Off-hook visual message waiting indicator
US6868155B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2203/4563
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a first embodiment of the invention, a method of providing a visual message waiting indicator signal to an off-hook telephone includes the step of receiving a voicemail message at a central location, and also includes the step of sending a visual message waiting indicator signal from the central location and destined for the off-hook telephone. In an alternative embodiment, a method of receiving a visual message waiting indicator signal in an off-hook telephone includes the steps of being in an off-hook condition, and receiving a visual message waiting indicator signal. This method may further include the step of displaying a visual message-waiting indicator based on the received visual message waiting indicator signal. This method may also include the step of receiving an alert signal, and the step of transmitting an acknowledgement signal in response to the alert signal. In another alternative embodiment, a telephone includes a visual message waiting indicator, and an interface unit adapted to couple the telephone to a network, such that the telephone is in an off-hook condition when coupled to the network and engaged in a communication activity, and is in an on-hook condition…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.