On-hold processing for telephonic systems
AssigneeAbraham & Son
InventorsRomek Figa, Michael A. Figa
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Abstract
Certain embodiments of the present invention employ targeted speech detection as part of end-of-hold detection in an end-of-hold notification system. The targeted speech detector is configured to be particularly sensitive to specific words or phrases so as to increase the likelihood of detecting a correct end-of-hold condition while reducing the likelihood of false end-of-hold detection. Targeted speech detection may be used along with other detection mechanisms such as DTMF detection and/or background noise detection.
Claims50
An end-of-hold notification method comprising:
- upon activation of end-of-hold notification from a first communication device, (a) activating a targeted speech detector to monitor a communication connection with a second communication device, the targeted speech detector configured specifically to be sensitive to a predetermined end-of-hold word or phrase audibly received from the second communication device over the communication connection, and (b) providing a signal to the second communication device upon activation of the end-of-hold notification mechanism to indicate such activation, wherein the signal provided to the second communication device specifies the predetermined word or phrase;
- after detection of the predetermined word or phrase by the targeted speech detector, such detection indicating an end-of-hold condition, providing an indication to a user of the first communication device to indicate that communication with the second communication device can be resumed;
- and
- resuming communication between the first communication device and the second communication device.
Apparatus for end-of-hold notification, the apparatus comprising:
- a communication interface;
- a targeted speech detector configured specifically to be sensitive to a predetermined end-of-hold word or phrase audibly received over the communication interface;
- and
- an end-of-hold notification controller configured to activate the targeted speech detector to monitor a communication connection with a second communication device upon activation of end-of-hold notification from a first communication device and to determine whether an end-of-hold condition exists based at least in part on an output of the targeted speech detector, the end-of-hold notification controller further configured to provide an indication to a user of the first communication device upon detection of the end-of-hold condition, wherein the end-of-hold notification controller is further configured to provide a signal to the second communication device after activation of end-of-hold notification to indicate such activation, wherein the signal provided to the second communication device specifies the predetermined word or phrase.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.