System and method for virtual call hold

摘要

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for accomplishing a virtual call on hold. A client communication device, such as a telephone, smartphone, or computer, receives a notification of a communication session to which the user is invited, and establishes a relationship with the communication session. Alternatively, a server associated with the communication session can establish the relationship with the client communication device. Then, the communication device can present an indication of the relationship with the communication session for a duration of the communication session, such that the user can join the communication session at will via a communication channel, and such that the communication channel is not occupied by the communication session unless or until the user joins the communication session. The communication session can be a conference call, video conference, a multi-modal chat wherein multiple users communicate via different modalities.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving, from a server, at a device having a telephone line and microprocessor, a notification of a first live communication session, the telephone line not being used when the notification is received from the server, wherein the first live communication session comprises a voice or video communication session with a plurality of participants communicating with each other; presenting, at the device, an indication of a relationship between the device and the first live communication session, the telephone line not being used when the indication is being presented; presenting, at the device, an update describing content of the first live communication session while the device participates in a second live communication session via the telephone line; and after the second live communication session is terminated and upon receiving a user input to join the first live communication session that does not use the telephone line, joining the device to the first live communication session via the telephone line.