WO2001008383A1

WO2001008383A1 - Telephony system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2001008383A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/017994
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pinchas Ziv
Original assignee: Tundo Corporation
Priority date: 1999-07-21
Filing date: 2000-06-29
Publication date: 2001-02-01
Also published as: AU5901400A

Abstract

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for placing a plurality of telephonic connections, forwarding a telephonic connection from a subscriber premises, and alerting a user at a subscriber premises as to the status of a telephonic connection, all under the control of a general purpose computer.

Description

TELEPHONY SYSTEM AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to telephones and more specifically to methods and devices to control the placement of telephone calls.

Background of the Invention As telephones have evolved, the telephone set has gained increasing functionality as well as the ability to display greater amounts of information.

A traditional telephone consists of a handset containing a speaker and a microphone, an on-hook switch, and a dialing mechanism, commonly a touch tone pad. In a typical telephony environment, the traditional telephone can perform such functions as picking up a line, dialing a phone number, and hanging up a line. Traditional multi-line telephones allow a user to switch between various telephone lines by means of several buttons, each button associated with a specific line. Such phones usually include a hold button to put lines on hold. These telephones indicate the status of each line by means of an indicator light associated with each line button. As telephones developed, increasingly sophisticated functions have been added. One function, known as redial, is initiated by a button that redials the last number dialed. Redial can be used in situations where a user is repeatedly trying to get through to a busy number. Another such function, known as speed dialing, is initiated by a button or series of buttons on the user's telephone which the user can program to dial frequently-used telephone numbers. A function, known as call forwarding allows a user to connect an incoming caller to a second party at another number. Still yet another function, known as conferencing, allows several dialed parties to participate in the same phone call. Caller ID, which identifies the originating number of an incoming call, requires a display such as an LCD to indicate the information relating to the incoming call. Such a display can also be used in conjunction with the other functionalities such as speed dialing, call forwarding and conferencing. A typical phone currently includes multiple lines, caller ID, speed dialing, call forwarding, conferencing and an LCD display.

General purpose computers, and especially personal computers, have undergone an even greater amount of evolution than telephones. A typical consumer model of a personal computer typically currently includes a voice modem, which is capable of relaying voice information over a phone line in a manner equivalent to a telephone. If the computer also includes a speaker and a microphone, it is capable of performing as a fully functional telephone. In such a computer, the voice modem is controlled by a modem control program, which is in turn controlled by the user using a graphic user interface ("GUI"). The modem control program and its GUI can implement many of the functions of a typical phone, including speed dialing and caller ID. A computer/phone controlled by a GUI allows for more sophisticated features than a typical phone and allows more information to be displayed. However, such GUIs tend to have multiple functions and tend to be unwieldy to use.

It is therefore desirable to separate the basic telephone functionality, such as location-to- location calling, from the more advanced features such as conference calling and call forwarding. Such a separation allows for the basic functionality to be implemented in simple and inexpensive telephone units, while implementing the more sophisticated functionalities on the personal computer. Such a separation also provides the benefit of flexibility, allowing for a major upgrade or modification of the advanced functionalities by changing the software on the users' computers without having to replace any of the pre-existing telephone units.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of establishing a plurality of telephonic connections using a general purpose computer located on a subscriber premises, wherein each of said plurality of telephonic connections has a respective call parameter stored within said general purpose computer. The method includes the steps of: obtaining each of a plurality of respective call parameters from the general purpose computer; placing, using the general purpose computer, a plurality of calls in response to the call parameters; monitoring, using the general purpose computer, the status of each of the plurality of placed calls; and engaging, using the general purpose computer, each of the connections in response to the status. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of establishing a forwarded telephonic connection from a subscriber premises. The method includes the steps of: receiving an incoming call at the subscriber premises; obtaining a call parameter, stored on a general purpose computer located at the subscriber premises, including forwarding information; placing a call, using the general purpose computer, in response to the call parameter; monitoring, using the general purpose computer, the status of the placed call; and engaging, using the general purpose computer, the connection in response to the status. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of alerting a user at a subscriber premises as to the status of a telephonic connection. This method includes the steps of: receiving a plurality of telephone calls at the subscriber premises; monitoring, using a general purpose computer located at the subscriber premises, the status of each of the telephone calls; alerting, via a graphic user interface on the general purpose computer, the user in response to the status of each of the telephone calls; and placing one of the plurality of telephone calls in a wait state. In a further aspect, the status includes indicating the exceeding of a threshold number of waiting telephonic connections. In another further aspect, the status includes indicating the exceeding of a threshold time for a connection being held or in a wait-state. In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for establishing a plurality of telephonic connections. The apparatus includes a general purpose computer including a memory storing a plurality of call parameters; an interface to a dialer placing a plurality of calls in response to the call parameters; a monitor monitoring the status of each of the placed calls; and a connector establishing connections with each of the plurality of calls in response to the status of each of the plurality of calls.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for forwarding a telephonic connection from a subscriber premises using a general purpose computer. The apparatus includes a receiver receiving an incoming call; and the general purpose computer including: a memory storing a call parameter comprising forwarding information; a dialer placing a call in response to the call parameter; a monitor monitoring the status of the placed call; and a connector establishing the connection in response to the status.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for alerting a user at a subscriber premises as to the status of a telephonic connection. The apparatus includes a receiver receiving a plurality of telephone calls; and a general purpose computer including: a monitor monitoring the status of each of the plurality of telephone calls; an alarm alerting via a graphical user interface the user in response to the status of each of the plurality of telephone calls; and a hold- mechanism placing one of the plurality of telephone calls in a hold state. In a further aspect, the status includes an indication of the exceeding of a threshold number of waiting telephonic connections. In another further aspect, the status includes an indication of the exceeding of a threshold time for a connection being held or in a wait-state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the following description of embodiments of the invention, when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the switch control program of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a graphic user interface ("GUI") of an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 A is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for displaying the date.

FIG. 4B is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for displaying the time.

FIG. 4C is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for displaying the phone's station ID.

FIG. 4D is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for displaying the extension number.

FIG. 4E is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for displaying the name and number of a party. FIG. 4F is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for displaying the elapsed time of a connection.

FIG. 4G is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for displaying the status of another user.

FIG 5 A is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the "send" button.

FIG 5B is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the "clear" button.

FIG 5C is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the "release" button. FIG 5D is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the "mute" button. FIG 5E is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of hold and multiple hold.

FIG 5F is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the "do not disturb" button. FIG 5G is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of transferring an active call.

FIG 5H is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the ringer control.

FIG 51 is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of shortcuts.

FIG 5J is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the "login" button.

FIG 5K is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the history log. FIG 5L is a state diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feature state machine for implementing the functionality of the phone book.

FIG. 6 is a screenshot of an embodiment of the graphic user interface. FIG. 7 A is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of the steps of the invention for monitoring a phone call. FIG. 7B is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention placing a telephone call.

FIG. 7C is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention placing two telephone calls.

FIG. 8 A is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of the steps of the invention for monitoring a plurality of phone calls. FIG. 8B is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention commencing a conference call.

FIG. 8C is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention in the process of setting up a conference call.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of the steps of the invention for engaging and connecting a plurality of phone calls.

FIG. 10A is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of the steps of the invention for forwarding a telephone call. FIG. 1 OB is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention commencing to forward a telephone call.

FIG. IOC is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention after a telephone call has been forwarded.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a telephone set 100, a telephone switch 110 such as a Centrex or PBX, and a general purpose computer 120 executing a switch control program 130. The general purpose computer 120 is connected to the telephone switch 110 by way of a network 160. In one embodiment, the network 160 is a Local Area Network ("LAN"). In another embodiment, the network 160 is a Wide Area Network ("WAN"). The general purpose computer 120 is connected to the network 160 via a network interface 140. The telephone switch 110 is connected to the network 160 via a switch/network interface 180. The telephone set 100 is connected to the network 160 via a handset interface 170.

The user enters instructions to the telephone switch 110 by way of a graphic user interface ("GUI") 150. In one embodiment, the telephone set 100 does not have any controls or displays of its own, such as a mute button, a hold button, a ringer control, an on-hook switch or a touch-tone pad. In this embodiment, such functionality is subsumed in the switch control program 130 and its GUI 150. In an alternate embodiment, the telephone set 100 includes a touch tone pad and an on-hook switch, duplicating some of the functionality contained in the switch control program 130 and its GUI 150.

In one embodiment of the invention, depicted in FIG. 2, the switch control program 130 includes the GUI 150 and a logic engine 200. The logic engine 200 includes an event queue 210, one or more feature state machines 220, a protocol interface 230, and a database interface 240. In this embodiment, the GUI 150 receives commands from the user and places them in the event queue 210 of the logic engine 200, which in turn relays the user commands to the appropriate feature state machine 220. A feature state machine 220 consists of a finite number of states, through which the machine traverses in response to a set of events. In this embodiment, events can also be placed in the event queue 210 via the protocol interface 230. In a further embodiment, the protocol interface 230 transmits and receives messages to and from the telephone switch 110 via the network interface 140 using a telephony application interface such as the Abstract Syntax Notation- 1 ("ASN.l") protocol. In one embodiment, the network interface 140 is a network interface card ("NIC"). In a further embodiment, the NIC is an Ethernet card. In an alternate embodiment, the NIC is a Fast Ethernet card. In another alternate embodiment, the NIC is a Token Ring Card. In one embodiment, the network 160 employs the TCP/IP protocol. In an alternate embodiment, the network 160 employs the UDP protocol. In another alternate embodiment, the network 160 employs the IPX protocol. In yet another alternate embodiment, the network 160 employs the Token Ring protocol. In one embodiment, components such as the handset interface 170 and the telephone switch 110 communicate over the network 160 using the H.323 protocol.

In one embodiment, the switch control program 120 stores data, including: the IP address and port number of the telephone switch 1 10; the extension number of the telephone 100; the user's ID; the user's PIN; the number of calls on hold; the number of calls waiting; the time and date; phone book entries; the information conveyed by the Caller ID feature; the state of the phone; the numbers currently stored for fast dialing; the headset mode; the speaker and ringer volume; the state of alarms, if any are set; incoming messages; and the dialed number In one embodiment of the invention, as depicted in FIG. 3, the GUI 150 includes a general information display 300, a call functions area 302, an advanced functions area 304, a work area 306, a fast dialing keys area 308 and a dialing pad 310.

The general information display 300 displays four types of data: Always Available Data 312, which can be either data configurable 314 by the user or data which is not 316, User Defined Data 318, Context-Dependent Data 320, and Wizard Data 322. Information not configurable by a user 316 includes: the station ID and extension number of the telephone 100; what alarms, if any, are set; and whether any messages are waiting for the user. Information configurable by the user 314 includes the date and local time. Information displayed in the Context-Dependent Data area 320 includes: the dialed digits; the origin of an incoming call; the number of calls that are waiting, if any; and the number of calls that are on hold, if any. Information displayed in the User-Defined Data area 318 may include: the current time in the destination time zone; the elapsed time of the connection; and the estimated cost of the connection. Information displayed in the Wizard Data area 322 include messages from help programs called wizards which guide the user through complex functions. In one embodiment, each element of the general information display 300 receives the information to display from a feature state machine 220. FIGS. 2A-2G illustrate embodiments of feature state machines for displaying different types of data on the general information display 300.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a one-state feature state machine 220 for displaying the date. FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of a one-state feature state machine 220 for displaying the local time. FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of a one-state feature state machine 220 for displaying the station ID. FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of a one-state feature state machine 220 for displaying the extension number.

FIG. 4E illustrates an embodiment of a feature state machine 220 for displaying the origin of an incoming call. The state machine includes two states: empty 402 and show number and name if possible 404. The feature state machine 220 begins in the empty state 402. When a call is started, either by an incoming call or a number having been dialed, the state machine looks up the number in the database and moves to the show number and name if possible state 404 (Step 406). When the call disconnects, the state machine moves back to the empty state 402 (Step 408). FIG. 4F illustrates an embodiment of a feature state machine 220 for displaying the elapsed time of a connection. The feature state machine 220 includes two states: idle 410 and call in progress 412. The state machine begins in the idle state 410. When a call is started, either by an incoming call or a number having been dialed, the state machine saves the call's start time and moves to the call in progress state 412 (Step 414). When the call disconnects, the state machine saves the call's end time and moves back to the idle state 410 (Step 416).

FIG. 4G illustrates an embodiment of the feature state machine 220 for displaying the status of another user, such as a dialed party. In this embodiment, the feature state machine 220 includes two states, idle 418 and inCall 420. The feature state machine begins in the idle state 418, and periodically polls the status of the call from the telephone switch 110 (Step 422). When a first number is dialed on a first line, the state machine moves to the inCall state 420 (Step 424) and periodically polls the status from the telephone switch 110 (Step 426). The GUI 150 indicates that the first line is off-hook and that a call is in progress. Depending on the state of the telephone call, the GUI 150 indicates that a connection was made to the dialed party, that the dialed number was busy, that the connected call is in progress, or that the dialed party has hung up. When the call is disconnected, the state machine moves to the idle state 418 (Step 428). In a further embodiment, the GUI 150 indicates the time elapsed during the connection. In a further embodiment, the GUI 150 indicates the originating telephone number of an incoming phone using a method such as Caller ID or ANI.

In one embodiment, the GUI 150 implements features which can be grouped into two categories: the first category comprises immediately available features, which are available with

5 one keystroke or the push of one button; the second category comprises extended features, which may require more steps to execute. Referring again to FIG. 3, the immediately available features are implemented in the call functions area 302 which implements basic calling functions; the advanced functions area 304; the fast dialing keys area 306; the do not disturb button 324; and the dialing pad 310. The GUI 150 also has a work area 306 which provides interfaces for 0 extended functionalities such as a phone book and conference call monitoring. The work area 306 contains differing controls and displays depending on the functionality it is currently implementing, if any.

The controls in the call functions area 302 include a send button 326 for initiating a phone call by taking a line off-hook and dialing a digit string, which may be entered by a soft 5 dialing key pad 310. In a further embodiment, the send button 326 will redial the previously- called number if no new digit string has been entered. The controls in the call functions area 302 also include a scan button 328 for repeatedly and automatically attempting to connect to a desired party until successful, a mute button 330, a hold button 332, a clear button 334 for clearing a number from the general information display 300, and a release button 336 for ending a call and 0 putting the line back on-hook. The GUI 150 also implements a do not disturb button 324, by which a user may refuse all incoming calls by setting the user's status to "busy."

FIG. 5 A illustrates an embodiment of a feature state machine 220 for implementing the functionality of the send button 326. In this embodiment, the pressing the send key activates the line and dials the selected digits. If no new digits are selected, the send key redials the last 5 number.

In this embodiment, the feature state machine 220 comprises two states, disabled 502 and enabled 504. The disabled state 502 comprises four substates: send pressed 506, line active 508, line inactive 510, and digits dialed 512. The enabled state 504 comprises two substates: line inactive 514, and digits dialed 516. The feature state machine begins in the line inactive substate

30 510 of the disabled state 502. When a number is selected or digits are dialed, the machine moves to the enabled state 504 (Step 518). Alternatively, when the line is activated, the machine moves to the line active substate 508 of the disabled state 502 (Step 520). In the line active substate 508 of the disabled state 502, if the line is deactivated, the machine moves to the line inactive substate 514 of the enabled state 504 (Step 532). Alternatively, if a number is selected or digits are dialed, the machine moves to the digits dialed substate 512 of the disabled state 502 (Step 524). In the digits dialed substate 512 of the disabled state 502, when the line is deactivated, the machine moves to the enabled state 504 (step 526). In the enabled state 504, when send is pressed, the machine moves to the send pressed substate 506 of the disabled state 502 (Step 528).

In the line inactive substate 514 of the enabled state 504, if the line is activated, the machine moves to the line active substate 508 of the disabled state 502 (Step 536). Alternatively, if the last number is redialed, the machine moves into the send pressed substate 506 of the disabled state 502 (Step 530).

In the send pressed substate 506 of the disabled state 502, when the line is activated, the machine moves into the line active substate 508 of the disabled state 502 (Step 534).

FIG. 5B depicts the feature state machine 220 of the clear button 334. The machine has two states, a disabled state 538 and an enabled state 540. The machine begins in the disabled state 538. When a phone number is dialed or selected, the machine moves to the enabled state 540 (Step 542). When the clear button 334 is pressed, the machine moves back to the disabled state 538 (Step 544).

FIG. 5C depicts the feature state machine 220 of the release button 336. The machine has two states, a disabled state 546 and an enabled state 548. The machine begins in the disabled state 546. When a call is started, the machine moves to the enabled state 548 (Step 550). When the release button 336 is pressed, the machine moves back to the disabled state 546 (Step 552). FIG. 5D depicts the feature state machine 220 of the mute button 330. The machine has two states, a disabled state 554 and an enabled state 556. The enabled state 556 has two substates, talking 558 and muted 560. The machine begins in the disabled state 554. When a call is started, the machine moves to talking substate 558 of the enabled state 556 (Step 562). When the mute button 330 is pressed, the machine moves to the muted substate 560 (Step 564). When the mute button 330 is pressed again, the machine moves back to the talking substate 558 (Step 566). When the call is disconnected, the machine moves back to the disabled state 554 (Step 568).

FIG. 5E depicts the feature state machine 220 of the hold button 332. The machine has one state, the ready state 570. When a call is put on hold, the machine adds the call to the hold list (Step 572). When a call is removed from hold, the machine removes the call to the hold list (Step 574).

FIG. 5F depicts the feature state machine 220 of the do not disturb button 324. The machine has two states, an idle state 576 and an activated state 578. The machine begins in the

5 idle state 576. When the do not disturb button 324 is pressed, incoming calls are disabled and/or transferred to another extension and the machine moves to the activated state 578 (Step 579). When the phone resumes its normal mode of operation, the machine moves back to the idle state 576 (Step 580).

Referring again to FIG. 3, in one embodiment the GUI 150 implements advanced

10 functions in the advanced functions area 304. Advanced functions include a transfer active button 338 for forwarding an active phone call, a forward all button 340 for setting up call forwarding for all incoming calls, a conference call button 342 for setting up a conference call, an alarm button 344 for configuring pre-set alarms responsive to times or events, a headset button 346 for indicating that the telephone 100 is a headset, a handset button 348 for indicating

15 that the telephone 100 is a handset, a ringer control 350 for adjusting the sound and volume of the ringer, a volume control 352 for adjusting the volume of the telephone 100, user- programmable buttons 354 for implementing a user's frequent operations, and recording and playback controls 356, for recording phone conversations as well as incoming and outgoing messages. The recording and playback controls 356 include a play button 358, a rewind button

20 360, a fast forward button 362, a stop button 364, a pause button 366 and a record button 368. FIG. 5G depicts the feature state machine 220 of the transfer active button 338. The machine has two states, a disabled state 581 and an enabled state 582. The machine begins in the disabled state 581. When a call is started, the machine moves to the enabled state 582 (Step 583). When the transfer active button 338 is pressed, the call is transferred (Step 584). When

25 the call is disconnected, the machine moves back to the disabled state 581 (Step 585).

FIG. 5H depicts the feature state machine 220 of the ringer control 350. The machine has one state, the ready state 586. In one embodiment, the machine turns the ringer on (Step 587) or off (Step 588) when the ringer control 350 is pressed.

FIG. 51 depicts the feature state machine 220 of the user programmable buttons 354, also

30 called shortcuts. The machine has one state, the ready state 589, and two substates, a disabled state 590 and an enabled state 591. In the ready state 589, the user can define a user programmable button (Step 595). In the enabled substate 591, when the user presses a user programmable button 354, the machine places the call programmed into that user-programmable button 354 (Step 594). When the call is disconnected, the machine moves to the disabled substate 590 (Step 593).

Referring again to FIG. 3, the GUI 150 implements fast dialing in the fast dialing region

5 308, which contains at least one fast dialing key 370. The user can program the fast dialing key 370 to dial a frequently-used number. The GUI also implements a soft dialing key pad 310, which allows the user to dial a number using the mouse on a graphical representation of a phone's touch tone dialing pad.

The extended features of this embodiment, which are mainly implemented in the work 0 area 306 of the GUI 150, include a login ID, whereby a user's ID is associated with a profile which includes permission for the user to make external calls, available peripheral resources, and the user's list of phone numbers. In a further embodiment, the login ID feature is compatible with the Microsoft® Windows® NT® protocol (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Washington). Another extended feature is the user's status, which is automatically defined by the system 5 according to whether, for example, the user is hung up, dialing, or talking. Another extended feature is the user's history list, which stores a pre-defined number of telephone numbers dialed by the user, available for redial. Another extended feature is a phone book storing all of the user's telephone numbers. In a further embodiment, the phone numbers from the user's history list can be transferred into the phone book. In yet a further embodiment, the phone book is 0 compatible with relevant PC applications such as Microsoft® Outlook® (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington). In yet a further embodiment, the user can export or import the phone book to or from other application formats.

FIG. 5J depicts an embodiment of the feature state machine 220 implementing the login ID feature. The machine has one state, the ready state 596. When a user ID is entered, the 5 machine records the User ID and logs in the user (Step 597).

FIG. 5K illustrates an embodiment of a feature state machine 220 for implementing the history log feature. The state machine includes two states, an idle state 598 and a call started state 599. The state machine begins in the idle state 598. When a call is started, either by an incoming call or a number having been dialed, the state machine saves the call's start information 0 at a cyclic pool and moves to the call started state 599 (Step 501). When the call disconnects, the state machine 220 saves the call's end information at a cyclic pool and moves back to the idle state 598 (Step 503). FIG. 5L depicts an embodiment of the feature state machine 220 implementing the phone book feature. The machine has one state, the idle state 505. The machine is capable of adding, changing, or removing an entry in the phone book (Step 507).

FIG. 6 is a screenshot of an embodiment of the GUI 150 implementing the phone book feature in the work area 560. In this embodiment, the GUI 150 can display in the work area 560 the name, position, home phone number, work phone number, mobile phone number, email address, and postal address of an entry.

Another extended feature is outgoing pre-planned calls, also called predictive dialing. In one embodiment, predictive dialing is employed to generate outgoing calls for the purpose of telemarketing. In another embodiment, the predictive dialing feature includes an interface compatible with products supplied from third party developers such as Nova CTI, American Computer & Telephone, QCS, Syntellect, Telegenisys, and Castel.

Yet another extended feature is voice messaging providing email via a computer network such as the Internet or an intranet. In a further embodiment, the voice messaging feature is supported by audio message editing capabilities. In yet a further embodiment, the voice messaging feature includes message preview, message scanning, fast forward/rewind, and message editing. Another extended feature is voice mail. The voice mail feature includes a module emulating the functionality of a telephone answering machine enabling users to hear and leave messages. In a further embodiment, the voice mail feature and the voice messaging feature are compatible. Another extended feature is audio recording and editing, whereby a user can record and edit an audio message, in a mode similar to editing an e-mail message.

Still yet another extended feature is conference calling, which enables a user to talk to more than one participant simultaneously. In a further embodiment, the user is able to control the participants' abilities to communicate with each other. Another extended feature is an adjustable public announcement, whereby a user can make an announcement to other users of the system by different means, such as a company's public address system.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the switch control program 130 implements a set of features, called attendant features, so that the apparatus is suitable for use by a telephone attendant such as a receptionist or a call center supervisor. In this embodiment, attendant features include: programmable automatic call transfer designating a specified extension to which all incoming calls should be transferred: call pick-up allowing the attendant to pick up a call that was not answered; user location associating a specific user's login ID with a specific station; user status listing each user as available or not available: parked calls status for monitoring incoming calls waiting for users that are not available; and call penetration enabling an attendant to penetrate into a user's conversation or transfer a call to a user even if the user's status is busy. In a further embodiment, a user's availability may be pre-set by the user. In a further embodiment, the call penetration feature is programmable, allowing the definition of users and/or calls as subjects for this feature.

FIG. 7 A depicts a flowchart of one embodiment of the invention placing an ordinary telephone call. FIG. 7B depicts the apparatus of the embodiment as it places the call. In this embodiment, the switch control program 130 obtains a call parameter 714 from a user (Step 700) when the user enters dialing instructions using either the dialing pad 310 or fast dialing button 370 of the GUI 150. The switch control program 130 relays the call parameter 714 along with the dial command to the telephone switch 1 10 via the network interface 140. The telephone switch 1 10 places the phone call (Step 702). While the call is being placed, the telephone switch 110 checks periodically if the call is complete (Step 704). If the call has been completed, the telephone switch 110 engages the call (Step 708). Otherwise the telephone switch 1 10 will continue to monitor the call (Step 706). In one embodiment, the telephone switch 1 10 connects the telephone 100 to the dialed party 716 (Step 710) as soon as the dialed party 716 picks up. In an alternate embodiment, the telephone switch 110 places the dialed party 716 on hold (Step 712). In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, the user places two separate phone calls on two separate phone lines. The switch control program 130 receives a first call parameter 714 and a second call parameter 718 via the GUI 150. The first call parameter 714 and the second call parameter 718 are relayed to the telephone switch 110, which places both phone calls. The user then chooses to which call to connect by entering instructions in the GUI 150. In one embodiment, the user enters instructions by selecting the call from a list. Based on the user decision, the telephone switch 110 connects one or the other phone calls to the telephone set 100. In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8 A, the switch control program 130 sets up a conference call. FIGS. 8B and 8C depict the apparatus of the embodiment in different stages of setting up the conference call. The switch control program 130 obtains parameters 816 for a plurality of calls (Step 802) from a user via the GUI 150. In this embodiment, the parameters 816 include a first phone number 818, a second phone number 820, and a third phone number 822. The switch control program 130 relays the parameters 816 to the telephone switch 110, which places these calls (Step 804). For each call, the telephone switch 110 checks periodically on the status of the call (Step 806), and relays the status to the switch control program 130, which stores the first call's status 830, the second call's status 832, and the third call's status 834 with the call parameters 816 and displays their values on the GUI 150. As illustrated in FIG. 8C, the first dialed party 824 has picked up, the second dialed party 826 was busy, and the third dialed party 828 is still ringing.

If the call has been completed, as with the first dialed party 824 of this example, the telephone switch 110 engages the call (Step 810). Otherwise the telephone switch 1 10 will continue to monitor the call (Step 808). In one embodiment, the telephone switch 110 connects the engaged call to the telephone 100 (Step 812). In an alternate embodiment, the telephone switch 110 puts the engaged call on hold (Step 814).

In a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the telephone switch 110 maintains each engaged call on hold until a predetermined threshold of calls have been engaged. Upon completion of a call, the telephone switch 110 engages the call (Step 900). The switch control program 130 then determines if the telephone switch 110 has engaged a predetermined number of calls (Step 902). If the telephone switch 110 has engaged a predetermined number of calls, the switch control program 130 instructs the telephone switch 110 to connect all engaged calls to the telephone 110 (Step 904). Otherwise, the telephone switch puts the engaged call on hold (Step 906). In this embodiment, after all engaged calls have been connected (Step 904), every subsequently completed and engaged call is immediately connected to the telephone 100 (Step 904). In an alternate embodiment, dialed parties are connected immediately until a threshold number of calls are connected in the conference call, after which every subsequent dialed party is put on hold until the number of connected parties dips below the threshold again. In one embodiment, the GUI 150 alerts the user after a call has been on hold for more than a threshold period of time. In a further embodiment, the GUI 150 alerts the user repeatedly and periodically of every call that has been on hold over a certain threshold of time.

FIG. 10A depicts the steps in one embodiment whereby the user forwards a telephone call. In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the user is connected to a first dialed party 1010 by a first telephone connection 1014 on a first line 1016 by way of the telephone switch 110 and telephone 100. The switch control program 130 obtains a call parameter for a second dialed party 1012 (Step 1000). According to instructions received from the switch control program 130, the telephone switch 110 dials the second phone number (Step 1002) and connects to the second dialed party 1012 over the second line 1018 (Step 1004). Once the second connection is completed, as illustrated in FIG 10C, the telephone switch 110 forms a second telephone connection 1020 between the first line 1016 to the second line 1018 (Step 1006). The telephone switch 110 optionally disconnects the telephone 100 (Step 1008).

Equivalents

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention described herein. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method establishing a plurality of telephonic connections using a general purpose computer located on a subscriber premises, wherein each of said plurality of telephonic connections has a respective call parameter stored within said general purpose computer, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining each of said plurality of respective call parameters from said general purpose computer; (b) placing, using said general purpose computer, a plurality of calls in response to said call parameters; (c) monitoring, using said general purpose computer, the status of each of said plurality of placed calls; and (d) engaging, using said general purpose computer, each of said connections in response to said status.

2. A method establishing a forwarded telephonic connection from a subscriber premises comprising the steps of: (a) receiving an incoming call at said subscriber premises; (b) obtaining a call parameter, stored on a general purpose computer located at said subscriber premises, comprising forwarding information; (c) placing a call, using said general purpose computer, in response to said call parameter; (d) monitoring, using said general purpose computer, the status of said placed call; and (e) engaging, using said general purpose computer, said connection in response to said status.

3. A method of alerting a user at a subscriber premises as to the status of a telephonic connection comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a plurality of telephone calls at said subscriber premises; (b) monitoring, using a general purpose computer located at said subscriber premises, the status of each of said telephone calls; (c) alerting, via a graphic user interface on said general purpose computer, said user in response to said status of each of said telephone calls; and (d) placing one of said plurality of telephone calls in a wait state.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said status comprises exceeding a threshold number of waiting telephonic connections.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein said status comprises exceeding a threshold time for a connection being held or in a wait-state.

6. An apparatus for establishing a plurality of telephonic connections comprising: (a) a general purpose computer comprising: (aa) a memory storing a plurality of call parameters; (ab) an interface to a dialer placing a plurality of calls in response to said call parameters; (ac) a monitor monitoring the status of each of said placed calls; and (ad) a connector establishing connections with each of said plurality of calls in response to said status of each of said plurality of calls.

7. An apparatus for forwarding a telephonic connection from a subcriber premises using a general purpose computer comprising: (a) a receiver receiving an incoming call; and (b) said general purpose computer comprising: (ba) a memory storing a call parameter comprising forwarding information; (bb) a dialer placing a call in response to said call parameter; (be) a monitor monitoring the status of said placed call; and (bd) a connector establishing said connection in response to said status.

8. An apparatus for alerting a user at a subscriber premises as to the status of a telephonic connection, said apparatus comprising: (a) a receiver receiving a plurality of telephone calls; and (b) a general purpose computer comprising: (ba) a monitor monitoring said status of each of said plurality of telephone calls; (bb) an alarm alerting via a graphical user interface said user in response to said status of each of said plurality of telephone calls; and (be) a hold-mechanism placing one of said plurality of telephone calls in a hold state.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said status comprises exceeding a threshold number of waiting telephonic connections.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said status comprises exceeding a threshold time for a connection being held or in wait-state.