Automated group communication
First Claim
1. A method of communicating with a plurality of recipients across a network connection, comprising the steps of:
- from an originator, identifying a plurality of recipients for a communication;
connecting the originator and some or all the recipients, wherein if a recipient is currently on a call, that call is automatically put on hold.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for connecting a plurality (even a large plurality) of recipients or destinations to an originating caller across, for example, a phone network. In preferred embodiments, the phones are connected within a single private branch exchange (PBX), which can be distributed across individual nodes over large distances. The size of the groups included in the destinations can be indefinitely large and can be configured to parse recipients as desired. In preferred embodiments, an originator selects from among various pre-defined groups (or, alternatively, the originator defines new groups) and initiates a one-way or two-way call to recipients. The recipients'"'"' control over refusing the announcement are optional, but preferably include non-override options so that emergency announcements may not be ignored or blocked.
26 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of communicating with a plurality of recipients across a network connection, comprising the steps of:
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from an originator, identifying a plurality of recipients for a communication;
connecting the originator and some or all the recipients, wherein if a recipient is currently on a call, that call is automatically put on hold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A communication system, comprising:
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an originator;
a plurality of recipients;
a call manager;
wherein the call manager is configured to establish a call between the originating station and the plurality of destination stations such that the call cannot be blocked or interrupted. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of communicating with a plurality of recipients, comprising the steps of:
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from an originator, accessing a function for establishing simultaneous communication between the originator and a plurality of receivers;
selecting one or more groups of receivers for the communication;
entering a pre-announcement phase, wherein selected receivers are remotely activated such that they can receive an announcement from the originator;
entering an announcement phase wherein the originator enters a one-way or two-way communication with the selected receivers; and
entering a cleanup phase, wherein the communication is closed, and wherein the selected receivers are remotely idled;
wherein the one-way or two-way communication cannot be cancelled by the selected receivers. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21-30. -30. (canceled)
Specification