Universal phone number for contacting group members

US8666052B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Microsoft Corporation · US

Inventors

• Amey Parandekar · Redmond, US
• Dhigha D. Sekaran · Redmond, US
• Shahzaib Younis · Redmond, US
• Scott Plette · Seattle, US
• Marcelo Truffat · Woodinville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 15, 2011
• Grant date: Mar 4, 2014
• Expiry date: May 18, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04M3/533
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A universal phone number is provided for connecting to communication methods, including fixed line, mobile line, and internet communication methods. A communication group of communication methods may include multiple communication methods belonging to one individual or to multiple individuals within the communication group, such as a family. The universal phone number may be designated as the primary contact number for the communication group such incoming phone calls and text messages may be automatically routed to the communication methods in the communication group. The universal phone number may provide alerts to the multiple communication methods for notifying when incoming phone calls are answered. A universal voicemail box may also be provided for a scenario when the incoming call is not answered. Additionally, the universal phone number may provide the ability to keep the contact information for each of the individual communication methods private.