Sharing of wirelines using a network node device

• US 6,690,933 B1
• Filed: 09/18/2000
• Issued: 02/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Stern, Edith Helen, Willner, Barry E., Chapman, Robert Ellis Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran, Sinh
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HUY D
• Application Number:
  US09/664,229
• Time in Patent Office: 1,240 Days
• Field of Search: 455/414, 455/463, 455/464, 455/406, 455/415, 455/445, 455/416, 455/433
• US Class Current: 455/414.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 Accounting or billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/14 WLL [Wireless Local Loop]; RLL [Radio Local Loop]

Abstract

Sharing wirelines using a network node device includes receiving a second telephone call, while a first telephone call is in progress, and allowing one of the handsets to pick up the second telephone call while the first call proceeds in parallel. Further a call can be placed across a wireline shared by at least two billing entities.

Claims

1. A method of receiving a second telephone call, while a first telephone call is in progress through a connection with a first wireless device associated with a single, common telephone identifier, the method comprising:

routing the second call to a telephone wireline connected to a network node device, the telephone wireline being a routed-to telephone wireline;

dynamically associating said routed-to telephone wireline with the telephone identifier;

notifying users of at least one wireless device associated with the telephone identifier, of the second telephone call;

receiving a connection request from at least one second wireless device associated with the telephone identifier;

initiating a connection between the network node and the at least one second wireless device making the connection request; and

accepting the second telephone call as associated with the telephone identifier so that the second and first telephone call are connected in a common connection.

2. The method of claim 1 where the notification of users includes a tone inserted into audio stream of the first call in progress.

3. The method of claim 1 where the notification of users includes initiating connection with other wireless devices associated with the telephone identifier, and providing notification through them.

4. The method of claim 1 where the notification of users includes audible indications.

5. The method of claim 1 where the wireless device requesting connection with the network node device is a wireless device engaged in the first call, the method further including placing the first call on hold while the user is speaking on the second call.