US7035252B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cooperative media applications using packet network media redirection
Assignee: Intervoice LP
•
Filing: 2001-01-30
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Granted: 2006-04-25
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Expires: 2021-01-30
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for a packet VRU which directly utilize packet network protocols, such as those of the H.323 standard, to provide enhanced services via a packet network, such as whisper mode communications, call recording, call broadcasting, advertisement broadcasting during calls, one-number service, and operator services. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packet VRU establishes control of media streams, such as through the use of separate signaling channels associated with various communication devices, in order to provide desired enhanced call services.
Inventors
- 👤 Ellis K. Cave
- 👤 Roland El-Khoury
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 00:57
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L65/00; H04L65/1066; H04L65/1069; H04L65/40; H04L65/401; H04L9/00; H04L9/40; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/50; H04M3/527; H04M7/00; H04M7/12; H04M7/1205; H04M7/125; H04M7/1255; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/0016; H04L65/1101; H04L65/1104; H04L65/1106; H04M2203/00; H04M2203/20; H04M2203/2016; H04M3/56; H04M7/006; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/13034; H04Q2213/13097; H04Q2213/13106; H04Q2213/13107; H04Q2213/13176; H04Q2213/13196; H04Q2213/13204; H04Q2213/13209; H04Q2213/1327; H04Q2213/13298; H04Q2213/13352; H04Q2213/13377; H04Q2213/13389; H04Q2213/13396; H04Q2213/13405; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S379/00; Y10S379/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 68
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a first communication device to an asynchronous network; interfacing a second communication device to said asynchronous network; interfacing an interactive response process to said asynchronous network, wherein said interactive response process is adapted to directly utilize packet network protocols; establishing a first signaling channel associated with said first communication device and said interactive response process; directing, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said second communication device to thereby provide a call; and directing a third media stream from said interactive response process to said first communication device during a time in which said first media stream is directed to said second communication device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a first communication device to an asynchronous network; interfacing a second communication device to said asynchronous network; interfacing an interactive response process to said asynchronous network, wherein said interactive response process is adapted to directly utilize packet network protocols; establishing a first signaling channel associated with said first communication device and said interactive response process; directing, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said second communication device to thereby provide a call; and directing a third media stream from said interactive response process to said first communication device during a time in which said first media stream is directed to said second communication device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: establishing a second signaling channel associated with said second communication device and said interactive response process; and directing, under control of said interactive response process using said second signaling channel, a second media stream associated with said second communication device to said first communication device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein said directing of said third media stream provides said third media stream to said first communication device in a whisper communication mode such that said second communication device does not receive content of said third media stream.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein said whisper communication mode provides a caller at said first communication device information with respect to a status of said call.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein said whisper communication mode solicits a response from said first communication device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 5 , wherein said response comprises payment authorization information.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5 , wherein said response is transmitted to said interactive response process through said first signaling channel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 2 , further comprising: directing a fourth media stream from said interactive response process to said second communication device during a time in which said second media stream is directed to said first communication device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein said call is provided at a reduced rate at least in part as a function of said third and fourth media streams being directed to said first and second communication devices.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein content of said third and fourth media streams comprise an advertising message.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein at least one of said first and second communication devices is provided the opportunity to opt out of receiving a respective one of said third and fourth media streams.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein opting out by said at least one of said first and second communication devices is signaled to said interactive response process through a corresponding one of said first and second signaling channels.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein opting out by said at least one of said first and second communication devices results in a call surcharge levied against said one of said first and said second communication devices opting out of receiving said respective one of said third and fourth media streams.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein content of said third media stream is different than content of said fourth media stream.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 14 , wherein said different content of said first media stream comprises information with respect to a status of said call.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein said different content of said first media stream solicits a response from said first communication device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said response comprises payment authorization information.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said response is transmitted to said interactive response process through said first signaling channel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 14 , wherein said different content of said first media stream comprises information selected as a function of demographic information associated with said first communication device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: directing a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said interactive response process; accepting said first media stream by said interactive response process; generating a response media stream by said interactive response process responsive to said first media stream; directing said response media stream to said first communication device; accepting information from said first communication device via said first signaling channel; and controlling said directing of said first media stream to said second communication device as a function of said accepted information to thereby redirect said first media stream from said interactive response process to said second communication device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: interfacing a third communication device to said asynchronous network; replicating said first media stream to thereby provide a second media stream; and directing, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, said second media stream to said third communication device during a time in which said first media stream is directed to said second communication device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: replicating said first media stream to thereby provide a fourth media stream; directing said fourth media stream to said interactive response process during a time in which said first media stream is directed to said second communication device; and recording said fourth media stream by said interactive response process.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a first communication device to an asynchronous network; interfacing a second communication device to said asynchronous network; interfacing an interactive response process to said asynchronous network, wherein said interactive response process is adapted to directly utilize packet network protocols; establishing a first signaling channel associated with said first communication device and said interactive response process; directing, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said second communication device to thereby provide a call; replicating said first media stream to thereby provide a third media stream; directing said third media stream to said interactive response process during a time in which said first media stream is directed to said second communication device; and recording said third media stream by said interactive response process.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a first communication device to an asynchronous network; interfacing a second communication device to said asynchronous network; interfacing an interactive response process to said asynchronous network, wherein said interactive response process is adapted to directly utilize packet network protocols; establishing a first signaling channel associated with said first communication device and said interactive response process; directing, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said second communication device to thereby provide a call; replicating said first media stream to thereby provide a third media stream; directing said third media stream to said interactive response process during a time in which said first media stream is directed to said second communication device; and recording said third media stream by said interactive response process.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 23 , further comprising: said first communication device signaling said interactive response process through said first signaling channel and during a time in which said first media stream is directed to said second communication device to commence recording said third media stream, wherein said replicating said first media stream is performed under control of said interactive response process responsive to said signaling from said first communication device to commence recording said third media stream.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 23 , further comprising: establishing a second signaling channel associated with said second communication device and said interactive response process; and directing, under control of said interactive response process using said second signaling channel, a second media stream associated with said second communication device to said first communication device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 25 , further comprising: replicating said second media stream to thereby provide a fourth media stream; directing said fourth media stream to said interactive response process during a time in which said second media stream is directed to said first communication device; and recording said fourth media stream by said interactive response process.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said third and fourth media streams are summed prior to recording.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said third media stream is recorded discrete from said fourth media stream.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 25 , wherein said recorded third media stream is transmitted to a user associated with at least one of said first communication device and said second communication device, wherein said transmission of said recorded third media stream is separate from said first and second signaling channels and said first and second media streams.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein said transmission of said recorded third media stream includes transmission through a computer network.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the computer network comprises the Internet.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein said transmission of said recorded third media stream includes e-mail transmission.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said recorded third media stream is transmitted to a user associated with said first communication device and a user associated with said second communication device.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said recorded third media stream is transmitted to a user device different that said first communication device and said second communication device.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein recording of said third media stream is in a standardized format adapted for general utilization.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 35 , wherein said standardized format is a digital audio format commonly known as a wave file.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 23 , further comprising: directing a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said interactive response process; accepting said first media stream by said interactive response process; generating a response media stream by said interactive response process responsive to said first media stream; directing said response media stream to said first communication device; accepting information from said first communication device via said first signaling channel; and controlling said directing of said first media stream to said second communication device as a function of said accepted information to thereby redirect said first media stream from said interactive response process to said second communication device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 23 , comprising: interfacing a third communication device to said asynchronous network; replicating said first media stream to thereby provide a second media stream; and directing, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, said second media stream to said third communication device during a time in which said first media stream is directed to said second communication device.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a plurality of communication devices to an asynchronous network; interfacing an interactive response process to said asynchronous network, wherein said interactive response process is adapted to directly utilize packet network protocols; directing a first media stream associated with a first communication device of said plurality of communication devices to said interactive response process; accepting said first media stream by said interactive response process; determining at least two communication devices of said plurality of communication devices for use in communication as a function of said accepted first media stream; directing a second media stream from said interactive response process to a second communication device of said plurality of communication devices, wherein said second communication device is one of said at least two communication devices of said plurality of communication devices; and directing, during a time in which said second media stream is directed from said interactive response process to said second communication device, a third media stream from said interactive response process to a third communication device of said plurality of communication devices, wherein said third communication device is one of said at least two communication devices of said plurality of communication devices.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a plurality of communication devices to an asynchronous network; interfacing an interactive response process to said asynchronous network, wherein said interactive response process is adapted to directly utilize packet network protocols; directing a first media stream associated with a first communication device of said plurality of communication devices to said interactive response process; accepting said first media stream by said interactive response process; determining at least two communication devices of said plurality of communication devices for use in communication as a function of said accepted first media stream; directing a second media stream from said interactive response process to a second communication device of said plurality of communication devices, wherein said second communication device is one of said at least two communication devices of said plurality of communication devices; and directing, during a time in which said second media stream is directed from said interactive response process to said second communication device, a third media stream from said interactive response process to a third communication device of said plurality of communication devices, wherein said third communication device is one of said at least two communication devices of said plurality of communication devices.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 39 , wherein said determining at least two communication devices as a function of said accepted first media stream is based at least in part on a dialed number associated with said accepted first media stream.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 39 , further comprising: establishing a first signaling channel associated with said first communication device and said interactive response process; generating a response media stream by said interactive response process responsive to said first media stream; directing said response media stream to said first communication device; and accepting information from said first communication device via said first signaling channel responsive to said response media stream, wherein said determining at least two communication devices as a function of said accepted first media stream is based at least in part on said information.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 39 , further comprising: directing a fourth media stream from said interactive response process to said first communication device, wherein said fourth media stream includes information with respect to a status of communications with respect to at least one of said second and third communication devices.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein said fourth media stream includes information soliciting a response from a user of said first communication device regarding further communications.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 43 , wherein said response is communicated through said first signaling channel.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 39 , further comprising: providing a hierarchy of communication devices, wherein communication devices of a first level of said hierarchy have a media stream directed thereto by said interactive response unit before communication devices of a second level of said hierarchy.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 45 , wherein said second communication device and said third communication devices are associated with different levels of said hierarchy.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a first communication device to an asynchronous network; interfacing a second communication device to said asynchronous network; interfacing an interactive response process to said asynchronous network, wherein said interactive response process is adapted to directly utilize packet network protocols; interfacing an operator system to said interactive response process; establishing a first signaling channel associated with said first communication device and said interactive response process; directing, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said second communication device; receiving at said interactive response process signaling information from said first communication device indicating a desire to communicate with said operator system; redirecting, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, said first media stream associated with said first communication device from said second communication device to said operator system; and directing a third media stream from said operator system to said first communication device.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a first communication device to an asynchronous network; interfacing a second communication device to said asynchronous network; interfacing an interactive response process to said asynchronous network, wherein said interactive response process is adapted to directly utilize packet network protocols; interfacing an operator system to said interactive response process; establishing a first signaling channel associated with said first communication device and said interactive response process; directing, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said second communication device; receiving at said interactive response process signaling information from said first communication device indicating a desire to communicate with said operator system; redirecting, under control of said interactive response process using said first signaling channel, said first media stream associated with said first communication device from said second communication device to said operator system; and directing a third media stream from said operator system to said first communication device.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein said operator system provides automated operator functions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein said operator system provides live operator interaction.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein said first media stream redirected to said operator system is directed from said first communication device through said interactive response process to said operator system.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method of claim 47 , further comprising: establishing a second signaling channel associated with said second communication device and said interactive response process; directing, under control of said interactive response process using said second signaling channel, a second media stream associated with said second communication device to said first communication device during a time in which said first media stream is directed from said first communication device to said second communication device.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 51 , wherein said interactive response process tears down said second media stream directed to said first communication device when said first media stream is redirected to said operator system.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 52 , wherein a fourth media stream is directed to said second communication device from said interactive response process during a time in which said first media stream is redirected to said operator system.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 53 , wherein said fourth media stream does not include content from either of said first media stream or said third media stream.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
83 words
The method of claim 47 , further comprising: establishing a second signaling channel associated with said second communication device and said interactive response process; and directing, under control of said interactive response process using said second signaling channel, a second media stream associated with said second communication device to said operator system, wherein said interactive response process tears down said first media stream directed to interactive response process during a time in which said second media stream is redirected to said operator system.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 47 , further comprising: directing a first media stream associated with said first communication device to said interactive response process; accepting said first media stream by said interactive response process; generating a response media stream by said interactive response process responsive to said first media stream; directing said response media stream to said first communication device; accepting information from said first communication device via said first signaling channel; and controlling said directing of said first media stream to said second communication device as a function of said accepted information to thereby redirect said first media stream from said interactive response process to said second communication device.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a number of communication devices to an asynchronous network, wherein a plurality of said number of communication devices include call control functionality; directing a first media stream associated with at least one of a first communication device of said number of communication devices and a second communication device of said number of communication devices to the other one of said first and second communication devices under control of said call control functionality associated with said first communication device; and directing a second media stream associated with at least one of said first communication device, said second communication device, and a third communication device of said number of communication devices to at least one of said first, second, and third communication devices under control of said call control functionality associated with said second communication device.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for providing enhanced calling services comprising: interfacing a number of communication devices to an asynchronous network, wherein a plurality of said number of communication devices include call control functionality; directing a first media stream associated with at least one of a first communication device of said number of communication devices and a second communication device of said number of communication devices to the other one of said first and second communication devices under control of said call control functionality associated with said first communication device; and directing a second media stream associated with at least one of said first communication device, said second communication device, and a third communication device of said number of communication devices to at least one of said first, second, and third communication devices under control of said call control functionality associated with said second communication device.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 57 , further comprising: establishing a first signaling channel associated with said first communication device and said second communication device; and establishing a second signaling channel associated with said second communication device and said third communication device.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein information with respect to directing said first media stream is communicated through said first signaling channel.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 59 , wherein information with respect to directing said second media stream is communicated through said second signaling channel.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein at least one of said first, second, and third communication devices comprises a general purpose processor based system.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein said general purpose processor based system is a multimedia computer.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein at least one of said first, second, and third communication devices comprises a processor based telephone system adapted to directly utilized packetized data.
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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) | 2009-04-24 | 2009-10-24 | 2010-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-04-24 | 2013-10-24 | 2014-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-04-24 | 2017-10-24 | 2018-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |