of the respective acquiring participant with respect to its reflection, diffraction, and resonance behavior is transmitted to each of the participants in the form of corresponding stereophonic sound and acoustic images via a two-channel connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Andreas Max Pavel
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Patent number: 7804948Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for initiating conference calls via an instant messaging system to reduce the effort required to initiate and manage the call. The system uses an IM connection between a requesting party and a conference call server to inform the conference call server of the desire to initiate the conference call. The conference call server may initiate the conference call by having involved parties called by a conference bridge, thus reducing the effort required by the parties to join the call.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: LINQware, Inc.Inventor: Tod Turner
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Patent number: 7797008Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing access delay in push-to-talk (PTT) over Cellular (PoC) communication sessions is provided in a wireless communication device (120) including a quality level controller (230) which controls the quality level at which the transmit talkburst controller (226) provides talkbursts to transmitter circuitry (206). A processor (208) signals the quality level controller (230) and the transmit talkburst controller (226) to provide a first talkburst to the transmitter circuitry (206) for transmitting at a first quality level (310), and thereafter signals the quality level controller (230) to adjust the quality level from the first quality level to a second quality level (314) so that the transmit talkburst controller (226) will provide at least one subsequent talkburst to the transmitter circuitry (206) for transmitting at the second quality level (316).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Crisler, Ramesh Sudini, Lawrence A. Willis
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Patent number: 7797006Abstract: A method and system for guaranteeing a seamless session when replacing a PoC terminal in a PoC system is provided, in which a currently busy PoC client can be replaced in an existing busy PoC session using a PoC compliant client capable of connecting the PoC session, thereby preventing a transmitted media stream of the running PoC session from being lost when the PoC client is replaced. The method includes transmitting, by an arbitrary PoC user, a message for replacing a terminal from a user terminal to a session management server while maintaining the session; receiving, by the session management server, the replacement request message, and transmitting an INVITE message to a terminal to be replaced, or a target terminal; and receiving, by the target terminal, the INVITE message, and media through an existing session. In a situation where there is a need to replace the PoC terminal according to change of the media for the PoC call, request of mobility, etc.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Sang-Kyung Sung, Jea-Hun Han, Joon-Goo Park
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Patent number: 7797011Abstract: The present invention aims at permitting users of the equipments to exchange mutually their own wills easily in a PoC service not to take a floor. In a PoC service that attains a half duplex talk session using a packet communication between the plurality of equipments via a PoC server, a PoC server 20 for controlling a communication relay among a plurality of equipments includes a managing unit 20a for managing the user equipments connected to the PoC server 20, an acquiring unit 20b for acquiring a key operation of each equipment as operation information, and a transmitting unit 20c for transmitting the acquired operation information to the equipments that the managing unit 20a manages.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Junya Saito
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Publication number: 20100227597Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for setting up a voice conference call or sharing audio content. The method includes the steps of providing an audio mixer that receives an audio input from each of at least three audio interfaces of the conference call, mixes the audio inputs and provides an equalized audio output to each of the at least three audio interfaces, providing a first local wireless interface between a first audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces and a first headset, providing a second local interface between a second audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces and a second headset and coupling a third audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces to a third headset through a base station of a cellular network, wherein the communication paths to the first, second and third persons are all different.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Callpod, Inc.Inventor: DARREN GUCCIONE
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Patent number: 7792519Abstract: A method for administering conferencing resources in a communications system comprising a plurality of terminals and a conference server, the method comprising: transmitting from a first terminal to the server a first message comprising a request for a resource capable of sustaining a conference call; allocating by means of the server a network address identifying a resource capable of sustaining the conference call; and transmitting from the server to the first terminal a second message comprising the network address.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Aki Niemi
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Publication number: 20100222045Abstract: A wireless communication terminal includes a first wireless communication section configured to wirelessly communicate with a first wireless communication terminal via a base station, a second wireless communication section configured to transmit and receive data to/from a second wireless communication terminal though a short-range wireless communication link, and a controller configured to, while the wireless communication terminal itself is communicating with the first wireless communication terminal, upon detection of the existence of the second communication terminal, create a call request for requesting the second wireless communication terminal to initiate a phone call to the wireless communication terminal itself, further, cause the second wireless communication section to transmit the call request to the second wireless communication terminal, and upon receipt of the phone call which the second wireless communication terminal initiated in response to the call request, transmit a request for switchingType: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Andreas BEXELL
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Publication number: 20100223044Abstract: A system for directing media streams during a conference call, including an enterprise, at least one network provided within the enterprise and in communication with a plurality of communication devices, a platform provided within the enterprise and in communication with the network, the platform comprising a protocol layer, a services layer and an application layer, and a conference call server in communication with the platform, wherein the platform is configured for receiving media streams from each of the communication devices and instructing the conference call server on how to direct the media streams to and from each of the communication devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Douglas Gisby, Brian Oliver, Christopher Labrador, Andrew Allen, Ian McDonald, Michael Langlois
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Publication number: 20100216443Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Mark Jacobstein, Isaac David Guedalia, Jacob Guedalia, Sarah Harris
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Publication number: 20100208625Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of joining a user to a conference call event an interface associated with a time management software application is displayed. The interface displays information relating to the conference call event including a date for a conference call which is subject of the conference call event and a start time of the conference call. While displaying the interface, a menu offering one or more options is displayed; these one or more options include an option to join the conference call. When an indication of a selection of the option to join the conference call is received, information associated with the conference call is located; this information includes a telephone number for a conference call bridge. A connection with the conference call bridge using the telephone number is initiated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Adrian Logan, Rohit Jain, Eric Fritzley, Christopher Labrador, Michael McAndrews
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Patent number: 7778629Abstract: 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. During the method of the present invention, a potentially contentious situation is detected. After this detection, this method, disrupts the capability of the system to automatically connect the user to a previously scheduled telephone conference, and notifies the user and querying the user and giving the user options to determine how the user desires to handle the one or more incoming calls. The user options can depend on the particular situation detected.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Candice B. Gilzean, Gahlya Gregory, Fabian F. Morgan, Michael Eric Rhodes
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Patent number: 7778206Abstract: A method for providing a conference service using speaker selection includes hosting a conference between a plurality of endpoints and receiving from the plurality of endpoints a plurality of media streams. The plurality of media streams each include a power indicator. The method includes normalizing the power indicators to determine a normalized power indicator for each of the plurality of media streams and selecting, based on the normalized power indicators of the plurality of media streams, a first number of the plurality of media streams for processing into a conference stream. The method also includes processing the selected first number of the plurality of media streams into the conference stream and communicating the conference stream to at least some of the plurality of endpoints.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, Cullen F. Jennings, Labhesh Patel
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Publication number: 20100203875Abstract: A SIP server generates a second call request for calling out group talk members corresponding to a first call request on the basis of the received first call request. Prior to transmitting the generated second call request to the group talk members, the SIP server transmits call request receiving information indicating that the first call request has been received. An SMS server transmits a start-up message to the group talk members on the basis of the received call request receiving information. The start-up message is used to start up an application which executes a group talk, and includes the member identification information of the group talk.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Masanori Nishimori
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Patent number: 7774010Abstract: A group management framework and methodology for managing symmetric groups using peer-to-peer network communications. Group management is distributed throughout the group members of the peer-to-peer network, and group information is mirrored in each of the members of the group. The framework facilitates management of group member lists, provides group communication capabilities for external applications, and security for the group communication without the need for intermediary servers to provide services.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Esko Kokkonen, Olli Rantapuska
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Patent number: 7773980Abstract: A method for transferring data based on an event function is provided. The method includes receiving an event function from an event initiator. The event function is distributed to one or more destinations associated with event performers. A response message is received as a function of destination and time. It is determined whether the time is less than or equal to a limit time, and it is further determined whether an event parameter is greater than or equal to an event constant if the time is less than or equal to the limit time. Data is transferred from a data origination system accessible by the event initiator to a data destination system accessible by the event performer if the event parameter is greater than or equal to the event constant and if the time is less than or equal to the limit time.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: PAYjr, Inc.Inventor: David Jones
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Patent number: 7773977Abstract: A method for sharing a data file among devices is provided, wherein the data file corresponding to a first data file stored in any of information-processing devices is transmitted to a file server, when a mobile terminal controlling a data-file-sharing operation requests registration of the first data file, as an object to be used by the other device. The data file is stored in a management region. The file server transmits file-sharing information including location information and attribute information of the data file. The file-sharing information is transmitted from the information-processing device to the mobile terminal which selects a second data file for reception on the basis of the attribute information, accesses the file server on the basis of the location information corresponding to the second data file, and requests transmission of the second data file so that the second data file is transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Hirohisa Tominaga
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Patent number: 7774416Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium for enhanced instant messaging in a data processing system are disclosed. The instant messaging application detects a number of instant messaging sessions of a first messaging participant with a number of other messaging participants and detects a hierarchy class of each of the other messaging participants. The application calculates an average response time for each of hierarchy classes. The application determines whether the average response time for each hierarchy class exceeds a predefined threshold. If the average response time does not exceed the threshold the application displays an indication of the average response time for the hierarchy class to each of the other messaging participants of the hierarchy class. If the average response time does exceed the threshold, the application displays an indication to each of the other messaging participants of the hierarchy class that the first messaging participant is unable to respond.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sean Callanan, Al Chakra, Sonya Purcell, Hugh P. Smyth
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Publication number: 20100197288Abstract: A wireless device uses a software application that enables the device to communicate with a remote service provider device over a wireless link. The user initiates a call to a third party by dialling the telephone number of the third party the user wishes to communicate with. The software application then automatically initiates a data communication to the remote service provider and automatically providing to the remote service provider device all the required information needed by the service provider device to correctly route the communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Ghost Telecom LimitedInventors: Michael Camilleri, Jose Luis Merino Gonzalez
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Patent number: 7769409Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining and providing status information for network devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.Inventors: Adam P. Harris, Glen Van Datta
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Publication number: 20100188473Abstract: Initiating a conference in a conferencing system (e.g., a videoconferencing or aduioconferencing system). Input may be received to the conferencing system from a mobile communication device. The input may specify one or more participants in the videoconference, e.g., by selecting from contact information stored on the mobile communication device. Accordingly, the conferencing system may initiate the conference based on the received input. The videoconference may include the one or more participants selected from the contact information stored on the mobile communication device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Keith C. King, Matthew K. Brandt
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Patent number: 7764954Abstract: A method, a combined cellular, PDA communication device and system having specialized software applications for allowing a plurality of combined cellular phone/PDA device users to monitor each others' locations and status, to initiate cellular phone calls by touching a symbol on the touch screen display with a stylus which can also include point to call conferencing calling. Each participant's cellular phone/PDA device includes a GPS navigation receiver with application software for point to call or conference call initiation to network participants and fixed facilities.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Inventor: Malcolm K. Beyer, Jr.
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Patent number: 7764971Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a set of procedures that a push-to-talk (PTT) server can use to control multiple simultaneous media streams within a talk group. The present invention provides floor control messages and protocols for identifying, transmitting, and distributing the simultaneous media streams. The invention may be used with any real-time protocol (RTP) payload format as long as the encoding allows a receiver of the packets means to distinguish between the transmitting clients. Although the present invention provides server-based control of multiple transmissions, end-point-based transmission control procedures are supported.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Chu, Michelle T. Emanuel, Charles Salisbury
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Patent number: 7756116Abstract: In one particular embodiment, the secure media includes information sent using secure real-time transfer protocol (sRTP). Supplementary services may include call transfers, forwards/redirects, call hold with music on hold (MOH), call hold with no MoH, call resume, call park, call pickup, call blast etc. In a call flow, a call request may be received from a first device for a second device. The call request may include at least one set of keys and be ready for establishment of an sRTP call. It is then determined that a supplementary service is needed for the call request. For example, a supplementary service may indicate that a call redirect to a third device is required. The gateway then facilitates a supplementary service call with the third device. This is facilitated without contacting the first device to generate a second key after receiving the initial call request.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Parameswaran Kumarasamy, Soumya Kalahasti, Prasad Miriyala, Sandeep Singh Kohli
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Patent number: 7756537Abstract: A server for a communication system is disclosed. The server is configured to receive group communication information comprising a group detail indicator. The group detail indicator provides information on at least an identity of a group and a type of the group. The server is further configured to store the group communication information, and to make the group communication information available to predefined entities.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Antti Laurila, Jari Mutikainen, Paavo Helenius, Simo Veikkolainen
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Patent number: 7756540Abstract: A system and method of conducting a dispatch multi-party communication session is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes establishing a dispatch multi-party communication session in a dispatch network and identifying the dispatch multi-party communication session to a subscriber of the dispatch network. A join request is received at the dispatch network from the subscriber in response to identifying the dispatch multi-party communication session and the subscriber is joined to the session in response to the received join request. In accordance with an embodiment of a system of the present invention, the system includes a dispatch network wherein the network establishes a dispatch multi-party communication session and identifies the dispatch multi-party communication session to a subscriber of the dispatch network.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Nextel Communications Inc.Inventors: Dan Tillet, David Martin, Karalyn Szuszczewicz, Trinh Vu
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Publication number: 20100167710Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a user input region. The apparatus is configured to move a first icon displayed on the apparatus in response to a received input at the user input region. The apparatus is configured to assign the first icon to a first personal contact. The apparatus is configured to assign a second icon to a second personal contact. The apparatus is configured to initiate a conference call between the first personal contact and the second personal contact in response to a movement of the first icon onto the second icon.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: Arto Juhani Alhainen
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Publication number: 20100167711Abstract: A method and system for creating a communication group (105). The method can include the steps of identifying (210) a plurality of mobile units (110) to be part of the communication group, initiating (220) a mating procedure between the mobile units to form the communication group in which confirmation of the mating procedure is executed by, at least in part, a secure identification process and enabling (230) the transfer of information between the mobile units of the communication group once the mating procedure is completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.Inventors: RACHID M. ALAMEH, THOMAS E. GITZINGER
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Patent number: 7747265Abstract: A communication session between a wireless communication device and one or more recipient communication devices is initiated in response to user input received at a separate computing device. The intended parties of the call are identified at the computing device in response to the user input. Once the intended parties have been identified, the calling instructions are generated and transmitted to the wireless communication device or a server, which cause a call to be initiated between a wireless communication device and one or more recipient communication devices. This allows a caller to utilize the functionality and resources available on a computer to initiate a call, while enabling the caller to utilize the functionality and resources available on the caller's wireless communication device to engage in and complete the call, without requiring the caller to communicate through the telephony applications of a computer.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Core Mobility, Inc.Inventor: Michael P. Ruf
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Patent number: 7747268Abstract: A method for processing a talk burst of a PTT server when a PTT terminal requests permission to send a talk burst, but the talk burst has already been allocated to another PTT terminal. The PTT server sends to every PTT terminal having a session established therefor, a talk burst deny message including an ID of the PTT terminal having sent the talk burst request message. Then, each PTT terminal having received the talk burst deny message compares its own ID with the ID included in the talk burst deny message and outputs the comparison result, such that the request for permission to send the talk burst can be processed and every user can check the status information of all PTT terminals having a session established thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Guk-Chan Lim
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Publication number: 20100158231Abstract: A method for enabling group communications includes: establishing a group identity for a communication group comprising a first set of communication devices, and storing an identity for each of the communication devices in the first set; establishing a session to associate a second set of communication devices with the group identity, wherein the communication devices in the second set are different from the communication devices in the first set, wherein the session with the second set of communication devices is set up irrespective of a call being initiated for the communication group; detecting a first event associated with the initiation of a call for the communication group; and in response to detecting the first event, using the stored identities to join at least one of the communication devices in the first set to the session.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.Inventors: DONALD G. NEWBERG, RAMANDEEP AHUJA, GREGORY D. BISHOP, PETER E. THOMAS, SHANTHI E. THOMAS
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Publication number: 20100159830Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing conference calls using a headset are presented. The headset includes a wireless communications transceiver operable to form a first local wireless link with a first local telephone in communication with a first far end telephone user and a second local wireless link with a second local telephone in communication with a second far end telephone user. The headset further includes a processor operable to establish a conference call between the headset user, the first far end telephone user, and the second far end telephone user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: Plantronics, Inc.Inventors: Benedict Andrew Findlay, Scott Walsh
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Patent number: 7743149Abstract: Modifications to SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) are made which significantly extend the functionality of SIP. SIP messages are associated with computer software code such as Java byte code, Java applets or mobile autonomous software agents. SIP clients are arranged such that on receipt of a SIP message that has been associated with computer software code, that code is executed by a processor associated with the SIP client. In the case that Java applets are contained in a SIP message these are executed by a Java Virtual Machine associated with the SIP client. If a Java mobile agent is contained in the SIP message this executes on a Java Mobile Agent Virtual Machine associated with the SIP client. Preferably an indicator is put into the header of a SIP message to indicate that it has been associated with computer software code, and SIP clients are arranged to detect the presence of such indicators.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Nortel Networks LimitedInventor: Michael O'Doherty
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Patent number: 7742758Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for setting up a voice conference call or sharing audio content. The method includes the steps of providing an audio mixer that receives an audio input from each of at least three audio interfaces of the conference call, mixes the audio inputs and provides an equalized audio output to each of the at least three audio interfaces, providing a first local wireless interface between a first audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces and a first headset, providing a second local interface between a second audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces and a second headset and coupling a third audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces to a third headset through a base station of a cellular network, wherein the communication paths to the first, second and third persons are all different.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Callpod, Inc.Inventor: Darren Guccione
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Patent number: 7742584Abstract: Communication systems and methods are described that enable mobile devices to route telephone calls via an enterprise telephone system. The communication system is configured to receive via a data channel a request from the mobile device. The mobile device corresponds to a user making a call. The server receiving the request includes a private branch exchange (PBX) and one or more other servers hosted by or coupled to the enterprise. A first call leg is initiated over a first voice channel in response to the request. The first call leg is coupled to the server and mobile device. A second call leg is initiated over a second voice channel, and the second call leg is coupled to the server and a client device corresponding to an intended call recipient. A voice conference call is formed between the mobile device and client device by joining the first and second call legs.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Chatterjee, Josh Perfetto, Hemendra Rana, Paul Fullarton
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Patent number: 7738858Abstract: Messages are routed via a cellular communications network to multiple cellular communications receivers configured for answering calls placed to a common subscriber number, such that a message originated with a single cellular call may reach multiple recipients. The geographic area of message distribution may be controlled by selectively enabling different cell sites for calling particular subscriber numbers. The cellular receivers may have message storage capabilities for subsequent replay of received messages. Message storage may be provided by downloading messages to a conventional telephone answering device also connected for landline telephone call answering, thereby adding received cellular messages to recorded landline telephone messages.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: Natan Epstein
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Patent number: 7733822Abstract: A distributed disparate wireless switching network is described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary network architecture includes, but is not limited to, a connection origination exchange (COX), a proxy controller coupled to the COX, an access point coupled to the proxy controller, and a mobile node wirelessly coupled to the access point. The mobile node communicates with a terminating node of a network through the access point and the proxy controller using an identification maintained by the proxy controller. The COX originates a connection with the terminating node on behalf of the mobile node using the identification provided by the proxy controller. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventor: Sanjay M. Gidwani
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Patent number: 7729713Abstract: A push-to-talk communications device (PCD) provides improved push-to-talk (PTT) communications. The PCD may include a PTT activator and a PTT module having a buffer and communications logic for providing full duplex PTT communications. In a Point-to-Point PTT mode of operation, PTT communications are performed between two PCDs with the PCDs exercising floor control. After the establishment of communications between the PCDs, the PCDs may enter a PTT talk mode wherein messages are transmitted between the PCDs in real time when a PTT activator is engaged. A PCD may also enter a group PTT mode wherein a PTT server exercises floor control between an initiating PCD and multiple target PCDs.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventor: Stephen T. Hardin
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Patent number: 7729712Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for identifying and communicating with digital communication devices within a communication range that includes a transmitter configured to transmit a control signal and a voice signal, a receiver configured to receive the control signal and the voice signal, a user interface unit having a display area, and a computational unit configured to control the transmitter to periodically transmit identifying information as the control signal. The control signal is received as remote identifying information by the other digital communication devices within the communication range. The remote identifying information is displayed on the display area of each of the digital communication devices receiving the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventors: Mark Gottlieb, Warren Bosch, Mark Lyons
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Patent number: 7715872Abstract: Disclosed is a video calling method capable of providing video through a separate display over a VoIP network, which can transfer IP information of a specified display device to a mobile communication terminal, and provide video data transfer for a video call through the specified display device. According to the video calling method, a first mobile communication terminal connects a video calling service with a second mobile communication terminal, and receives a request to change a device for transmitting/receiving the video to/from the second mobile communication terminal to a separate display. The first mobile communication terminal transfers information about the display to the second mobile communication terminal, and controls the second mobile communication terminal to transmit/receive the video to/from the display.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sun-Mi Kim, Young-Jip Kim, Young-Seop Han
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Patent number: 7711384Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for displaying group call status information and participant status information for a group call are provided. Users participating in a dispatch group session (call) are provided with details about the group itself (group status) and the users participating in the group (participant status). When changes are made to the group call, the group call status information and the participant status information may be updated and displayed in real time.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Nextel Communications Inc.Inventors: Karalyn M. Szuszczewicz, Trinh D. Vu, Jeffrey Scott Posner
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Patent number: 7711380Abstract: Subject to user's setting in PoC group communication, the user address of that user is set to non notification against other users. In case of starting PoC group communication, a PoC subscriber selects non notification subjects and transmits a PoC session commencement request. At that time, the caller sets his own address and/or address/addresses of all or a part of users to non notification. On a user designated as a non notification subject due to the caller's setting, PoC terminal apparatuses in receipt of a PoC session commencement request or PoC communication service controlling apparatuses undergo non notification setting processing. On a called party not selected as non notification subject users, if he/she sets his/her own user address to non notification in advance, likewise non notification processing is implemented. Even after a PoC session is established, each user can set his/her own user address to non notification and non notification service complying with user's intention is providable.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Shimokawa, Naomasa Yoshida, Atsushi Sato, Yosuke Hayashi
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Publication number: 20100105371Abstract: The method of present invention is used for addressing broadcast message in trunk system, in which said trunk system includes base station, mobile station. Said method includes the following steps: adding a index of trunk broadcast time slot newly, all the mobile station that support boundless capacity group call service monitor these trunk broadcast time slots; the paging message of the boundless capacity group call transmitted by said base station is sent in the trunk broadcast time slot, which uses the group identification as the broadcast address, and address according to the group identification, not address to a single mobile station. The method of present invention efficiently solves the problem for the paging channel capacity limitation of boundless capacity group call service supported by CDMA trunk telecommunication system, and greatly shorten the time of group call connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2005Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: ZTE CorporationInventors: Yanye Chen, Xuemin Liu, Chenguang Zhang, Xiaoxia Hou
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Patent number: 7706517Abstract: A system and method for initiating calls via electronic calendar is disclosed. A call list is associated by a user to a particular time and day within the electronic calendar. When the particular day and time arrives, the call list is forwarded to a service which executes the call list, and subsequently contacts the members of the call list. The system may initially query the callees through a prerecorded voice messaging system to determine which callees are present, and then establish a telephone connection based on responses to the queries. Once a connection is established, the user and the members of the list are linked to a conference bridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventor: Steven Todd
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Patent number: 7702340Abstract: A system and apparatus to create text messages and the like on a standard computing device keyboard and the like and then send the messages to destinations via a cell phone has been presented. The text messages are created with a standard keyboard and transmitted via the computing device's wireless port or a wired port to a user's cell phone for sending to the recipient(s) using telephony standards such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM). The system provides an “off-line” solution where the user does not have to be connected to a network. Interfaces are provided for users to enter the destination number, to select a port from available ports, enter the text, and select options.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Houman Pournasseh, Brian Murphy, Gilles Peigné, Mohamed A. Hassanin
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Patent number: 7702348Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of fast call setup in digital trunking communication system, including: the terminal user initiating a PTT call; the base station receiving said PTT call request, assigning channel resource for the call, establishing forward service channel according to the distribution of channel, transmitting an empty frame on the forward service channel and at the same time transmitting an extended channel assignment message to specify the service channel assigned for the terminal; after receiving the extended channel assignment message, the terminal user opening the receiver to track and acquire the forward service channel, and at the same time transmitting one or more prefix-frame on the reverse service channel or reverse pilot channel; the base station or the terminal performing the operation of acquisition of service channel, if the acquisition succeeds, the call setup is successful, if the acquisition fails, the call setup is failed and enters release flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: ZTE CorporationInventors: Yuhong Xue, Yingnan Liu, Jinlong Liu
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Patent number: 7702320Abstract: A portable information terminal having high adaptability and high convenience with respect to operating environment, and by which comfortable and high-quality sounds can be reproduced is provided. A sound reproducing system in a portable information terminal 1, wherein the portable information terminal is provided with at least two acoustic loudspeakers 2a and 2b; and the at least two acoustic loudspeakers are driven simultaneously to compensate their reproduced sounds with each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Tatsumi Komura
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Patent number: 7693510Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling communication between user terminals using a telecommunications network. One embodiment includes an interface between a real-time charging control system for controlling usage of network resources during such usage and a group communications control node which is capable of controlling group communications sessions. Improved real-time charging control mechanisms can be implemented to account for usage of group communications services, for example where charging for an entire group communications session may be applied to a selected single party. Charging for a group communications session may be conducted with the flexibility of being able to charge according to the number of participants without having to transmit separate charging control signals from each participant's leg of the session to the real-time charging control system, thus reducing the signaling load in the network.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Orange Personal Communications Services LimitedInventor: Christopher Shaw