Monitoring a call forwarded to a network-based voice mail system
US7050559B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M3/53333
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus, system and method for monitoring calls that have been forwarded to a network-based voice mail system (VMS). The VMS receives the forwarded call and sends a start of greeting signal at the beginning and an end of greeting signal at the completion of the voice message greeting to the central office switch. The switch sends an activate call monitoring data message and a call monitoring alert signal to the customer premises equipment (CPE). If the CPE is adapted for call monitoring and includes a speaker assembly, then the speaker assembly is engaged in response to the activate call monitoring data message, thereby allowing hands-free call monitoring. If the CPE does not include a speaker assembly, then the called party may activate call monitoring by lifting the handset in response to detecting a call monitoring alert from the CPE. While monitoring the call, the called party may intercept the call to speak with the calling party.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.