Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a program controlled switching system to setup a basic call directly to a specific B-Channel on an ISDN Primary Rate Interface (PRI) via a call initiated by line side equipment subtending the switch with the PRI and/or via a call initiated by equipment anywhere in the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and routed to the switch with the PRI. A primary application for such methods and apparatus is within Data Tandem Switches/Internet Concentrator Switches and End Office Switches with PRI connections for Internet Service Providers. For example, by facilitating a direct connection to a specific B-Channel using the invention, modem pool providers can quickly and efficiently verify the functionality of specific channels and their associated modems, as well as maintain and test other equipment and software associated a specific PRI B-Channel.

Abstract: A modem or other telephone device (102, 502) is configured to identify (or receive notification of) the companding law used by a destination modem or telephone device. The telephone device (102, 502) can then, using stored conversion tables, predict the inverse mapping from the converted encoding law. Having done so, the telephone device (102, 502) can identify distorted portions of the decoded signal and modify the original signal before it is sent to the encoding or encoding-converter unit.

Abstract: In an automated call management method and system, automated processing is used to collect customer information that enables skills-based call routing and a camp-on approach to efficiently handling calls. The customer information is preferably acquired through use of a web-compatible form that is submitted by the customer. The form includes information that identifies agent attributes that are considered advantageous to handling a particular call, includes the callback telephone number, and may include the time at which the callback should be initiated. In another embodiment, the information is acquired using interactive voice recognition techniques. After an agent queue is selected on the basis of a correlation between identified agent attributes and the skills of a particular agent or agent group, a camp-on request is generated to initiate a connection when an appropriate agent is available.

Abstract: A proximity detector (111) is provided for causing automatic callback. The proximity detector (111) causes the called party's telephone (506) to send a signal to the telephone system indicating that the automatic callback may proceed. For example, the detector may cause an off-hook/on-hook event to be sent, or other specific signaling. The telephone system signals the calling party (502), who may then answer the automatic callback and be connected to the called party.

Abstract: A conferencing server (22) and methods for use with a videoconferencing system (20) for multimedia collaborative conferencing. The conferencing server (22) includes at least two data ports (69) and at least two video graphics input ports (67), each pair of data and video graphics input ports for connecting to one of at least two computers (72) belonging to a participant located in a local videoconference room. The conferencing server (22) also includes a single video graphics output port (77) for connecting to a local input port (40) of the videoconferencing system (22). The conferencing server (22) includes a control unit (50) that is selectively programmed to couple a first of the at least two video graphics input ports (67) to the video graphics output port (77) for allowing the transfer of information from the computer connected to the first of the at least two video graphics input ports to the videoconferencing system (20).

Abstract: A system for enabling music to be provided to callers placed on hold in a LAN network used for voice communications. Bandwidth consumption is minimized by ensuring that music-on-hold is provided in a manner that enables most necessary tasks to be executed by a client instead of a server. In specific embodiment, the music-on-hold system is configured to transfer a small application program or applet, having a music file and a media player, from the server to the client if necessary. Concurrently, a real time protocol (RTP) stream carrying music is used to provide music to the client from the server during the applet transfer to ensure that the held caller receives music at all times. The RTP stream is initially used to provide music to held callers.

Abstract: A Local Area Network based on a parallel bus architecture is disclosed. The LAN provides a means of utilizing relatively low cost CMOS circuitry to obtain performance superior to LAN's utilizing more exotic high speed technology. The disclosed LAN is based on a parallel bus having n×8 data lines, ±power lines, and a clock line. The bandwidth of the LAN is the product of the number of data lines times the clock speed. Bandwidth is therefore scalable by increasing either the clock speed, the number of data lines, or both. Access to the bus is provided via ports which include transceivers, a clock receiver, and a configurable hardware interface. Each port is assigned an address based on a data line and a clock cycle. The invention features a network that becomes more efficient as usage increases, ports that can accept any medium, and an architecture that facilitates implementation of a true “STAR” LAN configuration which interfaces between two or more serial communications links.

Abstract: A messaging system allows a message recipient to assign different message lengths to different messages. In one embodiment, the recipient sets the length of time per message. In another embodiment, the recipient programs the messaging system with codes that, when matched, enable longer messages. The recipient assigns the codes to “preferred” senders. The senders transmit the code, either explicitly, for example by a sequence of keystrokes, or automatically, for example by transmitting caller identification.

Abstract: The invention provides users of either a unified messaging mailbox or simple plain text storage mailbox, with media and device sensitive methods and apparatus to convert messages from one medium to another (when necessary) taking into account the type of target device (for example, cell phone, PDA, pager, etc.), being used to access a stored message Additionally, the invention provides methods and apparatus for determining target device type and for summarizing message content based on target device type.

Abstract: The invention provides the user of a unified messaging mailbox with efficient, intelligent, media and device sensitive methods and apparatus for automatically summarizing messages stored in a unified multimedia mailbox. Additionally, the invention provides methods and apparatus that convert non-text messages to text to facilitate summarization utilizing predefined keywords and/or lists of keywords, where each list of keywords is linked to one of a message subject and a message sender. Further, the invention provides for the prioritization of messages via the application of filtering techniques.

Abstract: A method of allocating resources for implementing certain call-related features, such as call forwarding, includes enabling a centrally accessed unit (e.g., a gatekeeper) to support the features and enabling telephony devices (e.g., personal computers running ToL client software) to independently implement the features. Thus, there is redundant capability with respect to the features. A task-allocation scheme is established for adaptively assigning execution of the tasks needed to perform the features. The scheme is at least partially based upon determining processing resource availability within either or both of the centrally accessed unit and the telephony devices. When a request for a feature is detected, the execution of the requested feature is assigned to either the centrally accessed unit or the particular telephony device with which the request is associated, depending upon the current processing resource availabilities.

Abstract: Many portable computing devices include data based applications such as schedules, contact managers, and the like, which can be synchronized with another computing device, such as a desktop computer, whereby the data on both synchronized devices are conformed. The present invention discloses a method and apparatus that allows such data to be selectively synchronized, wherein the user can specify, on a record-by-record basis, which other databases receive or synchronize with each record. The present invention allows multiple users to synchronize portable computers with the same desktop (or other) computer without necessarily sharing all of their synchronizable data.

Abstract: A concealed telephone includes a telephone body that is hidden from view. Audio signals produced by the telephone are provided to an earpiece that is hidden in a pair of glasses, sunglasses, or jewelry. A microphone is incorporated into a tie tack, jewelry piece, or other location that is inconspicuous, such as in a pen. Signals between the earpiece and microphone are preferably transmitted wirelessly to the telephone by a Bluetooth™ or other short-range analog or digital wireless communication device. Alternatively, signals could be transmitted from the telephone to the earpiece and microphone via hidden wires.

Abstract: An in-line charge controller for controlling charging of a storage device such as a cell, battery or the like by a charging system, particularly a photovoltaic charging system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a cable assembly for a photovoltaic charging system including a photovoltaic module suitable for charging a battery, includes a wire assembly for coupling the photovoltaic module to the battery and a charge controller for controlling charging of the battery by the photovoltaic module. The charge controller is embedded in line within the wire assembly thereby reducing the risk of damage to the system or battery due to improper installation of the system.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing a warning alert to subscribers of a telecommunication system is disclosed. In one aspect, the warning system includes a central switch and a remote switch, each switch coupled to a different plurality of subscribers to be contacted by the emergency notification provider that issues the emergency warning alert. In another aspect, the warning system contains a ringing tones database having different ringing tones corresponding to different emergency conditions, where an appropriate ringing tone is select by the telecommunication system and routed to the subscribers depending on the type emergency for which the emergency notification provider is providing the warning.

Abstract: Methods for improving bus performance and bandwidth utilization in a Local Area Network (LAN) are disclosed along with methods fo adapting LANs for use with differing hardware interfaces. The LANs described are based on a parallel bus architecture. Performance superiority is gained by passing data between ports on parallel circuits that individually are relatively slow, but that, in the aggregate, provide bandwidth equivalent to or greater than serial LAN's of much higher frequency. The bandwidth advantage of the parallel architecture is extended by the logical advantage which permits efficient utilization of up to 99% of this bandwidth. This logical advantage rests in the capability of establishing glare and collision avoidance schemes that result in very little wasted bandwidth. The LANs described are adapted for use with differing hardware interfaces when provided with a plurality of bus ports, where each port has associated therewith a configurable hardware interface.

Abstract: A gatekeeper (109) including a compare unit (204) and a record unit (206). The compare unit (204) receives call requests and accesses a database which is a record of where a called party picked up the call, e.g., at home, at the office, via a mobile phone, or via an emergency number. The compare unit (204) performs an analysis such as a “closest neighbor” analysis to determine the location of the user at the time of day closest to that of the present call. The call is then routed to the user at that location. The record unit (206) then makes the appropriate notation in the database for the latest call.

Abstract: A data communication system and method that reduces conversion distortion on data calls between locations that encode telephone signals according to different conversion standards is disclosed. The data communication system (40) includes a first switch (44) and a processor (50). The first switch (44) receives a telephone call carrying a first analog modulated data signal, and converts the first analog modulated data signal to a first digitized data signal according to a first conversion standard. Next, the processor (50) converts the first digitized data signal back to the first analog modulated data signal and then demodulates the first analog modulated data signal to recover the original data signal.

Abstract: A method and system provide user management of electronic message transmissions between servers and client devices, particularly transmissions of files attached to electronic messages. The method and system operate to transfer selected attached files to and from a client device. When accessing electronic messages with attached files stored at a server by a user, the attached files that satisfy a prescribed requirement are automatically downloaded from the server to the client device utilized by the user. The prescribed requirement may include maximum file size and download time, and approved list of file formats and senders. Preferably, the prescribed requirement is entered into the client device by the user. The prescribed requirement can vary depending upon the personal preference of the user. When forwarding received electronic messages with attached files, only the attached files that have been modified are uploaded from the client device to the server.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically generating common paradigms in computer supported telephony applications (CSTA) protocols includes a control interface for CSTA protocols utilizes ActiveX properties, methods, events, and pages. Common paradigms such as Invoke_ID and timers are built in to the interface. The interface further provides statistics and diagnostics via property pages.