Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing
Reexamination Certificate
1996-05-08
2001-02-13
Maung, Zarni (Department: 2757)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing
C709S228000, C709S204000, C709S207000, C370S260000, C370S261000, C370S905000, C348S014160
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189034
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of use of teleconferencing systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to the dynamic launching of teleconferencing applications upon receipt of a call.
2. Description of Related Art
Teleconferencing is increasingly becoming a popular application in personal computer systems. Such applications typically allow the transfer of audio and video data between users so that they can speak and otherwise communicate with one another. Such applications sometimes also include data sharing wherein various types of data such as documents, spreadsheets, graphic data, or other types of data, can be shared and manipulated by all participants in the teleconference. Different teleconference applications perhaps residing on different hardware platforms have different capabilities. Moreover, a wide variety of features has been implemented in different teleconference applications, and the proliferation of different types of computer systems with different capacities, and different networking media has created challenges for teleconferencing.
For example, most systems which are used for teleconferencing applications are also used to run such programs for performing word processing, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and a variety of other applications. Thus, the resources contained in the computer system are shared between these multiple applications. Often, most computer systems are limited in the amount of random access memory they contain and also the amount of processing power available for performing operations. In order for a user to receive calls, the user must keep the conferencing application open. Otherwise, if the called party does not have the conferencing application open, the calling party would receive a notice that the called party is not present to answer the call.
So, in order to receive a call, a user currently needs to keep any conferencing application open. However, keeping the conferencing application open is a waste of resources. Memory which is allocated to the conferencing application could be used for other applications. Also, processing resources are consumed in launching and maintaining the conferencing application. These resources are unnecessarily preoccupied for the times when there are no teleconferencing sessions in occurrence. A user can wait until he wishes to initiate a teleconferencing session before launching the teleconferencing application, but this means that there is no call notification unless the user receives a “regular” phone call, which does not allow for on-demand conferencing.
Thus, a solution needs to be provided that will allow a system to dynamically load the conferencing application only when necessary to answer a call, but not require the conferencing application to be loaded and executing to receive notice of an incoming call.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a method and apparatus for dynamically launching a conferencing application upon the detection of an incoming call.
The invention can be implemented in a computer system having a memory, a processor, and a network interface by a method for dynamically launching a conferencing application upon the receipt of an incoming call having the steps of: receiving an incoming call signal on the network interface; processing the incoming call signal to detect an intended recipient application; and launching the intended recipient application.
An apparatus for dynamically launching a conferencing application upon the receipt of an incoming call is also shown, the apparatus having a call directing module; a process manager coupled to the call directing module; and, a conferencing component coupled to the network interface; and the call directing module; the conferencing component containing a circuit for notifying the call directing module upon receipt of an incoming call and causing the call director to signal the process manager to activate a conferencing application.
The invention will allow a system to dynamically load a conferencing application only when necessary to answer a call, but not require the conferencing application to be loaded and executing to receive notice of an incoming call.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, and from the detailed description that follows below.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4509167 (1985-04-01), Bantel et al.
patent: 5373549 (1994-12-01), Bales et al.
patent: 5490247 (1996-02-01), Tung et al.
patent: 5524110 (1996-06-01), Dannels et al.
patent: 5526037 (1996-06-01), Cortjens et al.
patent: 5574934 (1996-11-01), Mirashrafi et al.
patent: 5617539 (1997-04-01), Ludwig et al.
patent: 5674003 (1997-10-01), Andersen et al.
patent: 5708697 (1998-01-01), Fischer et al.
patent: 5809237 (1998-09-01), Watts et al.
patent: 5859979 (1999-01-01), Tung et al.
patent: 5887170 (1999-03-01), Ansberry et al.
Kris Jamsa (Internet Programming, 1995], Jan. 1995.
Apple Computer Inc.
Blakely & Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman
Ho Chuong
Maung Zarni
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for dynamic launching of a... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for dynamic launching of a..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for dynamic launching of a... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2607296