Network-based teleconferencing capabilities utilizing data network call set-up requests
First Claim
1. A method of providing conference call capabilities using a data network for call set-up, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing voice and data communication paths from voice and data communication networks to an individual'"'"'s communications device;
b) providing a teleconference platform coupled between said communications device and a teleconference-enabled switch; and
c) in response to a teleconference set-up command received at said teleconference platform from said communications device via the data communications network, forwarding the set-up command to the teleconference-enabled switch.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A data network-based teleconferencing platform is implemented to allow individuals to set up and control conference calls over the conventional voice network, even individuals without direct access to a teleconference-enabling element (such as a PBX switch). A network-controlling server (such as a CTI server), in conjunction with a web server, are located in the data network and used to interface between the individual and a conventional conference element (such as a PBX switch). The web server responds to data commands from the indvidual to set up a conference call, and may use directory listings stored in a data base at the platform to retrieve the necessary call set-up information. The call set-up information is then sent from the web server to the CTI server, which translates this information into telecommunication commands and forwards the commands to the PBX switch, where the PBX switch then sets up the call in its usual fashion. A scheduling element may be used to facilitate the organization of a conference call, storing information for regularly-scheduled calls, and the like, and a notification element may be used to alert participants about an up-coming conference call.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of providing conference call capabilities using a data network for call set-up, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) providing voice and data communication paths from voice and data communication networks to an individual'"'"'s communications device;
b) providing a teleconference platform coupled between said communications device and a teleconference-enabled switch; and
c) in response to a teleconference set-up command received at said teleconference platform from said communications device via the data communications network, forwarding the set-up command to the teleconference-enabled switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A network-based platform for providing teleconference capabilities to remotely-located subscribers via a data network connection, the platform comprising
a network-controlling server for receiving data network-based commands related to teleconference set-up, translating the commands into telecommunications commands and forwarding the telecommunications commands to a teleconference-enabled switch; - and
a web server responsive to teleconference commands received via a data communication network from subscribers and forwarding the commands to the network-controlling server. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification