US11290428B2 and 5 Patents That Made Digital Meetings Effortless

Joining a group call should feel effortless, yet most conferencing tools make it a cumbersome process. Dial-in codes, phone numbers, or clunky scheduling apps often get in the way. 

Patent US11290428B2 takes a different approach: replacing outdated identifiers with simple, personalized online links. Instead of typing numbers or sharing email addresses, participants connect through unique digital identities that can be updated at any time for added privacy and security. The system also works across voice, text, and app-based communication, letting the technology handle call setup behind the scenes so users don’t have to.

The patent is currently cited in the case Webcon Vectors LLC v. Kaltura, Inc., but our focus here is not the litigation; it’s the technology. 

Using the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool, we will explore how similar patents have tackled the same challenge: making group communication faster, more secure, and easier to manage. Let’s take a look.

Inside Patent US11290428B2

Patent US11290428B2 describes a method and system designed to make group communication, like conference calls, easier, faster, and more secure. It allows people to connect without needing phone numbers, dial-in codes, or manual scheduling. 

Instead, each user is reached through a unique online link or digital identity. The system takes care of everything in the background, so users don’t have to do much to join a call.

Source: Google Patents

Key Features Of US11290428B2

Here are the core features that make this system different from traditional conferencing tools:

1. Unique Identifiers For Each User

Every user is connected through a personalized link (like a website or social media profile), not a phone number.

2. Changeable Identifiers For Privacy

Users can change their contact link at any time before a meeting starts to protect their privacy.

3. Automatic Call Setup

The system creates a call or group session automatically and contacts everyone at the same time.

4. No User Action Required To Join

Users don’t need to dial in or enter codes; the system calls them directly.

5. Mixed Communication Options

It supports many types of communication (voice, text, mobile apps, etc.) and works across various platforms.

6. Simultaneous Contact And Management

All users are contacted at once, and the system can manage responses in real-time, using smart logic.

7. Information Sharing During Calls

Meeting materials, updates, and messages can be sent live to all participants during the call.

8. Secure And Anonymous Communication

User identities are kept private, and access can be restricted if someone joins late or isn’t authorized.

9. Smart Scheduling And Reminders

Users can suggest meeting times, and the system will automatically find a common time and send reminders.

10. Push-to-Group Communication

Users who receive updates can forward them to others instantly, making the system great for announcements or alerts.

This technology simplifies how people connect for meetings or group conversations. It reduces the steps needed to join a call and gives users better control over privacy and communication.

Related Read: See how US9432452B2 speeds up peer-to-peer video sharing, much like US11290428B2 simplifies digital group calls through seamless link-based connections.

Patents Addressing the Same Challenge As US11290428B2

To understand the technology behind US11290428B2, we used the Global Patent Search tool to uncover similar patents. These references highlight new methods for improving digital meeting coordination, user privacy, and real-time communication management.

1. US7108173B1

This US patent, US7108173B1, published in 2006, introduces a smart meeting scheduler powered by autonomous software agents. Each participant has a personal agent that negotiates the best meeting time based on their calendar preferences. 

The agents communicate across a distributed system, allowing multiple meetings to be scheduled at once without human back-and-forth.

Below, we have added snapshots from the GPS tool displaying the relevant sections from similar patents.

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. Intelligent agents are assigned to each user for handling meeting scheduling
   
2. Asynchronous negotiation between agents based on calendar preferences
   
3. Automatic ranking of meeting slots using user-defined scores
   
4. A distributed system allows concurrent scheduling across users.
   
5. Privacy is maintained; no need to share full calendar data.
   
6. Conflict resolution based on predefined user order
   
7. Success and failure notifications sent automatically
   
8. Meeting suggestions are filtered to maximize group satisfaction
   
9. Agents can dynamically update availability in real time
   
10. The facilitator component manages network addresses for scalability

Technical Overlap between US7108173B1 and US11290428B2

Both patents aim to eliminate human effort from multi-party communication while maintaining users’ privacy. US7108173B1 uses intelligent software agents to negotiate meeting times automatically, while US11290428B2 automates the call setup itself through link-based digital identities.

Each system operates in a distributed environment, managing participants simultaneously without revealing personal data like phone numbers or full calendars.

Their shared logic lies in how they automate coordination, i.e., by letting software handle timing, initiation, and privacy in the background. Together, they illustrate a continuous move toward intelligent, self-managed communication systems where scheduling and connection happen seamlessly.

2. US7679518B1

This US patent, US7679518B1, published in 2010, introduces a comprehensive tool for planning, scheduling, and managing meetings. The tool supports all phases of a meeting and is designed to reduce common coordination issues. 

It does automating, scheduling, reminders, document sharing, and action tracking. It also supports both single-user and multi-user environments, with shared access to a central database of meeting materials and timelines.

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. Full-cycle meeting management: pre-meeting, in-meeting, and post-meeting automation
   
2. Centralized meeting containers (MeetingSpaces) to store all related materials and actions
   
3. Integration with calendar systems to automatically check participant availability
   
4. Smart reminders and automatic updates to all participants
   
5. Ability to launch conference calls and record meetings programmatically
   
6. Tools for tracking action items assigned during the meeting
   
7. Flexible access—users can work from shared or local versions of the meeting tool
   
8. Rich UI for browsing past meetings, documents, and related events
   
9. Dynamic rescheduling and real-time updates across all connected users
   
10. Integration with identity frameworks to manage availability and communication channels

Technical Overlap between US7679518B1 and US11290428B2

Both patents build on the idea of managing communication through identity-linked automation rather than manual setup. US7679518B1 maintains centralized Meeting Spaces that connect user calendars, identities, and shared actions in one synchronized environment.

US11290428B2 applies the same principle to the moment of connection, using digital identifiers to automatically initiate calls without exposing personal data or requiring manual dial-ins.

The overlap lies in their shared use of real-time identity frameworks and automated coordination logic that manage who joins, when, and how. Each system tracks participants, updates session states, and triggers actions automatically, reducing the need for user input. Together, they illustrate how meeting management evolved from scheduled automation to instant, identity-driven connection control.

3. US6272214B1

This US patent, US6272214B1, published in 2001, introduces a system for organizing and controlling participation in remote meetings, also known as telemeetings. This system allows people to join a meeting by calling a unique phone number or clicking a web link sent to them ahead of time. Once they respond, they are automatically connected to the meeting from wherever they are.

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. A unique phone number or web link is created for each upcoming meeting.
   
2. Participants receive the link or number through email, text, or other notifications.
   
3. Anyone with the link can join the meeting automatically, without manual setup.
   
4. Participants don’t need special equipment, just a phone or web access.
   
5. Each participant receives a personal connection point for the meeting.
   
6. Multiple conference bridges can be used to support a large number of participants simultaneously.
   
7. The system manages who connects where to keep the meeting efficient.
   
8. New participants can be added even after the meeting has started.
   
9. Works with both phone networks and internet-based communication.
   
10. Reduces the need for technical knowledge or operator intervention.

Technical Overlap between US6272214B1 and US11290428B2

Both patents focus on removing the friction involved in joining group conversations.

US6272214B1 introduces the idea of unique meeting access points, i.e., a phone number or web link that directly connects participants to a session.

US11290428B2 builds on that same foundation by evolving the concept of the “access link” into a dynamic digital identity, which not only connects users but also protects their privacy and allows real-time management of participants.

The overlap lies in their shared goal of link-based, equipment-free connectivity. Each system allows users to join meetings without needing to dial codes, remember numbers, or perform manual setup. The difference is in scope: US6272214B1 establishes the base principle of simple entry through unique links, while US11290428B2 refines it into a context-aware, secure connection framework for modern digital communication.

4. US2012323997A1

This US patent application, US2012323997A1, published in 2012, presents a method for initiating communication sessions based on real-time availability and context awareness. The system enables two or more parties to automatically connect when specific pre-defined conditions, such as availability, location, or status, are met. 

Instead of relying on static presence indicators, it uses live data from mobile devices and communication networks to coordinate the best possible time for a conversation or meeting.

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. Server-based system for managing communication availability between devices
   
2. Automatic meeting setup triggered by mutual availability status
   
3. Use of geo-location and application status to determine real-time readiness
   
4. Peer-to-peer or group communication is initiated only when conditions are met
   
5. Client software for sending and receiving “ready” or “not ready” messages
   
6. Integration with calendars, navigation apps, and user schedules
   
7. Automatic connection setup once a participant becomes available
   
8. Support for SIP-based call sessions and traditional telephony
   
9. Context-aware messaging based on user behavior and movement
   
10. Custom rules for when to accept or defer a communication request

Technical Overlap between US2012323997A1 and US11290428B2

Both patents aim to make communication more intuitive by letting technology decide the best moment to connect people. US2012323997A1 uses real-time context to trigger communication automatically when conditions align. US11290428B2 takes over from that point, focusing on how the connection happens, using personalized digital links that initiate calls instantly without exposing private contact details.

The overlap lies in their shared use of automated, context-aware connection logic. Each system minimizes user effort and safeguards privacy by relying on background intelligence to coordinate communication.

Together, they show how modern meeting systems evolved from recognizing when users are available to instantly establishing how they connect, creating seamless, responsive collaboration without manual setup.

Did you know that similar progress is also seen in patents like US9130900B2, which make digital assistants smarter and focus on intelligent communication and coordination?

5. US2007033251A1

This US patent, US2007033251A1, published in 2007, introduces a method for automatically scheduling and establishing multi-party conferences. It eliminates the need for manual coordination by using user calendars and presence data to find suitable meeting times. Once scheduled, the system automatically initiates the conference across various channels, such as phone, IM, or video, depending on participant availability and preferences.

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. System for checking availability and scheduling conferences automatically
   
2. Use of calendar data and presence status to identify mutual availability
   
3. Automatic initiation of communication sessions at scheduled times
   
4. Multi-channel notifications using SMS, email, IM, or voice systems
   
5. Context-aware selection of the most appropriate communication channel per participant
   
6. Integration with telephony, instant messaging, and web conferencing systems
   
7. Event-triggered conference scheduling based on data updates or business workflows
   
8. Use of policies to determine conference type (call, IM, video, or web)
   
9. Flexible notification timing and content delivery (e.g., links, login info)
   
10. Dynamic coordination across distributed systems to streamline collaboration

Technical Overlap between US2007033251A1 and US11290428B2

Both patents automate the setup of group communication by using participant data to remove manual coordination steps.

US2007033251A1 determines when to connect. It scans calendars, presence data, and communication preferences to automatically schedule and launch a conference across channels like phone, IM, or video.
US11290428B2 focuses on how that connection happens, as it replaces traditional dial-ins and static credentials with link-based digital identities that trigger calls instantly and securely.

Their overlap lies in the automation layer that unites availability, initiation, and channel control. Each system uses participant context to manage multi-user interactions dynamically, ensuring people connect through the most efficient path at the right time.

Connecting the Dots: A Broader Shift in Communication Technology

Taken together, these patents reveal a clear evolution in the design of digital communication systems.

Early inventions focused on scheduling and coordination, i.e., automating when meetings happen and how participants are notified. Over time, the emphasis shifted toward who connects and how, replacing phone numbers and manual dial-ins with secure, identity-based links that make joining effortless.

Across all five patents, the common thread is automation built around user privacy and contextual awareness. Each step moves communication closer to being invisible: calls that initiate themselves, systems that know when you’re available, and identities that protect your information while keeping you connected. Collectively, they mark the transition from structured conferencing to truly seamless, privacy-first collaboration.

How To Find Similar Patents Using Global Patent Search

When working on technologies related to automated meeting scheduling or intelligent communication systems, it’s essential to understand how other patents have approached the same technical goals. The Global Patent Search tool streamlines this process by providing access to patents that explore calendar integration, availability tracking, multi-channel notifications, and dynamic communication session management.

Using this tool not only helps reduce the risk of overlapping with similar patents but also strengthens your patent strategy during development or prosecution.

Here’s how you can make the most of GPS in this domain:

• Enter the patent number: Start by entering US2007033251A1 into the GPS tool. You can also search using keywords like “automatic scheduling,” “context-aware conferencing,” or “multi-party communication system”.
  
• Review curated snippets: Instead of full claim sets, GPS now highlights precise text snippets. These help you quickly identify how each system handles availability detection, session initiation, or notification logic.
  
• Find similar patents: GPS surfaces references that address the same challenge, whether it’s auto-initiating a conference, pulling real-time context from calendars, or synchronizing across different communication platforms.
  
• Compare system logic: Go beyond feature mapping to see how various patents design their scheduling workflows. Some use context services, others leverage presence data or device geolocation, and GPS reveals all those pathways.
  
• Explore across industries: Technologies from unified communications, call centers, and enterprise productivity tools often overlap in this space. GPS helps you track recurring design patterns and emerging directions.
  

Whether you are building a new scheduling algorithm or optimizing a teleconferencing system, Global Patent Search gives developers, patent attorneys, and strategists a fast, focused way to evaluate the competitive landscape. It is an indispensable tool for refining ideas, reducing redundancy, and building stronger claims.

Want to streamline your research? Learn quick techniques to navigate Global Patent Search more effectively and uncover relevant technologies in less time.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.