WO1995017790A1 - Telecommunications system with notification hold - Google Patents

Telecommunications system with notification hold Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1995017790A1
WO1995017790A1 PCT/US1994/014851 US9414851W WO9517790A1 WO 1995017790 A1 WO1995017790 A1 WO 1995017790A1 US 9414851 W US9414851 W US 9414851W WO 9517790 A1 WO9517790 A1 WO 9517790A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
telecommunications device
calling
telecommunications
called
network switch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1994/014851
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ronald F. Watts
Original Assignee
Gte Laboratories Incorporated
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gte Laboratories Incorporated filed Critical Gte Laboratories Incorporated
Priority to CA002179495A priority Critical patent/CA2179495C/en
Priority to BR9408492A priority patent/BR9408492A/en
Publication of WO1995017790A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995017790A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/48—Arrangements for recalling a calling subscriber when the wanted subscriber ceases to be busy
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/428—Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/487—Arrangements for providing information services, e.g. recorded voice services or time announcements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13546—Intelligent Peripheral

Definitions

  • the current invention relates generally to telephone systems implementing a hold capability when the called party is not available, and more particularly to telephone systems implementing a notification to the caller on hold when the called party becomes available.
  • Telephone callers often encounter a situation in which the called party is not presently available and are put on hold until the party becomes free to take the call. The caller, during this time, is thus prevented from making other calls or doing other tasks.
  • Notification Hold capability which restores the caller's telephone to normal status for use while the held call is being monitored for availability of the called party.
  • the calling party Upon completion of a telephone call to one who is not currently available, it is common for the caller to be placed on hold.
  • the caller has perhaps been manually placed on hold, or queued automatically for assistance.
  • the calling party initiates a request to the telephone network to monitor the availability of the called party. During this period of monitoring, the caller is disconnected from the call and is free to make other calls or perform other tasks. When the called party becomes available, the monitoring device notifies the caller. If the caller's phone is on hook, the system sends a special ring or other notification to the caller's telephone.
  • the system sends a special call waiting tone or other notification to the served party and optionally plays a recorded message.
  • the system described herein is implementable in switch equipment in the telephone network, an "intelligent network” consisting of telephone network switches working in conjunction with general purpose computer processors, user equipment outside the telephone network which are known as “Customer Premise Equipment” (CPE), or a combination of these alternatives.
  • CPE Customer Premise Equipment
  • an auxiliary computer a general purpose computer system, is coupled to an electronic switching system which together are responsive to a caller's identification and the allowed telephone services for that individual caller.
  • An intelligent peripheral which contains a voice announcement capability and request signaling recognition is coupled to the auxiliary computer system.
  • the caller requests the notification and hold service by signaling the auxiliary computer through such means as a switch hook flash or service access code.
  • the auxiliary computer receiving the request from the network switch, causes the switching system to disconnect the caller from the completed connection and provides for a recorded message to be delivered from the intelligent peripheral to the called party. Detecting the announcement, the called party signals the intelligent peripheral that the held call may now be reconnected by the switching system.
  • a distinctive ring notifying the caller of the called party' s availability is applied to the line and a ringback tone returned to the other party. Otherwise, a special call waiting tone is sent to the caller and again a ringback tone is returned to the other party. Upon the caller answering the callback, conversation may begin.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of a telephone network based implementation of a notification hold functionality in accordance with the instant invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration of a CPE (Customer Premise Equipment) based implementation of a notification hold functionality in accordance with the instant invention.
  • CPE Customer Premise Equipment
  • a number of telecommunication devices 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 are connected by communication lines 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 50.
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • Telecommunication devices 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 may be standard telephone hand sets, facsimile machines, or other communication devices that are well known in the art.
  • Communication lines 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 may be wire connections such as a standard twisted-pair copper line or fiber optic link. It is pointed out that six (6) telecommunication devices are shown for convenience and exemplary purposes only, and that one will readily recognize that this disclosure is not limited to six devices or communications lines.
  • the public switched telephone network 50 includes a number of switching units 34, 36, and 38 for routing calls through the network. Again, the number of network switches is for exemplary purposes only. Each of the network switches are coupled to an auxiliary computer system 42, providing a computer processing capability to the switch. The auxiliary computer system 42 is further connected to an intelligent * peripheral processor 40.
  • the intelligent peripheral processor includes a voice announcement capability, tone dial registers, and a processing unit.
  • telecommunications devices 12 and 18 used for example .
  • a calling party using telecommunications device 12 dials telecommunications device 18, attempting to communicate with the called party. While the calling and called parties are shown in FIG. 1 to reside on different network switches, it is also possible for both parties to be co-located on the same network switch. At the time of the call from telecommunications device 12, the called party is unavailable to receive the call.
  • the calling party initially engages the Notification Hold service by switch hook flash, (i.e. depressing the hook or button which notifies the telephone network switch that the telecommunications device 12 is "on hook"), and dials a service activation code.
  • the switch hook flash indicates to the network switch 34 that service is being requested.
  • Network switch 34 sends the service activation code and callers identification to auxiliary computer 42 which is coupled to network switch 34 by a communication link 52.
  • Auxiliary computer 42 recognizes the service request and sends instructions back to network switch 34 to disengage the calling party leg of the call associated with the communications link and attach that leg to an intelligent peripheral 40 via a communications link 56.
  • Voice messaging functionality contained within intelligent peripheral 40 generates a continuous message to telecommunications device 18. This message may for example be "To engage conversation, please press one" .
  • the tone register in intelligent peripheral 40 receives the tone and signals auxiliary computer 42 which then queries network switch 34 as to the status of the calling telecommunications device 12.
  • Network switch 34 returns the status of the calling telecommunications device 12 as either active or inactive.
  • Auxiliary computer 42 instructs network switch 34 to proceed as follows:
  • network switch 34 rings telecommunications device 12 with a distinctive ring and disconnects intelligent peripheral 40.
  • the calling party Upon answering the telephone, the calling party begins conversation. Alternatively, the signaling is ignored and, after a timeout period, network switch 34 posts telecommunications device 12 as busy.
  • Notification Hold can be discontinued by the calling party at any time by lifting the handset and dialing a code for discontinuation. Similarly, the calling party can reattach to the call by dialing a reattach code.
  • Network switch 34 recognizes these codes as special service requests and forwards the request to auxiliary computer 42 via a communications link. Auxiliary computer 42 issues commands to both intelligent peripheral 40 and network switch 48 to reattach the call to the original calling party's line.
  • intelligent peripheral 40 initiates a call to the calling telecommunications device 12 which is notified of the disconnect by playing an announcement such as "Your Notification Hold call has been disconnected. If you wish to re-initiate the call, please press one now". The calling party either confirms the announcement whereupon the call is re-initiated by the intelligent peripheral, or the calling party simply disconnects.
  • a customer premise equipment device CPE device 220 is introduced on the telephone line 250 between the calling party's telecommunications device 200 and the central office network switch 230.
  • CPE device 220 contains a tone dial monitor, announcement circuitry, and ringing circuitry.
  • Notification Hold Service When attempting to make a call from telecommunications device 200 to telecommunications device 210 and upon finding the caller unavailable the calling party engages Notification Hold Service by dialing a service activation code, when the called party is not available to accept the call.
  • CPE Device 220 responds to the Notification Hold .service activation code by placing a hold on the telephone line and initiating a voice message through announcement circuitry included within CPE device 220.
  • the announcement circuitry plays a continuous message to the called party.
  • An exemplary message might be "To engage conversation, please press one" .
  • the voice message is heard, and the called party continues the held call by pressing a key on the telephone keypad of telecommunications device 210, causing a tone to be transmitted on the line.
  • a tone register in CPE device 220 receives the tone and ' places a ring * on the calling ' party' s side of the device.
  • the calling party either answers telecommunications device 200 and begins conversation or ignores the ring and, after a short period of time, CPE device 220 disconnects the call.
  • the Notification Hold service can be discontinued at telecommunications device 200 attached to CPE device 220 at any time by lifting the handset and pressing the digit associated with disconnect on the telephone keypad of the telecommunications device 200.

Abstract

Apparatus and a method of implementing a notification and hold service in a telephone network (50) is disclosed. A calling telecommunications device is placed on hold by the called telecommunications device (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20), and signals an auxiliary computer system (42) through a network switch that the calling telecommunications device (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is to be disconnected from the called telecommunications device (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20). The calling telecommunications device (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is notified at a later time that the called telecommunications device (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is no longer on hold. In another embodiment of the invention, the calling telecommunications device (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is connected to customer premise equipment which notifies that calling telecommunications device (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) that the called telecommunications device (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is no longer on hold.

Description

TELECOMMONICATIONS SYSTEM WITH NOTIFICATION HOLD
Technical Field
The current invention relates generally to telephone systems implementing a hold capability when the called party is not available, and more particularly to telephone systems implementing a notification to the caller on hold when the called party becomes available.
Background Art
Telephone callers often encounter a situation in which the called party is not presently available and are put on hold until the party becomes free to take the call. The caller, during this time, is thus prevented from making other calls or doing other tasks.
If the waiting party engages normal call hold, there is no means of notifying him when the called party is available, and the caller typically abandons or drops the call.
It is thus desirable to implement a Notification Hold capability which restores the caller's telephone to normal status for use while the held call is being monitored for availability of the called party.
Disclosure of the Invention
Upon completion of a telephone call to one who is not currently available, it is common for the caller to be placed on hold. The caller has perhaps been manually placed on hold, or queued automatically for assistance. In accordance with one aspect of the instant invention, the calling party initiates a request to the telephone network to monitor the availability of the called party. During this period of monitoring, the caller is disconnected from the call and is free to make other calls or perform other tasks. When the called party becomes available, the monitoring device notifies the caller. If the caller's phone is on hook, the system sends a special ring or other notification to the caller's telephone. In the event that the caller's phone is off hook, the system sends a special call waiting tone or other notification to the served party and optionally plays a recorded message. The system described herein is implementable in switch equipment in the telephone network, an "intelligent network" consisting of telephone network switches working in conjunction with general purpose computer processors, user equipment outside the telephone network which are known as "Customer Premise Equipment" (CPE), or a combination of these alternatives.
In another aspect of the invention an auxiliary computer, a general purpose computer system, is coupled to an electronic switching system which together are responsive to a caller's identification and the allowed telephone services for that individual caller. An intelligent peripheral which contains a voice announcement capability and request signaling recognition is coupled to the auxiliary computer system. When a caller connects to an unavailable party, the caller requests the notification and hold service by signaling the auxiliary computer through such means as a switch hook flash or service access code. The auxiliary computer, receiving the request from the network switch, causes the switching system to disconnect the caller from the completed connection and provides for a recorded message to be delivered from the intelligent peripheral to the called party. Detecting the announcement, the called party signals the intelligent peripheral that the held call may now be reconnected by the switching system. If the caller's phone is on hook, a distinctive ring notifying the caller of the called party' s availability is applied to the line and a ringback tone returned to the other party. Otherwise, a special call waiting tone is sent to the caller and again a ringback tone is returned to the other party. Upon the caller answering the callback, conversation may begin.
Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a telephone network based implementation of a notification hold functionality in accordance with the instant invention.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a CPE (Customer Premise Equipment) based implementation of a notification hold functionality in accordance with the instant invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
Referring now to FIG. 1, wherein is shown one embodiment of the communications environment in which the current invention operates. A number of telecommunication devices 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 are connected by communication lines 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 50. Telecommunication devices 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 may be standard telephone hand sets, facsimile machines, or other communication devices that are well known in the art. Communication lines 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 may be wire connections such as a standard twisted-pair copper line or fiber optic link. It is pointed out that six (6) telecommunication devices are shown for convenience and exemplary purposes only, and that one will readily recognize that this disclosure is not limited to six devices or communications lines. The public switched telephone network 50 (PSTN) includes a number of switching units 34, 36, and 38 for routing calls through the network. Again, the number of network switches is for exemplary purposes only. Each of the network switches are coupled to an auxiliary computer system 42, providing a computer processing capability to the switch. The auxiliary computer system 42 is further connected to an intelligent *peripheral processor 40. The intelligent peripheral processor includes a voice announcement capability, tone dial registers, and a processing unit.
Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, the operation of the notification hold functionality is now described with telecommunications devices 12 and 18 used for example . A calling party using telecommunications device 12 dials telecommunications device 18, attempting to communicate with the called party. While the calling and called parties are shown in FIG. 1 to reside on different network switches, it is also possible for both parties to be co-located on the same network switch. At the time of the call from telecommunications device 12, the called party is unavailable to receive the call. This may be due to any number of reasons, including but not limited to: a) the call has been placed on hold or b) the call is terminated on a voice response machine which is patching the call through an agent or c) the distant party has left the telephone momentarily or is otherwise disengaged from the conversation.
In one embodiment of the invention, the calling party initially engages the Notification Hold service by switch hook flash, (i.e. depressing the hook or button which notifies the telephone network switch that the telecommunications device 12 is "on hook"), and dials a service activation code. The switch hook flash indicates to the network switch 34 that service is being requested. Network switch 34 sends the service activation code and callers identification to auxiliary computer 42 which is coupled to network switch 34 by a communication link 52.
Auxiliary computer 42 recognizes the service request and sends instructions back to network switch 34 to disengage the calling party leg of the call associated with the communications link and attach that leg to an intelligent peripheral 40 via a communications link 56.
Voice messaging functionality contained within intelligent peripheral 40 generates a continuous message to telecommunications device 18. This message may for example be "To engage conversation, please press one" .
When the called party at telecommunications device 18 is available to engage conversation, the voice message will be heard, and the indicated digit on the telephone keypad to engage the calling party is depressed. The tone register in intelligent peripheral 40 receives the tone and signals auxiliary computer 42 which then queries network switch 34 as to the status of the calling telecommunications device 12.
Network switch 34 returns the status of the calling telecommunications device 12 as either active or inactive. Auxiliary computer 42 instructs network switch 34 to proceed as follows:
If calling telecommunications device 12 is inactive, network switch 34 rings telecommunications device 12 with a distinctive ring and disconnects intelligent peripheral 40.
If calling telecommunications device 12 is active network switch 34 sends a distinctive call waiting tone to telecommunications device 12 and disconnects intelligent peripheral 40. _
Upon answering the telephone, the calling party begins conversation. Alternatively, the signaling is ignored and, after a timeout period, network switch 34 posts telecommunications device 12 as busy.
Notification Hold can be discontinued by the calling party at any time by lifting the handset and dialing a code for discontinuation. Similarly, the calling party can reattach to the call by dialing a reattach code. Network switch 34 recognizes these codes as special service requests and forwards the request to auxiliary computer 42 via a communications link. Auxiliary computer 42 issues commands to both intelligent peripheral 40 and network switch 48 to reattach the call to the original calling party's line.
If the called telecommunications device 18 disconnects, intelligent peripheral 40 initiates a call to the calling telecommunications device 12 which is notified of the disconnect by playing an announcement such as "Your Notification Hold call has been disconnected. If you wish to re-initiate the call, please press one now". The calling party either confirms the announcement whereupon the call is re-initiated by the intelligent peripheral, or the calling party simply disconnects.
Referring now to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the invention is described. A customer premise equipment device CPE device 220 is introduced on the telephone line 250 between the calling party's telecommunications device 200 and the central office network switch 230. CPE device 220 contains a tone dial monitor, announcement circuitry, and ringing circuitry. When attempting to make a call from telecommunications device 200 to telecommunications device 210 and upon finding the caller unavailable the calling party engages Notification Hold Service by dialing a service activation code, when the called party is not available to accept the call. CPE Device 220 responds to the Notification Hold .service activation code by placing a hold on the telephone line and initiating a voice message through announcement circuitry included within CPE device 220. The announcement circuitry plays a continuous message to the called party. An exemplary message might be "To engage conversation, please press one" .
When the called party becomes available to accept the call, the voice message is heard, and the called party continues the held call by pressing a key on the telephone keypad of telecommunications device 210, causing a tone to be transmitted on the line. -
A tone register in CPE device 220 receives the tone and ' places a ring* on the calling 'party' s side of the device. The calling party either answers telecommunications device 200 and begins conversation or ignores the ring and, after a short period of time, CPE device 220 disconnects the call.
Picking up telecommunications device 200 at the calling party' s location when the CPE device 220 is engaged, a continuous message is heard. The Notification Hold service can be discontinued at telecommunications device 200 attached to CPE device 220 at any time by lifting the handset and pressing the digit associated with disconnect on the telephone keypad of the telecommunications device 200.
While there has been shown and described what is at present considered the preferred embodiment of the invention it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:
1. A telecommunications system for communication on a telecommunications link comprising:
a calling telecommunications device means for initiating said communication;
a called telecommunications device for receiving said communication, and placing said calling telecommunications device on hold;
wherein the calling telecommunications device disconnects from said called telecommunications device, and is notified that said communication is not on hold.
2. The telecommunications system of claim 1 wherein the calling telecommunications device is connected to a network switch.
3. The telecommunications system of claim 1 wherein the called telecommunications device is connected to a network switch.
4. The telecommunications device of ^lairn 2 wherein the said network switch is coupled to an auxiliary computer system.
5.' The telecommunications device of claim 2 wherein the said network switch reconnects said -called telecommunications device to said calling communications device.
6. The telecommunications system of claim 4 wherein said auxiliary computer system is coupled to an intelligent peripheral.
7. The telecommunications system of claim 5 wherein said intelligent peripheral notifies said calling telecommunications device by a ringing sound.
8. The telecommunications system of claim 5 wherein said intelligent peripheral notifies said calling telecommunications device by a voice message.
9. The telecommunications system of claim 1 wherein the calling telecommunications device is connected to a customer premise equipment.
10. The telecommunications system of claim 9 wherein said customer premise equipment notifies said calling telecommunications device by a voice message.
11. A method of notifying a calling telecommunications device connected to a network switch that a called telecommunications device, which is connected to a network switch, being either the same network switch of the calling telecommunications device or different, is requesting connection to the the calling telecommunications device which has been placed on hold, the method comprising the steps of: accepting a call by the network switch of said calling telecommunications device; connecting said call to the network switch of said called telecommunications device; receiving from said calling telecommunication device a signal to monitor the availability of said called telecommunication device; notifying said called telecommunications device that said calling telecommunications device requests a connection between the telecommunication devices; disconnecting said calling telecommunications device from said network switch of the calling telecommunications devices; receiving from said called telecommunications device a signal to request a connection between said calling and called telecommunications device; notifying said calling telecommunications device that said called telecommunications device has given a signal to request connection between said calling and called telecommunications device.
PCT/US1994/014851 1993-12-23 1994-12-22 Telecommunications system with notification hold WO1995017790A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002179495A CA2179495C (en) 1993-12-23 1994-12-22 Telecommunications system with notification hold
BR9408492A BR9408492A (en) 1993-12-23 1994-12-22 Telecommunications system with waiting notification

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/173,385 US5668861A (en) 1993-12-23 1993-12-23 Telecommunications system with notification hold
US08/173,385 1993-12-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995017790A1 true WO1995017790A1 (en) 1995-06-29

Family

ID=22631769

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1994/014851 WO1995017790A1 (en) 1993-12-23 1994-12-22 Telecommunications system with notification hold

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5668861A (en)
CN (1) CN1138398A (en)
BR (1) BR9408492A (en)
CA (1) CA2179495C (en)
WO (1) WO1995017790A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997045990A2 (en) * 1996-05-30 1997-12-04 Ericsson Inc. Holding party call back subscriber feature
WO2000007349A1 (en) * 1998-07-28 2000-02-10 Abacus Solutions Oy Method and system for implementing the service in a telephone network and/or mobile communication network
US6154644A (en) * 1998-09-08 2000-11-28 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson System and method of implementing an interactive callback feature in a radio telecommunications network

Families Citing this family (50)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7231031B2 (en) * 1997-02-26 2007-06-12 Qwest Communications International Inc. AIN call queuing
US6028922A (en) * 1997-09-03 2000-02-22 Lucent Technologies Inc. System for deferred call answering in a telecommunications system
US6031905A (en) * 1997-09-17 2000-02-29 At&T Corp Network-based call hold stand by
US6122346A (en) * 1997-10-20 2000-09-19 Grossman; Richard M. Telephone on-hold response system
US6157709A (en) * 1997-12-11 2000-12-05 At&T Corp. Method and apparatus for branding delivered calls
JPH11331425A (en) * 1998-05-08 1999-11-30 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Telephone system with automatic call termination detection means
US6501750B1 (en) * 1998-06-05 2002-12-31 Siemens Information & Communication Networks, Inc. Method and device for device-to-device enablement of camp-on capability
US7929516B2 (en) * 1998-06-12 2011-04-19 Mci Communications Corporation Intelligent services network using a switch controller
US6219415B1 (en) * 1998-07-08 2001-04-17 Lucent Technologies Inc. Call hold state notification across a communications network
US6563916B1 (en) * 1998-07-08 2003-05-13 Lucent Technologies Inc. System for transmitting a change in call queued/hold state across a communications network
EP1166540A2 (en) 1999-04-01 2002-01-02 Callwave Inc. Method and apparatus for providing expanded telecommunications service
US7555110B2 (en) * 1999-04-01 2009-06-30 Callwave, Inc. Methods and apparatus for providing expanded telecommunications service
US7822188B1 (en) 1999-04-01 2010-10-26 Callwave, Inc. Methods and apparatus for providing expanded telecommunications service
US6731726B1 (en) 1999-04-12 2004-05-04 Conexant Systems, Inc. Communication on hold
USRE42661E1 (en) 1999-04-12 2011-08-30 V-Dot Technologies, Llc Method and apparatus for fast V.90 modem startup
US6704399B1 (en) 1999-04-12 2004-03-09 Conexant Systems, Inc. Quick connect parameter exchange
US6690776B1 (en) 1999-04-12 2004-02-10 Conexant Systems, Inc. Communication on hold notifier
US6912276B1 (en) * 1999-04-12 2005-06-28 Silicon Laboratories, Inc. Modem on hold
US6819749B1 (en) * 1999-04-12 2004-11-16 Mindspeed Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for fast V.90 modem startup
US7688958B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2010-03-30 Callwave, Inc. Methods and apparatus for providing expanded telecommunications service
CA2310187A1 (en) * 2000-06-02 2001-12-02 Daniel Wilk Method and system for call holding
EP1312198A1 (en) * 2000-08-23 2003-05-21 Conexant Systems, Inc. Communication on hold notifier
US6968174B1 (en) * 2001-03-22 2005-11-22 Callwave, Inc. Call routing apparatus
US6879677B2 (en) * 2001-11-01 2005-04-12 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for telephony call completion
US8705710B2 (en) 2001-11-01 2014-04-22 Callwave Communications, Llc Methods and systems for telephony call completion
US7839987B1 (en) 2001-11-01 2010-11-23 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for creating a dynamic call log and contact records
US6738461B2 (en) 2001-11-01 2004-05-18 Callwave, Inc. Methods and apparatus for returning a call over a telephony system
US7460653B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2008-12-02 Callwave, Inc. Apparatus and methods for telecommunication authentication
US7480065B1 (en) 2004-03-05 2009-01-20 Callwave, Inc. Facsimile telecommunications system and method
US7474432B1 (en) 2004-03-05 2009-01-06 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for fax routing
US7742586B1 (en) * 2004-06-14 2010-06-22 Callwave, Inc. Enhanced service levels for call-processing services
US8542813B2 (en) * 2004-11-02 2013-09-24 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and system for providing a camp-on service in telecommunications
US8494504B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2013-07-23 Callwave Communications, Llc Methods and systems for telephony processing, including location based call transfers
US8107609B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2012-01-31 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for telephony call-back processing
US7409048B2 (en) 2004-12-09 2008-08-05 Callwave, Inc. Call processing and subscriber registration systems and methods
US8000455B1 (en) 2004-12-09 2011-08-16 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for call processing
US7852749B2 (en) * 2005-04-06 2010-12-14 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for routing telecommunications
US7965825B1 (en) 2005-05-02 2011-06-21 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for transferring voice messages and faxes over a network
US7808936B2 (en) 2005-05-09 2010-10-05 J2 Global Communications, Inc. Systems and methods for facsimile echo cancellation
US8369311B1 (en) 2005-07-01 2013-02-05 Callwave Communications, Llc Methods and systems for providing telephony services to fixed and mobile telephonic devices
US8855107B1 (en) 2005-07-01 2014-10-07 Callwave Communications, Llc Methods and systems for call routing via a telephone number
US8401163B1 (en) 2005-10-18 2013-03-19 Callwave Communications, Llc Methods and systems for call processing and for providing call progress status over a network
US8165572B1 (en) 2006-02-22 2012-04-24 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for call processing in a wireline and wireless network
US8270582B1 (en) 2006-04-05 2012-09-18 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for routing calls
US8085922B1 (en) 2006-05-01 2011-12-27 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for speed dialing
US8121626B1 (en) 2006-06-05 2012-02-21 Callwave, Inc. Method and systems for short message forwarding services
US8548447B1 (en) 2006-10-06 2013-10-01 Callwave Communications, Llc Methods and systems for blocking unwanted telecommunications
US8447285B1 (en) 2007-03-26 2013-05-21 Callwave Communications, Llc Methods and systems for managing telecommunications and for translating voice messages to text messages
US8583746B1 (en) 2007-05-25 2013-11-12 Callwave Communications, Llc Methods and systems for web and call processing
US8526591B2 (en) 2010-12-21 2013-09-03 Bandwidth.Com, Inc. Systems and methods for implementing a hold-call-back feature in a telecommunications network

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4930152A (en) * 1988-08-31 1990-05-29 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Call return telephone service
US4947421A (en) * 1987-12-23 1990-08-07 At&T Bell Laboratories Call waiting arrangement providing options to both a subsequent calling party and to the called party
US5034975A (en) * 1989-12-21 1991-07-23 At&T Bell Laboratories Voice announcement device for improving functionality of multi-line telephones
US5127047A (en) * 1990-02-20 1992-06-30 At&T Bell Laboratories Facsimile machine having user notification capability
US5185782A (en) * 1991-02-08 1993-02-09 A&T Bell Laboratories ACD arrangement for automatically returning a call at a time specified by the original caller

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4723273A (en) * 1985-09-25 1988-02-02 American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories Discretionary call forwarding
US4922490A (en) * 1988-08-08 1990-05-01 American Telephone And Telegraph Company Telephone station set
US5007076A (en) * 1988-08-08 1991-04-09 At&T Bell Laboratories Call announcement arrangement
US4899358A (en) * 1988-08-08 1990-02-06 American Telephone And Telegraph Company At&T Bell Laboratories Call announcement arrangement

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4947421A (en) * 1987-12-23 1990-08-07 At&T Bell Laboratories Call waiting arrangement providing options to both a subsequent calling party and to the called party
US4930152A (en) * 1988-08-31 1990-05-29 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Call return telephone service
US5034975A (en) * 1989-12-21 1991-07-23 At&T Bell Laboratories Voice announcement device for improving functionality of multi-line telephones
US5127047A (en) * 1990-02-20 1992-06-30 At&T Bell Laboratories Facsimile machine having user notification capability
US5185782A (en) * 1991-02-08 1993-02-09 A&T Bell Laboratories ACD arrangement for automatically returning a call at a time specified by the original caller

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997045990A2 (en) * 1996-05-30 1997-12-04 Ericsson Inc. Holding party call back subscriber feature
WO1997045990A3 (en) * 1996-05-30 1998-06-25 Ericsson Ge Mobile Inc Holding party call back subscriber feature
WO2000007349A1 (en) * 1998-07-28 2000-02-10 Abacus Solutions Oy Method and system for implementing the service in a telephone network and/or mobile communication network
US6154644A (en) * 1998-09-08 2000-11-28 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson System and method of implementing an interactive callback feature in a radio telecommunications network

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2179495A1 (en) 1995-06-29
CN1138398A (en) 1996-12-18
CA2179495C (en) 2005-03-22
US5668861A (en) 1997-09-16
BR9408492A (en) 1997-08-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5668861A (en) Telecommunications system with notification hold
CA2244634C (en) Calling party invoked held call monitoring
US5764746A (en) Holding party call back subscriber feature
US5608788A (en) Information display provided to calling party
KR100528057B1 (en) Method of responding to an incoming call and a base unit of a subscriber telephone system
JP3194571B2 (en) How to connect a telephone system caller to a called party
US6031905A (en) Network-based call hold stand by
US5937035A (en) Interswitch telephone status monitoring
JPH02256358A (en) Call-waiting phone service with message transmission function during busy state
KR100241883B1 (en) Method for transfering external call in busyline state with extension line in private branch exchange system
JP3161897B2 (en) Communication terminal connection control method
JPH09162994A (en) Telephone terminal equipment and communication center device
CA2255848C (en) Holding party call back subscriber feature
KR19980061510A (en) Switchboard with a service that automatically sends the user's message after disconnecting the other party
KR19980061505A (en) Switchboard with a service that automatically connects the user and the other party after disconnecting the other party
JPH0738661A (en) Telephone switchboard
KR100703537B1 (en) Apparatus and method for managing answer waiting time for ring group incoming call in pabx
JP2913130B2 (en) Digital telephone equipment
JP2812794B2 (en) Digital telephone
JPH09135299A (en) Method and equipment for call processing control and subscriber's terminal equipment
JPH03201756A (en) Reply rejection service system
JPH0472855A (en) Incoming connection switching system
JPH05284206A (en) Communication terminal equipment having automatic callback function
JPH03101355A (en) Ring-back tone transmission control system
JPH043644A (en) Connection control method for single function telephone set of main device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 94194595.2

Country of ref document: CN

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BR CA CN

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2179495

Country of ref document: CA

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase