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 - 69 . (canceled) 
     
     
         70 . 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, said second means including means for placing a call back to a customer and one or more direct calls to call recipients specified by said customer; and   third means for establishing an audio bridge between said parties.   
     
     
         71 . The invention of  claim 70  wherein said first means includes an Internet appliance. 
     
     
         72 . The invention of  claim 70  wherein said first means includes means for providing a graphical user interface. 
     
     
         73 . The invention of  claim 70  wherein said first means includes means for providing contact information for a group of parties. 
     
     
         74 . The invention of  claim 72  wherein said means for providing a graphical user interface includes means for scheduling said conference call. 
     
     
         75 . The invention of  claim 72  wherein said graphical user interface includes means for previewing a bill. 
     
     
         76 . The invention of  claim 70  further including call monitoring means. 
     
     
         77 . A conference calling method comprising the steps of:
 providing contact information for at least two parties to a conference call;   automatically establishing said conference call between said parties, including the step of placing a call back to a customer and one or more direct calls to call recipients specified by said customer; and   establishing an audio bridge between said parties.