US5675583A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable communication bandwidth for conference call initiation
Assignee: Avaya Inc
•
Filing: 1995-05-26
•
Granted: 1997-10-07
•
Expires: 2015-05-26
Abstract
Abstract Establishing a multimedia telecommunication conference call with reduced bandwidth if not all participants are available to be part of the conference call by telecommunication terminals. When one telecommunication terminal is initiating a conference call, the initiating telecommunication terminal first establishes low speed data links with each of the other telecommunications terminals that are to be part of the conference. When all users of the other telecommunication terminals are ready for the conference, the other telecommunication terminals signal the initiating telecommunication terminal which then adds the necessary bandwidth to the conference call to establish the multimedia telecommunication conference call. Since the conference call is already set up, the initiating telecommunication terminal only has to add the necessary bandwidth to conference call. Each participant in the telecommunication conference call designates when they are ready to have the conference call start. In addition, each participant can choose not to take part in the conference call.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce Merrill Bales
- 👤 Stephen Max Thieler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:52
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L65/00; H04L65/40; H04L65/403; H04L12/00; H04L12/02; H04L12/16; H04L12/18; H04L12/1813; H04L12/1822; H04L12/185; H04L65/4046; H04L9/00; H04L9/40; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/56; H04M3/567; H04L65/1066; H04L65/1101
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 100
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for establishing a conference call so that the conference call is fully established upon all parties to the conference call being ready to fully participate in the conference call, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a limited telecommunication bandwidth conference call to all designated telecommunication terminals by an initiating telecommunication terminal; receiving a first message by the initiating telecommunication terminal from each of the designated telecommunication terminals when each of the designated telecommunication terminals is ready to fully participate in the conference call; and adjusting the telecommunication bandwidth of the conference call to allow full participation in the conference call by all telecommunication terminals by transmission of a second message to each of the designated telecommunication terminals for changing the telecommunication bandwidth by the initiating telecommunication terminal after all of the designated telecommunication terminals have transmitted the first message.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for establishing a conference call so that the conference call is fully established upon all parties to the conference call being ready to fully participate in the conference call, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a limited telecommunication bandwidth conference call to all designated telecommunication terminals by an initiating telecommunication terminal; receiving a first message by the initiating telecommunication terminal from each of the designated telecommunication terminals when each of the designated telecommunication terminals is ready to fully participate in the conference call; and adjusting the telecommunication bandwidth of the conference call to allow full participation in the conference call by all telecommunication terminals by transmission of a second message to each of the designated telecommunication terminals for changing the telecommunication bandwidth by the initiating telecommunication terminal after all of the designated telecommunication terminals have transmitted the first message.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the first message defines that the sending telecommunication terminal is idle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the first message defines that the user of the sending telecommunication terminal is ready to join the conference call.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting comprises the step of providing voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting comprises the step of providing video and voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting comprises the step of providing data, video and voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
151 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the conference call is established on communication paths through a switching system with each communication path connecting one of the designated telecommunication terminals to the initiating telecommunication terminal, and the switching system having a plurality of switch nodes and the step of adjusting comprises the steps, for each communication path, of receiving the second message via a signaling channel that is part of the communication path by a first one of the plurality of switch nodes; determining a requested change in telecommunication bandwidth by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes from the second message; modifying the communication bandwidth through the switch node to provide the requested communication bandwidth; and transmitting by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes the second message via the signaling channel to a next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the step of modifying comprises the step of ascertaining a capability of the first one of the plurality switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the step of modifying further comprises the step of only providing the ascertained capability of communication bandwidth for the communication path by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the step of transmitting comprises the step of setting the requested change of the second message equal to the ascertained capability before transmission via the signaling channel by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
196 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the next sequential one of the plurality switch nodes is a destination switch node of the communication path, the each one of the designated communication terminals is connected to the destination switch node, and the destination switch node performs the steps recited the first one of the plurality of switch nodes and transmits second message via the signal channel to the each one of the designated communication terminals rather than the next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes, and the method further comprises the steps of ascertaining a capability of the one of the designated communication terminals to provide the requested communication bandwidth; only providing the ascertained communication bandwidth by the one of the designated communication terminals; forming a third message in response to receipt of the second message by the one of the designated communication terminals; inserting allocation information into the third message that is equal to the ascertained capability to provided requested communication bandwidth by the one of the designated communication terminals; and transmitting the formed third message back on the signaling channel to the destination switch node by the one of the designated communication terminals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 11 further comprises the step of readjusting the communication bandwidth by each of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path to be equal to that specified by the allocation information in response to receipt of the third message by each of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
216 words
A method for establishing a conference call so that the conference call is fully established upon all parties to the conference call being ready to fully participate in the conference call, and the conference call is established on a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a limited telecommunication bandwidth conference call with a set of the plurality of switch nodes that are each connected to a one of telecommunication terminals designated to participate in the conference call by an initiating one of the plurality switch nodes that interconnects to an initiating telecommunication terminal; receiving a first message by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes from each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes when each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes is ready to fully participate in the conference call; and adjusting the telecommunication bandwidth of the conference call to allow full participation in the conference call by all telecommunication terminals by transmission of a second message to each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for changing the telecommunication bandwidth by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes after all of the set of the plurality of switch nodes have transmitted the first message.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
216 words
A method for establishing a conference call so that the conference call is fully established upon all parties to the conference call being ready to fully participate in the conference call, and the conference call is established on a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a limited telecommunication bandwidth conference call with a set of the plurality of switch nodes that are each connected to a one of telecommunication terminals designated to participate in the conference call by an initiating one of the plurality switch nodes that interconnects to an initiating telecommunication terminal; receiving a first message by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes from each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes when each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes is ready to fully participate in the conference call; and adjusting the telecommunication bandwidth of the conference call to allow full participation in the conference call by all telecommunication terminals by transmission of a second message to each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for changing the telecommunication bandwidth by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes after all of the set of the plurality of switch nodes have transmitted the first message.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the first message defines that a one of the designated telecommunication terminals connected to the sending one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes is idle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the first message defines that the user of a one of the designated telecommunication terminals connected to the sending one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes is ready to join the conference call.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of adjusting comprises the step of providing voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of adjusting comprises the step of providing video and voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of adjusting comprises the step of providing data, video and voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
124 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of adjusting comprises the steps of receiving the second message via a signaling channel that is part of a communication path of the conference call by a first one of the plurality of switch nodes; determining a requested change in telecommunication bandwidth by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes from the second message; modifying the communication bandwidth through the first one of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes bandwidth; and transmitting by a first one of the plurality of switch nodes the second message via the signaling channel to a next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the step of modifying comprises the step of ascertaining a capability of the first one of the plurality switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of modifying further comprises the step of only providing the ascertained capability of communication bandwidth by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of transmitting comprises the step of setting the requested change of the second message equal to the ascertained capability before transmission via the signaling channel by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
165 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the next sequential one of the plurality switch nodes is a one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes of the conference call, the method further comprises the steps of ascertaining a capability of the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; only providing the ascertained communication bandwidth by the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes; forming a third message in response to receipt of the second message by the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes; inserting allocation information into the third message that is equal to the ascertained capability to provided requested communication bandwidth by the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes; and transmitting the formed third message back on the signaling channel to the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes by the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 23 further comprises the step of readjusting the communication bandwidth by each of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path to be equal to that specified by the allocation information in response to receipt of the second message by each of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for initiating a three-way conference call, the method comprising the steps of: placing a first call with a first telecommunication terminal on hold by a second telecommunication terminal; setting up a second call to a third telecommunication terminal by the second telecommunication terminal; reducing communication bandwidth of the second call and establishing a conference call from the first and second calls by the second telecommunication terminal upon the third telecommunication terminal being unable to participate fully in the conference call; increasing the communication bandwidth to the third telecommunication terminal to allow full participation upon receipt of a first message from the third telecommunication terminal requesting full participation.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for initiating a three-way conference call, the method comprising the steps of: placing a first call with a first telecommunication terminal on hold by a second telecommunication terminal; setting up a second call to a third telecommunication terminal by the second telecommunication terminal; reducing communication bandwidth of the second call and establishing a conference call from the first and second calls by the second telecommunication terminal upon the third telecommunication terminal being unable to participate fully in the conference call; increasing the communication bandwidth to the third telecommunication terminal to allow full participation upon receipt of a first message from the third telecommunication terminal requesting full participation.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of reducing and establishing is in response to the third telecommunication terminal being busy.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of reducing and establishing is in response to a user of the third telecommunication terminal indicating non- participation to the third telecommunication terminal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of setting up creates a call path between the second telecommunication terminal and the third telecommunication terminal; and the step of reducing and establishing comprises the step of transmitting a second message on the call path by the second telecommunication terminal that reduces the communication bandwidth on the call path.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the step of increasing comprises transmitting a third message on the call path by the second telecommunication terminal that increases the communication bandwidth on the call path.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
140 words
The method of claim 29 wherein the telecommunication terminals are interconnected by a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes and the call path is through the switching system, and the step of increasing further comprises the step of receiving the third message via a signaling channel that is part of the communication path by a first one of the plurality of switch nodes; determining a requested change in telecommunication bandwidth by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes from the third message; modifying the communication bandwidth through the first one of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; and transmitting by a first one of the plurality of switch nodes the third message via the signaling channel to a next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the step of modifying comprises the step of ascertaining a capability of the first one of the plurality switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of modifying further comprises the step of only providing the ascertained capability of communication bandwidth for the communication path by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the step of transmitting comprises the step of setting the requested change of the third message equal to the ascertained capability before transmission via the signaling channel by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
174 words
The method of claim 33 wherein the next sequential one of the plurality switch nodes is a destination switch node of the communication path, the third communication terminal is connected to the destination switch node, and the destination switch node performs the steps recited for the first one of the plurality of switch nodes and transmits the third message via the signal channel to the third communication terminal rather than the next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes, and the method further comprises the steps of ascertaining a capability of the third communication terminal to provide the requested communication bandwidth; only providing the ascertained communication bandwidth by the third communication terminal; forming a fourth message in response to receipt of the third message by third communication terminal; inserting allocation information into the fourth message that is equal to the ascertained capability to provided requested communication bandwidth by the third communication terminal; and transmitting the formed fourth message back on the signaling channel to the destination switch node by the third communication terminal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 34 further comprises the step of readjusting the communication bandwidth by each of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path to be equal to that specified by the allocation information in response to receipt of the fourth message by each of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
180 words
A method for initiating a three-way conference call and the conference call is established on a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes, the method comprising the steps of: placing a first call between a first telecommunication terminal and a second telecommunication terminal on hold by an initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes to which the second telecommunication terminal is connected; setting up a second call to a destination one of the plurality of switch nodes connected to a third telecommunication terminal by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes; reducing communication bandwidth of the second call and establishing a conference call from the first and second calls by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes upon the third telecommunication terminal being unable to participate fully in the conference call; increasing the communication bandwidth to the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes to allow full participation upon receipt of a first message from the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes that the third telecommunication terminal is requesting full participation.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
180 words
A method for initiating a three-way conference call and the conference call is established on a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes, the method comprising the steps of: placing a first call between a first telecommunication terminal and a second telecommunication terminal on hold by an initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes to which the second telecommunication terminal is connected; setting up a second call to a destination one of the plurality of switch nodes connected to a third telecommunication terminal by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes; reducing communication bandwidth of the second call and establishing a conference call from the first and second calls by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes upon the third telecommunication terminal being unable to participate fully in the conference call; increasing the communication bandwidth to the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes to allow full participation upon receipt of a first message from the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes that the third telecommunication terminal is requesting full participation.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 36 wherein the step of reducing and establishing is in response to the third telecommunication terminal being busy.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 36 wherein the step of reducing and establishing is in response to a user of the third telecommunication terminal indicating non- participation to the third telecommunication terminal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method of claim 36 wherein the step of setting up creates a call path between the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes and the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes; and the step of reducing and establishing comprises the step of transmitting a second message on the call path by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes that reduces the communication bandwidth on the call path.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of increasing comprises transmitting a third message on the call path by the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes that increases the communication bandwidth on the call path.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
115 words
The method of claim 40 wherein the step of increasing further comprises the step of receiving the third message via a signaling channel that is part of the communication path by a first one of the plurality of switch nodes; determining a requested change in telecommunication bandwidth by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes from the third message; modifying the communication bandwidth through the first one of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; and transmitting by a first one of the plurality of switch nodes the third message via the signaling channel to a next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 41 wherein the step of modifying comprises the step of ascertaining a capability of the first one of the plurality switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the step of modifying further comprises the step of only providing the ascertained capability of communication bandwidth for the communication path by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 43 wherein the step of transmitting comprises the step of setting the requested change of the third message equal to the ascertained capability before transmission via the signaling channel by the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
154 words
The method of claim 44 wherein the next sequential one of the plurality switch nodes is the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes of the call path, and the method further comprises the steps of ascertaining a capability of the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; only providing the ascertained communication bandwidth by the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes; forming a fourth message in response to receipt of the third message by the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes; inserting allocation information into the fourth message that is equal to the ascertained capability to provided requested communication bandwidth by the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes; and transmitting the formed fourth message back on the signaling channel to the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes by the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 45 further comprises the step of readjusting the communication bandwidth by each of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path to be equal to that specified by the allocation information in response to receipt of the fourth message by each of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
143 words
An apparatus for establishing a conference call so that the conference call is fully established upon all parties to the conference call being ready to fully participate in the conference call, comprising: means in an initiating telecommunication terminal for establishing a limited telecommunication bandwidth conference call to all designated telecommunication terminals; means in the initiating telecommunication terminal for receiving a first message from each of the designated telecommunication terminals when each of the designated telecommunication terminals is ready to fully participate in the conference call; and means in the initiating telecommunication terminal for adjusting the telecommunication bandwidth of the conference call to allow full participation in the conference call by all telecommunication terminals by transmission of a second message to each of the designated telecommunication terminals for changing the telecommunication bandwidth after all of the designated telecommunication terminals have transmitted the first message.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
143 words
An apparatus for establishing a conference call so that the conference call is fully established upon all parties to the conference call being ready to fully participate in the conference call, comprising: means in an initiating telecommunication terminal for establishing a limited telecommunication bandwidth conference call to all designated telecommunication terminals; means in the initiating telecommunication terminal for receiving a first message from each of the designated telecommunication terminals when each of the designated telecommunication terminals is ready to fully participate in the conference call; and means in the initiating telecommunication terminal for adjusting the telecommunication bandwidth of the conference call to allow full participation in the conference call by all telecommunication terminals by transmission of a second message to each of the designated telecommunication terminals for changing the telecommunication bandwidth after all of the designated telecommunication terminals have transmitted the first message.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the first message defines that the sending telecommunication terminal is idle.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the first message defines that the user of the sending telecommunication terminal is ready to join the conference call.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the means for adjusting comprises means for providing voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the means for adjusting comprises means for providing video and voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the means for adjusting comprises means for providing data, video and voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
172 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the conference call is established on communication paths through a switching system with each communication path connecting one of the designated telecommunication terminals to the initiating telecommunication terminal, and the switching system having a plurality of switch nodes and the means for adjusting comprises, for each communication path, means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for receiving the second message via a signaling channel that is part of the communication path; means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes from the second message for determining a requested change in telecommunication bandwidth; means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for modifying the communication bandwidth through the first one of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; and means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for transmitting the second message via the signaling channel to a next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the means for modifying comprises means for ascertaining a capability of the first one of the plurality switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the means for modifying further comprises means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for only providing the ascertained capability of communication bandwidth for the communication path.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the means for transmitting comprises means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for setting the requested change of the second message equal to the ascertained capability before transmission via the signaling channel.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
212 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the next sequential one of the plurality switch nodes is a destination switch node of the communication path, the each one of the designated communication terminals is connected to the destination switch node, and the destination switch node performs the functions recited for the first one of the plurality of switch nodes and transmits second message via the signal channel to the each one of the designated communication terminals rather than the next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes, and the apparatus further comprises means in the one of the designated communication terminals for ascertaining a capability of the one of the designated communication terminals to provide the requested communication bandwidth; means in the one of the designated communication terminals for only providing the ascertained communication bandwidth; means in the one of the designated communication terminals for forming a third message in response to receipt of the second message; means in the one of the designated communication terminals for inserting allocation information into the third message that is equal to the ascertained capability to provided requested communication bandwidth; and means in the one of the designated communication terminals for transmitting the formed third message back on the signaling channel to the destination switch node.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 57 further comprises means in each of the plurality of switch nodes for readjusting the communication bandwidth in the communication path to be equal to that specified by the allocation information in response to receipt of the third message in each of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
217 words
An apparatus for establishing a conference call so that the conference call is fully established upon all parties to the conference call being ready to fully participate in the conference call, and the conference call is established on a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes, comprising: means in an initiating one of the plurality switch nodes for establishing a limited telecommunication bandwidth conference call with a set of the plurality of switch nodes that are each connected to a one of telecommunication terminals designated to participate in the conference call that interconnects to the initiating telecommunication terminal; means in the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for receiving a first message from each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes when each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes is ready to fully participate in the conference call; and means in the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for adjusting the telecommunication bandwidth of the conference call to allow full participation in the conference call by all telecommunication terminals by transmission of a second message to each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for changing the telecommunication bandwidth after all of the set of the plurality of switch nodes have transmitted the first message.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
217 words
An apparatus for establishing a conference call so that the conference call is fully established upon all parties to the conference call being ready to fully participate in the conference call, and the conference call is established on a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes, comprising: means in an initiating one of the plurality switch nodes for establishing a limited telecommunication bandwidth conference call with a set of the plurality of switch nodes that are each connected to a one of telecommunication terminals designated to participate in the conference call that interconnects to the initiating telecommunication terminal; means in the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for receiving a first message from each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes when each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes is ready to fully participate in the conference call; and means in the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for adjusting the telecommunication bandwidth of the conference call to allow full participation in the conference call by all telecommunication terminals by transmission of a second message to each of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for changing the telecommunication bandwidth after all of the set of the plurality of switch nodes have transmitted the first message.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the first message defines that a one of the designated telecommunication terminals connected to the sending one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes is idle.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the first message defines that the user of a one of the designated telecommunication terminals connected to the sending one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes is ready to join the conference call.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the means for adjusting comprises means for providing voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the means for adjusting comprises means for providing video and voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the means for adjusting comprises means for providing data, video and voice communication between the telecommunication terminals.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
123 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the means for adjusting comprises means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for receiving the second message via a signaling channel that is part of a communication path of the conference call; means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for determining a requested change in telecommunication bandwidth from the second message; means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for modifying the communication bandwidth through the switch node to provide the requested communication bandwidth; and means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for transmitting the second message via the signaling channel to a next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the means for modifying comprises means for ascertaining a capability of the first one of the plurality switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 66 wherein the means for modifying further comprises means for only providing the ascertained capability of communication bandwidth in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 67 wherein the means for transmitting comprises means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for setting the requested change of the second message equal to the ascertained capability before transmission via the signaling channel.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
184 words
The apparatus of claim 68 wherein the next sequential one of the plurality switch nodes is a one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes of the conference call, the apparatus further comprises means in the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for ascertaining a capability of the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; means in the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for only providing the ascertained communication bandwidth; means in the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for forming a third message in response to receipt of the second message; means in the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for inserting allocation information into the third message that is equal to the ascertained capability to provided requested communication bandwidth; and means in the one of the set of the plurality of switch nodes for transmitting the formed third message back on the signaling channel to the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 69 further comprises means in each of the plurality of switch nodes for readjusting the communication bandwidth in the communication path to be equal to that specified by the allocation information in response to receipt of the second message by each of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for initiating a three-way conference call, comprising: means in a second telecommunication terminal for placing a first call with a first telecommunication terminal on hold; means in the second telecommunication terminal for setting up a second call to a third telecommunication terminal; means in the second telecommunication terminal for reducing communication bandwidth of the second call and establishing a conference call from the first and second calls upon the third telecommunication terminal being unable to participate fully in the conference call; means in the second telecommunication terminal for increasing the communication bandwidth to the third telecommunication terminal to allow full participation upon receipt of a first message from the third telecommunication terminal requesting full participation.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for initiating a three-way conference call, comprising: means in a second telecommunication terminal for placing a first call with a first telecommunication terminal on hold; means in the second telecommunication terminal for setting up a second call to a third telecommunication terminal; means in the second telecommunication terminal for reducing communication bandwidth of the second call and establishing a conference call from the first and second calls upon the third telecommunication terminal being unable to participate fully in the conference call; means in the second telecommunication terminal for increasing the communication bandwidth to the third telecommunication terminal to allow full participation upon receipt of a first message from the third telecommunication terminal requesting full participation.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 71 wherein the means for reducing and establishing is in response to the third telecommunication terminal being busy.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 71 wherein the means for reducing and establishing is in response to a user of the third telecommunication terminal indicating non-participation to the third telecommunication terminal.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 71 wherein the means for setting up creates a call path between the second telecommunication terminal and the third telecommunication terminal; and the means for reducing and establishing comprises means in the second telecommunication terminal for transmitting a second message on the call path that reduces the communication bandwidth on the call path.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 74 wherein the means for increasing comprises means in the second telecommunication terminal for transmitting a third message on the call path that increases the communication bandwidth on the call path.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
155 words
The apparatus of claim 75 wherein the telecommunication terminals are interconnected by a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes and the call path is through the switching system, and the means for increasing further comprises means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for receiving the third message via a signaling channel that is part of the communication path; means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for determining a requested change in telecommunication bandwidth from the third message; means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for modifying the communication bandwidth through the first one of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; and means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for transmitting the third message via the signaling channel to a next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 76 wherein the means for modifying comprises means for ascertaining a capability of the first one of the plurality switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 77 wherein the means for modifying further comprises means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for only providing the ascertained capability of communication bandwidth for the communication path.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 78 wherein the means for transmitting comprises means in the first one of the plurality of switch nodes for setting the requested change of the third message equal to the ascertained capability before transmission via the signaling channel.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
191 words
The apparatus of claim 79 wherein the next sequential one of the plurality switch nodes is a destination switch node of the communication path, the third communication terminal is connected to the destination switch node, and the destination switch node performs the functions recited for the first one of the plurality of switch nodes and transmits the third message via the signal channel to the third communication terminal rather than the next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes, and the apparatus further comprises means in the third communication terminal for ascertaining a capability of the third communication terminal to provide the requested communication bandwidth; means in the third communication terminal for only providing the ascertained communication bandwidth in the third communication terminal; means in the third communication terminal for forming a fourth message in response to receipt of the third message; means in third communication terminal for inserting allocation information into the fourth message that is equal to the ascertained capability to provided requested communication bandwidth; and means in the third communication terminal for transmitting the formed fourth message back on the signaling channel to the destination switch node.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 80 further means in each of the plurality of switch nodes for readjusting the communication bandwidth in the communication path to be equal to that specified by the allocation information in response to receipt of the fourth message by each of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
183 words
An apparatus for initiating a three-way conference call and the conference call is established on a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes, comprising: means in an initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes to which a second telecommunication terminal is connected for placing a first call between a first telecommunication terminal and the second telecommunication terminal on hold; means for setting up a second call to a destination one of the plurality of switch nodes connected to a third telecommunication terminal; means in an initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for reducing communication bandwidth of the second call and establishing a conference call from the first and second calls upon the third telecommunication terminal being unable to participate fully in the conference call; means in an initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for increasing the communication bandwidth to the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes to allow full participation upon receipt of a first message from the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes that the third telecommunication terminal is requesting full participation.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
183 words
An apparatus for initiating a three-way conference call and the conference call is established on a switching system having a plurality of switch nodes, comprising: means in an initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes to which a second telecommunication terminal is connected for placing a first call between a first telecommunication terminal and the second telecommunication terminal on hold; means for setting up a second call to a destination one of the plurality of switch nodes connected to a third telecommunication terminal; means in an initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for reducing communication bandwidth of the second call and establishing a conference call from the first and second calls upon the third telecommunication terminal being unable to participate fully in the conference call; means in an initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for increasing the communication bandwidth to the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes to allow full participation upon receipt of a first message from the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes that the third telecommunication terminal is requesting full participation.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the means for reducing and establishing is in response to the third telecommunication terminal being busy.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the means for reducing and establishing is in response to a user of the third telecommunication terminal indicating non-participation to the third telecommunication terminal.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the means for setting up creates a call path between the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes and the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes; and the means for reducing and establishing comprises means in the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for transmitting a second message on the call path that reduces the communication bandwidth on the call path.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the means for increasing comprises means in the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes for transmitting a third message on the call path that increases the communication bandwidth on the call path.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
130 words
The apparatus of claim 86 wherein the means for increasing further comprises means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for receiving the third message via a signaling channel that is part of the communication path; means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for determining a requested change in telecommunication bandwidth from the third message; means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for modifying the communication bandwidth through the first one of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; and means in a first one of the plurality of switch nodes for transmitting the third message via the signaling channel to a next sequential one of the plurality of switch nodes in the communication path.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 87 wherein the means for modifying comprises means for ascertaining a capability of the first one of the plurality switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 88 wherein the means for modifying further comprises means for only providing the ascertained capability of communication bandwidth for the communication path.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 89 wherein the means for transmitting comprises means for setting the requested change of the third message equal to the ascertained capability before transmission via the signaling channel.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
171 words
The apparatus of claim 90 wherein the next sequential one of the plurality switch nodes is the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes of the call path, and the apparatus further comprises means in the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes for ascertaining a capability of the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes to provide the requested communication bandwidth; means in the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes for only providing the ascertained communication bandwidth; means in the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes for forming a fourth message in response to receipt of the third message; means in the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes for inserting allocation information into the fourth message that is equal to the ascertained capability to provided requested communication bandwidth; and means in the destination one of the plurality of switch nodes for transmitting the formed fourth message back on the signaling channel to the initiating one of the plurality of switch nodes.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 91 further comprises means in each of the plurality of switch nodes for readjusting the communication bandwidth in the communication path to be equal to that specified by the allocation information in response to receipt of the fourth message by each of the plurality of switch nodes.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-10-06 | 2001-04-07 | 2001-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-10-06 | 2005-04-07 | 2005-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-10-06 | 2009-04-07 | 2009-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |