Method and apparatus for providing group calls via the internet
US6865540B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/7245
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for implementing group calling are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes displaying a service provider, a service provider rate for communicating with the service provider, and a real-time indication of whether the service provider is available. The method may further include receiving a request from a first customer to communicate with the service provider and connecting the first customer to the service provider through a link capable of transmitting from the service provider to the first customer. The method may also further include receiving a request from a second customer to communicate with the service provider and connecting the second customer to the service provider through a link capable of transmitting from the service provider to the second customer while the first customer is coupled to the service provider.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.