Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer conferencing
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-12
2001-05-01
Lim, Krisna (Department: 2153)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer conferencing
C709S205000, C709S206000, C709S219000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226668
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to sending and retrieving multimedia messages.
2. Description of Related Art
Multimedia services have become increasingly popular. Video, e-mail and facsimiles, for example, are just a few of the wide range of multimedia services available. Thus, sending and retrieving multimedial messages are desirable for all forms of telecommunication. However, not all types of telephones, computers, and other electronic equipment are capable of handling every variety of multimedia available.
Since not all electronic equipment is capable of handling multimedia services, sending and retrieving multimedia messages over telephone lines such as long distance lines, for example, may be impractical or even impossible. In addition, the cost of long distance service in order to send and retrieve these messages may be prohibitive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a system that includes a method and apparatus for sending and retrieving multimedia messages. When one party attempts to contact another party, but that party is unavailable, the system records the message in digital format. After the message is recorded, the system creates a web page, secures it with a password, preferably a random password, and sends an identification of the web page and the password to the recipient via a paging system, for example, or, alternatively, leaves a voice mail message with the information at a specified location. The called party can then access the web, enter the password, and view the message that was left.
The invention provides flexibility so that the message may be sent over the Internet, for example. Alternatively, the current telecom company can also participate, using current phone lines and equipment. In addition, instead of accessing a mailbox which requires permission from a subscriber, the system can create a web page that is accessible to any web server.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5487100 (1996-01-01), Kane
patent: 5675507 (1997-10-01), Bobo, II
patent: 5768513 (1998-06-01), Kuthyar et al.
patent: 5793972 (1998-08-01), Shane
patent: 5832062 (1998-11-01), Drake
patent: 6028917 (2000-02-01), Creamer et al.
patent: 6141413 (1999-03-01), Waldner et al.
AT&T Corp.
Ho Chuong
Lim Krisna
Oliff & Berridg,e PLC
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