CA2249129C - Multiple terminal message indicator for a telecommunications network - Google Patents
Multiple terminal message indicator for a telecommunications network Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2249129C CA2249129C CA002249129A CA2249129A CA2249129C CA 2249129 C CA2249129 C CA 2249129C CA 002249129 A CA002249129 A CA 002249129A CA 2249129 A CA2249129 A CA 2249129A CA 2249129 C CA2249129 C CA 2249129C
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- Prior art keywords
- message
- phone
- providing
- subscriber
- phones
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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
- H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
- H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
- H04M3/537—Arrangements for indicating the presence of a recorded message, whereby the presence information might include a preview or summary of the message
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2203/00—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M2203/20—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to features of supplementary services
- H04M2203/2044—Group features, e.g. closed user group
-
- 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
- H04M3/42229—Personal communication services, i.e. services related to one subscriber independent of his terminal and/or location
Abstract
An apparatus for providing indications of a phone subscriber's messages at multiple phones. After a caller records a message, the system provides indications of the pending message at all of a subscriber's phones or at a group of the subscriber's phones. The apparatus may also provide different types of message indicators to indicate which phone originates the call resulting in the message.
Description
MULTIPLE TERMINAL MESSAGE INDICATOR
FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of providing indications of a phone subscriber's messages at multiple terminals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Phone subscribers usually have more than one phone. For example, a subscriber typically has both a home phone and an office phone, and many subscribers have other phones such as cellular or car phones. The different phones for a particular subscriber often have different voice mail systems, such as one voice mail system for an office phone and another for a home phone.
In a traditional voice mail system, a subscriber receives an indication of a pending message at the terminal or phone that was called. For example, if a caller leaves a voice mail message at a subscriber's off1ce phone, the subscriber receives an indication of the pending message at only the office phone. Likewise, if a caller leaves a message when calling a subscriber's home phone, the subscriber receives an indication of the pending message at only the home phone. Because subscribers only receive message indicators at the phone that was called, they may experience a delay in receiving indications of their pending messages. Thus, they may not know that they have a message unless, for example, they are physically present at their phone. It is often possible for a subscriber to call a particular voice mail system to check for pending messages. However, that option may inconvenience subscribers, particularly if they are associated with multiple voice mail systems.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved system for providing indications of messages to a subscriber having multiple phones.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus consistent with the present invention receives a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones. The al)pald~lls provides an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
Another apl)aldL-ls consistent with the present invention receives a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone. The appald~ls provides a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone origin~te~ a call resulting in the message, and it provides a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone origin~te~ the call resulting in the message.
A method con~i~t~nt with the present invention receives a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones and provides an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
Another method con~i~tent with the present invention receives a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone. The method provides a first t~vpe of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone origin~ted a call resulting in the message, and it provides a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone origin~tecl the call resulting in the message.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a telecommunications network including multiple phones for a particular subscriber.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process for providing indications of messages to a subscriber having multiple phones.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A system consistent with the present invention provides message indicators at one or S more phones for a particular subscriber or other person. For example, when a subscriber receives a voice mail or other message, each of the subscriber's phones typically provides an indication of the pending message. Therefore, no matter which phone a subscriber uses, he or she will receive an indication of the pending message. Alternatively, subscribers may elect to receive message indicators at only some phones, optionally including phones for other 10 subscribers. For example, a subscriber may elect to have message indicators provided at a phone that was called and always to their office phone. Accordingly, such a system provides an advantage of permitting phone subscribers to more easily det~rmine if they have any pending voice mail or other messages.
Telecommunications Network FIG. 1 is a diagram of a telecommunications network including multiple phones for a particular subscriber. A network 100, such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), is interfaced with a voice mail server 101 having an associated subscriber voice mail box 102.
A voice mail server is an example of a mess~ging system. E-mail servers, such as e-mail server 121, int~ ce~ with PSTN 100, may also provide for m~ss~ging, particularly for 20 phones that have an associated co~ uL~l. Mess~ging systems include any system capable of recording real-time information for subsequent play back.
PSTN 100 is int~ cefl with multiple phones for a particular subscriber. These phones may include a subscriber wireline phones 103 and 105, such as conventional office and home phones, interfaced through voice switches 1 13 and 1 14, respectively. These phones may also include a subscriber wireless phone 107, such as a cellular or car phone, interfaced through voice switch 1 15. In addition, they may include a subscriber phone 109, such as a smart phone, interfaced through router 1 16 to an Internet protocol (IP) or intranet 5 network 1 18. A smart phone is a phone having a microprocessor for performing functions necessary to interface with a router. Other types of phones include a phone 122 and associated computer 123 interfaced with IP network 1 18 through router 1 16. The word "phone" is intended to encompass any device for electronically transmitting voice or other real-time information, the device possibly including an associated computer.
PSTN 100 is also interfaced with IP network 1 18 through an IP-PSTN gateway 1 17 for communicating with phones through that network. IP network 118 includes a gatekeeper 1 19 for providing phone-related services such as call waiting. PSTN 100, or IP network 1 18, also includes other subscriber's phones, such as phone 111 interf~r,e~l through voice switch 120.
Each subscriber phone typically has an associated message indicator for providing an indication of a pending message. These indicators include message indicators 104, 106, 108, and 110 for phones 103,105, 107, and 109, respectively. Other subscribers typically have message indicators as well, including message indicator 112 for phone 1 1 1. The message indicators may provide a visual indication of a pending message, an audible indication, or both visual and audible indications. For example, the message indicators may provide a constant or fl~hing light, or they may provide an initial stutter dial tone.
The following are examples of products for implementing various components shown in FIG. 1. Voice mail servers include the Meridian~D Mail product by Northern Telecom, Inc.
E-mail servers are known in the art and include various applications for computers. Voice switches include the Northern Telecom DMS-100TM product. Routers include the Cisco 3600 product. Gatekeepers and IP-PSTN gateways include those products meeting the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) H.323 standard. An IP protocol for voice mail 5 systems to send messages over the Internet is known as Voice Profile for Internet Mail (VPIM) and is described in the following publication, which is incorporated herein by reference: G. Vaudreuil, "Voice Profile for Internet Mail," Octel Network Services, Network Working Group, Request for Comments: 1911, Category: Experimental (Feb. 1996).
Process for Providing Indications of Messages FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process for providing an indication of a pending message at multiple phones. A calling party attempts connection with one of the subscriber's phones (step 201). If the call is answered (step 202), normal tr~n~mic~ion occurs involving a real-time phone connection (step 203). If the call was not answeled, the phone typically transfers it to a mess~gin~ system, such as a voice mail server, for the subscriber (step 205). In 15 addition, a caller may request to transfer to a mess~gin~ system during a real-time phone connection (step 204). Once the caller is transferred to the mess~ging system, it typically sends a greeting (step 206), which may include a standard voice mail-type greeting instructing the caller to leave a message. The system then records the calling party's message (step 207), which may include any type of real-time information such as voice, video, audio, 20 or control signal information. Messages including visual components such as video or display data may be useful for mess~ging systems accessible by a computer for displaying that information.
The system then determines if the subscriber has selected message indicator options (step 208). If no options have been selected, the system provides a message indicator default option (step 209), determined by a particular system. Otherwise, the system provides message indicators in accordance with the subscriber's selected option, alternatively with S other options described below. These message indicator options include sending a message indicator signal to all of the subscriber's phones (step 210), sending a message indicator signal to a group of the subscriber's phones (step 211), sending a message indicator signal to the subscriber's phone that origin~ted the call (meaning the phone that was called) (step 212), sending a message indicator signal to a group ofthe subscriber and other phones (step 213), 10 or other options (step 214).
Examples of signals and protocols for providing message indicators at phones are described in the following publication, which is incorporated herein by reference: "Interface Description--lnterface Between Customer Premise Equipment; Simplified Message Desk and Switching System: lAESSlM," Bell Communications Research, Inc., Technical Reference TR-TSY-000283, Issue 1 (July 1985).
The system typically stores information associated with particular subscribers, including information identifying which phone receive message indicator signals for the options in steps 209-214. In particular, for the option of step 210, the system typically stores information identifying all phones associated with a particular subscriber so that, upon 20 recording a message, the system may access that information to detennine where to transmit the message indicator signals. For the options of steps 211 and 213, the system may permit the subscriber at a set-up or other time to identify the phones that he or she wants to provide indications of messages. The system typically stores that information associated with the subscriber and thus may access that information to determine where to transmit the message indicator signals.
The options defined in steps 211 and 213 also provide for a subscriber to more particularly establish priority of messages. For exarnple, a subscriber may elect to have 5 message indicators provided to the phone that origin~ted the call and to a home phone.
Therefore, the subscriber at a home phone receives indications of pending messages origin~ting from any of the phones, but at other phones receives only indications of messages ori~in~ting from those phones. The option defined in step 213 provides for subscribers to elect to have another person receive an indication of their messages, which may be useful if 10 they permit others to access and check their messages for them.
In addition to providing message indicators at selected phones, the system may provide different types of indicators in steps 210-214 to provide an indication of which phone ori~in~ted the call. If those options exist, the system det~nnin~s if the subscriber has selected variable message indicator options (step 215). If not, the system selects a default option (step 15 216), typically providing the same message indicator regardless of which phone origin~tecl the call.
Otherwise, the system determines which phone ori~in~ted the call and selects the corresponding type of message indicator (step 217), and in one of steps 210-214, it provides the selected message indicator at the selected phones. For èxample, it may provide a fl~ching 20 light to indicate that a subscriber's office phone ori~in~ted the call and provide a constant light to indicate that any of the other subscriber's phones ori~in~te~l the call. A system having one or more voice mail boxes for a subscriber may implement this alternative option to provide an indication of which voice mail box to access or, if the subscriber only has one voice mail box, to provide an indication of which phone was called.
With respect to FIG. 1, the processing shown in FIG. 2 may occur between phones in PSTN 100, phones in IP network 1 18, or between a phone in PSTN 100 and another in IP
network 118. When the called party's phone sends the greeting (step 206), the phone typically accesses a corresponding voice mail server or other mess~gin~ system for providing the recorded greeting. If the interface is through PSTN 100, for example, a phone provides a cormection with voice mail server 101, or other mess~ging system, for providing a corresponding recorded greeting. If the connection is through IP network 118, a phone provides a connection through IP-PSTN gateway 117 and PSTN 100 to voice mail server 101, or other mess~ging system, for providing the recorded greeting. ~Itern~tively, the phone itself, such as smart phone 109, may provide the greeting. In addition, a voice mail server or other mess~ging system may interf~ce directly with IP network 118 for providing voice mail service to a subscriber.
After the calling party records the message (step 207), the corresponding voice mail server or other mess~gin~ system then sends message indicator signals to the selected phones.
It may send the message indicator signals through PSTN 100 and IP network 1 18 for phones interf~cecl with those networks. Based upon the option selected (steps 209-214), the system sends message indicator signals to the col~esl~ollding phones to provide an indication of a pending message. These signals may, for example, activate a light on the corresponding phone or provide an initial stutter dial tone at the phone. It is possible that more than one voice mail server or other mess~ging system provides service to the sarne subscriber according to the processing shown in FIG. 2. However, unless they both access the same subscriber voice mail box, a subscriber may have to check two different voice mail boxes to receive a pending message.
The processing shown in FIG. 2 and described above may be implemented in software in voice mail server 101 or other mess~ging system and within software in other components in the net~,vork for controlling a corresponding phone, including its message indicators. If the connection involves a phone interfaced with PSTN 100, the corresponding voice switch may contain software for performing the necessary processing in conjunction with a voice mail server or other mess~ging system. If a connection is made with a smart phone, or a phone having an associated computer, interfaced through IP network 118, the corresponding router may contain software for performing the necessary processing in conjunction with a voice mail server or other mess~ging system.
Software for implementing the processing shown in FIG. 2 and described above maybe embodied within a computer program product, such as a memory or a storage device or product, including a computer-usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein for use by a computer, or a voice switch or a router, in performing the processing.
Components for performing the procescing, such as a voice switch or a router, may include modules for pelro~ g particular functions, ~,vhich may include functions described with respect to FIG. 2. These modules may include a software module, a hardware module, or a combination hardware and software module.
While the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, many modifications will be readily appalent to those skilled in the art, and this application is intende~l to cover any adaptations or variations thereof. For example, various other components for the elements shown in FIG. 1 and other types of message indicators may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. This invention should be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.
FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of providing indications of a phone subscriber's messages at multiple terminals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Phone subscribers usually have more than one phone. For example, a subscriber typically has both a home phone and an office phone, and many subscribers have other phones such as cellular or car phones. The different phones for a particular subscriber often have different voice mail systems, such as one voice mail system for an office phone and another for a home phone.
In a traditional voice mail system, a subscriber receives an indication of a pending message at the terminal or phone that was called. For example, if a caller leaves a voice mail message at a subscriber's off1ce phone, the subscriber receives an indication of the pending message at only the office phone. Likewise, if a caller leaves a message when calling a subscriber's home phone, the subscriber receives an indication of the pending message at only the home phone. Because subscribers only receive message indicators at the phone that was called, they may experience a delay in receiving indications of their pending messages. Thus, they may not know that they have a message unless, for example, they are physically present at their phone. It is often possible for a subscriber to call a particular voice mail system to check for pending messages. However, that option may inconvenience subscribers, particularly if they are associated with multiple voice mail systems.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved system for providing indications of messages to a subscriber having multiple phones.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus consistent with the present invention receives a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones. The al)pald~lls provides an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
Another apl)aldL-ls consistent with the present invention receives a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone. The appald~ls provides a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone origin~te~ a call resulting in the message, and it provides a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone origin~te~ the call resulting in the message.
A method con~i~t~nt with the present invention receives a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones and provides an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
Another method con~i~tent with the present invention receives a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone. The method provides a first t~vpe of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone origin~ted a call resulting in the message, and it provides a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone origin~tecl the call resulting in the message.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a telecommunications network including multiple phones for a particular subscriber.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process for providing indications of messages to a subscriber having multiple phones.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A system consistent with the present invention provides message indicators at one or S more phones for a particular subscriber or other person. For example, when a subscriber receives a voice mail or other message, each of the subscriber's phones typically provides an indication of the pending message. Therefore, no matter which phone a subscriber uses, he or she will receive an indication of the pending message. Alternatively, subscribers may elect to receive message indicators at only some phones, optionally including phones for other 10 subscribers. For example, a subscriber may elect to have message indicators provided at a phone that was called and always to their office phone. Accordingly, such a system provides an advantage of permitting phone subscribers to more easily det~rmine if they have any pending voice mail or other messages.
Telecommunications Network FIG. 1 is a diagram of a telecommunications network including multiple phones for a particular subscriber. A network 100, such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), is interfaced with a voice mail server 101 having an associated subscriber voice mail box 102.
A voice mail server is an example of a mess~ging system. E-mail servers, such as e-mail server 121, int~ ce~ with PSTN 100, may also provide for m~ss~ging, particularly for 20 phones that have an associated co~ uL~l. Mess~ging systems include any system capable of recording real-time information for subsequent play back.
PSTN 100 is int~ cefl with multiple phones for a particular subscriber. These phones may include a subscriber wireline phones 103 and 105, such as conventional office and home phones, interfaced through voice switches 1 13 and 1 14, respectively. These phones may also include a subscriber wireless phone 107, such as a cellular or car phone, interfaced through voice switch 1 15. In addition, they may include a subscriber phone 109, such as a smart phone, interfaced through router 1 16 to an Internet protocol (IP) or intranet 5 network 1 18. A smart phone is a phone having a microprocessor for performing functions necessary to interface with a router. Other types of phones include a phone 122 and associated computer 123 interfaced with IP network 1 18 through router 1 16. The word "phone" is intended to encompass any device for electronically transmitting voice or other real-time information, the device possibly including an associated computer.
PSTN 100 is also interfaced with IP network 1 18 through an IP-PSTN gateway 1 17 for communicating with phones through that network. IP network 118 includes a gatekeeper 1 19 for providing phone-related services such as call waiting. PSTN 100, or IP network 1 18, also includes other subscriber's phones, such as phone 111 interf~r,e~l through voice switch 120.
Each subscriber phone typically has an associated message indicator for providing an indication of a pending message. These indicators include message indicators 104, 106, 108, and 110 for phones 103,105, 107, and 109, respectively. Other subscribers typically have message indicators as well, including message indicator 112 for phone 1 1 1. The message indicators may provide a visual indication of a pending message, an audible indication, or both visual and audible indications. For example, the message indicators may provide a constant or fl~hing light, or they may provide an initial stutter dial tone.
The following are examples of products for implementing various components shown in FIG. 1. Voice mail servers include the Meridian~D Mail product by Northern Telecom, Inc.
E-mail servers are known in the art and include various applications for computers. Voice switches include the Northern Telecom DMS-100TM product. Routers include the Cisco 3600 product. Gatekeepers and IP-PSTN gateways include those products meeting the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) H.323 standard. An IP protocol for voice mail 5 systems to send messages over the Internet is known as Voice Profile for Internet Mail (VPIM) and is described in the following publication, which is incorporated herein by reference: G. Vaudreuil, "Voice Profile for Internet Mail," Octel Network Services, Network Working Group, Request for Comments: 1911, Category: Experimental (Feb. 1996).
Process for Providing Indications of Messages FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process for providing an indication of a pending message at multiple phones. A calling party attempts connection with one of the subscriber's phones (step 201). If the call is answered (step 202), normal tr~n~mic~ion occurs involving a real-time phone connection (step 203). If the call was not answeled, the phone typically transfers it to a mess~gin~ system, such as a voice mail server, for the subscriber (step 205). In 15 addition, a caller may request to transfer to a mess~gin~ system during a real-time phone connection (step 204). Once the caller is transferred to the mess~ging system, it typically sends a greeting (step 206), which may include a standard voice mail-type greeting instructing the caller to leave a message. The system then records the calling party's message (step 207), which may include any type of real-time information such as voice, video, audio, 20 or control signal information. Messages including visual components such as video or display data may be useful for mess~ging systems accessible by a computer for displaying that information.
The system then determines if the subscriber has selected message indicator options (step 208). If no options have been selected, the system provides a message indicator default option (step 209), determined by a particular system. Otherwise, the system provides message indicators in accordance with the subscriber's selected option, alternatively with S other options described below. These message indicator options include sending a message indicator signal to all of the subscriber's phones (step 210), sending a message indicator signal to a group of the subscriber's phones (step 211), sending a message indicator signal to the subscriber's phone that origin~ted the call (meaning the phone that was called) (step 212), sending a message indicator signal to a group ofthe subscriber and other phones (step 213), 10 or other options (step 214).
Examples of signals and protocols for providing message indicators at phones are described in the following publication, which is incorporated herein by reference: "Interface Description--lnterface Between Customer Premise Equipment; Simplified Message Desk and Switching System: lAESSlM," Bell Communications Research, Inc., Technical Reference TR-TSY-000283, Issue 1 (July 1985).
The system typically stores information associated with particular subscribers, including information identifying which phone receive message indicator signals for the options in steps 209-214. In particular, for the option of step 210, the system typically stores information identifying all phones associated with a particular subscriber so that, upon 20 recording a message, the system may access that information to detennine where to transmit the message indicator signals. For the options of steps 211 and 213, the system may permit the subscriber at a set-up or other time to identify the phones that he or she wants to provide indications of messages. The system typically stores that information associated with the subscriber and thus may access that information to determine where to transmit the message indicator signals.
The options defined in steps 211 and 213 also provide for a subscriber to more particularly establish priority of messages. For exarnple, a subscriber may elect to have 5 message indicators provided to the phone that origin~ted the call and to a home phone.
Therefore, the subscriber at a home phone receives indications of pending messages origin~ting from any of the phones, but at other phones receives only indications of messages ori~in~ting from those phones. The option defined in step 213 provides for subscribers to elect to have another person receive an indication of their messages, which may be useful if 10 they permit others to access and check their messages for them.
In addition to providing message indicators at selected phones, the system may provide different types of indicators in steps 210-214 to provide an indication of which phone ori~in~ted the call. If those options exist, the system det~nnin~s if the subscriber has selected variable message indicator options (step 215). If not, the system selects a default option (step 15 216), typically providing the same message indicator regardless of which phone origin~tecl the call.
Otherwise, the system determines which phone ori~in~ted the call and selects the corresponding type of message indicator (step 217), and in one of steps 210-214, it provides the selected message indicator at the selected phones. For èxample, it may provide a fl~ching 20 light to indicate that a subscriber's office phone ori~in~ted the call and provide a constant light to indicate that any of the other subscriber's phones ori~in~te~l the call. A system having one or more voice mail boxes for a subscriber may implement this alternative option to provide an indication of which voice mail box to access or, if the subscriber only has one voice mail box, to provide an indication of which phone was called.
With respect to FIG. 1, the processing shown in FIG. 2 may occur between phones in PSTN 100, phones in IP network 1 18, or between a phone in PSTN 100 and another in IP
network 118. When the called party's phone sends the greeting (step 206), the phone typically accesses a corresponding voice mail server or other mess~gin~ system for providing the recorded greeting. If the interface is through PSTN 100, for example, a phone provides a cormection with voice mail server 101, or other mess~ging system, for providing a corresponding recorded greeting. If the connection is through IP network 118, a phone provides a connection through IP-PSTN gateway 117 and PSTN 100 to voice mail server 101, or other mess~ging system, for providing the recorded greeting. ~Itern~tively, the phone itself, such as smart phone 109, may provide the greeting. In addition, a voice mail server or other mess~ging system may interf~ce directly with IP network 118 for providing voice mail service to a subscriber.
After the calling party records the message (step 207), the corresponding voice mail server or other mess~gin~ system then sends message indicator signals to the selected phones.
It may send the message indicator signals through PSTN 100 and IP network 1 18 for phones interf~cecl with those networks. Based upon the option selected (steps 209-214), the system sends message indicator signals to the col~esl~ollding phones to provide an indication of a pending message. These signals may, for example, activate a light on the corresponding phone or provide an initial stutter dial tone at the phone. It is possible that more than one voice mail server or other mess~ging system provides service to the sarne subscriber according to the processing shown in FIG. 2. However, unless they both access the same subscriber voice mail box, a subscriber may have to check two different voice mail boxes to receive a pending message.
The processing shown in FIG. 2 and described above may be implemented in software in voice mail server 101 or other mess~ging system and within software in other components in the net~,vork for controlling a corresponding phone, including its message indicators. If the connection involves a phone interfaced with PSTN 100, the corresponding voice switch may contain software for performing the necessary processing in conjunction with a voice mail server or other mess~ging system. If a connection is made with a smart phone, or a phone having an associated computer, interfaced through IP network 118, the corresponding router may contain software for performing the necessary processing in conjunction with a voice mail server or other mess~ging system.
Software for implementing the processing shown in FIG. 2 and described above maybe embodied within a computer program product, such as a memory or a storage device or product, including a computer-usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein for use by a computer, or a voice switch or a router, in performing the processing.
Components for performing the procescing, such as a voice switch or a router, may include modules for pelro~ g particular functions, ~,vhich may include functions described with respect to FIG. 2. These modules may include a software module, a hardware module, or a combination hardware and software module.
While the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, many modifications will be readily appalent to those skilled in the art, and this application is intende~l to cover any adaptations or variations thereof. For example, various other components for the elements shown in FIG. 1 and other types of message indicators may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. This invention should be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.
Claims (28)
1. An apparatus for providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, comprising:
means for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and means for providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
means for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and means for providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing the indication of the message at all of the phones associated with the subscriber.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing the indication of the message at a phone not associated with the subscriber.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing a visual indication of the message.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing an audible indication of the message.
6. An apparatus for providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, comprising:
means for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and means for providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
means for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and means for providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing a visual indication of the message.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing an audible indication of the message.
9. A system for providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, comprising:
a plurality of phones associated with a subscriber;
a messaging system, interfaced with the plurality of phones, for recording and storing messages; and means, coupled to the plurality of phones and the messaging system, for providing indications of messages for the subscriber, the providing means including:
means for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and means for providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
a plurality of phones associated with a subscriber;
a messaging system, interfaced with the plurality of phones, for recording and storing messages; and means, coupled to the plurality of phones and the messaging system, for providing indications of messages for the subscriber, the providing means including:
means for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and means for providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing the indication of the message at all of the phones associated with the subscriber.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing the indication of the message at a phone not associated with the subscriber.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing a visual indication of the message.
13 13. The system of claim 9 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing an audible indication of the message.
14 14. A system for providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, comprising:
a plurality of phones associated with a subscriber;
a messaging system, interfaced with the plurality of phones, for recording and storing messages; and means, coupled to the plurality of phones and the messaging system, for providing indications of messages for the subscriber, the providing means including:
means for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and means for providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
a plurality of phones associated with a subscriber;
a messaging system, interfaced with the plurality of phones, for recording and storing messages; and means, coupled to the plurality of phones and the messaging system, for providing indications of messages for the subscriber, the providing means including:
means for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and means for providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing a visual indication of the message.
16. The system of claim 14 wherein the means for providing includes means for providing an audible indication of the message.
17. A method for providing indications of a phone subscriber's message comprising the steps of:
receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the providing step includes the step of providing the indication of the message at all of the phones associated with the subscriber.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the providing step includes the step of providing the indication of the message at a phone not associated with the subscriber.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein the providing step includes the step of providing a visual indication of the message.
21. The method of claim 17 wherein the providing step includes the step of providing an audible indication of the message.
22. A method for providing indications of a phone subscriber's message comprising the steps of:
receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein the providing step includes the step of providing a visual indication of the message.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein the providing step includes the step of providing an audible indication of the message.
25. An apparatus for providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, comprising:
a module for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and a module for providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
a module for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and a module for providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
26. An apparatus for providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, comprising:
a module for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and a module for providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
a module for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and a module for providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
27. A computer program product, comprising:
a computer-usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein for use in providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, the medium including:
a module for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and a module for providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
a computer-usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein for use in providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, the medium including:
a module for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a plurality of phones; and a module for providing an indication of the message at each phone within a group of the phones associated with the subscriber.
28. A computer program product, comprising:
a computer-usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein for use in providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, the medium including:
a module for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and a module for providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
a computer-usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein for use in providing indications of a phone subscriber's message, the medium including:
a module for receiving a message for a phone subscriber associated with a first phone and a second phone; and a module for providing a first type of indication at the first and second phones if the first phone originated a call resulting in the message, and a second type of indication at the first and second phones if the second phone originated the call resulting in the message.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/992,254 | 1997-12-17 | ||
| US08/992,254 US6201858B1 (en) | 1997-12-17 | 1997-12-17 | Multiple terminal message indicator for a telecommunications network |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2249129A1 CA2249129A1 (en) | 1999-06-17 |
| CA2249129C true CA2249129C (en) | 2003-03-18 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA002249129A Expired - Fee Related CA2249129C (en) | 1997-12-17 | 1998-10-01 | Multiple terminal message indicator for a telecommunications network |
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| US (1) | US6201858B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2249129C (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6389115B1 (en) * | 1998-12-03 | 2002-05-14 | 3Com Corporation | System and method for notifying a user of voice mail messages at a cell phone site |
| US6842447B1 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2005-01-11 | Mci, Inc. | Internet protocol transport of PSTN-to-PSTN telephony services |
| US6735209B1 (en) | 1999-07-29 | 2004-05-11 | Worldcom, Inc. | Address definition for IP telephony services |
| US6453034B1 (en) | 1999-07-29 | 2002-09-17 | Mci Worldcom, Inc. | Method of and system for extending internet telephony over virtual private network direct access lines |
| JP2001103159A (en) * | 1999-09-29 | 2001-04-13 | Sony Corp | Communication system and communication method |
| US7860114B1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 2010-12-28 | Verizon Business Global Llc | Method and system for dynamic gateway selection in an IP telephony network |
| US8743892B2 (en) * | 1999-11-08 | 2014-06-03 | Verizon Business Global Llc | Method and system for dynamic gateway selection in an IP telephony network |
| US9281996B1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 2016-03-08 | Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. | Method and system for dynamic gateway selection in an IP telephony network |
| US6480588B1 (en) * | 1999-11-08 | 2002-11-12 | Worldcom, Inc. | Methods for providing prepaid telephony service via an internet protocol network system |
| US6615236B2 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 2003-09-02 | Worldcom, Inc. | SIP-based feature control |
| US6434143B1 (en) * | 1999-11-08 | 2002-08-13 | Mci Worldcom, Inc. | Internet protocol telephony voice/video message deposit and retrieval |
| US7130388B1 (en) * | 2001-01-11 | 2006-10-31 | America Online, Inc. | Portable message waiting indicator |
| FR2820586B1 (en) * | 2001-02-06 | 2003-08-01 | Sagem | METHOD FOR CALLING A SUBSCRIBER HAVING TWO TELEPHONE SETS |
| US20080198983A1 (en) * | 2007-02-16 | 2008-08-21 | Jeffrey Citron | Method And Apparatus For Management Of Electronic Greetings Using A Telecommunication Service |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5463676A (en) * | 1990-09-04 | 1995-10-31 | Nitsuko Corporation | Key telephone system with a voice storage equipment |
| US5515426A (en) * | 1994-02-28 | 1996-05-07 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | Telephone communication system having a locator |
| US5675507A (en) | 1995-04-28 | 1997-10-07 | Bobo, Ii; Charles R. | Message storage and delivery system |
| US5742905A (en) * | 1994-09-19 | 1998-04-21 | Bell Communications Research, Inc. | Personal communications internetworking |
| US6002750A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-12-14 | U S West, Inc. | Method and system for providing integrated wireline/wireless voice messaging service |
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- 1997-12-17 US US08/992,254 patent/US6201858B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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1998
- 1998-10-01 CA CA002249129A patent/CA2249129C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2249129A1 (en) | 1999-06-17 |
| US6201858B1 (en) | 2001-03-13 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
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