Method, system, and computer program product for extending the functionality of a personal information manager to telephone system interactions
US6526274B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M3/42323
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method, system, and computer program product are provided that extend the functionality of personal information managers (PIMs) to allow a user to perform telephone control operations through the PIM. The method, system, and computer program product also allow the user to extend the capabilities of his telephone system. The user can receive information maintained by the PIM (such as contacts, unread e-mail messages, and calendar appointments) as needed, without requiring a query. The user can receive unread e-mail or reminders about imminent appointments through a pager, for example. Parties trying to contact the user can also receive information maintained by the user's PIM. For example, a caller can learn the user's whereabouts, as indicated by the user's appointment calendar, when the user is unavailable to answer a telephone call. This functionality is provided in part by connecting the PIM and its data structures to a private branch exchange. This facilitates the distribution of information maintained by the PIM and allows control of telephone operations through the PIM user interface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.