The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 25, 2003
Filed:
Oct. 25, 1999
Herb E. Fickes, Stanardsville, VA (US);
Michael W. Brown, Charlottesville, VA (US);
Jay A. Neale, Afton, VA (US);
John M. Baird, Charlottesville, VA (US);
Michael R. Berrang, Waynesboro, VA (US);
Comdial Corporation, Charlottesville, VA (US);
Abstract
A method, system, and computer program product are provided that extend the functionality of personal information managers (PIMs) to allow a user to perform telephone control operations through the PIM. The method, system, and computer program product also allow the user to extend the capabilities of his telephone system. The user can receive information maintained by the PIM (such as contacts, unread e-mail messages, and calendar appointments) as needed, without requiring a query. The user can receive unread e-mail or reminders about imminent appointments through a pager, for example. Parties trying to contact the user can also receive information maintained by the user's PIM. For example, a caller can learn the user's whereabouts, as indicated by the user's appointment calendar, when the user is unavailable to answer a telephone call. This functionality is provided in part by connecting the PIM and its data structures to a private branch exchange. This facilitates the distribution of information maintained by the PIM and allows control of telephone operations through the PIM user interface.