At&t Bell Laboratories

American Telephone & Telegraph Co., At&t Bell Laboratories

Keith R Stanley

David F Winchell

A communications network having a dial-up conference arrangement is disclosed. The conference host can summon an operator and cause the conference details to be displayed at an operator position. The detailed information presented to the operator permits the operator to identify conferees independently of the directory number that was used to dial-up the conferee. This permits the operator to redial dropped legs, transfer control of the conference and perform other functions with respect to the identified conferee.

Method and apparatus for controlling a conference

A communication network is disclosed having a customer interactive special service facility, such as a conference arrangement. At the customer's request, or if trouble is encountered, an operator position is alerted with the identity of the special service facility. Using this identity, the operator can cause the status of the special service facility to be displayed at the operator's position and thereafter exercise control over the facility.

Interactive facility control arrangement

A communication network having a meet-me conference bridge is disclosed. The conference is accessed by each conferee dialing a code assigned to the bridge. A conference host is given a special code which accesses the same bridge but identifies the host as the controller who can add on other conferees and perform other special functions.

Growing community of inventors

Winfield, IL, United States of America

Keith R Stanley