Abstract: This disclosure includes a system to send text messages by the Internet and deliver messages in the form of speech directly on an addressee's phone. This system includes a central server where software is installed. The server receives a written text message, converts it into speech and processes it, so that the message can be sent in vocal form over a telephone line. The user receiving the message in vocal form can also answer it, sending a reply message to the sender using the telephone.

Abstract: A method, system, and storage medium for providing comprehensive facsimile information within a voicemail system are disclosed. The method includes receiving a facsimile at a voicemail system, storing the facsimile in a recipient voice mailbox, and interpreting elements of the facsimile. The interpreting is performed by optical character recognition software. Upon receiving a request by a voicemail recipient to access the voice mailbox, and absent any pre-defined user preferences with respect to the handling of the facsimile, the method includes converting the interpreted elements of the facsimile into audible speech via a text-to-speech engine, formatting the converted elements resulting in a voicemail facsimile notification, presenting the voicemail facsimile notification and options to a communications device associated with the voicemail recipient, and implementing one of the options selected by the recipient.

Abstract: A system for converting instant messaging (IM) text to telephone speech and back. The system includes a first electronic device configured to transmit and receive IM text. A translation module is housed inside the first electronic device. The translation module is configured to perform (i) translate the outgoing IM text into speech, and (ii) translate incoming speech into IM text. The system further includes a second electronic device communicatively coupled by way of a network to the first electronic device such that the second electronic device may receive the IM text as translated speech from the first electronic device via a call.

Abstract: A message publishing system processes a message from a sender in a first format and comprises a central processor, a sender account, a storage area to store at least a portion of the message, and software executing to configure the central processor. The processor identifies the sender as an authorized sender based on information associated with the message in comparison to data in the sender account, wherein the identification is dependent upon the first format, and publishes the portion of the message so as to be viewable only if the sender has been identified as an authorized sender. The software can further configure the processor to allow a requester to subscribe to receive new messages from one or more senders including the identified sender; and send a copy of a new message from the identified sender to one or more notification devices associated with the subscribed requestor.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods are provided for transcribing audio files of voice mails sent over a unified messaging system. Customized grammars specific to a voice mail recipient are created and utilized to transcribe a received voice mail by comparing the audio file to commonly utilized words, names, acronyms, and phrases used by the recipient. Key elements are identified from the resulting text transcription to aid the recipient in processing received voice mails based on the significant content contained in the voice mail.

Abstract: Publishing messages over a network includes receiving a message from a sender in a first format, identifying the sender of the message as an authorized sender based on information associated with the message in comparison to data in a sender account using software executing in a central processor, wherein the identifying step is dependent on the first format of the message, receiving a request for at least the portion of the message from a requester, and publishing at least the portion of the message to the requestor over the network only if the software has identified the sender as an authorized sender. The requester can subscribe to receive new messages from one or more senders including the identified sender, and a copy of any new messages from the identified sender can be sent to one or more notification devices associated with the subscribed requestor.

Abstract: A message publishing system operative to process a message from a sender in a first format has a central processor; at least one sender account, at least one storage area configured to store at least a first portion of the message, and software executing in the central processor. The processor is configured to identify the sender of the message as an authorized sender based on information associated with the message in comparison to data in the sender account, wherein the identification is dependent upon the first format. The processor is configured to convert at least a second portion of the message from the first format to a second format. The processor is also configured to publish the converted second portion of the message so as to be viewable in the second format only if the sender has been identified as an authorized sender.

Abstract: For improving the accuracy of a speech recognition system, for the specific task of speech-to-text (dictation style speech) translation, a constrained dictation methodology using speak-and-spell mode is disclosed. The invention is perfectly suited for modern day “text-messaging” applications wherein the number of words being dictated is very small (limited by the 140-160 characters message length constraint). Additionally, the invention adds a control on the way users interact with machines, thereby making the speech recognition task easier and improving system accuracy.

Abstract: A voice processing complex has a plurality of host machines, each host machine supporting one or more voice applications, at least one host in the complex including telephony hardware for providing access to a plurality of telephone lines. Such a host provides telephony functions to the complex. This is achieved by maintaining a mapping of voice applications to telephone lines, and creating a call object in response to an incoming call on one of the lines. It is then determined which voice application to associate with the incoming call on the basis of this mapping, and an identifier to the call object is then passed to the determined voice application. Thereafter the call object is responsive to requests from this voice application for providing telephony functions for the call. This includes receiving a media object from the voice processing application which represents desired output over a telephone line.

Abstract: A communication system provides the conversion of voice inputs into analog and/or digital data at either the transmission or reception end or both. The data is converted for use as voice and/or visual text which can be displayed to the operator for task specific or general information. This data can also be utilized by integrated management and display systems within a vehicle such as an aircraft, or for any broader communication or navigational purpose.

Abstract: As described above, the embodiments of the invention may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. Embodiments of the invention may also be embodied in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. An embodiment of the present invention can also be embodied in the form of computer program code, for example, stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to presentation of content to mobile users. In the method, data associated with presentation of content is transmitted from a communication system, the data including information regarding an event. The data is received at mobile user equipment and stored in a memory of the mobile user equipment. In response to the event, presentation of the content is triggered. The presentation is based on the data stored in the memory of the mobile user equipment.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a display device, a modem interface to communicate with a network, an input interface to receive data, and processing logic responsive to the input interface. The mobile device also includes a memory accessible to the processing logic. The memory includes a plurality of instructions executable by the processing logic to provide a user interface to the display device. The user interface includes a first area to receive a text message and a second area to receive an identifier associated with an addressee device. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processing logic to receive the text message and to submit the text message for conversion into an audio message and for transmission of the audio message to the addressee destination device.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for recording a to-do list includes receiving an incoming call by a first communication device from a caller using a second communication device. In at least one embodiment, the first communication device is located at a customer premise location. The method further includes prompting the caller to record an audio to-do list, recording an audio to-do list from the caller, and converting the audio to-do list into a text to-do list. The method further includes converting the text to-do list into at least one to-do list item, and sending the at least one to-do list item to a computing device to be utilized by an application. In at least one embodiment, the method further includes adding the at least one to-do list item to a software calendar application associated with the computing device.

Abstract: A telecommunications device includes a voice dialer and a text-to-speech engine. The text-to-speech engine is configured to convert at least a portion of a user contact list information to speech and the voice dialer is configured to receive an audio input and perform a voice recognition, comparing said audio input to converted user contact list information.

Abstract: A system and/or methodology that unifies a telephonic communication component and/or system with a data (e.g., messaging) server component and/or system. The system can facilitate telephonically accessing rich information in the server (e.g., messaging server). This rich information can include email content, calendar content, contacts information, or the like. Moreover, with access to an application programming interface, the invention can add functionality to initiate email communications as well as to accept or cancel meetings. Furthermore, the invention can synchronize messages of disparate formats. By way of example a user can set an “Out of Office” (OOF) status on both an email systems and telephone voicemail system from one location in one action. In another aspect, it will be appreciated that any message or data component can be analyzed, transformed, matched and/or communicated from one system to another (e.g., server to telephone) in accordance with the subject invention.

Abstract: Techniques for sending messages with automatic device selection and content conversion are provided. A recipient and devices associated with the recipient are determined for a message. A device is selected and the format of the message may be converted based on the selected device, if necessary. The message is then sent to the selected device.

Abstract: Sensor nodes (or addresses therefore), acting as real-time message decoys, are distributed across a real-time communications network to attract unsolicited real-time messages. Filtering rules are derived from the message characteristics (such as the source address) and messaging content of the traffic encountered at the sensor nodes. The filtering rules are distributed to filtering agents positioned in the communications network in such a way that they can filter traffic for legitimate users. The filtering agents may identify and control the disposition of real-time messaging traffic that is part of a mass communication campaign on behalf of legitimate users of the real-time messaging communication system. Disposition may include suppressing, diverting, or labeling.

Abstract: A system and method for automated telephonic deposition recording and transcription is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a connection is established between a telephone and a CPU. An audio record is opened, wherein the audio record is associated with a user number. A deposition is recorded to the audio record. In addition, responses to a plurality of prompts issued by the CPU are recorded to the audio record. Further, the audio record is transferred to a database, wherein voice tags are contemporaneously associated with each response recorded in response to a prompt. The audio record is then parsed into a plurality of audio files, wherein each audio file corresponds to a respective voice tag. Access is provided to the plurality of audio files, wherein text may be entered that is associated with a selected audio file. In addition, each audio file is correlated with text of a transcribed record when the audio record has been transcribed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing messages. The method includes the step of obtaining a subscriber message, from a subscriber communication device over a telecommunications network, the subscriber message representing a voice message from a subscriber. The subscriber message is stored in computer memory and then presented in an audio form to a human operator. A data file is composed which is derived from the subscriber message and the data file transmitted to a subscriber computing device and/or the subscriber communication device. The invention provides a related system for processing messages.

Abstract: An interactive voice and data response system that directs input to a voice, text, and web-capable software-based router, which is able to intelligently respond to the input by drawing on a combination of human agents, advanced speech recognition and expert systems, connected to the router via a TCP/IP network. The digitized input is broken down into components so that the customer interaction is managed as a series of small tasks rather than one ongoing conversation. The router manages the interactions and keeps pace with a real-time conversation. The system utilizes both speech recognition and human intelligence for purposes of interpreting customer utterance or customer text. The system may use more than one human agent, or both human agents and speech recognition software, to interpret simultaneously the same component for error-checking and interpretation accuracy.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for confirming that a remote consultation between a professional and a client occurred, including monitoring a remote consultation call between a professional and a client using a remote consultation system, storing information of the consultation, and confirming that the consultation took place using the stored information. The consultant can be a healthcare professional such as a doctor, and the client can be a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telephonic annotation services is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile telephone may be configured to include an annotation component used to record audio-based annotations for a telephone conversation. In another embodiment, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) enabled telephone is used. Annotation recordings may be created both during and after a telephone conversation. The annotation recordings may be stored in a database and indexed to a telephone number associated with the other participant in the conversation. Subsequently, prior to calling the same telephone number, or prior to placing a call to the same telephone number, annotations may be selectively played back, according to criteria specified in an annotation profile. Additionally, annotations templates may be used to structure an annotation recording according to a predefined format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displaying several types of messages all together through a single window and of enabling a user to write and transmit a message with no consideration of message type. This unified message management method displays various types of messages all together along with their respective message types through a single window, converts the type of a written message, if needed, to match it to a protocol determined based on information written in its field distinguishing a message type, and transmits the type-converted message, whereby a user can confirm all types of received messages at a time and user's inconvenience that a message type to write should be distinguished in advance prior to choosing a message input screen can be removed.

Abstract: In a messaging system, a messaging server transmits signals over the telephone network to be received by equipment at, e.g., the customer premises. Upon receiving a specific signal, the receiving equipment automatically signals the telephone network to connect the call, such as by going off-hook or by performing a hook flash sequence. In the connected state, the receiving equipment can receive data over the network, such as data to provide the recipient with notification information such as emergency notification messages.

Abstract: A method of presenting an item from a menu of an IVR system for selection is provided, comprising presenting the item to a caller, presenting an audio space to the caller, and detecting any of a number of inputs from an input device during the presentation of the item and the audio space to indicate the selection of the item by the caller.

Abstract: A method of dubbing voice messages in the form of text messages, said messages being sent by a voice service element to a terminal through a packet-mode digital data transmission network in which a channel using a transmission protocol is used to transmit the voice messages. A transmission control protocol is associated with the aforementioned transmission protocol and the text messages are sent to the terminal in a channel using said transmission control protocol. The method is suitable for interpersonal communication over packet-switching communications networks.

Abstract: A transcribing method may include receiving an audio message from a customer via a telephone, determining whether one of the agent transcribers is available, storing the audio message when an agent transcriber is not available, continuing to determine whether a transcriber is available, streaming in real time a streamed portion of the audio message to a first available agent transcriber for facilitating the transcription of the streamed portion of the audio message into a first portion of a transcription text file, providing subsequently a pre-streamed recorded portion of the audio message to a subsequently available second agent transcriber for facilitating the transcription of the pre-streamed recorded portion of the audio message into a second portion of the transcription text file while the streaming in real time is continuing with the first agent transcriber, and combining the first and second portions of the transcription text file into a consolidated text file.

Abstract: A method for execution by an owner of a mailbox in a voice mail system. The method comprises using an access device to access a voicemail message contained in the mailbox and entering a command instrumental in causing the voicemail message to be forwarded over a telephone network to a conversion entity. At the conversion entity, an electronic representation of the voicemail message is created and then the electronic representation of the voicemail message is rendered accessible to the owner of the mailbox, e.g., by sending an email message to a predetermined address. In this way, electronic representations of voicemail messages in a mailbox can be accessed by the owner of the mailbox using a device of choice, not necessarily the access device used initially to enter the command. Also, this functionality is achieved while allowing the voice mail system to remain a legacy voice mail system.

Abstract: A computerized message transaction system has an incubation function and a storage repository. In this system a transaction or a version of the transaction may be stored for a pre-specified period of time, and may be revived at the end of the specified time.

Abstract: A personal Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system includes a plurality of IVR servers communicating personal IVR service node information in a network and a plurality of personal IVR service node clients coupled to the plurality of IVR servers communicating the personal IVR service node information. The plurality of personal IVR service node clients have a client—server relationship with the plurality of IVR servers. The personal IVR system further includes facilities for managing transmission of the personal IVR service node information using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes receiving a selection of an interactive voice response (IVR) option. The method also includes receiving, at an IVR system, a first spoken message. The first spoken message is translated, at a translator, into a short message service (SMS) text message.

Abstract: A message is delivered to multiple communication stations. The message is received from a first communication station. An indication of a plurality of destination communication stations is also received from the first communication station. For each destination communication station, the message is annunciated. If a destination communication station is a telephone station, the telephone number corresponding to the telephone station is dialed, an answer status is received, and the message is annunciated to the telephone station.

Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for converting incoming and/or outgoing communications to usable and convenient formats. For example, a user selects a desired profile from a group of available profiles, and the selected profile is activated. If a first profile is selected and an incoming communication having a textual component is received while the first profile is active, then the textual component is converting to an audio format and recited. If a second profile is selected and an incoming communication having an audio component is received while the second profile is active, then the audio component is converted to a textual format and displayed.

Abstract: Voicemail systems and methods can provide a user with means for receiving categorized messages from parties. The categories can be independent of the intended recipients of the messages, such that multiple users can receive the same message. A user can subscribe to receive categorized messages within selected categories or from selected parties. A registered party, including a merchant, an organization, a government agency and/or another party, can input messages to selected categories and can input distribution parameters for the messages. Expiration dates can be associated with the messages such that messages can be deleted once expired.

Abstract: A relay is described to facilitate communication through the telephone system between hearing users and users who need or desire assistance in understanding voice communications. To overcome the speed limitations inherent in typing, the call assistant at the relay does not type most words but, instead, re-voices the words spoken by the hearing user into a computer operating a voice recognition software package trained to the voice of that call assistant. The text stream created by the computer and the voice of the hearing user are both sent to the assisted user so that the assisted user can be supplied with a visual text stream to supplement the voice communications. A time delay in the transmission of the voice of the hearing user through the relay is of assistance to the assisted user in comprehending the communications session.

Abstract: A system and/or methodology that unifies a telephonic communication component and/or system with a data (e.g., messaging) server component and/or system. The system can facilitate telephonically accessing rich information in the server (e.g., messaging server). This rich information can include email content, calendar content, contacts information, or the like. Moreover, with access to an application programming interface, the invention can add functionality to initiate email communications as well as to accept or cancel meetings. Furthermore, the invention can synchronize messages of disparate formats. By way of example a user can set an “Out of Office” (OOF) status on both an email systems and telephone voicemail system from one location in one action. In another aspect, it will be appreciated that any message or data component can be analyzed, transformed, matched and/or communicated from one system to another (e.g., server to telephone) in accordance with the subject invention.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamically generated information to a caller during the ringing state of a telephone call. In one example, color ringback tones may be used in conjunction with text-to-speech technology and caller ID services to provide personalized audio messages. These messages may be generated in real time and may include information that may be useful to the caller, such as up-to-date status information (e.g., the status of the caller's voicemail inbox), news or other information.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously conducting multiple telephone conversations is provided. In an embodiment, a user converses with one individual on a first channel while simultaneously transmitting audible utterances to a second individual or a second channel. The user can select the desired channel or channels and a desired phrase and an electronic representation of the selected phrase is transmitted over the selected channel(s).

Abstract: Briefly, a variety of embodiments, including the following, are described: a system embodiment and methods that allow random access to voice messages, in contrast to sequential access in existing system embodiments; a system embodiment and methods that allow for the optional use of voice recognition to enhance usability; and a system embodiment and methods that apply to the area of voicemail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating message types, elements, and/or content with data from one or more data stores are provided. Current limitations on the tracking and management of information contained within or associated with message types and elements are overcome through an association manager or “data linking engine” that provides context-driven workflow management for end-users. The end-users may work in an application context that is not integrated in the messaging system. The application context may include databases, systems, data stores, links in Web pages, etc. If the association manager appends data to a given message, recipients of that message have the ability to access added functionality within the context of the messaging system.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a user database storing user information; a text-to-speech generator; and a default user greeting generator for a messaging system for generating a greeting based on a text-to-speech conversion of user information using said text-to-speech generator. The system may further include a presence service adapted to monitor a user context, wherein the default greeting generator can generate a context sensitive user greeting based on said user context.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing real-time voice communication between devices connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network and devices connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN). In one implementation, the system includes a computer-controlled switch for connection to a local PSTN, for receiving calls from the IP network and the PSTN, and for routing calls to the PSTN and the IP network; and gate interface circuitry connected to the switch and adapted for connection to the IP network. The gate interface circuitry includes gateway circuitry for interfacing the IP network and PSTN voice circuits, and gatekeeper circuitry for performing address translation, admission control, bandwidth management, and zone management. The switch stores at least one PSTN destination address and at least one IP network destination address for each subscriber. The switch routes an incoming call to any one of the destination addresses stored for the subscriber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for silent message delivery are provided. One such embodiment includes a message receiver configured to receive a text message and convert it to a corresponding speech message. A message router is connected to the message receiver and configured to route the speech message dependent on information included in the speech message in accordance with a messaging directory. Preferably, a Voice Profile for Inter-system Messaging (VPIM) agent is connected to the message router and configured to convert the speech message to a corresponding VPIM message and deliver it to a voice mail system. Methods are also provided for delivery of a text message as speech message to a voice mail system without initiating a call to a telephonic device.

Abstract: Wireless service providers use SMS to notify users of text messages from other wireless users using text-based communications. SMS is used in conjunction with an Interactive Voice Response system and a text-to-speech (TTS) translator to provide enhanced text messaging. Users access the SMS menu on their wireless phone. Instead of typing a text message on the wireless phone keypad, users select an IVR option that connects to the wireless service provider's IVR system. After entering or speaking the telephone number (name or nickname) for the “To:” field, the user speaks the message to be sent via SMS. The IVR reads back the spoken message for user confirmation. Once confirmed, the message is translated to text using a Text-to-Speech translator, or a speech recognition dictation feature, and forwarded to the SMS Messaging Gateway.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow a user at a telephone to communicate with an instant messaging client. The instant messaging client may be identified by a PIN that is entered on the telephone. Input from the telephone, include keypad and voice input may be converted to text that is displayed to the IM client. Text data received from the IM client may be converted to speech that is output to the telephone. A proximity detector may be used to determine the presence of an IM client user.

Abstract: A communications system exchanges messages between users. A messaging store stores the messages. A messaging server accesses and manages messages of the message store. A plurality of servers interface between the messaging server and different networks of the users. Processes employing dynamic mailboxes and for selectively retrieving messages are also provided.

Abstract: A computerized method for diagnosing deployed voice-enabled application issues within a maintenance environment. The method can identify a recognition log file that includes details of previously occurring interactions of a voice-enabled application executing programmatic actions in an operational environment. The voice-enabled application can utilize a speech recognition service to convert utterances to text. Previously occurring interactions of the operational environment can be simulated in a maintenance environment. The maintenance environment can include a maintenance voice-enabled application component used in place of the voice-enabled application and can include a text-based speech recognition service used in place of the speech recognition service.

Abstract: A system includes a network interface, a speech input conversion component, and a routing module. Speech input is received in connection with a call. At least a segment of the speech input is transformed into a first textual format. A first list of entries is generated based, at least partially, on consideration of the first textual format. The first list includes at least one action with a corresponding confidence level and at least one object with another corresponding confidence level. An entry of the first list having a higher corresponding confidence level is selected, and a second textual format is output. A second list is generated based, at least partially, on consideration of the selected entry and the second textual format. A routing option is suggested based on the selected entry and a pairing entry in the second list.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of a telephone in a packet switched network. The system and method provides for the telephone status to be determined by a status monitoring device or, where the network is a cable network and the equipment comprises a telephone, by a subscriber cable interface device. The equipment status file is accessible over a network, such as the Internet, by status accessing device. The status file provides status information indicative of the telephone for which the status is being determined.