Method of setting up a conference call

Details Method of setting up a conference call Method of setting up a conference call

1997-11-17

2001-05-22

Rao, Seema S. (Department: 2661)

Multiplex communications

Special services

Conferencing

C379S202010

Reexamination Certificate

active

06236644

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications and more particularly to a method of setting up a conference call.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conference calls have proved a cost effective way to hold meetings with people who are located in different parts of the country. The audio quality of a conference call is maintained by connecting all the parties together through a conference bridge. The conference bridge often belongs to a different service provider than the originating service providers for all the parties to the conference call. In addition, the telephone number assigned to the conference bridge is not fixed and may not follow the standard North American Numbering Plan. As a result, when a customer dials the assigned conference number the local exchange carrier has to reoriginate the conference call as an “800” number to the service provider having the conference bridge. This increases the costs of the conference call without providing any benefit to the customer.
Another problem occurs when a customer has a private branch exchange (PBX) with several service providers including the service provider having the conference bridge. If the customer desires to place an on-network conference call through the service provider with the conference bridge, they cannot ensure that the PBX will select the on-network service provider. When the PBX does not select the on-network service provider the conference call cannot be placed and the call will fail.
Thus there exists a need for a method of setting up a conference call that reduces the cost of a conference call and will work for a PBX customer wanting to place an on-network conference call.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method of setting up a conference call that overcomes these and other problems has the following steps: (1) selecting a conference bridge and a conference number; (2) dialing a conference number; (3) when a private branch exchange seizes an off-network trunk, receiving the conference number at a interexchange carrier service switching point; (4) routing the conference call to a local exchange carrier service switching point; (5) routing the conference call over a dedicated access line to an on-network service switching point; (6) triggering on the conference call at the on-network service switching point; (7) sending a query to a service control point; (8) receiving a routing instructions from the service control point; and (9) routing the conference call to the conference bridge.
Using the method described above it is no longer necessary for the local exchange carrier to reoriginate the conference call as an “800” number to the service provider of the conference bridge. This reduces the cost of completing a conference call. This method also allows a customer having a PBX connected to several service providers, to place on-network conference calls. This is because the method does not require that the PBX select the on-network service provider in order to complete the call to the service provider's conference bridge. This simplifies the process of placing a conference call for PBX customers.


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