Internet conference call bridge management system

Abstract

The invention pertains to an Internet conference call bridge management (ICCBM) system and method with which a person (customer) having access to the Internet may efficiently input the contact number of at least one party (call recipient) with whom the customer wants to speak. The ICCBM system then calls the customer, calls the party or parties, and the audio signals are bridged in a manner that optimizes the call signal to noise ratio, minimizes demands placed on computing resources, and provides controls with which the customer may monitor and control the telephonic access of the other participants through the duration of the conference call.

1 - 57 . (canceled)  
   
   
       58 . A conference calling system comprising: 
 first means for providing contact information for at least two parties to a conference call;    second means for automatically establishing said conference call between said parties;    third means for establishing an audio bridge between said parties; and    fourth means for sending a multi-media message to at least one of said parties.    
   
   
       59 . The invention of  claim 58  wherein said first means includes an Internet appliance.  
   
   
       60 . The invention of  claim 58  wherein said first means includes means for providing a graphical user interface.  
   
   
       61 . The invention of  claim 60  wherein said first means includes means for providing contact information for a group of parties.  
   
   
       62 . The invention of  claim 60  wherein said means for providing a graphical user interface includes means for scheduling said conference call.  
   
   
       63 . The invention of  claim 60  wherein said graphical user interface includes means for previewing a bill.  
   
   
       64 . The invention of  claim 58  further including call monitoring means.  
   
   
       65 . A message delivery system comprising: 
 first means for providing contact information for at least one party;    second means for automatically establishing a call to said party and    third means for sending a multi-media message to said party.    
   
   
       66 . The invention of  claim 65  wherein said first means includes an Internet appliance.  
   
   
       67 . The invention of  claim 65  wherein said first means includes means for providing a graphical user interface.  
   
   
       68 . The invention of  claim 65  wherein said first means includes means for providing contact information for a group of parties.