Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection of an entertainment option; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein said entertainment options permit the caller to (i) place a call to a third party while on hold; or (ii) access one or more premium entertainment services.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection of an entertainment option; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein said entertainment options permit the caller to (i) place a call to a third party while on hold; or (ii) access one or more premium entertainment services.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of forwarding said call to an attendant when said attendant is available.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection of an entertainment option; establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; receiving a payment from said caller for said entertainment option; and maintaining said connection to said entertainment option after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection of an entertainment option; establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; receiving a payment from said caller for said entertainment option; and maintaining said connection to said entertainment option after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection of an entertainment option; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options is provided only to certain classes of callers.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection of an entertainment option; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options is provided only to certain classes of callers.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection of an entertainment option; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options is denied to a caller if said caller has previously made fraudulent usage of said entertainment options.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection of an entertainment option; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options is denied to a caller if said caller has previously made fraudulent usage of said entertainment options.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue by a call center, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to place a call to a called party while said call is in said queue; receiving from said caller a telephone number identifying said called party; establishing a telephone connection between said caller and said called party while said call is in said queue; receiving a payment from said caller for said telephone connection to said called party; and maintaining said connection to said called party after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue by a call center, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to place a call to a called party while said call is in said queue; receiving from said caller a telephone number identifying said called party; establishing a telephone connection between said caller and said called party while said call is in said queue; receiving a payment from said caller for said telephone connection to said called party; and maintaining said connection to said called party after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue by a call center, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to place a call to a called party while said call is in said queue; receiving from said caller a telephone number identifying said called party; and establishing a telephone connection between said caller and said called party while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller an option is denied to a caller if said caller has previously made fraudulent usage of said calls to a called party.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue by a call center, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to place a call to a called party while said call is in said queue; receiving from said caller a telephone number identifying said called party; and establishing a telephone connection between said caller and said called party while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller an option is denied to a caller if said caller has previously made fraudulent usage of said calls to a called party.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
122 words
A system for entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said system comprising: a communications port for receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; means for placing said call in said queue; means for offering said caller an option to place a call to a called party while said call is in said queue; means for receiving a telephone number from said caller identifying said called party; a telephone switch for establishing a telephone connection between said caller and said called party; means for receiving a payment from said caller for said telephone connection to said called party; and means for said caller to maintain said connection to said called party after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
122 words
A system for entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said system comprising: a communications port for receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; means for placing said call in said queue; means for offering said caller an option to place a call to a called party while said call is in said queue; means for receiving a telephone number from said caller identifying said called party; a telephone switch for establishing a telephone connection between said caller and said called party; means for receiving a payment from said caller for said telephone connection to said called party; and means for said caller to maintain said connection to said called party after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and receiving a payment from said caller for said access to said premium entertainment service.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and receiving a payment from said caller for said access to said premium entertainment service.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of forwarding said call to an attendant when said attendant is available.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of announcing an anticipated amount of time said call will be in said queue.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said premium entertainment service is a web site.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said premium entertainment service is a web site.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said premium entertainment service is a pay-per-view service.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said premium entertainment service is a pay-per-view service.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said premium entertainment service is a shared-revenue telephone service.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said premium entertainment service is a shared-revenue telephone service.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and maintaining said connection to said premium entertainment service after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and maintaining said connection to said premium entertainment service after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of presenting said caller with a menu of available premium entertainment services and for receiving a selection from said caller of a desired premium entertainment service.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller an option is provided only to certain classes of callers.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller an option is provided only to certain classes of callers.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of offering a selection of said premium entertainment services based upon the anticipated amount of time said call will be in said queue.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller an option is denied to a caller if said caller has previously made fraudulent usage of said premium entertainment services.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising the steps of: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller an option to access one or more premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; and providing a connection between said caller and a selected one of said premium entertainment services while said call is in said queue; wherein said step of offering said caller an option is denied to a caller if said caller has previously made fraudulent usage of said premium entertainment services.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of storing a record of connections made to each premium entertainment service.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
97 words
A system for entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said system comprising: a communications port for receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; means for placing said call in said queue; means for offering said caller an option to access a premium entertainment service while said call is in said queue; means for receiving a selection from said caller identifying a premium entertainment service; a switch for establishing a connection between said caller and said premium entertainment service; and means for receiving a payment from said caller for said access to said premium entertainment service.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
97 words
A system for entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said system comprising: a communications port for receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; means for placing said call in said queue; means for offering said caller an option to access a premium entertainment service while said call is in said queue; means for receiving a selection from said caller identifying a premium entertainment service; a switch for establishing a connection between said caller and said premium entertainment service; and means for receiving a payment from said caller for said access to said premium entertainment service.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system according to claim 21, further comprising means for announcing an anticipated amount of time said call will be in said queue.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 21, further comprising means for selecting said premium entertainment service based upon the anticipated amount of time said call will be in said queue.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 21, further comprising means for presenting said caller with a menu of available premium entertainment services and for receiving a selection from said caller of a desired premium entertainment service.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system according to claim 21, further comprising means for storing a record of connections made to each premium entertainment service.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system according to claim 21, further comprising means for said caller to maintain said connection to said premium entertainment service after an attendant becomes available by providing an additional payment.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection from said plurality of entertainment options; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein at least one of said plurality of entertainment options permit the caller to access a premium entertainment service.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection from said plurality of entertainment options; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein at least one of said plurality of entertainment options permit the caller to access a premium entertainment service.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from the caller; placing the call in the queue; offering the caller a plurality of premium entertainment options; receiving from the caller a selected premium entertainment option; and arranging, based on the selected premium entertainment option, a connection between the caller and a premium entertainment service while the call is in the queue.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from the caller; placing the call in the queue; offering the caller a plurality of premium entertainment options; receiving from the caller a selected premium entertainment option; and arranging, based on the selected premium entertainment option, a connection between the caller and a premium entertainment service while the call is in the queue.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 28, wherein said plurality of premium entertainment options comprise an option to receive the premium entertainment service and an option to not receive the premium entertainment service.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 28, further comprising providing a payment to a provider of the premium entertainment service.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform the method of claim 28.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
32 words
A call processing device, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to perform the method of claim 28.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
73 words
A call processing apparatus, comprising: means for receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for offering the caller a plurality of premium entertainment options; means for receiving from the caller a selected premium entertainment option; and means for arranging, based on the selected premium entertainment option, a connection between the caller and a premium entertainment service while the call is in the queue.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
73 words
A call processing apparatus, comprising: means for receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for offering the caller a plurality of premium entertainment options; means for receiving from the caller a selected premium entertainment option; and means for arranging, based on the selected premium entertainment option, a connection between the caller and a premium entertainment service while the call is in the queue.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from the caller; placing the call in the queue; arranging a connection between the caller and a premium entertainment service while the call is in the queue; and arranging for the caller to provide a payment for the premium entertainment service.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from the caller; placing the call in the queue; arranging a connection between the caller and a premium entertainment service while the call is in the queue; and arranging for the caller to provide a payment for the premium entertainment service.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform the method of claim 34.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
32 words
A call processing device, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to perform the method of claim 34.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
59 words
A call processing apparatus, comprising: means for receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for arranging a connection between the caller and a premium entertainment service while the call is in the queue; and means for arranging for the caller to provide a payment for the premium entertainment service.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
59 words
A call processing apparatus, comprising: means for receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for arranging a connection between the caller and a premium entertainment service while the call is in the queue; and means for arranging for the caller to provide a payment for the premium entertainment service.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection from said plurality of entertainment options; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein at least one of said plurality of entertainment options permit the caller to place a call to a third party.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, said method comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from said caller; placing said call in said queue; offering said caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from said caller a selection from said plurality of entertainment options; and establishing a connection between said caller and said selected entertainment option while said call is in said queue; wherein at least one of said plurality of entertainment options permit the caller to place a call to a third party.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from the caller; placing the call in the queue; offering the caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from the caller a selected entertainment option; and arranging, based on the selected entertainment option, a connection between the caller and a third party selected by the caller while the call is in the queue.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from the caller; placing the call in the queue; offering the caller a plurality of entertainment options; receiving from the caller a selected entertainment option; and arranging, based on the selected entertainment option, a connection between the caller and a third party selected by the caller while the call is in the queue.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 39, wherein said plurality of entertainment options comprise an option to have the connection with the third party and an option to not have the connection with the third party.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform the method of claim 39.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
32 words
A call processing device, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to perform the method of claim 39.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
73 words
A call processing apparatus, comprising: means for receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for offering the caller a plurality of entertainment options; means for receiving from the caller a selected entertainment option; and means for arranging, based on the selected entertainment option, a connection between the caller and a third party selected by the caller while the call is in the queue.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
73 words
A call processing apparatus, comprising: means for receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for offering the caller a plurality of entertainment options; means for receiving from the caller a selected entertainment option; and means for arranging, based on the selected entertainment option, a connection between the caller and a third party selected by the caller while the call is in the queue.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from the caller; placing the call in the queue; arranging a connection between the caller and a third party selected by the caller while the call is in the queue; and arranging for the caller to provide a payment for the connection.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of entertaining a caller placed in a queue, comprising: receiving an incoming telephone call from the caller; placing the call in the queue; arranging a connection between the caller and a third party selected by the caller while the call is in the queue; and arranging for the caller to provide a payment for the connection.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform the method of claim 44.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
32 words
A call processing device, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to perform the method of claim 44.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
60 words
A call processing apparatus, comprising: means for receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for arranging a connection between the caller and a third party selected by the caller while the call is in the queue; and means for arranging for the caller to provide a payment for the connection.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
60 words
A call processing apparatus, comprising: means for receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for arranging a connection between the caller and a third party selected by the caller while the call is in the queue; and means for arranging for the caller to provide a payment for the connection.