Patent ID: 6418216
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A system for providing automated barge-in connection service relative to lines served by a switch component of a voice communication network, said automated barge-in service comprising conditionally connecting a caller to a voice communication line subject to said service, while said subject line is instantly in use, said system comprising:means enabling said switch component to offer a caller to said subject line that is instantly in use options for selectively invoking one of a plurality of services relative to the respective line; said plurality of services including application of call waiting tones to said subject line, transfer of said caller to voice mail, and barge-in service connecting said caller to said subject line if said caller can establish authorization to have such connection made; a first element communicating with said switch component for identifying lines served by said switch component that are subject to said barge-in connection service and for associating each subject line with at least one authorized user of said barge-in connection service in relation to the respective subject line; a second element for conditionally acting in cooperation with the first element to cause a barge-in connection to be established between a caller and one of said subject lines, while the respective subject line is instantly in use; said barge-in connection being established automatically, and without prior authorization from a party currently using said respective subject line, when at least one predetermined condition is satisfied by said caller; said barge-in connection enabling said caller to instantly speak to a party currently using said respective subject line; and wherein said at least one condition to be satisfied by said caller comprises having said system interact with said caller to solicit an indication from said caller to said system of a code uniquely authorizing application of said barge-in connection to said respective subject line, and of a further indication enabling said caller to select between receiving said barge-in service and being transferred to said voice mail service.