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:
Mar. 04, 2014
Filed:
Sep. 15, 2011
Amey Parandekar, Kirkland, WA (US);
Dhigha Sekaran, Redmond, WA (US);
Shahzaib Younis, Redmond, WA (US);
Scott A. Plette, Kirkland, WA (US);
Marcelo D. Truffat, Woodinville, WA (US);
Amey Parandekar, Kirkland, WA (US);
Dhigha Sekaran, Redmond, WA (US);
Shahzaib Younis, Redmond, WA (US);
Scott A. Plette, Kirkland, WA (US);
Marcelo D. Truffat, Woodinville, WA (US);
Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA (US);
Abstract
A universal phone number is provided for connecting to communication methods, including fixed line, mobile line, and internet communication methods. A communication group of communication methods may include multiple communication methods belonging to one individual or to multiple individuals within the communication group, such as a family. The universal phone number may be designated as the primary contact number for the communication group such incoming phone calls and text messages may be automatically routed to the communication methods in the communication group. The universal phone number may provide alerts to the multiple communication methods for notifying when incoming phone calls are answered. A universal voicemail box may also be provided for a scenario when the incoming call is not answered. Additionally, the universal phone number may provide the ability to keep the contact information for each of the individual communication methods private.