PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8819128-B2
Application Number: US-67512103-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Apparatus, method, and computer program for providing instant messages related to a conference call

Abstract:
A call conferencing apparatus, method, and computer program detect one or more events that are related to a conference call. The apparatus, method, and computer program then send one or more instant messages to one or more participants associated with the conference call. The one or more events could include, for example, a participant joining the conference call, a participant exiting the conference call, a participant failing to log into the conference call correctly, a participant transferring to another communication device during the conference call, a beginning of the conference call, and an end of the conference call.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for call conferencing in an Internet Protocol (IP) communications network, the method comprising:
 controlling a conference call with a server within the IP network; 
 detecting an event associated with the conference call, the conference call associated with a plurality of participants within the IP network, 
 generating at the server one or more instant message associated with the detected event the one or more instant messages having Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) format; and 
 communicating the one or more SIP instant messages from the server to one or more of the participants. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the event comprises a chairperson of the conference call joining the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify at least one of a number of participants who have joined the conference call and a name of each participant who has joined the conference call. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more SIP instant messages identify at least one of a number of participants who have joined and exited the conference call and a name of each participant who has joined and exited the conference call. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of the participants at least a one of joining the conference call and exiting the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify a name of the participant who has at least a one of joined the conference call and exited the conference call. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the one or more SIP messages are transmitted to the one or more participants via a SIP application server external to the server. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of a beginning and an end of the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify that the conference call has one of begun and ended. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of the participants failing to provide a correct pass code when attempting to join the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages are communicated to a chairperson and identify the participant, an incorrect pass code provided by the participant, and the correct pass code. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the event comprises a chairperson of the conference call exiting the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages indicate that the conference call will end after a specified amount of time. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of the participants transferring the conference call from one communication device to another communication device; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages indicate that the participant transferred communication devices and is transmitted to the chairperson. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the event comprises an end to the conference call; 
 the one or more SIP instant messages comprise a survey; and 
 further comprising:
 receiving one or more responses from one or more of the participants containing answers to the survey; 
 tabulating the answers; and 
 communicating one or more SIP instant messages containing the tabulated answers to a chairperson of the conference call. 
 
 
     
     
       11. An apparatus for call conferencing in an Internet Protocol (IP) communications network, comprising:
 one or more ports operable to receive at least one channel of a plurality of channels IP channels for a communication session, the at least one channel having information from at least two of a plurality of conference call participants; and 
 one or more processors collectively operable to:
 detect an event associated with the conference call, the conference call associated with the plurality of participants within the IP network; 
 generate at the apparatus one or more instant message associated with the detected event, the one or more instant messages having Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) format; and 
 communicate the one or more SIP instant messages to one or more of the participants. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the event comprises a chairperson of the conference call joining the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify at least one of a number of participants who have joined the conference call and a name of each participant who has joined the conference call. 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of the participants at least a one of joining the conference call and exiting the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify a name of the participant who has at least a one of joined the conference call and exited the conference call. 
 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the one or more SIP messages are transmitted to the one or more participants via a SIP application server external to the server. 
 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of a beginning and an end of the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify that the conference call has one of begun and ended. 
 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of the participants failing to provide a correct pass code when attempting to join the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages are communicated to a chairperson and identify the participant, an incorrect pass code provided by the participant, and the correct pass code. 
 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the event comprises a chairperson of the conference call exiting the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages indicate that the conference call will end after a specified amount of time. 
 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of the participants transferring the conference call from one communication device to another communication device; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages indicate that the participant transferred communication devices and is transmitted to the chairperson. 
 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the event comprises an end to the conference call; 
 the one or more SIP instant messages comprise a survey; and 
 the one or more processors are further collectively operable to:
 receive one or more responses from one or more of the participants containing answers to the survey; 
 tabulate the answers; and 
 communicate one or more SIP instant messages containing the tabulated answers to a chairperson of the conference call. 
 
 
     
     
       20. A media application server in an Internet Protocol (IP) communications network, the media application server comprising one or more processors for executing instructions for:
 controlling a conference call within the IP network; 
 detecting an event associated with a conference call, the conference call associated with a plurality of participants within the IP network; and 
 generating at the server one or more instant message associated with the detected event, the one or more instant messages having Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) format; and 
 communicating one or more instant messages to one or more of the participants. 
 
     
     
       21. The media application server of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the event comprises a chairperson of the conference call joining the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify at least one of a number of participants who have joined the conference call and a name of each participant who has joined the conference call. 
 
     
     
       22. The media application server of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of the participants at least a one of joining the conference call and exiting the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify a name of the participant who has at least a one of joined the conference call and exited the conference call. 
 
     
     
       23. The media application server of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the one or more SIP messages are transmitted to the one or more participants via a SIP application server external to the server. 
 
     
     
       24. The media application server of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the event comprises one of a beginning and an end of the conference call; and 
 the one or more SIP instant messages identify that the conference call has one of begun and ended. 
 
     
     
       25. The media application server of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the event comprises an end to the conference call; 
 the one or more SIP instant messages comprise a survey; and 
 further comprising computer readable program code for:
 receiving one or more responses from one or more of the participants containing answers to the survey; 
 tabulating the answers; and 
 communicating one or more SIP instant messages containing the tabulated answers to a chairperson of the conference call. 
 
 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 1  wherein the one or more SIP messages are communicated directly from the server to the one or more participants. 
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 1  wherein, before a conference call begins the server is informed of the one or more participants in the conference call, when the conference call starts the one or more SIP messages indicating the conference call has begun are communicated to each of the one or more participants. 
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 1  wherein each of the one or more participants has associated therewith a plurality of communications devices, and the one or more SIP instant messages are sent to each of the plurality of devices. 
     
     
       29. The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the one or more SIP messages are communicated directly from the apparatus to the one or more participants. 
     
     
       30. The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein, before a conference call begins the one or more processors are informed of the one or more participants in the conference call, when the conference call starts the one or more SIP messages indicating the conference call has begun are communicated to each of the one or more participants. 
     
     
       31. The media application server of  claim 20  wherein the one or more SIP messages are communicated directly from the apparatus to the one or more participants. 
     
     
       32. The media application server of  claim 20  wherein, before a conference call begins the media application server is informed of the one or more participants in the conference call, when the conference call starts the one or more SIP messages indicating the conference call has begun are communicated to each of the one or more participants.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,511 entitled “DISTRIBUTED CALL SERVER SUPPORTING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed on Jun. 30, 2003, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to conferencing systems and more specifically to an apparatus, method, and computer program for providing instant messages related to a conference call. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Audio and video conferencing systems are becoming more popular in the United States and around the world. In a conventional conferencing system, one participant communicates audio signals to other participants (often through a multipoint conferencing server or other unit) and receives audio signals from the other participants (indirectly through the server). The participants may also exchange video images allowing the participants to see one another. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure provides an apparatus, method, and computer program for providing instant messages related to a conference call. 
     In one aspect, a call conferencing apparatus, method, and computer program detect one or more events that are related to a conference call. The apparatus, method, and computer program then send one or more instant messages to one or more participants associated with the conference call. 
     In a particular aspect, the one or more events could include a participant joining the conference call, a participant exiting the conference call, a participant failing to log into the conference call correctly, a participant transferring to another communication device during the conference call, a beginning of the conference call, and an end of the conference call. 
     Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example conferencing system according to one embodiment of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example media application server according to one embodiment of this disclosure; and 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example method for providing instant messages related to a conference call according to one embodiment of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example communication system  100  according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the system  100  may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     A problem with conventional conferencing systems is that the participants often cannot easily determine when different events occur. For example, conventional conferencing systems simply produce an audible “beep” or other noise that alerts the other participants in a conference call that a new participant has joined. The other participants are then often forced to ask who joined the conference call. Similarly, conventional conferencing systems simply produce an audible beep when a participant leaves a conference call. To identify the participant who left, each remaining participant typically needs to say that he or she did not leave, and by process of elimination the participant who left is identified. This is typically inconvenient for the conference call participants. 
     In the illustrated example, the system  100  includes one or more communication devices  102   a - 102   d , a network  104 , and a media application server (“MAS”)  106 . 
     The communication devices  102   a - 102   d  represent devices used by users or subscribers during communication sessions. Communication sessions represent data conversions or conversations between devices or applications over a network. For example, each communication device  102   a - 102   d  represents an input/output device that could include a microphone and a speaker to capture and play audio information. A communication device  102   a - 102   d  could also include a camera and a display to capture and present video information. A communication device  102   a - 102   d  could further represent a portable computing device for sending and receiving text or other messages. 
     During a communication session, one or more of the devices  102  communicate with the MAS  106  over the network  104 . As an example, a communication device  102  may transmit audio information to the MAS  106  and receive audio information from the MAS  106 . Each communication device  102  may be constructed or configured from any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof for transmitting or receiving audio, video, or other information. 
     The system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  illustrates various embodiments of the communication devices  102 . For example, the communication device  102   a  represents a wireless mobile station that communicates with the network  104  through a mobile switching center (“MSC”)  108 . The communication device  102   b  represents a wired Internet Protocol (“IP”) telephone that communicates directly with the network  104 . An example of a suitable device is an i2004 Internet Telephone, commercially available from Nortel Networks of Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The communication device  102   c  represents a personal computer, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer. The communication device  102   d  represents a wireless device, such as a Blackberry or personal digital assistant. One or more of these devices  102   a - 102   d  may include video functionality, such as when the communication device  102   a  includes a video camera or when the communication device  102   c  is coupled to a web camera  110 . 
     While this represents several embodiments of the communication devices  102 , other or additional communication devices  102  may be utilized in the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . By way of illustration in  FIG. 1 , each of the communication devices  102   a - 102   d  is different. It will be understood, however, that the communication devices  102  in the system  100  may include or represent the same or similar type of device or other combination of communication devices. 
     The network  104  is coupled to the communication devices  102 , the MAS  106 , and the mobile switching center  108 . In this document, the term “couple” refers to any direct or indirect communication between two or more components, whether or not those components are in physical contact with each other. The network  104  facilitates communication between components of the system  100 . For example, the network  104  may communicate Internet Packets (“IP”), frame relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (“ATM”) cells, Ethernet, X.25, frame relay, or other suitable information protocols between network addresses or devices. The network  104  may include one or more local area networks (“LANs”), metropolitan area networks (“MANs”), wide area networks (“WANs”), all or portions of a global network such as the Internet, or any other communication system or systems at one or more locations. 
     The media application server (“MAS”)  106  is coupled to the network  104 . The MAS  106  supports communication sessions between communication devices  102  in the system  100 . For example, the MAS  106  may receive from one or multiple communication devices  102  requests to establish or join a conference call. The MAS  106  may also transmit/receive audio or video information to/from each communication device  102  involved in the conference call. 
     The MAS  106  may be constructed or configured using any hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof for supporting communication sessions in the system  100 . As an example, the MAS  106  could include one or more processors  112  that execute instructions and one or more memories  114  that store instructions and data used by the processors  112 . The processor(s)  112  is generally understood to be a device that drives a general-purpose computer. It is noted, however, that other processor devices such as microcontrollers, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) can be used as well and achieve the benefits and advantages described herein. An example MAS  106  is shown in  FIG. 2 , which is described below and in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,511 entitled “DISTRIBUTED CALL SERVER SUPPORTING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed on Jun. 30, 2003, and which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Communication session(s) established and managed by the MAS  106  can include additional communication devices other than the communication devices  102   a - 102   d . For example, a communication device  102   e  is shown coupled to the network  104  through a public telephone network, such as a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”)  116 . The communication device  102   e  may include a conventional analog or digital telephone or some other type of communication device. In embodiments where the PSTN  116  and the network  104  use different or incompatible protocols to communicate, a gateway  118  may be used that is coupled to the network  104  and the PSTN  116  to facilitate communication between the networks. The gateway  118  functions to translate between the different protocols used by the network  104  and the PSTN  116 . Although one PSTN  116  is shown in  FIG. 1  coupled to the network  104 , other or additional types of public or private networks may be coupled to the network  104 . 
     The communication devices  102  and the MAS  106  could support suitable standards or protocols used to set up, maintain, and terminate communication sessions between end users. As examples, the communication devices  102  and the MAS  106  could communicate audio, video, or other information using the Realtime Transfer Protocol (“RTP”) over User Datagram Protocol (“UDP”), the International Telecommunication Union—Telecommunications (“ITU-T”) H.263 standard (video CODEC), the G.711 and G.729 audio CODEC standards, and other or additional standards or protocols. Other CODECs, such as Moving Picture Experts Group-4 (“MPEG-4”), Digital Video Express (“DIVX”), and Windows Media Video (“WMV”), can be supported by the MAS  106 . In addition, signaling messages sent between the communication devices  102  and the MAS  106  may include or conform with the Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”), which is an application layer protocol for the establishment, modification, and termination of conferencing and telephony sessions over IP-based networks. As will be appreciated, other or additional protocols and configurations may be used. 
     In one aspect of operation, the MAS  106  includes one or more processes, such as software applications providing an activity, a function, or a systematic sequence of operations that produces a specified result, for handling conference calls. In this document, the phrase “conference call” refers to a communication session involving more than two participants. 
     During a conference call, the MAS  106  generates and communicates one or more instant messages to various participants who use or have access to one or more communication devices  102 . In this document, the phrase “instant message” refers to a message that is transmitted from a source to a destination for presentation at the destination at the time it is received by the destination. The instant messages sent to a participant in a conference call may be received and presented through one or more communication devices  102  associated with the participant. For example, the contents of an instant message could be presented to a participant by displaying the contents on a display screen of a communication device  102  or by playing an audio version of the contents through a speaker of the communication device  102 . 
     The instant messages sent to one or more participants in a conference call could contain any information related to the conference call. For example, a conference call is typically associated with a chairperson responsible for managing the conference call. The chairperson may or may not be the first participant to initiate or join a conference call. When the chairperson joins the conference call, the MAS  106  may communicate an instant message to the chairperson identifying the number of participants who have already joined the conference call. The instant message could also identify the names of the participants who have already joined the conference call. In addition, some of the participants who joined a conference call could also leave the conference call before the chairperson joins the call. The instant message sent to the chairperson could identify the number or names of the participants who have joined and left the conference call before the chairperson joined. 
     As another example, when a new participant joins an existing conference call, an instant message identifying the new participant could be sent to one or more of the other participants already participating in the call. Similarly, when a participant leaves a conference call, an instant message identifying the exiting participant could be sent to one or more of the participants still participating in the call. In this way, one, some, or all of the participants in a conference call can easily identify who joins or leaves a conference call. As particular examples, the instant message identifying a new participant or an exiting participant could be sent only to the chairperson or to all other participants. 
     As yet another example, before a conference call begins, the MAS  106  may be informed who will be participating in the conference call. The chairperson or any other person could identify the participants who will participate in the call. When the conference call actually starts, such as when the chairperson joins the call, the MAS  106  could send to all of the identified participants an instant message indicating that the conference call has begun. Similarly, when the conference call ends, the MAS  106  could send to the chairperson or to all of the identified participants an instant message indicating that the conference call has ended. 
     As still other examples, in some embodiments, a conference call may end automatically when a specified amount of time elapses after the chairperson leaves the conference call. In these embodiments, when the chairperson leaves the conference call, the MAS  106  sends an instant message to the other participants indicating that the conference call is ending soon. Also, in some embodiments, a participant may attempt to join a conference call but fail to provide the proper access code. In these embodiments, when a participant provides an improper access code, the MAS  106  sends an instant message to the chairperson identifying the participant, the correct access code, and the incorrect access provided by the participant. The chairperson may then take any suitable action, such as sending an instant message to the participant identifying the correct access code. Further, in some embodiments, a participant in a conference call may transfer the call from one of the participant&#39;s communication devices  102  to another communication device  102 . When this occurs, the MAS  106  sends an instant message to the chairperson indicating that the participant has transferred devices  102 . In addition, in some embodiments, when the conference call ends, the MAS  106  sends to the participants an instant message containing a survey, such as a survey with pre-defined survey questions. The participants may respond with instant messages containing answers to the survey questions, and the MAS  106  tabulates the answers and sends an instant message with the survey results to the chairperson. 
     This has described several examples of the instant messages that may be communicated to one or more participants before, during, or after a conference call. Instant messages containing other or additional contents could be sent at any suitable time to any or all of the participants without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, an instant message for a particular participant is sent to a specific communication device  102  associated with that participant. In other embodiments, an instant message for a particular participant is sent to some or all communication devices  102  associated with that participant. 
     In particular embodiments, such as when the SIP protocol is used in the system  100 , a communication device  102  registers with the MAS  106  and is associated with a participant. When an instant message is generated for a participant, the instant message is sent to all registered communication devices  102  for that participant. By communicating the instant message to all registered communication devices  102  for a participant, the participant may be more likely to receive the instant message on at least one device. 
     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a communication system  100 , various changes may be made to  FIG. 1 . For example, varying communication devices  102 , networks  104 , and servers  106  could be used in the system  100 . Also, the functionality of MAS  106 , described above as being implemented on a server, could be implemented on any other computing device, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer. In addition,  FIG. 1  illustrates one operational environment in which the various features of the MAS  106  may be used. These features could be implemented in any other suitable operating environment. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example media application server  106  according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The MAS  106  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the MAS  106  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Also, while  FIG. 2  illustrates the MAS  106  operating in the system  100  of  FIG. 1 , the MAS  106  may operate in other suitable systems. 
     In the illustrated example, the MAS  106  includes a media conductor  202 , a media controller  204 , two media processors (“MPs”)  206   a - 206   b , and a content store  208 . 
     The media conductor  202  processes signaling messages received by the MAS  106 . In some embodiments, the communication devices  102  communicate the signaling messages directly (or via a gateway, which serves as an entrance/exit into a communications network) to the MAS  106 . In other embodiments, the communication devices  102  communicate signaling messages indirectly to the MAS  106 , such as when a Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) application server  210  (that received a request from a communication device  102 ) sends the signaling messages to the media conductor  202  on behalf of the communication device  102 . The communication devices  102  may communicate directly with the SIP application server  210  or indirectly through a gateway, such as gateway  118 . The media conductor  202  processes the signaling messages and communicates the processed messages to the media controller  204 . As particular examples, the media conductor  202  may implement SIP call control, parameter encoding, and media event package functionality. 
     The media controller  204  manages the operation of the MAS  106  to provide services to the communication devices  102 . For example, the media controller  204  may receive processed SIP requests from the media conductor  202 , where the requests involve conference or other calls. The controller  204  may then select the media processor  206  to handle each of the calls, support audio/video capability negotiations, enforce licenses controlling how the MAS  106  can be used, and control negotiations based on the licenses. The negotiations could include identifying the CODEC or CODECs to be used to encode and decode audio or video information during a call. 
     The media processors  206   a - 206   b  handle the exchange of audio or video information between communication devices  102  involved in a conference or other call. For example, a media processor  206  could receive audio and video information from one communication device  102  involved in a call, process the information as needed, and forward the information to at least one other communication device  102  involved in the call. The audio and video information may be received through one or more ports  212 , which couple the media processors  206  to the network  104 . The ports  212  may represent any suitable structure operable to facilitate communication between the MAS  106  and the network  104 . In some embodiments, each of the media processors  206  represents a software application for specific media processing, such as interactive voice response (“IVR”) media or conference media, which is executed on the MAS  106  hardware platform via the operating system. 
     In this example embodiment, each media processor  206  provides different functionality in the MAS  106 . For example, in some embodiments, the media processor  206   a  provides IVR functionality in the MAS  106 . As particular examples, the media processor  206   a  supports a voice mail function that can record and play messages or an auto-attendant function that provides a menu and directs callers to particular destinations based on their selections. The media processor  206   b  provides conferencing functionality in the MAS  106 , such as by facilitating the exchange of audio and video information between communication devices  102 . 
     The content store  208  provides access to content used by the various components of the system  100 . For example, in some embodiments, the content store  208  provides access to stored voice mail messages and access codes used to initiate or join conference calls. The content store  208  also provides access to any other or additional information. In other embodiments, the content store  208  is replaced by a conventional database or other data storage facility. 
     A Java 2 Enterprise Edition (“J2EE”) platform  214  is coupled to the MAS  106 . The J2EE platform  214  allows the MAS  106  to retrieve information used to provide subscriber services in the system  100 . For example, the J2EE platform  214  may provide audio announcements used by the IVR media processor  206   a . The J2EE platform  214  represents one possible apparatus used to provide audio or other information to the MAS  106 . Any other or additional device or apparatus may be used to provide the information to the MAS  106 . 
     In a particular embodiment, various components of the MAS  106  represent software processes executed by the processor  112  of the MAS  106 . While the components  202 - 208  have been described as being executed by a MAS  106 , the software processes could be executed by other computing devices such as a desktop computer. In other embodiments, the various components of the MAS  106  may be implemented in other ways, such as in hardware. 
     In the illustrated example, the conference media processor  206   b  implements the conferencing functionality described above. For example, the media conductor  202  receives signaling messages indicating that two or more communication devices  102  wish to engage in a conference call. The controller  204  receives the requests and causes the conference media processor  206   b  to establish the conference call. The conference media processor  206   b  then receives audio or video information from each communication device  102  and forwards the information to the other communication devices  102 . 
     During a conference call, the MAS  106  generates and communicates one or more instant messages to one or more of the participants. In a particular embodiment, the media controller  204  generates the instant messages. The instant messages are then converted into SIP format by the media conductor  202 , which communicates the instant messages to one or more communication devices  102 . The instant messages may be sent directly to the communication devices  102  by the media conductor  202  or indirectly through the SIP application server  210 . 
     Although  FIG. 2  illustrates one example of a media application server  106 , various changes may be made to  FIG. 2 . For example, any number of media processors  206  could be used in the MAS  106 . Also, the functional divisions shown in  FIG. 2  are for illustration only. Various components can be combined or omitted or additional components can be added according to particular functional designations or needs. In addition, while the components  202 - 208  have been described as being executed by a server, the components  202 - 208  may be executed by other hardware platforms, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example method  300  for providing instant messages related to a conference call according to one embodiment of this disclosure. For ease of explanation, the method  300  is described with respect to the MAS  106  of  FIG. 2  operating in the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . The method  300  may also be used by other suitable devices or in any other suitable system. 
     The MAS  106  detects a participant joining or initiating a conference call at step  302 . This may include, for example, the media conductor  202  receiving one or more signaling messages, such as SIP messages, from a communication device  102 . This may also include the media controller  204  determining that the signaling messages indicate a conference call is desired. 
     The MAS  106  determines whether the participant joining or initiating the conference call is the chairperson of the call at step  304 . This may include, for example, the MAS  106  determining whether, based on registration information provided by the participant&#39;s communication device  102 , the participant is the chairperson of the conference call. The chairperson may be identified based on any suitable criteria. For example, the participant may enter a code identifying the participant as the chairperson. A participant could also be identified ahead of time as the chairperson of a conference call. 
     If the participant is the chairperson, the MAS  106  sends the chairperson an instant message identifying the number and names of any other participants who have already joined the conference call at step  306 . This may include, for example, the media controller  204  generating the instant message and the media conductor  202  converting the instant message into SIP format. As part of the instant message, the MAS  106  may or may not identify the names and number of participants who joined and then exited the conference call. In various embodiments, the instant message could identify only the number of participants who have joined, only the names of participants who have joined, or both. Other information could also be included, such as the telephone number or location of each participant. The number and names may or may not include the chairperson. By sending this instant message, the chairperson can easily identify the status of the conference (such as who is there and whether everybody has joined) without needing to ask each participant to identify himself or herself. 
     The MAS  106  also sends an instant message to all participants who should be involved in the conference call indicating that the conference call has started at step  308 . This may include, for example, the MAS  106  sending an instant message to each participant in a list of participants for the conference call. This may or may not include the MAS  106  sending the instant message to the chairperson. In this example, the MAS  106  determines that the conference call has “begun” when the chairperson joins the call. In other embodiments, other or additional criteria could be used to determine when a conference call officially begins, such as when a specified number of participants have joined. 
     Whether or not the new participant is the chairperson, the MAS  106  sends an instant message identifying the new participant to one or more other participants at step  310 . This may include, for example, the MAS  106  sending an instant message identifying the new participant to the chairperson only (if the new participant is not the chairperson) or to all other participants who have already joined the conference call. In this way, at least one of the participants already in the conference call can easily identify the new participant. 
     At some point during the conference call, the MAS  106  detects a participant leaving the conference call at step  312 . This may include, for example, the media conductor  202  detecting a signaling message from a communication device  102  terminating a link to the MAS  106 . When the MAS  106  detects this event, the MAS  106  sends an instant message to one or more of the other participants identifying the participant who left at step  314 . This may include, for example, the MAS  106  sending an instant message identifying the exiting participant to the chairperson only or to all other participants who are still in the conference call. In this way, at least one of the participants in the conference call can easily identify the participant who left. 
     Eventually, the MAS  106  detects an end to the conference call at step  316 . This may include, for example, the MAS  106  determining that the chairperson or all participants have exited the conference call. The MAS  106  then sends an instant message to one or more of the participants indicating that the conference call has ended at step  318 . This may include, for example, the MAS  106  sending an instant message to the chairperson only, to all participants who joined the conference call, or to all participants who were expected to participate in the conference call. 
     Although  FIG. 3  illustrates one example of a method  300  for providing instant messages related to a conference call, various changes may be made to  FIG. 3 . For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates the MAS  106  generating instant messages in response to detecting five different events (chairperson joins, conference begins, another participant joins, participant leaves, conference ends). The MAS  106  could send instant messages when other or additional events are detected (conference ending soon, participant provided incorrect pass code, etc.). Also, while steps  306 - 310 ,  314 ,  318  show a single instant message being sent by the MAS  106 , the MAS  106  could send multiple instant messages containing the described content during each step. Further, the order of events shown in  FIG. 3  is for illustration only. The MAS  106  could detect the events in a different order, such as when a participant leaves the conference call before the chairperson joins. Moreover, an instant message could be sent to one, some, or all of the communication devices  102  associated with a participant who should receive the message. In addition, the MAS  106  may “send” an instant message in different ways depending on the communication device  102  that will receive the message. As a particular example, a text message could be sent to communication devices  102  having a display, while an audio version of the text could be sent to communication devices  102  that lack a display. 
     It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases that have been used within this patent document. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
     While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20030930
Publication Date: 20140826
Grant Date: 20140826
Priority Date: 20030930
Inventors: MURRAY, II F. RANDALL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04L12/1818", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5018", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L51/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L51/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/567", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5027", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5027", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/4536", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/18", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/567", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/1818", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5018", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/4536", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/581", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L51/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L12/1818", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/567", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5027", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/4536", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/5018", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 34377058