RU2574846C2 - Multimodal conversation park and resumption - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: radio engineering, communication.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to communication. A multimodal conversation park and resumption method comprises notifying a system subscriber on a parked conversation, and enabling the subscriber to resume selected or all modalities for continuing the conversation. While waiting for the subscriber to resume the conversation, a participant may receive audio, video, presentation, or other forms of content as playback.

EFFECT: enabling resumption of a suspended data exchange session from the position where it was suspended.

18 cl, 8 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Waiting and resuming a call are an integral part of conventional communication technologies such as PBX (telephone system for private use). A pending call is typically a time-delayed call transfer. In telephone systems, waiting for a call is limited only to audio calls and one modality.

[0002] Modern communication systems have a large number of capabilities, including the integration of various communication modalities with various services. For example, instant messaging, voice / video communication, data / application sharing, whiteboard use and other types of communication can be combined using information about the presence and availability of subscribers. Such systems can provide enhanced capabilities to subscribers, such as providing callers with instructions on various status categories, alternative contacts, calendar information, and comparable capabilities.

[0003] With the advent of modern communications systems, such as unified communications, and the prevailing use of desktop computers and softphone based telephony, the above and other modalities are typically used in two-way or multi-way communication. Despite the fact that these modalities provide users with a richer perception, they also cause various problems and opportunities for processing communications at the system level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This section of the invention is provided in a simplified form for introducing selected concepts, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This section of the invention is not intended solely to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as a means in determining the claimed scope of the subject invention.

[0005] Embodiments are aimed at providing the subscriber with the capabilities of an advanced communication system to wait for the created multimodal conversation within the extended communication system and notify another subscriber through a variety of means. The other party can resume selected or all modalities to continue the conversation. Different modalities can be put on hold together or individually on servers and / or endpoints. While waiting for another subscriber to resume the conversation, the participant can receive audio, video, presentation or other types of content in the form of playback.

[0006] These and other features and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and viewing the related drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and do not limit aspects in accordance with what is claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary unified communications system in which embodiments may be implemented to wait and resume a multimodal conversation.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a basic example system for facilitating multimodal conversation.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates the main components and actions in an extended communications system to facilitate waiting and resuming multimodal conversations in accordance with embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary actions when waiting and resuming an exemplary dual-mode conversation in a unified communications system.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an exemplary user interface for a notification alert of a pending conversation in a system in accordance with embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a networked environment in which a system in accordance with embodiments may be implemented.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example computing work environment in which embodiments may be implemented.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart for waiting and resuming a multimodal conversation in an extended communication system in accordance with embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] As briefly described above, some or all of the modalities of multimodal conversations can be put on hold and resumed in an advanced communication system, while set on hold for participants to play various content, including, but not limited to, audio, video, presentations (e.g., slide presentations), file displays, and comparable types. In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof and in which embodiments and examples are shown as illustrations. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be used, and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As a consequence, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting, and the scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0016] Although embodiments will be described in the general context of program modules that are executed in conjunction with an application program that is running on an operating system on a personal computer, one skilled in the art should recognize that aspects can also be implemented in combination with other software modules.

[0017] Typically, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, one skilled in the art should appreciate that embodiments may be practiced using other computer system configurations, including portable devices, multiprocessor systems, programmable or microprocessor-based consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers and comparable computing devices. Embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located on both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0018] Embodiments may be implemented as a computer-implemented process (method), computing system or product, such as a computer program product or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product may be a computer storage medium readable by a computer system and with a computer program encoded thereon that contains instructions instructing the computer or computer system to perform the exemplary process (s). A computer-readable storage medium may, for example, be implemented through one or more volatile computer memory, non-volatile memory, a hard disk, a flash memory device, a floppy disk or a compact disk, and a comparable storage medium.

[0019] Throughout this description, the term "server" generally refers to a computing device that executes one or more software programs, typically in a networked environment. However, the server can also be implemented as a virtual server (software programs) executed on one or more computing devices considered as a server on the network. A more detailed description of these technologies and examples of operation are provided below.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a diagram 100 of an example unified communications system in which embodiments may be practiced. A unified communications system is an example of a modern communications system with a wide range of capabilities and services that can be provided to subscribers. A unified communications system is a real-time communications system that facilitates the functionality of instant messaging, presence information, audio-video conferences, web conferences, and comparable capabilities.

[0021] In a unified communications system ("UC"), such as that shown in scheme 100, users can communicate through a variety of end devices (102, 104), which are client devices of the UC system. Each client device may be configured to execute one or more communication applications for voice, video, instant messaging, application sharing, data sharing, and the like. In addition to enhanced functionality, end devices can also facilitate traditional telephone calls through external connections such as PBX 124 to the Public Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”). End devices can include any type of smart phone, cell phone, any computing device running a communications application, an intelligent car console, and advanced telephone devices with additional functionality. Moreover, a subscriber of a UC system may use more than one end device and / or communication application to facilitate the execution of various communication modes with other subscribers. End devices can also include various peripheral devices connected to end devices using wired or wireless means (for example, USB connections, Bluetooth® connections, etc.) to implement various aspects of communication.

[0022] The UC network (s) 110 includes a number of servers performing various tasks. For example, UC servers 114 provide registration, presence, and routing functionality. Routing functionality provides the system with the ability to route user calls to any of the client devices assigned to the user based on default or user-defined policies. For example, if the user is not available via a regular telephone, the call can be forwarded to the user's mobile phone, and if the number does not answer, then voicemail options can be used. Since end devices can handle additional communication modes, UC servers 114 can provide access to these additional communication modes (eg, instant messaging, video communication, etc.) through access server 112. The access server 112 is located in the border network and allows you to connect via the network (s) 110 UC to other users in one of the additional communication modes. The UC servers 114 may include servers that perform combinations of the above described functionality or specialized servers that provide specific functionality. For example, home servers that provide presence tracking functionality, routing servers that provide routing functionality, rights management servers, etc. Similarly, access server 112 may provide numerous functionalities, such as firewall protection and connectivity, or only specific functionalities.

[0023] The audio / video conference server 118 provides the ability to conduct audio and / or video conferences by facilitating their execution through an internal or external network. The mediation server 116 mediates signaling and providing a transmission medium to and from other types of networks, such as a PSTN or a cellular network (for example, calls via PBX 124 or from a cellular telephone 122). The mediation server 116 may also act as the user agent of the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

[0024] In a UC system, users may have one or more credentials that are not necessarily limited to a telephone number. The identification data can be of any kind depending on the integrated networks, such as a phone number, a Universal Resource Identifier (URI) under the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), or any other identifier. Although any protocol can be used in the UC system, SIP is the approach used in most cases.

[0025] SIP is an application layer control (signaling) protocol for creating, modifying, and terminating sessions with one or more participants. It can be used to create two-way, multi-party, or multicast sessions that include Internet phone calls, multimedia distribution, and multimedia conferences. SIP is designed to be independent of the underlying transport layer.

[0026] SIP clients can use the Transport Control Protocol (“TCP”) to connect to SIP servers and other SIP endpoints. SIP is primarily used when setting up and breaking voice or video calls. However, it can be used in any application that requires session initiation. It includes subscription to events and notifications, terminal mobility, etc. Voice and / or video communication, as a rule, is carried out according to separate session protocols and, as a rule, in the Real-time Transport Protocol (“RTP”).

[0027] As used herein, the term “conversation” refers to a multimodal communication session, where subscribers can simultaneously or sequentially communicate through a variety of devices, applications and communication modes. For example, two callers can initiate a conversation through instant messaging through their desktop computers. In the future, communication can be expanded to audio and instant messaging, while one subscriber uses his desktop computer for both modes, while the other uses a desktop computer for instant messaging, and an intelligent phone for audio mode. Other subscribers may join or leave the conversation, and other modes and devices may be added or removed. The commonality between these means of communication is maintained by declaring all these means of communication as belonging to the same conversation. Conversations can be assigned a unique identifier that allows subscribers to view, record, modify, share and generally manage aspects of the conversation, including documents and other data related to the conversation (for example, documents exchanged as attachments, in one conversation mode or recording other conversation modes).

[0028] While the exemplary system of FIG. 1 has been described with specific components such as a mediation server, an A / V server, and the like, embodiments are not limited to this system of exemplary components and configurations. An expanded communication system that facilitates multimodal conversations with standby and resume capabilities can be implemented in other systems and configurations that use fewer or more components. In addition, such systems do not have to be advanced communication systems integrating various communication modes. Embodiments may also be implemented in systems that facilitate the execution of other communication modes by coordinating the implementation of rules between different communication modes using the principles described herein.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a basic example system for facilitating a multi-modal conversation. Although the system in accordance with embodiments probably includes a number of servers, client devices, and services, such as those illustratively discussed in FIG. 1, however, in FIG. 2 shows only those that are essential to the embodiments.

[0030] In an extended communication system, such as a unified communication system, subscribers (eg, 236, 244) can facilitate multimodal communication 240 using one or more end devices (eg, 238, 242) and associated peripheral devices. Multimodal communication 240 may include audio, video, file sharing, desktop sharing, instant messaging, email, whiteboard sharing, and similar types of communication. The conversation can be created and managed by one or more servers in a distributed form (for example, server 234).

[0031] In this new world of unified communications, different modalities of the same conversation can be put on hold together as a single multimodal put on hold conversation and can be resumed together or separately. For example, a customer may call the company's sales department using only the audio modality. The answering salesperson can expand the conversation to audio and desktop sharing. At some point in time during the conversation, the salesperson may understand that he / she needs assistance (or switching to) from a technical specialist. The seller can put the conversation on hold and notify the technician of the expected conversation. The technician can then resume the conversation using both or only one modality and continue customer service.

[0032] There are several aspects of anticipating and resuming multimodal conversations, as illustrated in the example described above. Modalities (audio and instant messaging) can be put on hold together on a dedicated server (standby server), on separate specialized servers (one standby server for each modality), on multi-purpose server (s) (for example, a server routing) or even on individual endpoints of the system. The seller can notify the technician by various means, such as e-mail, instant message, SIP notification, communication system notification application, or even notification based on voice modality (voice mail or, for example, audio calling). The notification may include elements, such as links to individual pending modalities, so that a technician can select and resume individual modalities or join an entire conversation. Moreover, a notification can be sent to an identified person (s) or group (for example, a group instant message to the entire technical assistance group, so that any available technical specialist can resume a pending conversation).

[0033] While the conversation is on hold, content can be played in various modalities to the buyer. For example, audio, video, or other types of presentations may be provided (for example, a slide presentation if the conversation includes a video modality or an application sharing modality). While waiting for the technical specialist, the buyer may be provided with information about other products, aspects of the products, varieties offered and other information on the services offered, etc.

[0034] Participants in a multimodal conversation, such as those shown in diagram 200, may be part of the same network (eg, a corporate network) connected through different networks (eg, in an integrated environment), or communicate through a combination of secure and unprotected networks such as the Internet. Appropriate security measures, such as personal identification numbers, passwords and comparable measures, can be used to guarantee confidentiality and security of the conversation.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates the main components and actions in an extended communications system to facilitate waiting and resuming multimodal conversations in accordance with embodiments. Users 352 and 354 can create a multimodal conversation, as discussed above. A number of servers and endpoints can contribute to a conversation (356, 358). User 1 (352) can make a decision to put on hold a conversation and switch to (or attract) user 3 (360). At this point in time, user 1 (352) can put the conversation on hold by one or more servers 356 and endpoints 358. In accordance with embodiments, all conversation modalities can be put on hold together or separately in a centralized or distributed manner. Once the conversation is on hold, user 1 (352) can notify user 3 (360) via email, instant message, notification application, or other means. Once the notification is accepted, user 3 (360) can resume all or some of the modalities of the pending conversation with user 2 (354) and continue the conversation. The notification, as discussed in more detail below, may provide the user 3 with a choice regarding which modality to renew. Alternatively, the system can automatically determine which of the modalities to renew based on the capabilities of user 3, available resources, and similar factors.

[0036] Information about the pending conversation (s) may be sent or may be distributed using e-mail distribution lists, as well as ongoing chat sessions. The information may include links in the form of a SIP URI or URL. While the conversation is on hold, user 2 (354) can play content in different modalities. A media server may be used to provide such content. Content may include audio playback, video playback, presentation presentation, data display, and comparable forms.

[0037] The final destination of such a pending conversation can be located not only within the company, but also outside the company, such as in an integrated environment, or even beyond the SIP communication channel. The final destination may be able to authenticate itself to resume a pending conversation, using, for example, a shared corporate identifier that authenticates the user with respect to the service catalog.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating actions for holding and resuming an exemplary bimodal conversation in a unified communications system. User 1 (462) creates a bimodal conversation with user 2 using an audio call with endpoint 1 (462) of user 2 and an instant messaging session with endpoint 2 (465) of user 2. Both modalities include conversation identifier X identifying them as part of the same conversation. Upon receipt of a request for a request from user 1, the endpoints (464, 465) of user 2 agree on a stand-by conversation and send separate invitation messages to the stand-by server 466 for two conversation modalities.

[0039] Following the prompts from the endpoints of user 2, new sessions (audio and instant messaging) are created between the standby server 466 and the endpoints (464, 465) of user 2, while maintaining the conversation ID. In this mode, as discussed previously, the user 2 may be provided with content for playback. Meanwhile, the standby server 466 provides a location identifier for a pending conversation (for example, as a SIP URI or Unified Resource Locator 'URL') to user 1 and user 2. User 1 sends a notification message to user 3 (468) with the received URI SIP in relation to a pending conversation.

[0040] User 3 (468) selects a modality (in this example, an audio call) by activating a link for the audio modality in the notification message. Subsequently, the endpoint (464) of user 2 is sent an invitation related to the selected modality, and the conversation continues in the selected modality between user 2 and user 3.

[0041] The above scenario, exemplary systems, conversation modalities, and configurations are provided for purposes of illustration. Embodiments are not limited to these examples. When implementing multimodal conversations with standby and resuming capabilities, other types of notifications, configurations, conversation modes, and scripts can be similarly used using the principles described here.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an exemplary user interface for a notification alert of a pending conversation in a system in accordance with embodiments. A pending and resuming notification in a system in accordance with embodiments may be sent using various means, such as an e-mail message with links to different modalities of a pending conversation, instant message, SIP notification, or comparable methods. Another approach may be a notification application that can provide a user interface similar to user interface 500.

[0043] The user interface 500 is an exemplary invitation to a pending conversation. It includes a graphical representation of current modalities in a pending conversation (572) and graphical / textual selection elements for selection on acceptance or rejection with respect to the invited user (574). Acceptance may also be accompanied by a selection of one or more graphical representations of the available communication modes.

[0044] UI element 576 displays such selectable communication modes for separate selection. The user interface may display additional information, such as who (578) put on hold and information 582 about the participant in the conversation (name, address, any other relevant information).

[0045] A user interface for notifying a subscriber about a pending call may include additional or fewer text and graphic elements and may use various graphical, color, and other configuration schemes to display different functionalities. Other notification methods, such as those described above, can also be used with additional or fewer elements, as discussed here.

[0046] FIG. 6 is an exemplary networked environment in which embodiments may be implemented. An expanded communication system that provides communication services, including multimodal conversations with standby and resume capabilities, can be implemented through software running on one or more servers 618, such as hosted services. The system can facilitate communication between the client application on individual computing devices, such as smart phone 613, laptop 612 and desktop computer 611 ('client devices'), via network (s) 610.

[0047] As discussed above, modern communication technologies, such as UC services, allow subscribers to use a wide range of computing device and application capabilities related to communication services. This means that the subscriber can use one or more devices (for example, a regular telephone, smart phone, computer, smart car console, etc.) to communicate. Depending on the capabilities of each device and the applications available on each device, additional services and communication modes may be available.

[0048] Client devices 611-613 are used to facilitate communication between subscribers of a communication system through a variety of modes. One or more servers 618 can be used to wait (and subsequently resume) one or more modalities of the created conversation. Information related to subscribers and facilitating multimodal conversations, as well as multimodal content for playback, can be stored in one or more data stores (e.g., data storage 616) that can be managed by any of the servers 618 or the database server 614.

[0049] Network (s) 610 may comprise a topology of servers, clients, Internet service providers, and communications equipment. A system in accordance with embodiments may have a static or dynamic topology. Network (s) 610 may include a secure network, such as a corporate network, an insecure network, such as a wireless open network, or the Internet. Network (s) 610 can also coordinate communications over other networks, such as PSTN or cellular networks. Network (s) 610 provides a link between the nodes described herein. By way of example, and not limitation, network (s) 610 may include wireless communications, such as acoustic, RF (radio frequency), infrared, or other wireless means.

[0050] Many other configurations of computing devices, applications, data sources, and data distribution systems can be used to implement a communication system with pending and resuming multimodal conversation. In addition, networked media discussed in FIG. 6 are presented for illustration only. Embodiments are not limited to exemplary applications, modules, or processes.

[0051] FIG. 7 and its associated description are intended to provide a brief, general description of an acceptable computing environment in which embodiments may be implemented. With reference to FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary computing work environment for an application in accordance with embodiments, such as computing device 700. In a basic configuration, computing device 700 may be a standby server as part of an extended communications system and include at least one module 702 processing and system memory 704. Computing device 700 may also include many processing modules that work together to execute programs. Depending on the specific configuration and type of computing device, system memory 704 may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. System memory 704 typically includes an operating system 705 suitable for controlling platform operation, such as the WINDOWS® operating system from MICROSOFT CORPORATION of Redmond, Washington. Also, system memory 704 may include one or more software applications, such as program modules 706, communication application 722, and standby administration module 724.

[0052] Communication application 722 may be part of a service that facilitates communication through various modalities between client applications, servers, and other devices. The standby administration module 724 can provide client applications with the ability to wait for some or all of the modalities of the created conversations, notify other client applications of the expected conversation, and provide other subscribers with the opportunity to resume one or more modalities of the waiting conversation. As discussed previously, the standby administration module can coordinate notification using other applications, such as an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, and comparable applications. In accordance with some embodiments, the standby administration module 724 may also facilitate the reproduction of content to the waiting party (s) of the conversation in various modalities while the conversation is on hold. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 7 components inside the dashed line 708.

[0053] Computing device 700 may have additional properties or functionality. For example, computing device 700 may also include additional storage devices (removable and / or non-removable), such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such an additional storage device is illustrated in FIG. 7 removable storage device 709 and non-removable storage device 710. Computer-readable storage medium may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any way or by any information storage technology, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, software modules or other data. System memory 704, removable storage device 708 and non-removable storage device 710 are all examples of computer-readable storage media. A computer-readable storage medium includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage device, magnetic tapes, magnetic tape, memory a device on a magnetic disk, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the required information, and which can be accessed by a computing device 700. Any such computer Ty storage medium may be part of computing device 700. Computing device 700 may also have input device (s) 712 input such as a keyboard, pointing device type mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, with comparable input device. An output device (a) 714, such as a display, speakers, printer, and other types of output devices, may also be included. These devices are well known in the art and do not require a more detailed consideration here.

[0054] Computing device 700 may also include communication connections 716 that allow the device to communicate with other devices 718, such as, for example, over a wireless network in a distributed computing environment, a satellite communication line, a cellular communication line, and comparable mechanisms. Other devices 718 may include computer device (a) that runs communication applications, other catalog or policy servers, and comparable devices. Connection (s) 716 communications are one example of communications. Communications may include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any means of information delivery. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has its own one or more characteristics set or changed in such a way as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media such as a wired network or direct wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments of the invention also include methods. These methods can be implemented by any number of options, including the structures described herein. One such option is the machine operations of devices of the type described herein.

[0056] Another optional option is to perform one or more separate method operations in conjunction with one or more human operators. These people operators do not have to be next to each other, but each of them must be with a machine that runs part of the program.

[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a process 800 for awaiting and resuming multimodal conversations in an extended communication system in accordance with embodiments. Process 800 may be implemented as part of a communication system that facilitates the execution of multiple communication modes.

[0058] Process 800 begins with operation 810, which facilitates the execution of multimodal conversation. As discussed earlier, multimodal conversation can include a number of modalities, such as voice, video, email, instant messaging, application sharing, data sharing, whiteboard sharing, etc. The conversation may include two or more participants and may be initiated by one of the participants.

[0059] In operation 820, one of the participants waits for the conversation, so that the other party may provide the opportunity to join the conversation. Various conversation modalities can be put on hold together or individually (or in groups) on specialized servers, multipurpose servers, or even endpoints of an extended communication system. Modalities can be identified as belonging to each other through a conversation identifier (which can be a digital value, an alphanumeric value, or another character).

[0060] While the conversation is on hold, content of various modalities may be played to waiting participants in optional operation 830. Such content may include audio, video, presentations, or other types of displayed data. In accordance with other embodiments, one or more modalities of the conversation may continue while the remaining modalities are pending. For example, in a conversation containing audio, data sharing, and instant messaging, only the audio and data sharing modalities can be put on hold, and the instant messaging modality can continue to be supported, while the standby participant notifies another subscriber of the system about joining the conversation.

[0061] At operation 840, a pending privateer notifies one or more subscribers of the enhanced communications system of the need to join (or receive) a conversation. The notification may be in the form of an e-mail message, instant message, SIP notification, or in another form. The notice (s) may include links to pending modality conversations. Links can provide an opportunity for another subscriber (s) to join (or accept) a conversation by activating all pending modalities or by activating only selected conversation modalities (for example, based on the capabilities of the notified subscriber, preferences of the notified subscriber, etc.) 850. Once another subscriber has joined the conversation by providing an indication of the selected modalities, he can continue to support the use of the selected modalities.

[0062] The operations included in process 800 are presented for purposes of illustration. The service of communication with the possibilities of putting on hold and resuming a multimodal conversation can be implemented by similar processes with fewer or additional stages, as well as in a different sequence of operations using the principles described here.

[0063] The above description, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the compound of the embodiments. Although the subject matter of the invention has been described in a language specific for structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described herein. On the contrary, the specific features and actions described above and the storage media are disclosed as exemplary methods for implementing the claims and embodiments.

Claims (18)

1. A method of facilitating a standby and resumption of a multimodal conversation, which should be performed, at least in part, in a computing device, comprising stages in which:
accept a request for setting up waiting for a multimodal conversation on the communication server;
they put a conversation on hold, while individual conversation modalities are identified using the conversation identifier;
notify at least one subscriber of a pending conversation;
provide the aforementioned at least one subscriber with the opportunity to resume at least one of the individual modalities of the waiting conversation;
upon receipt of an indication of the selected modalities of a pending conversation from said at least one subscriber, provide the subscriber the opportunity to continue the conversation in the selected modalities; and
provide the subscriber requesting the standby conversation identifier of the standby position of the conversation so that the notified at least one subscriber is given the opportunity to resume said at least one of the individual modalities of the standby conversation from the location identified by the location identifier . 2. The method according to claim 1, additionally containing phase, in which:
provide conversation participants with multimodal content while the conversation is on hold. 3. The method according to claim 2, in which the provision of multimodal content includes at least one of a set consisting of playing audio content, playing video content, displaying a presentation of slides and displaying at least one file. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the location identifier includes one of: a Unified Resource Identifier (URI) by Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and a Unified Resource Identifier (URL). 5. The method according to claim 1, in which a subscriber requesting a statement to wait for a conversation is provided with a different location identifier for each conversation modality. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one subscriber is notified by one of: email message, instant message, SIP notification, voice based notification and warning application user interface. 7. The method according to claim 6, in which the step of notifying at least one subscriber includes a step of providing one of: a separate link for each waiting call modality and one link for the entire waiting call. 8. The method according to claim 1, in which the modalities of the conversation include one of a set consisting of audio communication, video communication, application sharing session, data sharing session, whiteboard sharing session, email messaging and exchange session instant messaging. 9. The method according to claim 1, in which the conversation identifier has one of: a digital value and an alphanumeric value, and the individual conversation modalities are put on hold together. 10. A communication system for implementing a standby and resumption of multimodal conversation, containing:
a communication server configured to facilitate multimodal communication between system endpoints;
Standby administration server configured for:
receiving a request to set up to wait for the created multimodal conversation from the endpoint of the system;
Putting a conversation on hold is one of the options: centrally on the waiting server administration or distributed on a variety of servers, with individual conversation modalities connected together through a conversation identifier;
providing a location identifier to the requesting endpoint so that the other endpoint can be notified of a pending conversation; and
enabling the endpoint to resume at least one of the individual modalities of an anticipated conversation;
conversation participant device configured for:
using at least two endpoints to participate in the conversation and enabling the endpoints to coordinate waiting operations. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a media server configured to store and provide multimodal content to the device of the participant in the conversation, while the conversation is on hold, while the content includes at least one of a set consisting of playback audio, video playback, slide show presentations and document display. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of servers includes one of: specialized servers for each individual conversation modality, multi-purpose servers, and a combination of servers and endpoints. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the communication system is made in the form of one of: a single communication system in a corporate environment and a multi-network system in an integrated environment. 14. A computer-readable storage device with instructions stored therein for administering multimodal conversations with the possibility of waiting and resuming, while the instructions include:
facilitating the implementation of a multimodal conversation between subscribers of the unified communications system, while each subscriber uses at least one endpoint to participate in the conversation;
receiving a request to set up to wait for a multimodal conversation from a participating endpoint;
setting the conversation on hold, with individual conversation modalities linked together through a conversation identifier;
providing a location identifier to the requesting endpoint so that it can notify the other participating endpoint of the pending conversation;
providing multimodal content to participating conversation endpoints while the conversation is on hold;
enabling the notified endpoint to resume at least one of the individual modalities of a pending conversation; and
providing the endpoint requesting the standby conversation identifier of the standby position of the conversation in such a way that the notified at least one endpoint is given the opportunity to resume said at least one of the individual modalities of the standby conversation from the location identified location identifier. 15. The computer-readable storage device of claim 14, further comprising instructions for enabling the notification of a plurality of endpoints of a pending conversation through one of: group email distribution and a constant chat session. 16. The computer-readable storage device of Claim 15, wherein the group email and ongoing chat session includes many links to provide a user connected to another endpoint with a choice between the available modalities of the waiting conversation. 17. The computer-readable storage device of claim 14, wherein the other participating endpoint is notified via a SIP message, which includes an id of a pending conversation location and a conversation identifier. 18. The computer-readable storage device of claim 14, wherein the other participating endpoints are given the opportunity to resume selected modalities of a pending conversation based on at least one of the capabilities of the other participating endpoint and user preferences associated with the other participating end point.

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