Patent ID: 7583286

Claim:
A system for distributing video calls, comprising: a video relay service comprising logic configured to receive a plurality of video calls originating in response to an entered called party number from a corresponding plurality of video phones over a data network from a corresponding plurality of calling endpoints and to form a corresponding plurality of first connections with each of the plurality of calling endpoints, the logic further configured to receive each of the entered called party numbers and maintain the plurality of video calls on hold and in a priority and to forward one of the plurality of video calls having priority including the respective one of the entered called party number to form a second connection; and at least one answering endpoint coupled to the video relay service via the data network, the at least one answering endpoint comprising logic configured to update the video relay service when the at least one answering endpoint is available for connection with one of the plurality of video phones corresponding to the one of the plurality of video calls having priority, the second connection being formed directly between the one of the plurality of calling endpoints and the at least one answering endpoint upon the video relay service transferring a call request including the entered called party number to the at least one answering endpoint.