Abstract: A proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information via at least one network. When a user device communicates with the proxy apparatus using a particular bandwidth and requests that media information be provided from a media server, the proxy apparatus first determines if a version of the media information encoded for the user device's connection bandwidth has been stored in the proxy apparatus. If a version of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth is not available from the proxy apparatus, the proxy apparatus sends a request to a media server for the media information. Once the media server receives the request, the media server begins to stream a copy of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth to the user device via the network and proxy device.

Abstract: A speech recognition system recognizes a telephone call parameter dependent word received during a telephone call. The recognition system extracts a telephone call parameter (e.g., the telephone number from where the telephone call originated, the time of day, etc.) from the telephone call and generates a probable word set from the telephone call parameter. The probable word set includes at least one telephone call parameter dependent word. Further, the recognition system receives a speech signal and generates one or more of word choices from the speech signal. The recognition system then selects, based on the probable word set, one of the generated word choices as the recognized telephone call parameter dependent word.

Abstract: A network-based voice messaging system is provided. A voice message is received at a network. The network converts the voice message into a text message by utilizing speech recognition software. The text message is transmitted to the intended recipient as an electronic mail (e-mail) message or facsimile document and is received by the intended recipient on conventional text receiving equipment.

Abstract: Multimedia content is provided based on a set of assignment weights. A portion of a first multimedia object and a portion of a second multimedia object are buffered. The portion of multimedia content of the first multimedia object and the portion of multimedia content of the second multimedia object are accepted. The portion of multimedia content of the first multimedia object corresponds to the first assignment weight; the portion of multimedia content of the second multimedia object corresponds to the second assignment weight. The portion of multimedia content of the first multimedia object and the portion of multimedia content of the second multimedia object are stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enhances a multicast information stream, such as an IP multicast session, in a communication network is provided. The stream is received through the communication network and is enhanced at substantially the time the first stream is received. The information stream may be enhanced by adding transcribed content, such as content generated by speech recognition software, or translated content, such as from a first language to a second language, to the stream. The information stream may also be enhanced by adding content to the first information stream, such as content is related to the original content. The enhanced stream may be sent to a user as a second multicast information stream. The enhanced stream may be received by the user in place of, or along with, the original information stream. The enhanced content may be sent to the user at the conclusion of the information stream, if desired.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which enables a multitude of dissimilar end-system devices, appliances, and platforms to interchange image information. The inventive method utilizes a directory database of end-user profiles, a session manager, a conversion manager, individual conversation processors, a queuing database, and a store-and-forward file-folder database. The system accommodates pre-subscribed end-users as well as non-subscription users. The system handles both real-time and store-and-forward communications modes. The present invention may be practiced as either a one-node or a multi-node distributed architecture, scalable as required, and may be either network-based or premises-based, or a hybrid combination of these. Communications transport both into and out of the node(s) can range from voiceband telephone on analog circuits to high speed channel or fact-packet protocol communications modes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for conducting a video conference. The video conference apparatus is connected to at least one network. The video conference apparatus includes a MCU, an environment processor, a user database interface and an environment database interface. When users log onto the video conference apparatus, it is determined whether each user has designated an alternative environment from that normally detected by the camera device during the video conference. If the user has designated an alternative environment, the environment processor obtains the environment from the environment database and the video conference apparatus uses the designated environment during the video conference. However, if the user has not designated an alternative environment, the environment processor sends a request message providing a listing of possible environments which may be used during the video conference.

Abstract: An automated telephone call designation system includes a database that stores a plurality of keywords where each keyword is associated with at least one topic designation. The system monitors the conversation of an ongoing telephone call by utilizing voice recognition software resident in a network to detect the use of the keywords in the conversation. The keywords used in the conversation are correlated to the topic designation(s) associated with the keywords. Based on the correlation of the keywords to the topic designation(s) associated with the keywords, a topic for the ongoing telephone call is designated. A third party that desires to join an ongoing conversation of interest reviews the topics of the ongoing conversations and is bridged into the conversation of interest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enhances a multicast information stream, such as an IP multicast session, in a communication network is provided. The stream is received through the communication network and is enhanced at substantially the time the first stream is received. The information stream may be enhanced by adding transcribed content, such as content generated by speech recognition software, or translated content, such as from a first language to a second language, to the stream. The information stream may also be enhanced by adding content to the first information stream, such as content related to the original content. The enhanced stream may be sent to a user as a second multicast information stream. The enhanced stream may be received by the user in place of, or along with, the original information stream. The enhanced content may be sent to the user at the conclusion of the information stream, if desired.

Abstract: An intelligent data network call setup system forwards data network user information to an operator, for example, for a call with a data network user. The intelligent data network call set up system monitors the data network user's actions and generates information that summarizes potential reasons for the data network user's call and forwards such information as preamble information to the operator. The intelligent data network call set up system includes a call coordination device that serves as an interface between the data network user and the operator. The call coordination device supports web sites visited by data network users and when a request for a call is received, the call coordination device provides the operator with the user's action history, and other helpful information to the operator such as products that may interest the user to avoid the undesirable “cold start” experience. In this way, the operator may be more knowledgeable and helpful to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for conducting a video conference. The video conference apparatus is connected to at least one network. The video conference apparatus includes a MCU, an environment processor, a user database interface and an environment database interface. When users log onto the video conference apparatus, it is determined whether each user has designated an alternative environment from that normally detected by the camera device during the video conference. If the user has designated an alternative environment, the environment processor obtains the environment from the environment database and the video conference apparatus uses the designated environment during the video conference. However, if the user has not designated an alternative environment, the environment processor sends a request message providing a listing of possible environments which may be used during the video conference.

Abstract: A network that establishes a telephone call between a calling party and a called party and alters speech signals generated by the calling party during the telephone call. The network includes a network node that is coupled to the transmit channel of the calling party and the receive channel of the called party. The network node is programmed to receive a request to establish the telephone call from the calling party and receive a selection of a speech signal alteration from the calling party. The network node initiates the telephone call to the called party. Further, the network node alters the speech signal of the calling party based on the speech signal alteration selection.

Abstract: A network-based voice messaging system is provided. A voice message is received at a network. The network converts the voice message into a text message by utilizing speech recognition software. The text message is transmitted to the intended recipient as an electronic mail (e-mail) message or facsimile document and is received by the intended recipient on conventional text receiving equipment.

Abstract: A recording system that is automatically triggered in response to the detection of a triggering event to record a desired signal. In order to determine whether the triggering event is present in the input signal, the recording system of the present invention detects whether a recognized pattern in the input signal corresponds to a reference pattern maintained in memory. Alternatively, the triggering event may be detected by performing a predetermined logic operation on those recognized patterns that match at least one of the reference patterns. The present invention also employs a buffer for delaying the input signal by a predetermined duration. Once the triggering event is detected, a recording device is activated to record the delayed signal for at least the predetermined duration.

Abstract: A network based platform uses face recognition, speech recognition, background change detection and key scene events to index multimedia communications. Before the multimedia communication begins, active participants register their speech and face models with a server. The process consists of creating a speech sample, capturing a sample image of the participant and storing the data in a database. The server provides an indexing function for the multimedia communication. During the multimedia communication, metadata including time stamping is retained along with the multimedia content. The time stamping information is used for synchronizing the multimedia elements. The multimedia communication is then processed through the server to identify the multimedia communication participants based on speaker and face recognition models. This allows the server to create an index table that becomes an index of the multimedia communication.

Abstract: An intelligent data network call setup system forwards data network user information to an operator, for example, for a call with a data network user. The intelligent data network call set up system monitors the data network user's actions and generates information that summarizes potential reasons for the data network user's call and forwards such information as preamble information to the operator. The intelligent data network call set up system includes a call coordination device that serves as an interface between the data network user and the operator. The call coordination device supports web sites visited by data network users and when a request for a call is received, the call coordination device provides the operator with the user's action history, and other helpful information to the operator such as products that may interest the user to avoid the undesirable “cold start” experience. In this way, the operator may be more knowledgeable and helpful to the user.

Abstract: A method and a system for connecting a call to an agent that is connected to disparate telecommunications networks. A query is received from one of the disparate telecommunications networks regarding an availability of an agent for receiving a call. The availability of each of a plurality of agents is determined, and an agent is selected. Routing instructions are determined for routing the call from the telecommunications network from which the query was received to the selected agent. The query is then responded to by communicating the determined availability of the agent and the routing instructions to the telecommunications network from which the query was received using SS7 signaling.

Abstract: An intelligent data network call spawning system monitors a subscriber's interactions on a data network and spawns a call to an information provider. The intelligent data network call set up system monitors the data network user's navigational actions and analyzes the actions with an expert system, for example. The system spawns a call to an information provider based on these actions. The intelligent data network call spawning system includes a call spawning device that serves as an interface between the subscriber and the information provider. The call spawning device supports web sites visited by subscribers and spawns calls to information providers and may coordinate with a call coordination device to provide preamble information to a called party so that the called party is briefed regarding the subject matter of interest to the subscriber.

Abstract: A network based platform uses face recognition, speech recognition, background change detection and key scene events to index multimedia communications. Before the multimedia communication begins, active participants register their speech and face models with a server. The process consists of creating a speech sample, capturing a sample image of the participant and storing the data in a database. The server provides an indexing function for the multimedia communication. During the multimedia communication, metadata including time stamping is retained along with the multimedia content. The time stamping information is used for synchronizing the multimedia elements. The multimedia communication is then processed through the server to identify the multimedia communication participants based on speaker and face recognition models. This allows the server to create an index table that becomes an index of the multimedia communication.

Abstract: A system and apparatus provides a voice message of a calling party to a called party. The method includes the steps of initiating a telephone call to the called party over a first network and receiving the telephone call at a network node within the first network. The method further includes the steps of determining whether the called party is on-line a second network and receiving the voice message from the calling party. The method further includes the steps of converting the voice message to a digital file and sending an electronic mail message that includes the digital file to the called party.