REAL-TIME COMMUNICATIONS ARCHITECTURE AND METHODS FOR USE WITH A PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEM

• US 20090305695A1
• Filed: 08/17/2009
• Published: 12/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Ledbetter, Carl, Adams, Aditha May, Crosier, Dale C., Kaneko, Steve, Magendanz, Chad, Bear, Eric Gould, Plank, Robert Scott, Van Flandern, Michael W., DeMaio, Pasquale
• Application Number:
  US12/542,506
• Publication Number:
  US 20090305695A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/426.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/575 Means for retrieving and displaying personal data about calling party
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface

Abstract

A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.

Claims

1. In a computing environment, a method comprising:

receiving a call on one of a plurality of communications networks;

providing a notification of the call; and

coupling the call to a selected communication device independent of the communication network on which the call was received.