Telephonic communications – Centralized switching system – Call distribution to operator
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-16
2001-03-27
Smith, Creighton (Department: 2742)
Telephonic communications
Centralized switching system
Call distribution to operator
C379S265080, C379S309000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06208729
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to an on-hold switching device.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional telephone systems provide convenient on-hold features where a first party may place a second party on-hold while the first party performs other tasks such as searching or developing information requested by the second party. With the common use of automatic answering devices used by mail order houses, for example, a calling party is often placed on-hold until an operator becomes available to interact with the calling party. Unfortunately, the time the first party is placed on-hold may be unduly. Accordingly, new technology is required to alleviate this undesirable and often unproductive wait time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides an on-hold switching device that permits a subscriber to be engaged in other activities on a telephone network while being placed on-hold by another party. The on-hold switching device receives information from either a terminal (a telephone station, for example) of the subscriber or a terminal (a private branch exchange, for example) of the other party that the call has been placed on-hold. When such information has been received, the on-hold switching device disconnects the subscriber from the other party and connects the subscriber to another call so that the subscriber may engage in other activities. While the call is placed on-hold, the on-hold switching device monitors a signal bus connected to the other party to determine whether the on-hold condition is removed. When the on-hold condition is removed, the on-hold switching device reconnects the subscriber to the other party and either places the activity engaged in by the subscriber on-hold or terminates the activity. Thus, the on-hold switching device permits a subscriber to be engaged in other activities when placed on-hold by the other party.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5526416 (1996-06-01), DeZonno et al.
patent: 5724418 (1998-03-01), Brady
patent: 5978467 (1999-11-01), Walker et al.
patent: 5987116 (1999-11-01), Petrunka et al.
patent: 6014439 (2000-01-01), Walker et al.
Agraharam Sanjay
Goldberg Randy G.
Markowitz Robert Edward
Rosen Kenneth H.
Shur David Hilton
AT&T Corp.
Smith Creighton
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