Having Format Conversion Patents (Class 379/93.15)
  • Publication number: 20100040211
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting/receiving a call on a home network. When a request for call transmission/reception is made, a CP selects a target electronic device to/from which to transmit/receive a call from among at least one electronic device, establishes a connection for call transmission/reception between a terminal and the selected target electronic device, and controls the call transmission/reception between the terminal and the selected target electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Je-Young Maeng, Se-Hee Han, Fei Fei Feng, Dong-Shin Jung, Joo-Yeol Lee
  • Publication number: 20100002853
    Abstract: An audio interface includes interface circuitry configured to translate audio signals received from a military handset to audio signals compatible with a plain old telephone system (POTS) network. The interface circuitry presents a 6-pin (or 5-pin) audio port configured to couple the military handset to the interface circuitry. The interface circuitry further features a 2-wire POTS connector configured to couple the interface circuitry to the POTS network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Shaw, Phil Berry, Jimmy Tran, Forest Stephens
  • Patent number: 7643621
    Abstract: Picture and speech communication between plural terminals connected to different networks, such as a circuit-switched network and IP network. A converting apparatus 400 for control information or media information for picture/speech communications is provided across first and second terminals 301, 302 connected to respective different types of networks. Converting apparatus 400 includes control information converter 420, transcoder 450 and ability information converter 460. In case the ability information extracted from the decoding information, received from the first terminal 301, is not coincident to the ability information extracted from the call control information received from the second terminal 302, it is further checked whether or not there is picture format size coincidence. If the picture format size coincidence persists in one direction, processing is carried out for converting part of the decoding information or the control information, without causing the operations of the transcoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7599352
    Abstract: Switching points in current voice telephony networks (PSTN/ISDN) deal with the control of links and useful channels. Next generation networks which are designed for voice and data work according to the principle of separation in the control of links and useful channels. Different network elements are used to control links and useful channels. Link control is carried out by soft switches which communicate by means of a suitable protocol with media gateways controlling the useful channel. A plurality of services are implemented in existing networks, said services continuing to be needed. This results in the following problem: the new development or porting of the software controlling said services required for the soft switches is extremely heavy and very complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hanspeter Ruckstuhl
  • Patent number: 7573985
    Abstract: A method for providing communication services for the hearing-impaired may include receiving a telephone call from a hearing-impaired party or a hearing party. The method may also include forwarding the telephone call to a communication assistant and establishing a communication link, such an Internet protocol link, that links the hearing-impaired party, the communication assistant and the hearing party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Verizon Business Global LLC
    Inventors: William A. McClelland, Steven C. Johnson, Mark R. Logan, Chris R. Heidelbauer, Benjamin W. Dudley, Kurt P. Haldeman
  • Patent number: 7574480
    Abstract: A terminal for providing an application using a browser. The terminal includes a transceiver arranged to send radio packets to and receive radio packets from a server, and a browser application for displaying content, arranged to initiate a first application by accessing a first item associated with the first application using a first content identifier. The application is provided by the combination of the first item and further items each of which is accessible using an individual content identifier, and each of which includes content or a device for linking to content. Also, the terminal includes a memory for storing items received from the server locally in the terminal for access by the browser using their individual content identifiers. Accessing an item involves attempting to read the item from the memory and then, if unsuccessful, requesting transfer of the item from the server by sending a radio packet containing the appropriate content identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Claus Pedersen, Lars Bohn Hansen
  • Patent number: 7564958
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Sunil H. Contractor
  • Patent number: 7561873
    Abstract: A mobile communication device 10 for converting between alphanumeric data and TTY formatted data. A conversion table 20, 40 is stored in a memory associated with microprocessor 16 of mobile 10. Microprocessor 16 converts alphanumeric characters input by a user to TTY formatted data for transmission in digital mode. TTY formatted signals that are received by mobile 10 are converted to alphanumeric data by TTY decoder 26 and microprocessor 16 for display on mobile display 14. In analog mode, tone generator 44 produces a Baudot tone formatted signal for transmission from mobile 10. Tone detector 46 detects Baudot tone formatted signals received in analog mode. Microprocessor 16 converts the Baudot tone formatted signals to alphanumeric data for display on display 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventors: Anthanasios Angelopoulos, Aaron Teague
  • Patent number: 7557942
    Abstract: Recipient information is allocated to a transmission box in the image processing apparatus based on the header information in the e-mail sent from the external terminal. Scanned image data is stored and linked to the same transmission box. Subsequently, based on the recipient information, the image data is sent to the recipient as an attachment to an e-mail addressed to the recipient. Because the recipient information and the image data are linked via the transmission box, it is not necessary to simultaneously designate the recipient and input the image data. Therefore, the operation panel of the image processing apparatus need not be occupied for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7552225
    Abstract: A communication system can include a telephony application server and at least one speech engine, where the system uses a standardized messaging protocol that specifies a standard for media resources. The telephony application server can have at least one voice server component. The speech engines can be allocated to handle requests for the voice server component on a per turn basis. The standardized messaging protocol can define a message format for request messages sent from the voice server component to a selected speech engine, a message format for response messages sent from the speech engine to the voice server component, and a message format for event messages sent from the speech engine to the voice server component. Each message format can include a field for a call identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Creamer, Victor S. Moore, Wendi L. Nusbickel, Ricardo Dos Santos, James J. Sliwa
  • Patent number: 7522580
    Abstract: Methods and systems for interconnecting SS7 signaling points include connecting an edge device to a plurality of SS7 service switching points using fixed-bandwidth SS7 links. The edge device is connected to an SS7/IP gateway using a variable-bandwidth signaling link. The edge device multiplexes SS7 messages received over the fixed-bandwidth signaling links and transmits the message over the variable-bandwidth signaling link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Tekelec
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Miller, Venkataramaiah Ravishankar
  • Patent number: 7508924
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrated electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail messaging. A common message format is defined for use by an electronic mail service and a telecommunications service so electronic mail messages that may include voice and fax mail attachments may be exchanged between the services. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications and specify a preference for receiving messages at the electronic mail or telecommunications service. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Cranberry Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. H. Owens, Michael S. Finney, Michael L. Snider, Randall S. Wright, James W. Paynter, Robin R. Bard
  • Patent number: 7489416
    Abstract: An MFP can transmit image data read by a scanner by attaching it to E-mail. At the time of transmission, the image data input by the scanner and stored in a work memory is converted into mail data so as to be transmitted by E-mail, and the mail data is stored again into the work memory. The mail data is divided every predetermined reference data size into divided files which are sequentially transmitted as divided mails. When completion of transmission of divided mails corresponding to a unit image is confirmed, the image data and mail data of the unit image are eliminated from the work memory. By sequentially performing such a process, the memory use efficiency can be improved while holding image data of a unit image which has not been transmitted yet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20090003563
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a communication method for communication on a first communication device over a network. The method includes creating media on the first communication device and transmitting over the network the media created from the first communication device. The method also includes receiving over the network at the first communication device media associated with the transmitted media. Together, the associated transmitted and received media constitute a conversation between the first communication device and one or more participants sending the received media over the network. The method further includes storing on the first communication device the transmitted and received media associated with the conversation. In accordance with the method, a number of rendering options are provided, including a near real-time mode or a time-shifted mode. In the near real-time mode, the received media of the conversation is rendered as the media is received over the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: RebelVox, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 7450563
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising receiving a call setup request, and automatically providing an indication that the call setup request is being processed. At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising providing a call setup request to a network, and receiving an indication that the call setup request is being processed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, II, L.P.
    Inventors: Debra Lee Cook, Gerald Joseph Kersus
  • Patent number: 7412040
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing real-time conversation among a plurality of disparate communication devices include receiving a first communication from a first communication device operating in a first communication mode, translating the first communication into a second communication that is suitable for processing by a second communication device operating in a second communication mode, wherein the second communication mode is different from the first communication mode, and providing the second communication to the second communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Koch
  • Patent number: 7395959
    Abstract: A method, system, and program provides for hands free contact database information entry at a communication device. A recording system at a communication device detects a user initiation to record. Responsive to detecting the user initiation to record, the recording system records the ongoing conversation supported between the communication device and a second remote communication device. The recording system converts the recording of the conversation into text. Next, the recording system extracts contact information from the text. Then, the recording system stores the extracted contact information in an entry of the contact database, such that contact information is added to the contact database of the communication device without manual entry of the contact information by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dustin Kirkland, Ameet M. Paranjape
  • Patent number: 7392191
    Abstract: A method and device for performing some preprocessing on voice transmissions depending upon the intended destination of the transmission. The device includes a receiving component configured to receive a voice signal from a source over a network. The device also includes a processing component configured to determine a destination address associated with the received signal, determine a signal processing algorithm from a plurality of signal processing algorithms based on the determined address, and process the voice signal according to the specified algorithm. The device further includes a delivery component configured to send the processed signal to the associated address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Intellisist, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilad Odinak
  • Publication number: 20080144788
    Abstract: A method of performing communication in a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes recording a voice phone number of a second party while communicating with the first party, reproducing the recorded voice phone number when a request for voice communication is input, recognizing the reproduced voice phone number, dialing the recognized voice phone number to call the second party, and performing communication with the second party when the second party receives the call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong Min You, Seung Gun Park
  • Patent number: 7386100
    Abstract: Teletype (TTY, also known as Telecommunication Device for the Deaf, or TDD) transmissions are moded. The same sequence of tones may code for a letter or for a figure. When a TTY device is transmitting to a text-based Internet Protocol display device, via a TTY-to-text conversion gateway, the text will not be displayed properly if the TTY device and gateway are out of mode synchronization. To fix the problem, either a signal received from the destination terminal causes the gateway to change its conversion mode from letter to figure or vice versa, or a signal input by the end user or automatically generated by the destination terminal causes the destination terminal to display the other character than the received letter or figure that is coded to the same TTY tone sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Paul R. Michaelis
  • Patent number: 7336625
    Abstract: Transmission data are transmitted via a radio interface between an analog telephone link and a user apparatus. A base station for a cordless telephone that is connected to the telephone link has a converter that converts the analog signals into digital signals and vice versa. The digital signals are transmitted, in particular according to the DECT standard, via a radio interface between the base station and a mobile station. In the mobile station, the digital signals are decoded, and thus the transmission data are acquired, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Rolf Hertel, Christian Kranz
  • Patent number: 7336944
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for legal intercept monitoring of a cellular telephone modem (CTM) device. More particularly, a system incorporating a CTM-to-TTY/TDD converter and a Call Content Delivery Unit (CCDU) to facilitate the monitoring of calls made to or from a CTM device is implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donna Michaels Sand, John Gerard Adamek
  • Patent number: 7319740
    Abstract: An arrangement for providing captioned telephone service is provided which permits persons who are hard of hearing to receive captioning of their telephone communications as they need it. A personal interpreter/captioned telephone device can dial a relay on a second telephone line while the assisted user if conversing with a hearing user over a first telephone line. The second telephone line connects to a relay which provides voice to text translation service and returns a text stream to the captioned telephone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ultratec, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Engelke, Kevin Colwell
  • Patent number: 7315612
    Abstract: A method for providing communication services for communications between a hearing-impaired party and a hearing party includes establishing a voice link with the hearing party. The method also includes receiving a voice message from the hearing party via the voice link and generating a text message corresponding to the voice message using voice recognition. The method may also include transmitting the text message to the hearing-impaired party. Optionally, a high speed text input device may also be used with, or instead of, the voice recognition to generate the text message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Verizon Business Global LLC
    Inventor: William A. McClelland
  • Patent number: 7283623
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a uniform interface on heterogeneous access devices, that are capable of requesting specified classes of information from a server. Access devices, such as those that access Internet content, are often of different hardware and software configurations. Each access device displays a similar interface, for example, an interface similar to the touchpad of a telephone. The interfaces are configured so that similar keys included in the interfaces of different access devices request a similar specified classes of information. Then, when similar keys on different access devices are selected by a user, the selection causes the access devices to request a similar specified class of information. Thus, users of access devices with differing configurations become accustomed to similar keys requesting similar specified classes of information. This makes the interface easier to learn and less confusing for users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Intellisync Corporation
    Inventor: Kary K. Burns
  • Patent number: 7245403
    Abstract: An image transfer apparatus includes a history information storage unit configure to store a history information by associating a mail address designated as a destination in a previously performed image transfer with type information indicating a type of the terminal of the image transfer destination. The apparatus allows a first transfer unit to execute the image transfer, when the history information stored in the history information storage unit is designated as the image transfer destination and the type information included in the designated history information indicates a first type in conformity with a Internet system, and allows a second transfer unit to execute the image transfer, when the type information included in the history information designated as the image transfer destination indicates a second type in a predetermined system not to related to the Internet system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiharu Ishii
  • Patent number: 7236574
    Abstract: A method for providing communication services for the hearing-impaired includes establishing a communication link between a hearing-impaired party and a communication assistant. The communication link may be a full duplex link. The communication assistant may also establish a voice link with a hearing party. The hearing-impaired party and the hearing party may then communicate, with the communication assistant acting as a conduit for the conversation. For example, the hearing party may send a voice message to the communication assistant. The communication assistant may then convert the voice message into a text message and transmit the text message to the hearing-impaired party. The communication assistant may also convert text messages received from the hearing-impaired party into voice messages for the hearing party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Verizon Business Global LLC
    Inventors: Kurt P. Haldeman, William A. McClelland, Benjamin W. Dudley
  • Patent number: 7212617
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrating electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail in a universal mailbox. Message receivers may access their messages with a telephone or a computer regardless of the communication medium used by the message sender. Using a telephone, message receivers may playback voice mail, redirect fax mail, and “listen” to e-mail through a text-to-speech conversion process. Using a computer and modem, message receivers may playback voice mail, view fax mail, and read e-mail by accessing the universal mailbox via connection software. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications via the universal mailbox. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Cranberry Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. H. Owens, James Arthur Kitchen, David Gregory Smith, Leonard A. DeNittis, Kyle S. Brown, Michael S. Finney, Thomas Francis Johnson, III, Steve Feinstein, Michael L. Snider, Randall S. Wright, James W. Paynter, Robin R. Bard
  • Patent number: 7206392
    Abstract: A premise wiring system comprises a backend communications system including telephony capabilities and at least one communications device configured for electrical signalling. A signal conversion system acts between the backend communications system and the at least one communications system. The signal conversion system converts electrical signalling being exchanged between the at least one communications device and the backend communications system into optical signalling for transmission over a fiber optic link and reconverts the optical signalling into electrical signalling for delivery to the at least one communications device and the backend communications system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Larry Fingler, Iain Galloway, Nadine Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 7206386
    Abstract: A system and method for electronic communication with the hearing impaired is disclosed, which includes a video relay service having a video relay service application configured to receive the called party number over the first connection and request interpretive services. The video relay service application, initiates when interpretive services are available. The video relay service times a duration of concurrent connection of the first and second connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Daniel Clapp, Michael Drew Flathers, Carlo Johannes Bos, Edward Franz Armstrong, Scot Lorin Brooksby
  • Patent number: 7200210
    Abstract: A fully automated, voice controlled business appointment/reservation system is provided. The system has a natural language voice user interface that emulates a live office administrator for appointment/reservation bookkeeping. It includes an efficient availability searching mechanism which enables a telephone user to quickly search and reserve available time slot based on his preference. Other described novel features and implementation improvements include method and system for voice controlled appointment/reservation cancellation, method and system for voice controlled appointment/reservation waiting list, method and system for new user service sign-up and account creation, method and system enabling sequential selective dialing of a telephone user list by voice command, and method and system for scheduling data administration by voice commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Yi Tang
  • Patent number: 7197567
    Abstract: Devices, softwares and methods enable SIP devices to operate in H.323 networks, and devices, softwares and methods enable H.323 devices to operate in SIP networks. Messages that initiate communication from a first protocol are translated into the appropriate messages of the second, responded to, and the replies are translated back into the first. Routing by the legacy network is thus seamlessly exploited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cary Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7193739
    Abstract: The invention teaches elimination of the need for allocating a telephony port or equivalent processor resource for realtime facsimile transmission through a broadband access gateway by replacing a fax modem or analog fax machine with a computer system having a network connection to the gateway. A software application on the computer uses a serial port redirector that provides a virtual communication port for facsimile software applications that would otherwise use a fax modem on a computer. The port redirector captures fax data sent to a serial communication port on the computer and sends it to the virtual fax module on the gateway. The gateway has a virtual fax software application associated which emulates a Class 1 or Class 2 fax modem interface from the client-side PC. The gateway uses a codec to convert fax data into ITU T.38 standards for “Procedures for real-time Group 3 facsimile communication over IP networks”. Packetized T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Satish Mundra, David A. Lide, Edward N. George
  • Patent number: 7190950
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for storing received voicemail messages to alternate storage locations. A subscriber to voicemail services provides a voicemail system with an address or a number of addresses to which the subscriber may forward voicemail messages for extended storage. The subscriber may provide an electronic mail address, facsimile device number, a forwarding telephone directory number, or the address of a wireless electronic device, such as a hand-held computer, personal digital assistant, or pager. After receiving and reviewing a voicemail message left for the subscriber at the voicemail system, the subscriber may select an alternate storage address to have the voicemail message forwarded to that address for extended storage and for subsequent review and use. The message may be converted from speech-to-text at the voicemail system prior to forwarding the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: La Veria Baker, Vernon Meadows, David Scott
  • Patent number: 7142642
    Abstract: A method for providing communication services for the hearing-impaired may include receiving a telephone call having a terminating number associated with a hearing-impaired party. The method may also include forwarding the telephone call to a communication assistant and establishing a communication link from the communication assistant to the hearing-impaired party based on the terminating number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: MCI, LLC
    Inventors: William A. McClelland, Steven C. Johnson, Mark R. Logan, Ivaylo I. Ivanov, Benjamin W. Dudley, Kurt P. Haldeman, Chris R. Heidelbauer
  • Patent number: 7116766
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrated electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail messaging. A common message format is defined for use by an electronic mail service and a telecommunications service so electronic mail messages that may include voice and fax mail attachments may be exchanged between the services. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications and specify a preference for receiving messages at the electronic mail or telecommunications service. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Cranberry Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J.H. Owens, Michael S. Finney, Michael L. Snider, Randall S. Wright, James W. Paynter, Robin R. Bard
  • Patent number: 7092998
    Abstract: A software architecture, data model, and access protocol to facilitate real time, session-based access to server-based data from low bandwidth wireless computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathanial X. Frietas, Shane Connely, Will Meyer, Jonathan Oakes, James Venturi
  • Patent number: 7085357
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for a Home Network telephone answering device (TAD) to notify external systems of voice mail messages. The method comprises: receiving the message from a communication media; recording a voice mail message for registered Home Network endpoints; and, sending a notification of the recorded message from the TAD to a system external to the Home Network. The notification may include information such as the calling telephone number, the calling party's name, the time of the call, the addressed endpoint, and the length of the call. Some aspects of the method further comprise: converting the format of the recorded message to one that is compatible with the external system to which the notification is sent. Other aspects of the method further comprise: in response to the notification, receiving a request for the playback of the recorded message; and, supplying the recorded message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherman L. Gavette, Carl Mansfield
  • Patent number: 7065185
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing real-time conversation among a plurality of disparate communication devices include receiving a first communication from a first communication device operating in a first communication mode, translating the first communication into a second communication that is suitable for processing by a second communication device operating in a second communication mode, wherein the second communication mode is different from the first communication mode, and providing the second communication to the second communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corp.
    Inventor: Robert A. Koch
  • Patent number: 7054421
    Abstract: A method of enabling a legacy interactive voice response unit to accept multiple forms of user input can include associating dual tone multi-frequency selectable options of the legacy interactive voice response unit with non-dual tone multi-frequency user inputs. A non-dual tone multi-frequency user input can be received and processed to determine at least one dual tone multi-frequency selectable option that is associated with the received user input. Dual tone multi-frequency signals can be generated for selecting the at least one dual-tone multi-frequency selectable option associated with the user input. The dual tone multi-frequency signals can be provided to the legacy interactive voice response unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dilip D. Kandlur, Dave B. Lindquist, Baiju D. Mandalia
  • Patent number: 7050553
    Abstract: A communication device is described that includes a POTS interface system, a processing system, a conversion system, a voice interface system, and a digital interface system. When in operation, the POTS interface system receives analog voice signals for a call. The POTS interface system converts the analog voice signals from analog to digital to generate digital voice signals. The processing system performs an application on the digital voice signals to provide a presentation format of the digital voice signals of the call to a user. The conversion system then converts the digital voice signals into analog voice signals and a voice interface system transmits audible signals to the user. The digital interface system receives digital data signals from a data service provider and the processing system performs an application on the digital data signals to provide additional data to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Shye-Bin S. Chang, Richard Warren Hemmeter, Stinson Samuel Mathai, Hong Xie
  • Patent number: 7003082
    Abstract: An arrangement for providing captioned telephone service is provided which permits persons who are hard of hearing to receive captioning of their telephone communications as they need it. A personal interpreter/captioned telephone device can dial a relay on a second telephone line while the assisted user if conversing with a hearing user over a first telephone line. The second telephone line connects to a relay which provides voice to text translation service and returns a text stream to the captioned telephone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ultratec, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Engelke, Kevin Colwell
  • Patent number: 6999564
    Abstract: Accordingly, there is provided, a method of connecting users of a telecommunications system, the method comprising, receiving a call, playing a prompt in response to the call, receiving voice data, processing voice data to extract keyword information from the voice data, determining signaling information from the keyword data, and connecting the call based on the signaling information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Thomas
  • Patent number: 6965569
    Abstract: A file conversion system provides a plurality of network computing platforms, each computing platform having one or more conversion engines executing thereon. When a file is to be transferred, a plurality of destination file types is determined. If all destination file types are different from the file's current type, the file is converted to a file having a type corresponding to one of the destination file type. If the file needs to be converted, then a conversion path, potentially passing through multiple conversion engines associated with a least conversion cost is chosen to perform the conversion. The file is sent to the computing platform on which the conversion engines associated with the least cost conversion are executing. Moreover, the least cost conversion can take into account the destination cost. Conversion costs are determined using a table of costs for performing various conversions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Net2Phone, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn T. Carolan, Martin T. Wegner, Antonio Dutra, Omprasad S. Nanydal
  • Patent number: 6934366
    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 in the assisted user comprehending the communications session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Ultratec, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Engelke, Kevin Colwell, Troy D. Vitek, Kurt M. Gritner
  • Patent number: 6934045
    Abstract: A facsimile system is disclosed for transferring a facsimile using a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network. The facsimile system comprises a first communication processing system and a second communication processing system. The first communication processing system converts the facsimile into application packets that indicate individual application packet lengths. The first communication processing system then converts the application packets into TCP/IP packets and transfers the TCP/IP packets to the TCP/IP network. The second communication processing system receives the transferred TCP/IP packets from the TCP/IP network and converts the transferred TCP/IP packets into transferred application packets. The second communication processing system converts the transferred application packets into the facsimile using the individual application packet lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Mindspeed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Michel Vialle, Michael Clement Whitfield, Remy Gauguey
  • Patent number: 6920130
    Abstract: A gateway adapter for a circuit switched PBX system to allow the PBX system to interoperate with a packet switched network containing a remote services unit. The gateway adapter includes a PBX interface for communicating with the PBX system, a network interface for communicating with the packet switched network and an interoperation functional unit to effect manipulation on data received by the two interfaces to allow the PBX system and the packet switched network to interoperate. One example of interoperation is to perform call processing functions on call sessions through the PBX system at a remote network services unit residing in the packet switched network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Ramey
  • Patent number: 6914964
    Abstract: A method for establishing a communication session is provided that includes receiving a query at a database that includes a selected one or both of a phone number associated with a first end user and a phone number that was input by the first end user to establish a communication session with a second end user. A situation associated with the communication session may be identified based on a plurality of functional purpose (FP) codes stored in the database and associated with a selected one or more of the first and second end users. A telecommunications relay service (TRS) or gateway switch routing number, a network routing number for a third point, and an initial address message (IAM) may be communicated. A communication assistant or translator element may be invoked, in response to the IAM, such that the communication session is facilitated between the first and second end users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Richard C. Levine
  • Patent number: 6912274
    Abstract: A novel communication system allows telephone customers to send and retrieve e-mail using only conventional telephone units. The system includes an “E-mail Device” (EMD), which is a special host computer for enabling customers to remotely create, send, retrieve and store e-mail messages. The EMD resides in the central office as part of a PSTN, or with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Subscribers to the e-mail service can give calling parties the option of leaving e-mail messages when the subscribers' telephone lines are busy. Customers can also create and send e-mail messages by either dialing an access code to connect directly to the EMD, or dialing an ISP with a resident EMD. Once connected to the EMD, the customer is guided through menus to send either pre-stored or custom e-mail messages to a chosen customer, telephone number, or e-mail address. The message information and details are entered via the touch-tone pad, or by voice, followed with voice-to-text conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bonnie P. Hitzeman, Donald L. Andruska
  • Patent number: RE41002
    Abstract: An electronic communications system for the deaf includes a video apparatus for observing and digitizing the facial, body and hand and finger signing motions of a deaf person, an electronic translator for translating the digitized signing motions into words and phrases, and an electronic output for the words and phrases. The video apparatus desirably includes both a video camera and a video display which will display signing motions provided by translating spoken words of a hearing person into digitized images. The system may function as a translator by outputting the translated words and phrases as synthetic speech at the deaf person's location for another person at that location, and that person's speech may be picked up, translated, and displayed as signing motions on a display in the video apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Raanan Liebermann