U.S. patent application number 11/962092 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for changing the user interface at a telecommunications terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to AVAYA TECHNOLOGY LLC. Invention is credited to Sandra R. Abramson, Richard Reid Hovey, Richard Matthews, Stephen M. Milton.
Application Number | 20080095351 11/962092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36763776 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080095351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abramson; Sandra R. ; et
al. |
April 24, 2008 |
Changing the User Interface at a Telecommunications Terminal
Abstract
A technique is disclosed that changes one or more properties of
a user interface at a telecommunications terminal based on an
incoming call. When a first caller calls the telephone number of
the terminal directly and the terminal answers the call, the
terminal presents the direct call to the user through a first user
interface. When a second caller calls a telephone number that is
associated with a data-processing system and the call is then
redirected to the terminal, the terminal presents the redirected
call to the user through a second user interface. The
telecommunications terminal can be a cell phone that belongs to a
user, and the data-processing system can be a private branch
exchange that serves an office enterprise network that the user
belongs to, wherein the private branch exchange extends the call to
the user's cell phone when the user is out of the office.
Inventors: |
Abramson; Sandra R.;
(Freehold, NJ) ; Milton; Stephen M.; (Freehold,
NJ) ; Hovey; Richard Reid; (Branchburg, NJ) ;
Matthews; Richard; (West Sussex, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEMONT & BREYER, LLC
100 COMMONS WAY, STE 250
HOLMDEL
NJ
07733
US
|
Assignee: |
AVAYA TECHNOLOGY LLC
211 Mount Airy Road
Basking Ridge
NJ
07920
|
Family ID: |
36763776 |
Appl. No.: |
11/962092 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11122866 |
May 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
11962092 |
Dec 21, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
379/211.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 3/54 20130101; H04M
2201/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/211.02 |
International
Class: |
H04M 3/42 20060101
H04M003/42 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: (a) receiving, at a data-processing system,
a call directed to a first telephone number; (b) transmitting said
call from said data-processing system to a telecommunications
terminal having a second telephone number, wherein said second
telephone number is coupled with said first telephone number at
said data-processing system; (c) receiving an answer indication
that said call has been answered; and (d) transmitting, from said
data-processing system to said telecommunications terminal, a first
indication that said call was not originally directed to said
telecommunications terminal; wherein the transmitting of said first
indication is based on the receiving of said answer indication; and
wherein said first indication is readable by said
telecommunications terminal.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising transmitting a property
value of a user interface to said telecommunications terminal.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said property value determines how
said call is presented to the user of said telecommunications
terminal.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the transmitting of said first
indication is via the voice path of said call.
5. A method comprising: (a) receiving, at a data-processing system,
a call directed to a first telephone number; (b) extending said
call from said data-processing system to a telecommunications
terminal having a second telephone number; and (c) transmitting,
from said data-processing system, an indication to said
telecommunications terminal that said call was originally directed
to said first telephone number; wherein the transmission of said
indication is via the voice path of said call after said call has
been answered; and wherein said indication is readable by said
telecommunications terminal.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising (d) transmitting a
ringback signal to the caller of said call during at least part of
the transmitting of said indication.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein said first telephone number is
served by said data-processing system; and wherein said second
telephone number is coupled with said first telephone number at
said data-processing system.
8. The method of claim 5 further comprising transmitting a property
value of a user interface to said telecommunications terminal.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The underlying concepts, but not necessarily the language,
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,866, filed May 5, 2005,
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to telecommunications in
general, and, more particularly, to changing the user interface at
a telecommunications terminal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a telecommunications
system in the prior art. Telecommunications system 100
comprises:
[0004] i. the Public Switched Telephone Network,
[0005] ii. private branch exchange 102,
[0006] iii. telecommunications terminals 103-1 and 103-2,
[0007] iv. telecommunications terminals 110-1 and 110-2, and
[0008] v.; telecommunications terminal 111;
all of which are interconnected as shown.
[0009] The Public Switched Telephone Network (i.e., element 101) is
a complex of telecommunications equipment that is owned and
operated by different entities throughout the World. In the United
States of America, for example, the Public Switched Telephone
Network (or "PSTN") comprises an address space that is defined by
ten digits, and, therefore, comprises 10 billion unique addresses
or "telephone numbers." The Public Switched Telephone Networks in
other countries are similar.
[0010] The Public Switched Telephone Network provides
telecommunications service to telecommunications terminals 110-1,
110-2, and 111. Telecommunications terminals 110-1, 110-2, and 111
can be either wireline terminals or wireless terminals, or a
combination of both.
[0011] Private branch exchange 102 is capable of switching incoming
calls (e.g., from terminal 111, etc.) from the Public Switched
Telephone Network via one or more transmission lines to terminals
103-1 and 103-2. Private branch exchange 102 is also capable of
handling outgoing calls from terminals 103-1 and 103-2 to the
Public Switched Telephone Network via one or more transmission
lines.
[0012] Private branch exchange 102 is capable of also extending an
incoming call (e.g., from terminal 111, etc.) to a telephone number
of an "off-premises" terminal in the Public Switched Telephone
Network, in addition to switching the same incoming call to an
"on-premises terminal" within the enterprise area (e.g., an office
building, etc.) that is served by exchange 102. Terminals 103-1 and
103-2 are considered to be on-premises terminals with respect to
private branch exchange 102, while terminals 110-1 and 110-2 are
considered to be off-premises terminals.
[0013] To accomplish the switching of an incoming,
enterprise-related call to one of on-premises terminals 103-1 and
103-2, and the extending of the call to one of off-premises
terminals 110-1 and 110-2, private branch exchange 102 maintains a
table that correlates the off-premises telephone number to the
on-premises, private branch exchange (PBX) extension. Table 1
depicts a table that illustrates the correlation. TABLE-US-00001
TABLE 1 PBX Extension-to-PSTN Number Database On-Premises
Telecommunications Private Branch Telecommunications Terminal
Exchange Extension Network Number 103-1 732-555-0102, x11
201-555-1236 103-2 732-555-0102, x12 908-555-3381 . . . . . . . .
.
[0014] As an example, a caller at terminal 111 who wishes to reach
the PBX user of terminal 103-1 dials the PBX number (i.e.,
732-555-0102). Private branch exchange 102 receives the incoming
call, including the extension number (i.e., x11). Using information
stored in memory and similar to what is shown in Table 1, private
branch exchange 102 determines that the call is also to be extended
to off-premises telephone number 201-555-1236, associated with
terminal 110-1. The off-premises number corresponds to the
off-premises terminal (e.g., a cellular phone, a home phone, etc.)
that belongs to the PBX user of terminal 103-1. The idea behind
transmitting the call to both terminal 103-1 and 110-1 is that if
the PBX user is not reachable at his office phone (i.e., terminal
103-1), then maybe he is reachable at a phone that is outside of
the office (i.e., terminal 110-1). The caller's experience is
enhanced by the caller only having to use a single telephone number
to reach the PBX user, even if the user is not in the office.
[0015] In contrast, the called PBX user's experience in the prior
art can be very different than that of the caller. Even with a call
that has been extended to the user from the private branch
exchange, the caller has an expectation that the user will respond
to the call--and moreover to the caller--as if the user is at the
office. The caller, after all, has called a business number. The
user, however, answers the call at an outside phone that has a
different user interface than that of the office phone.
Furthermore, the user might receive only minimal information for
establishing the context of the call, which presents additional
challenges to the user because the redirected calls that arrive
from the private branch exchange are mainly from people (e.g.,
customers calling tech support, etc.) who are strangers to the
user. In using the outside phone, the user's ability to respond to
the caller is potentially diminished, compared to using the office
phone.
[0016] What is needed is a technique to enhance how a
telecommunications terminal and its user interact, without some of
the disadvantages in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention changes one or more properties of a
user interface at a telecommunications terminal based on an
incoming call. When a first caller calls the telephone number of
the terminal directly and the terminal answers the call, the
terminal presents the direct call to the user through a first user
interface. When a second caller calls a telephone number that is
associated with a data-processing system and the call is then
redirected to the terminal, the terminal presents the redirected
call to the user through a second user interface. For example, the
telecommunications terminal can be a cell phone that belongs to a
user, and the data-processing system can be a private branch
exchange that serves an office enterprise network that the user
belongs to, wherein the private branch exchange extends the call to
the user's cell phone when the user is out of the office.
[0018] The user interface of the terminal is characterized by one
or more properties that govern how a user interacts with: (i) the
terminal, (ii) a call or calls handled by the terminal, and (ii)
one or more data-processing systems accessible by the terminal. The
user interface properties include, but are not limited to, one or
more of the following:
[0019] i. how calls are presented to the user;
[0020] ii. the treatment that a user can apply to calls;
[0021] iii. the call-dependent features available to the user;
[0022] iv. the call-independent features available to the user;
[0023] v. how a user invokes the features;
[0024] vi. the number of accessible call appearances;
[0025] vii. the functions that are assigned to the terminal's soft
keys;
[0026] viii. the menus available to the user;
[0027] ix. how the user accesses the menus; and
[0028] x. the speed dialing list that is in effect.
[0029] In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, the telecommunications terminal is capable of
handling M different user interface properties, wherein M is a
positive integer. The telecommunications terminal of the
illustrative embodiment is also capable of handling N different
operating modes, wherein N is a positive integer. The term
"operating mode" refers to the telecommunications terminal
operating as an off-premises terminal to an enterprise network, as
its user's personal cell phone, or in yet another operating
mode.
[0030] The data-processing system and telecommunications terminal
of the illustrative embodiment are a private branch exchange and a
cell phone, respectively. In accordance with the illustrative
embodiment of the present invention, the off-premises,
telecommunications terminal receives a call from the private branch
exchange that was originated to the enterprise network, along with
an indication that the call has been extended to the terminal. The
terminal changes one or more properties of its user interface
because the call has been extended to the terminal.
[0031] By changing the user interface based on the incoming call,
the illustrative embodiment of the present invention enhances the
user's call-handling experience, in that the user is provided with
the proper context in which to handle the call. For calls that have
been redirected from the private branch exchange, the terminal
might change its user interface, for example, to resemble that of
the user's office phone, with respect to features, menus,
functions, and so forth. The same terminal might change its user
interface back to that of an ordinary cell phone for a call that is
directly incoming to the terminal (i.e., not through the private
branch exchange).
[0032] The illustrative embodiment of the present invention
comprises: (a) transmitting a call to a telecommunications
terminal; and (b) transmitting a first indication to the
telecommunications terminal that the call was not originally
directed to the telecommunications terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a telecommunications
system in the prior art.
[0034] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a telecommunications
system, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the salient components of
private branch exchange 202 in accordance with the illustrative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of the salient components of
telecommunications terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of how information is stored and
organized in memory 403 of terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example of changing the user
interface of terminal 210-2, in accordance with the illustrative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 7 depicts a first flowchart of the salient tasks
associated with private branch exchange 202 transmitting a call to
telecommunications terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 8 depicts a second flowchart of the salient tasks
associated with private branch exchange 202 transmitting a call to
telecommunications terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 9 depicts a first flowchart of the salient tasks
associated with telecommunications terminal 210-2 receiving a call
from private branch exchange 202, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 10 depicts a second flowchart of the salient tasks
associated with telecommunications terminal 210-2 receiving a call
from private branch exchange 202, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a telecommunications
system, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the
present invention. Telecommunications system 200 comprises:
[0044] i. the Public Switched Telephone Network,
[0045] ii. private branch exchange 202,
[0046] iii. telecommunications terminals 203-1 and 203-2,
[0047] iv. mobile switching center 208,
[0048] v. telecommunications terminals 210-1 and 210-2, and
[0049] vi. telecommunications terminal 211;
all of which are interconnected as shown.
[0050] The Public Switched Telephone Network (i.e., element 201)
provides telecommunications service to wireline telecommunications
terminals 210-1 and 211, and interconnects multiple
telecommunications networks, such as the enterprise network served
by private branch exchange 202 and the wireless cellular network
served by mobile switching center 208. The enterprise network
served by private branch exchange 202 provides telecommunications
service to associated telecommunications terminals, including
wireline terminals 203-1 and 203-2. The cellular network served by
mobile switching center 208 provides telecommunications service to
wireless telecommunications terminals, including terminal
210-2.
[0051] It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading
this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the
present invention in which some or all of the telecommunications
terminals are wireline or some or all are wireless.
[0052] Private branch exchange 202 is a data-processing system, the
salient components of which are described below and with respect to
FIG. 3. Private branch exchange 202 is capable of switching
incoming calls (e.g., from terminal 211, etc.) from the Public
Switched Telephone Network via one or more transmission lines to
terminals 203-1 and 203-2. Private branch exchange 202 is also
capable of handling outgoing calls from terminals 203-1 and 203-2
to the Public Switched Telephone Network via one or more
transmission lines.
[0053] Private branch exchange 202 is capable of also extending an
incoming call (e.g., from terminal 211, etc.) to a telephone number
of an "off-premises" terminal in the Public Switched Telephone
Network, in addition to switching the same incoming call to an
"on-premises terminal" within the enterprise area (e.g., an office
building, etc.) that is served by exchange 202. Terminals 203-1 and
203-2 are considered to be on-premises terminals, while terminals
210-1 and 210-2 are considered to be off-premises terminals that
are extensions to the enterprise network, with respect to private
branch exchange 202. It will be clear to those skilled in the art,
after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative
embodiments of the present invention in which private branch
exchange 202 provides telecommunications service to different
numbers of terminals 203 and terminals 210 than those depicted.
[0054] In addition, private branch exchange 202 is capable of
performing the tasks described below and with respect to FIGS. 7
and 8. Although the illustrative embodiment teaches that a private
branch exchange performs the described tasks, it will be clear to
those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to
make and use the alternative embodiments of the present invention
in which, for example, the tasks are performed by a switch or
another type of data-processing system within the Public Switched
Telephone Network or another type of network. In other words, the
present invention is equally well-suited for implementation in
public and private telecommunications systems and in wireline and
wireless systems as well.
[0055] Mobile switching center 208 is capable of switching incoming
calls from the Public Switched Telephone Network via one or more
transmission lines to wireless terminal 210-2. Mobile switching
center 208 is also capable of handling outgoing calls from terminal
210-2 to the Public Switched Telephone Network via one or more
transmission lines. Mobile switching center 208 communicates with
terminal 210-2 via one or more radio base stations, in well-known
fashion. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make
and use mobile switching center 208.
[0056] Telecommunications terminals 210-1 and 210-2 are capable of
originating and receiving (i.e., "terminating") telecommunications
calls in well-known fashion. The salient components of terminals
210-1 and 210-2 are described below and with respect to FIG. 4.
Terminals 210-1 and 210-2 are also capable of performing all of the
tasks described below and with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10. It will
be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this
disclosure, how to make and use terminals 210-1 and 210-2.
[0057] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the salient components of
private branch exchange 202 in accordance with the illustrative
embodiment of the present invention. Private branch exchange 202
comprises: switching fabric 301, processor 302, and memory 303,
interconnected as shown.
[0058] Switching fabric 301 is capable of performing all of the
tasks described below and with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8 under the
direction of processor 302. It will be clear to those skilled in
the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use
switching fabric 301.
[0059] Processor 302 is a general-purpose processor that is capable
of receiving called-related data from switching fabric 301, of
reading data from and writing data to memory 303, and of executing
the tasks described below and with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. In
some alternative embodiments of the present invention, processor
302 might be a special-purpose processor. In either case, it will
be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this
disclosure, how to make and use processor 302.
[0060] Memory 303 is a non-volatile random-access memory that
stores the instructions and data used by processor 302. Memory 303
stores the private branch exchange extension and affiliated PSTN
telephone number for each PBX user, which are shown in Table 1. It
will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this
disclosure, how to make and use memory 303.
[0061] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of the salient components of
telecommunications terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Although terminal
210-2 is represented in FIG. 4, it will be clear to those skilled
in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use
other off-premises terminals 210 according to what is described
with respect to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10. Telecommunications
terminal 210-2 comprises: transceiver 401, processor 402, memory
403, keypad 404, and video display 405, interconnected as
shown.
[0062] Transceiver 401 comprises a receiving part and a
transmitting part. The receiving part receives signals from mobile
switching center 208, and forwards the information encoded in the
signals to processor 402, in well-known fashion. The transmitting
part receives information from processor 402, and outputs signals
that encode this information to mobile switching center 208, in
well-known fashion. It will be clear to those skilled in the art,
after reading this disclosure, how to make and use transceiver
401.
[0063] Processor 402 is a general-purpose processor that is capable
of: receiving information from transceiver 401 and keypad 404;
reading data from and writing data into memory 403; executing the
tasks described below and with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10; and
transmitting information to transceiver 401 and video display 405.
In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, processor
402 might be a special-purpose processor. In either case, it will
be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this
disclosure, how to make and use processor 402.
[0064] Memory 403 is a non-volatile random-access memory that
stores the instructions and data used by processor 402. Memory 403
stores the data that is described below and with respect to FIG. 5.
It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this
disclosure, how to make and use memory 403.
[0065] Keypad 404 is a character and user-selection input device as
is well-known in the art that receives input from a user and
transmits keypad signals representing that input. Keypad 404
comprises fixed function keys and soft keys, as are known in the
art. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and
use keypad 404.
[0066] Video display 405 is a display output device as is
well-known in the art that receives a video signal and creates a
visual image of the signal for a user. It will be clear to those
skilled in the art how to make and use video display 405.
[0067] The illustrative embodiment of the present invention
provides for the changing of the user interface at a
telecommunications terminal (e.g., terminal 210-2, etc.). The user
interface of the terminal is characterized by one or more
properties that govern how a user interacts with: (i) the terminal,
(ii) a call or calls handled by the terminal, and (ii) one or more
data-processing systems accessible by the terminal, such as private
branch exchange 202. The user interface properties include, but are
not limited to, one or more of the following:
[0068] xi. how calls are presented to the user;
[0069] xii. the treatment that a user can apply to calls;
[0070] xiii. the call-dependent features available to the user;
[0071] xiv. the call-independent features available to the
user;
[0072] xv. how a user invokes the features;
[0073] xvi. the number of accessible call appearances;
[0074] xvii. the functions that are assigned to the terminal's soft
keys;
[0075] xviii. the menus available to the user;
[0076] xix. how the user accesses the menus; and
[0077] xx. the speed dialing list that is in effect.
[0078] Telecommunications terminal 210-2 is capable of handling M
different user interface properties, wherein M is a positive
integer. Terminal 210-2 is also capable of handling N different
operating modes, wherein N is a positive integer. The term
"operating mode" refers to terminal 210-2 operating as an
off-premises terminal to an enterprise network, as its user's
personal cell phone, or in yet another operating mode. Although two
operating modes are used in the illustrative embodiment, it will be
clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use alternative
embodiments that support more than two operating modes (e.g., a
personal phone, an off-premises terminal to a first enterprise
network, an off-premises terminal to a second enterprise network,
etc.).
[0079] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of how information is stored and
organized in memory 403, in accordance with the illustrative
embodiment of the present invention. The information stored in
memory 403 comprises: user interface properties 501-m-n, for m=1
through M and for n=1 through N; application software 502; and
operating system 503. As will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, the information that is stored in memory 403 can be
organized differently than what is depicted in FIG. 5.
[0080] Property 501-m-n is a file structure that comprises
information (i.e., one or more property values) that describes a
particular characteristic of terminal 210-2's user interface for a
particular operating mode. For example, property 501-4-2 might
comprise information that represents a speed dial list for the
"off-premises" operating mode of terminal 210-2, while property
501-4-1 comprises information that represents a speed dial list
associated with terminal 210-2's "personal phone" operating mode.
In the example, the two sets of information would enable the user
to have separate speed dial lists for work-related contacts (e.g.,
clients, tech support personnel, travel agents, pizza delivery,
etc.) and for personal contacts (e.g., friends, family, movie
times, pizza delivery, etc.), depending on the terminal's operating
mode in effect.
[0081] Application software 502 is the software portion of the
system described below and with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10.
Operating system 503 is an operating system that performs
input/output, file and memory management, and all of the other
functions normally associated with operating systems, in well-known
fashion. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make
and use operating system 503.
[0082] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example of changing the user
interface of terminal 210-2, in accordance with the illustrative
embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the example
shows: (i) how an incoming enterprise-related call is delivered to
the user, with respect to presenting the call-related information,
and (ii) how the soft key functions change. As those who are
skilled in the art will appreciate, other properties of the user
interface might change from one call to the next, depending on the
type of call.
[0083] FIG. 6A depicts screen shot 601 of video display 405. Screen
shot 601 represents what a user might see when terminal 210-2 is
operating as the user's personal cell phone and while not handling
a call (i.e., while in an idle state). In addition to showing
signal strength and battery strength icons that are typically part
of a cell phone's display, screen shot 601 shows the cellular
carrier's name (i.e., "Arrivon Wireless"), as well as the current
time and date. Screen shot 601 also shows the function labels
(i.e., "Menu" and "Search") at the bottom of the display that
correspond to the soft keys on keypad 404 situated below video
display 405.
[0084] FIG. 6B depicts screen shot 602 of video display 405. Screen
shot 602 represents what a user might see when terminal 210-2, now
operating as an off-premises terminal, has received a call from a
caller with the telephone number "973-555-3245," wherein the call
has been extended from private branch exchange 202. In addition to
showing signal strength and battery strength icons, screen shot 602
shows a description of the incoming call that identifies the call
as being extended from the terminal's associated enterprise
network. Screen shot 602 also shows the labels at the bottom of the
display that corresponds to the soft keys on keypad 404. The
"Transfer" label identifies the associated soft key that allows the
user access to a call transfer feature at private branch exchange
202. The "Conference" label identifies the associated soft key that
allows the user access to a call conference feature at private
branch exchange 202. Illustrative transfer and conference features
are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/036,565, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0085] As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the user interface of
terminal 210-2 can be changed on a per-call basis. Some calls are
routed to terminal 210-2 via private branch exchange 202 as a first
type of call, while other calls are made directly to terminal 210-2
as a second type of call. Changing the user interface based on the
type of call, as in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of
the present invention, can make the user more effective at handling
the call and at interacting with the caller.
[0086] FIG. 7 depicts a first flowchart of the salient tasks
associated with private branch exchange 202 transmitting a call to
telecommunications terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear
to those skilled in the art which tasks depicted in FIG. 7 can be
performed simultaneously or in a different order than that
depicted.
[0087] At task 701, private branch exchange 202 transmits the
values of one or more user interface properties 501 to
telecommunications terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Private branch
exchange 202 transmits the property values as part of an
initialization process. For example, the property values can be
transmitted when terminal 210-2 is first provisioned to be an
off-premises terminal for handling calls from exchange 202. It will
be clear to those skilled in the art how to transmit the property
values, for example by an over-the-air programming technique, as is
known in the art. In some alternative embodiments, terminal 210-2
acquires the property values through another means that does not
require private branch exchange 202 to transmit the property values
(e.g., direct downloading via a data-link cable, etc.).
[0088] At task 702, private branch exchange 202 transmits a call to
terminal 210-2 via mobile switching center 208. For example, the
transmitting of the call can be in response to exchange 202 (i)
having received an incoming call placed to terminal 203-2 and (ii)
recognizing that the call is to be extended to terminal 210-2.
[0089] At task 703, private branch exchange 202 receives an answer
indication from mobile switching center 208 that the call has been
answered, in well-known fashion.
[0090] At task 704, private branch exchange 202 transmits, to
terminal 210-2, an indication (i.e., a call-direction indication)
that the call was not originally directed to terminal 210-2. In
other words, the caller did not use the telephone number of
terminal 210-2 to originate the call. For example, the caller might
have wanted to reach a support person at the telephone number of
terminal 203-2, but the support person instead answered the call at
terminal 210-2.
[0091] In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, private branch exchange 202 transmits the
call-direction indication as a signal on the voice path of the
call. The signal is a sequence of in-band tones. In some
alternative embodiments, the call-direction indication can be
transmitted on a path other than the voice path and can be
represented by a different signaling format.
[0092] Private branch exchange 202 transmits the call-direction
indication in response to having received the answer indication, in
accordance with the illustrative embodiment. In some alternative
embodiments, exchange 202 transmits the call-direction indication
independently of receiving the answer indication. In some other
alternative embodiments, exchange 202 might not even receive an
answer indication.
[0093] At task 705, private branch exchange 202 optionally
transmits a ringback signal, as is known in the art, to the caller
of the call (e.g., terminal 211, etc.). The transmission of the
ringback occurs during at least part of the transmitting of the
call-direction indication to terminal 210-2. The transmitted
ringback supplements the normal ringback that is transmitted to the
called terminal before the called terminal answers the call. The
supplemental ringback maintains the caller's attention while
terminal 210-2 processes the call-direction indication that it
receives, as described below and with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10.
Task execution then ends.
[0094] FIG. 8 depicts a second flowchart of the salient tasks
associated with private branch exchange 202 transmitting a call to
telecommunications terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear
to those skilled in the art which tasks depicted in FIG. 8 can be
performed simultaneously or in a different order than that
depicted.
[0095] At task 801, private branch exchange 202 transmits the
values of one or more user interface properties 501 to
telecommunications terminal 210-2, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Task 801 is
equivalent to task 701, which was described earlier.
[0096] At task 802, private branch exchange 202 receives a call
(e.g., from terminal 211, etc.) that is directed to a first
telephone number that corresponds to terminal 203-2 served by
exchange 202. Exchange 202 determines that there is a second
telephone number (i.e., that of terminal 210-2) that is coupled
with the first telephone number.
[0097] At task 803, private branch exchange 202 extends the call to
terminal 210-2 via mobile switching center 208.
[0098] At task 804, private branch exchange 202 receives an answer
indication from mobile switching center 208 that the call has been
answered, in well-known fashion.
[0099] At task 805, private branch exchange 202 transmits, to
terminal 210-2, an indication (i.e., a call-direction indication)
that the call was originally directed to the first telephone
number.
[0100] In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, private branch exchange 202 transmits the
call-direction indication as a signal on the voice path of the
call. The signal is a sequence of in-band tones. In some
alternative embodiments, the call-direction indication can be
transmitted on a path other than the voice path and can be
represented by a different signaling format.
[0101] Private branch exchange 202 transmits the call-direction
indication in response to having received the answer indication, in
accordance with the illustrative embodiment. In some alternative
embodiments, exchange 202 transmits the call-direction indication
independently of receiving the answer indication. In some other
alternative embodiments, exchange 202 might not even receive an
answer indication.
[0102] At task 806, private branch exchange 202 optionally
transmits a ringback signal, as is known in the art, to the caller
of the call (e.g., terminal 211, etc.). Task 806 is equivalent to
task 705, which was described earlier. Task execution then
ends.
[0103] FIG. 9 depicts a first flowchart of the salient tasks
associated with telecommunications terminal 210-2 receiving a call
from private branch exchange 202, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear
to those skilled in the art which tasks depicted in FIG. 9 can be
performed simultaneously or in a different order than that
depicted.
[0104] At task 901, telecommunications terminal 210-2 receives a
call in well-known fashion.
[0105] At task 902, telecommunications terminal 210-2 checks
whether or not an indication has been received that indicates that
the call has been extended. For example, terminal 210-2 might be
receiving the call because a caller (e.g., via terminal 211, etc.)
tried calling terminal 203-2, but private branch exchange 202
extended the call to terminal 210-2, in well-known fashion. If the
call has been extended, task execution proceeds to task 904.
Otherwise, task execution proceeds to task 903.
[0106] At task 903, telecommunications terminal 210-2 clears its
call-direction flag. Task execution then ends.
[0107] At task 904, telecommunications terminal 210-2 sets its
call-direction flag. The call-direction flag having been set
indicates that the call has been extended (i.e., the call was
originally "directed" to another number).
[0108] In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, telecommunications terminal 210-2 receives the
call-direction indication as a signal on the voice path of the
call. The signal is a sequence of in-band tones. In some
alternative embodiments, the call-direction indication can be
received on a path other than the voice path and can be represented
by a different signaling format.
[0109] At task 905, telecommunications terminal 210-2 selects one
or more values of user interface properties 501 to put in effect,
based on the value of the call-direction flag.
[0110] At task 906, telecommunications terminal 210-2 optionally
mutes the voice path of the call during at least part of receiving
the call-direction indication. If the call-direction indication is
being received on the voice path, terminal 210-2 mutes the voice
path because it can be undesirable for the user of terminal 210-2
to hear the indication being received.
[0111] At task 907, telecommunications terminal 210-2 notifies its
user that the call has been extended. The form of user notification
is determined by one or more property values. In accordance with
the illustrative embodiment, terminal 210-2 displays the type
(i.e., enterprise-related) of the incoming call. In some
alternative embodiments, terminal 210-2 notifies its user through
another means (e.g., playing a sound, vibrating, flashing a light
or display 405, etc.).
[0112] At task 908, telecommunications terminal 210-2 monitors the
call's progress. If the call has ended, task execution proceeds to
task 909. Otherwise, terminal 210-2 continues to monitor the call's
progress.
[0113] At task 909, telecommunications terminal 210-2 clears the
call-direction flag. In some embodiments, terminal 210-2 might
perform other functions as a result. For example, terminal 210-2
might revert back to the user interface that corresponds to the
terminal's default, factory-programmed operating mode (e.g., that
of a personal cell phone, etc.). Task execution then ends.
[0114] FIG. 10 depicts a second flowchart of the salient tasks
associated with telecommunications terminal 210-2 receiving a call
from private branch exchange 202, in accordance with the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear
to those skilled in the art which tasks depicted in FIG. 10 can be
performed simultaneously or in a different order than that
depicted.
[0115] At task 1001, telecommunications terminal 210-2 receives a
call in well-known fashion. Terminal 210-2 also receives an
indication that the call has been extended. For example, terminal
210-2 might be receiving the call because a caller (e.g., via
terminal 211, etc.) originated a call to the telephone number of
terminal 203-2, but private branch exchange 202 extended the call
to the telephone number of terminal 210-2, in well-known
fashion.
[0116] In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, telecommunications terminal 210-2 receives the
indication as a signal on the voice path of the call. The signal is
a sequence of in-band tones. In some alternative embodiments, the
indication can be received on a path other than the voice path and
can be represented by a different signaling format.
[0117] At task 1002, telecommunications terminal 210-2 changes a
user interface because the call has been extended. For example,
terminal 210-2 might have had active a first user interface that
corresponds to a first operating mode and, upon receiving the
indication, activated a second user interface that corresponds to a
second operating mode. In accordance with the illustrative
embodiment, terminal 210-2 changes the user interface by applying a
different set of values from user interface properties 501. For
example, terminal 210-2 might change from one user interface to
another by applying properties 501-1-2 through 501-M-2 in place of
properties 501-1-1 through 501-M-1.
[0118] At task 1003, telecommunications terminal 210-2 optionally
mutes the voice path of the call during at least part of receiving
the indication. If the indication is being received on the voice
path, terminal 210-2 mutes the voice path because it can be
undesirable for the user of terminal 210-2 to hear the indication
being received.
[0119] At task 1004, telecommunications terminal 210-2 notifies its
user that the call has been extended. The form of user notification
is determined by one or more property values. In accordance with
the illustrative embodiment, terminal 210-2 displays the type
(i.e., enterprise-related) of the incoming call. In some
alternative embodiments, terminal 210-2 notifies its user through
another means (e.g., playing a sound, vibrating, flashing a light
or display 405, etc.).
[0120] At task 1005, telecommunications terminal 210-2 reverts back
to a previous configuration of the user interface. For example,
terminal 210-2 can revert back to the user interface that
corresponds to the terminal's default, factory-programmed operating
mode (e.g., that of a personal cell phone, etc.). Terminal 210-2
reverts back when one of multiple events occur. Such events
include: (i) the ending of the call, and (ii) a second call being
received, wherein the second call is not extended (i.e., the
indication is absent from what is received as part of the second
call). Task execution then ends.
[0121] It is to be understood that the disclosure teaches just one
example of the illustrative embodiment and that many variations of
the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art
after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present
invention is to be determined by the following claims.
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