US6047053A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Network based knowledgeable assistant
Assignee: Orange SA
•
Filing: 1997-05-22
•
Granted: 2000-04-04
•
Expires: 2017-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant to receive and manage incoming calls to a subscriber including the steps of receiving an incoming call to the subscriber from a caller; establishing a first connection between the electronic assistant and the caller; establishing a second connection between the electronic assistant and the subscriber; over the second connection, electronically notifying the subscriber of the incoming call; in response to receiving a call accept command from the subscriber over the second connection, linking the caller and the subscriber so that they may communicate with each other; upon linking the subscriber to the caller, switching the electronic assistant to a background mode in which said electronic assistant continues to monitor the subscriber over the second connection while the subscriber is linked with the caller; and in response to receiving a summoning command, switching the electronic assistant into a foreground mode, wherein the electronic assistant when in its background mode responds to a first set of commands including at least the summoning command and when in its foreground mode responds to a second set of commands where the second set of commands is larger than the first set of commands.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Miner
- 👤 William J. Warner
- 👤 Anthony M. Lovell
- 👤 Eric R. Shienbrood
- 👤 Keith Gabryelski
- 👤 Kenneth C. R. C. Arnold
- 👤 Nicholas C. d'Arbeloff
- 👤 Kee Hinckley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:17
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/436; H04M3/432; H04M3/50; H04M3/527; H04M3/53; H04M3/533; H04M2201/00; H04M2201/40; H04M2203/00; H04M2203/20; H04M2203/2011; H04M3/42204; H04M3/42229; H04M3/42314; H04M3/42323; H04M3/428; H04M3/51; H04M3/5108; H04M3/53308; H04M3/53366; H04M3/53383; H04M3/56
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant for managing information and connection resources for at least one subscriber, said method comprising the steps of: establishing a first connection between the electronic assistant and the subscriber; identifying the subscriber; starting a first session between said electronic assistant and said subscriber, said first session being a thread of execution of code for managing data and performing functions on behalf of said subscriber; within said first session, receiving a first command sent by the subscriber to the electronic assistant over the first connection, said first command instructing the electronic assistant to perform a function, within said first session, responding to said first command by performing said function, said function including managing said information and connection resources as directed by said subscriber, and switching said electronic assistant between a foreground mode of operation in which said subscriber interactively instructs said electronic assistant to perform functions, and a background mode in which said electronic assistant monitors the subscriber connection and responds to a limited, smaller set of commands.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
174 words
A method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant for managing information and connection resources for at least one subscriber, said method comprising the steps of: establishing a first connection between the electronic assistant and the subscriber; identifying the subscriber; starting a first session between said electronic assistant and said subscriber, said first session being a thread of execution of code for managing data and performing functions on behalf of said subscriber; within said first session, receiving a first command sent by the subscriber to the electronic assistant over the first connection, said first command instructing the electronic assistant to perform a function, within said first session, responding to said first command by performing said function, said function including managing said information and connection resources as directed by said subscriber, and switching said electronic assistant between a foreground mode of operation in which said subscriber interactively instructs said electronic assistant to perform functions, and a background mode in which said electronic assistant monitors the subscriber connection and responds to a limited, smaller set of commands.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of receiving a call from the subscriber to the electronic assistant over a communications media; in response to receiving the call from the subscriber establishing said first connection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
132 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of receiving an incoming call to the subscriber from a caller; in response to receiving the incoming call, establishing a second connection between the electronic assistant and the caller; over the first connection, electronically notifying the subscriber of the incoming call; in response to receiving a call accept command from the subscriber over the first connection, linking the caller and the subscriber so that they can communicate with each other; upon linking the subscriber to the caller, switching the electronic assistant to the background mode in which said electronic assistant continues to monitor the subscriber over the second connection while the subscriber is linked with the caller; and in response to receiving a summoning command, switching the electronic assistant into the foreground mode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 1 further wherein said establishing step operates in response to the steps of recognizing, by said electronic assistant, a requirement to establish said first connection, and further comprising the steps of issuing an electronic request by the electronic assistant to the subscriber, and recognizing and acting upon the response by said subscriber to said electronic request.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 1 further wherein said establishing step comprises the steps of executing a locator algorithm to determine the likely whereabouts of the subscriber at a specified time; and if the locator algorithm determines a location at which the subscriber is likely to be, identifying a communications device that is associated with that location, wherein the communications device that is associated with that location is the communications device to which said first connection is established.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
109 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of storing an electronic reminder in an electronic database that is accessible to the electronic assistant, said electronic reminder being addressed to said subscriber, and said electronic reminder including subscriber-generated content and a specified time at which it is to be delivered to the subscriber; when current time coincides with the specified time, detecting that the stored electronic reminder has become due; in response to detecting that the stored electronic reminder has become due, identifying a communications device through which the subscriber can be reached at the specified time; and said establishing step establishing a connection to the communications device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising the steps of upon reaching an answering party through the communications device, electronically notifying the answering party that the call is intended for the subscriber; electronically informing the answering party that the answering party may accept the call by issuing an accept reply; and if the call is accepted by the answering party, electronically delivering the contents of the electronic reminder to the answering party through said communications device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising the steps of delivering the contents of electronic reminder to the answering party, maintaining the connection to said communications device so that the subscriber can issue commands to the electronic assistant; monitoring the connection for subsequently subscriber-issued commands; and in response to receiving the subsequent subscriber-issued commands, performing other operations for the subscriber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
111 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of receiving an incoming call to the subscriber from a caller; in response to receiving the incoming call, establishing a second connection between the electronic assistant and the caller; through a dialogue between the electronic assistant and the caller over the second connection, determining the identity of the caller; electronically alerting the subscriber over the first connection that there is an incoming call for the subscriber; electronically identifying to the subscriber the identity of the caller; and monitoring the first connection for a response sent by the subscriber to the electronic assistant directing the electronic assistant how to process the incoming call.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a CREATE-A-CONTACT function.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a REMIND-ME-TO-CALL function.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a REMIND-ME function.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a TAKE-A-MESSAGE function.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing an I'LL-TAKE-IT function.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a HOLD-ALL-CALLS function.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a CALL function.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND function.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing an I-WILL-BE function.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a NEVERMIND function.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a SEND-A-MESSAGE function.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a SEND-A-PAGE function.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a SEND-A-REPLY function.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a TELL-ME function.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a THAT-WILL-BE-ALL-FOR-NOW function.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a WHAT-ARE-MY-OPTIONS function.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a WHAT'S-IT-SAY function.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a WHERE-WERE-WE function.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a WHAT-ARE-YOU-HOLDING function.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a DATE-IT function.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a GO-BACK function.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a THROW-IT-AWAY function.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a SEND-A-COPY function.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a PREVIOUS-ITEM function.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a NEXT-ITEM function.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a GIVE-THEM-A-CALL function.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIRST-ITEM function.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FILE-IT function.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a DESCRIBE-IT function.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND CONTACT function.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND ALL-THE-CONTACTS function.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND NEW-MESSAGES function.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND NEW-MESSAGES-FROM function.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND MESSAGES function.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND MESSAGES-FROM function.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND FILED-MESSAGES function.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND PHONE-BOOK-LISTING function.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND REMINDERS function.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a FIND TUTORIALS function.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a GOOD-BY function.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing an IT'S ME function.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a DESCRIBE-IT function.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a UPDATE-IT function.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a TRANSFER function.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing said function comprises the step of performing a CREATE-A CONFERENCE function.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
111 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of receiving an incoming call to the subscriber from a caller; in response to receiving the incoming call, establishing a second connection between the electronic assistant and the caller; through a dialogue between the electronic assistant and the caller over the second connection, determining the identify of the caller; electronically alerting the subscriber over the first connection that there is an incoming call for the subscriber; electronically recording for the subscriber the identity of the caller; and monitoring the first connection for a response sent by the subscriber to the electronic assistant directing the electronic assistant how to process the incoming call.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of recognizing the electronically recorded identity of the caller.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 56 further comprising the steps of determining whether the recognized caller meets stored criteria, and announcing the recognized caller when said criteria are satisfied, and screening the recognized caller when said criteria are not satisfied.
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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) | 2003-04-04 | 2003-10-04 | 2004-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-04 | 2007-10-04 | 2008-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-10-04 | 2012-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |