METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TOUCH-FREE CALL HANDLING
First Claim
1. A method of handling incoming calls destined for a called party, said method comprising:
- detecting arrival of an incoming call destined for the called party;
attempting to reach the called party by causing a communication device associated with the called party to emit a voice message soliciting a spoken call handling command from the called party.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for handling incoming calls destined for a called party. The method comprises detecting arrival of an incoming call destined for the called party and attempting to reach the called party by causing a communication device associated with the called party to emit a voice message soliciting a spoken call handling command from the called party. This allows the called party not only to recognize the calling party, but also to decide whether to accept, reject or forward the incoming call without having to physically manipulate the communication device. The network-based example of implementation is compatible with many existing communication devices and has the ability to query the calling party for identification information, whereas the communication device-based example of implementation is compatible with many existing network architectures, and does not require the called party to subscribe to any particular network service.
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Citations
70 Claims
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1. A method of handling incoming calls destined for a called party, said method comprising:
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detecting arrival of an incoming call destined for the called party;
attempting to reach the called party by causing a communication device associated with the called party to emit a voice message soliciting a spoken call handling command from the called party. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A computer readable storage medium containing a program element for execution by a functional entity to enable handling incoming calls destined for a called party, the program element including:
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program code means for detecting arrival of an incoming call destined for the called party; and
program code means for attempting to reach the called party by causing a communication device associated with the called party to emit a voice message soliciting a spoken call handling command from the called party.
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30. Apparatus for communication with a communication device associated with a called party, comprising:
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a controller adapted for detecting arrival of an incoming call destined for the called party;
a voice-activated call handling functional unit adapted for attempting to reach the called party by causing the communication device to emit a voice message soliciting a spoken call handling command from the called party. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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57. A communication device, comprising:
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a network interface for communicating with a network entity over a portion of a network;
a functional entity connected to the network interface;
a speaker;
a microphone;
the functional entity adapted for;
a) detecting arrival of an incoming call via the network interface;
b) attempting to reach a potential user of the communication device by causing the speaker to emit a voice message soliciting a spoken call handling command from the potential user of the communication device;
c) receiving a signal produced by the microphone; and
d) processing the signal in an attempt to detect a spoken call handling command potentially contained therein. - View Dependent Claims (58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70)
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Specification