Abstract: An apparatus for storing predetermined multimedia information is provided. The apparatus includes a telephony platform and a storage location coupled to the telephony platform. The storage location stores predetermined multimedia information corresponding to a plurality of predetermined information tracks, and the telephony platform receives at least one multimedia command from an access device of a user. The multimedia command enables the user to access a service of the apparatus relating to a particular information track of the predetermined information tracks. Also, the telephony platform charges the user a fee for accessing the service.

Abstract: Rights in unmarked end user provide content are protected by receiving a message comprising content, obtaining a unique identifier, and comparing the unique identifier to a database of known identifiers if a known unique identifier is found, the message is delivered, if allowed according to the distribution rights authorized by the content provider. If known unique identifier is found, the unique identifier is found, the unique identifier is stored in the content repository, and the message is delivered. Further forwarding of the contents is thus authorized only when indicated in the authorized distribution rights.

Abstract: A method and system for sending messages including multimedia content between mobile communication devices via relays. Synchronized local caches are maintained at the relays for storing and retrieving multimedia content originating with end-users, without the necessity of storing the multimedia content into the caches upon publication by a service provider. When a first mobile communication device wishes to send multimedia content to a second mobile communication device, the first mobile communication device initially transmits a digest of the multimedia content to a first relay, rather than the entire multimedia content, and the first relay searches a first local cache maintained by the first relay using the digest to determine whether the multimedia content is stored in the local cache. When the multimedia content is stored in the first local cache, the first relay sends to the second relay a reference to the multimedia content.

Abstract: A wireless prepaid payphone system provides simple and efficient payphone service in a wireless communications network. A payphone interface is added to a prepaid server of the wireless network, enabling real-time communication between the prepaid server and a payphone application running in a wireless/mobile handset. This real-time communication allows the payphone application to automatically and accurately calculate the amount to be charged for each call, as well as keeping track of an accumulated total for all the calls made. The total price/cost for a made call and the accumulated price/cost for all the calls made are displayed on the handset for easy viewing. Additionally, a cost control application allows limits to be placed on the usage, as it relates to the cost incurred, of the wireless handset.

Abstract: The present invention is a session management method and system. The method includes initiating a first session in a first device connected to a data source; initiating a second session in the first device while the first data session is still running; stopping the first session in the first device; and continuing the first session in a session management server. The system includes a first device that is able to receive data from a data source; a control device connected to the first device; and a session management server connected to the first device and the data source that controls the flow of data from the data source to the first device; wherein the control device is used to control the session management server.

Abstract: A system and method of translating information using, for example, a cellular telephone. A user inputs information into the system for translation into another language. The inputted information can be in any media type, format or language. The inputted information is stored in a MMS server and is accessed by a dictionary server. The dictionary server translates the inputted information into the media type, format and/or language that the user requests. The translated information is then sent to the user as a MMS message that is accessible to the user's cellular telephone.

Abstract: A system and method of tele-karaoke that enables a user to perform and record karaoke using a terminal such as a cellular telephone. The karaoke performance is recorded as an MMS message which subsequently allows a user to send the recorded performance to others. The system allows users to record their karaoke performance is less public forums and without any specialized equipment other than a cellular telephone or a personal computer. Since the karaoke performance is recorded as an MMS message, it can be edited to incorporate various media and sent to others at subsequent times.

Abstract: A system and method of message indicating that enable the sender of a message to chose the ringing tone of the receiver's cellular telephone upon arrival of the sender's message. The sender has the ability to either choose or create the ringing tone to be played on the receiver's cellular telephone. The sender also has the ability to create either SMS or multimedia messages to be sent with the ringing tone. The ringing tones may also be chosen or downloaded from Internet sites.

Abstract: A system and a method for supporting a multi-user text chat service in a mobile network uses existing standards and products while providing efficient use of radio frequency and signaling resources. The system includes a computing element for converting messages between two known formats and which further provides security, billing and other administrative functions. The system is thus able to combine a point-to-point messaging protocol for originating a message and a broadcast protocol for receiving the message.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling improved management of SMS messages, and in particular automatic replies, forwarding, filtering, saving and deleting of SMS messages on a wireless handset or alternative SMS enabled device. An SMS Center is used for managing SMS messages, an Auto-Reply Message Server (ARMS) stores Auto-Reply Messages and allows a message receiver to set up, change, or delete Auto-Reply Messages, and an SMS Automatic Handling Server (SAHS) handles message instructions for a message receiver. The ARMS and SAHS may be separate components, a unified component, and may be operational such that only one of them may be included in the system.

Abstract: A method, computer system, computer program product, and user interface for enabling SMS users to engage in many-to-many conversation, or an SMS conference, utilizing SMS services. Specifically, a user initiates an SMS conference by sending a short message, including the contact numbers for a group of conference participants, to a control center. The control center establishes an SMS conference by storing the contact information as a conference group and assigning a unique identifier to the conference group. Thus, the SMSC establishes an SMS conference by associating the conference group with a unique identifier. The SMSC transmits the short message from the conference initiator to each participant. A participant is able to send a message to all conference participants by addressing the message to the unique identifier. The control center then forwards the message to each participant in the conference as indicated by the unique identifier.

Abstract: A communication system and device that enables free-hand drawn SMS (Short Messaging Service) messages to be transmitted and received from/to various user devices. A buffer device is inserted within a GSM compatible handset providing a buffer for both conventional SMS messages created by typing a message on the keypad of the handset and for free-hand drawn SMS messages created by drawing or writing the free-hand message on a data entry device. An optional OCR (Optical Character Recognition) facility can be provided in either the buffer device inserted within the handset or in a network server that receives the transmitted message and processes it for proper routing to the intended recipient.

Abstract: A communication system for a digital television system including an interactive response system (20) in communication with a television (10) of the digital television system (40) is described. The interactive response system (20) is arranged to accept an input from a user in response to an output signal produced by the television (10) and to trigger a communication between the user (60) and a remote third party (70). The communication is dependent upon the output signal produced by the television (10).

Abstract: A system and method for providing signals to television receivers (60) of selected users within a television network (30) is disclosed. The system comprises an intercept unit (130) connected to a telephone network (110). The intercept unit (130) is arranged to obtain data on a telephone call being made to a user's telephone number and to communicate the data to the receiver (60) of the user. The receiver (60) is arranged to display the data on an associated television screen (70).

Abstract: An apparatus for storing predetermined multimedia information is provided. The apparatus includes a telephony platform and a storage location coupled to the telephony platform. The storage location stores predetermined multimedia information corresponding to a plurality of predetermined information tracks, and the telephony platform receives at least one multimedia command from an access device of a user. The multimedia command enables the user to access a service of the apparatus relating to a particular information track of the predetermined information tracks. Also, the telephony platform charges the user a fee for accessing the service.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for distributing incoming packets among several servers or other network devices, such as routers or proxies. The distribution is based on calculations, which include data associated with each of the packets. The data is selected to be invariant from packet to packet within a session. The system and method preferably operate independently from the servers or other devices, and therefore do not require feedback from the servers, and do not require the maintenance of a session table.