Abstract: Apparatus, method, media and signals for controlling a wireless communication appliance are disclosed. A method implemented by the apparatus, media and signals involves producing a message signal comprising an address portion and a payload portion, in response to an action signal received at an adjunct apparatus, causing the adjunct apparatus to perform a function identified in the payload portion when the address portion satisfies a condition and transmitting the message signal to the wireless communication appliance when the address portion fails to satisfy the condition.

Abstract: The invented method of reducing voice frame network inbound traffic congestion first determines whether a first defined threshold level of inbound voice and data traffic is reached. If so, then the method discriminates between inbound voice and data traffic within an input queue. Discrimination is by analyzing the size of each packet and comparing it to predefined packet size criteria and/or by analyzing the rate at which packets of inbound voice and data traffic arrive in the input queue and comparing it to predefined arrival rate criteria. Finally, the method frees space within the input queue for use by inbound voice traffic until the first defined threshold level of inbound traffic no longer is reached. The freeing of space includes selectively discarding data, which discarding preferably continues until a second defined threshold level of inbound traffic is reached, the second defined threshold level being less than the first defined threshold level.

Abstract: Personalized media is generated by obtaining a master clip having predefined insert points, obtaining an insert clip, seamlessly merging the insert clip into the selected master clip to generate a personalized media clip with undetectable transitions between spliced clips. An insert clip is utilized for purposes of adding variables such as a name, place, time, gender, product name or any other desirable information to a master clip. Dynamic context data may be added and transmitted to a client playback device. This distribution process may be in real-time or asynchronous until requested. The playback device may use the clip for ring tone, ringback tone or voice message or any other purpose. Although the contents of the master clip and/or the insert clip may use any voice including the originator's voice, celebrity voices or the voices of celebrity impersonators may be utilized. The master clip and insert clip may be seamlessly merged using uncompressed or compressed data in given formats.

Abstract: A method of designing an interface system that allows users to map the representation of their task directly to the interface. There are three major phases to the Customer-Centric Approach to Interface Design (C-CAID). End-users' tasks are categorized to determine the frequency of reasons or tasks of why users interact with a particular system. These reasons and their relative frequencies are used to design interface options that emphasize the user's task categories. Finally, the customer-centric interface designs are evaluated and compared with existing system interfaces using usability tests with actual users performing the tasks. The results from usability tests are used to pinpoint the task-option combinations that do not work well and which should be revised. Benefits of this customer-centric design are improved systems performance and increased user satisfaction.

Abstract: A device and process to allow remote receipt and placement of Internet Telephony connections (calls) using emulation of traditional POTS telephone service through a combination of software and a specialized cordless handset appliance. The system allows ringing and answering of inbound calls, dialing of outbound numbers, and signaling of handset status, as well as traditional telephony capabilities such as memory dialing, redial and radio channel controls. Voice control of dialing may also be implemented under software control. This system is easily adapted for operation with most PC based Internet Telephony software systems.

Abstract: A communication system includes various terminals that are capable of establishing call sessions over a data network. Each of the terminals includes a display in which hyperlinks can be presented. User selection of the hyperlinks is communicated to one or more application routines, which generates requests based on information (e.g., uniform resource locators) associated with the selected hyperlinks. The requests cause generation of call requests over the data network to establish call sessions between terminals.

Abstract: A system for outputting electronic mail information, which cannot be fully displayed in a portable terminal in another terminal is provided. A mail server receives electronic mail information and determines whether or not the electronic mail information can be outputted in a destination (portable terminal) of the electronic mail information. If it is determined that the electronic mail information cannot be outputted, a P service server issues code information for outputting the electronic mail information in another terminal (P service terminal) and notifies the destination of that effect.

Abstract: In a voice over IP system, an IP telephone includes an LED lamp that indicates a voice message has been stored in a remote voice mail system. The IP telephone can then access that voice message. The message can also be moved from one remote site to another.

Abstract: A method of audio stream monitoring on behalf of a calling party by filtering an audio stream sent to an audio-capable device. The audio stream is received from an audio stream source and compared to at least one audio stream portion. If an audio stream portion is identified for removal from the audio stream, it is removed from the audio stream resulting in a filtered audio stream.

Abstract: The invention has many different applications and implementations. One or more embodiments of the invention, however, are directed to a software program and/or computer hardware configured to enable users to select one or more master clips having predefined gaps, obtain insert data (e.g., an insert clip), seamlessly merge the insert data into the selected master clip to generate a media clip, and distribute the media clip having the insert data to one or more receiving users for playback. The method of distribution can vary, but in one or more embodiments of the invention the system is configured to obtain user information from a server, assemble personalized media clips (e.g., file(s)) based on that user information, and distribute the personalized media file to one or more users associated with that user information. Embodiments of the invention may utilize scaleable architectures to process any number of users and/or recipients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for enhancing personal information management (PIM) services available through a mobile communication device. A PIM service is designed with a full set of features. The mobile communication device is programmed to be able to execute a subset of said full set of features on a stand-alone basis. The device is further programmed to access network resident features when a user initiated command requests a feature not available to the mobile communication device in its stand alone state.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating without use of manual contact with a communications unit. The user approaches a communications system and can activate a communications unit by a proximity/motion detector and/or a voice activation device. The person can generate audio signals, such as by voice command, to activate the unit and establish contact. Body movements can also be used to connect to a specific location and/or control the communications mode, such as private, semi-private or conference call mode.

Abstract: A system and method for providing prepaid dialtone services. The system includes a prepaid dialtone service center having an applications server that maintains a prepaid dialtone subscriber database including subscriber identification and service period information. The applications server is configured to automatically remind subscribers to renew their prepaid dialtone account and communicates with a local exchange carrier to place a hold on, or cancel, an expired subscriber account. The method includes the features of determining and monitoring a service period for a prepaid dialtone subscriber, communicating a reminder to the subscriber prior to expiration of the service period, and communicating with a local exchange carrier servicing the subscriber upon expiration of the service period.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, telecommunications terminal blocks are provided for making and breaking connections between a first telecommunications conductor, a second telecommunications conductor and a service wire. The terminal block includes a housing having a first connector connected to the first telecommunications conductor and a second connector connected to the second telecommunications conductor mounted therein. A first conductor is provided in the housing, the first conductor being electrically connected to the first connector and having a service wire connector portion configured to receive the service wire. A switch electrically connects the first connector and the second connector, the switch having a first state wherein the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector and a second state wherein the first connector is electrically disconnected from the second connector. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A present invention comprises a device and method for monitoring dial pulse (DP) signals on a line and recognizing a digit pattern comprising at least one digit on the line. In response to the recognized digit pattern, the invention determines when to initiate transmission of DTMF signals corresponding to dialed DP digits and initiates the transmission of DTMF signals at the determined point in time, which may be immediately or after a predetermined number of dialed digits or after a predetermined dialed number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, in which applications are interconnected by means of a network. Text data can be output as speech data by at least one application. A service that is provided for converting the text data into speech output by at least two applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizing a computer-based telephony management unit to connect institutional telephones with outside telephone lines. The unit provides institutional users with fully automated, direct dial and collect calling privileges for local, long distance, and international calls. The unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users, for recording calling transactions made by the users, and for managing user monetary accounts. The unit can record up to 400 hours of conversation in a digital format. The unit provides various administrative capabilities, including user account management, audit trails, transaction reports, centralized management and report capabilities, and detection of fraudulent calling.

Abstract: To relieve a user of a first fixed or mobile terminal from consulting messages deposited in a voicemail server, the voicemail server notifies the first terminal of the presence of a deposited message associated with the identifier of a second terminal, immediately after off-hooking and transmission of the identifier. The message is transmitted to the first terminal only if the user wishes to listen to it so as to decide whether or not to hold the call to the second terminal. Otherwise, it proceeds with the setting up of the call to the second terminal.

Abstract: An IVR operative for voice communication with a telephone network and a data network and including a VoiceXML interpreter The VoiceXML interpreter being operative to provide a streaming audio output to the data network.

Abstract: A notification architecture utilizes multiple processes configured for managing notification operations based on reception of SMTP-based messages within IMAP based message stores. The notification architecture includes a notification process, configured for receiving notification messages for respective subscribers from messaging sources according to a prescribed open protocol such as Internet Protocol. The notification process accesses subscriber profile information from an open protocol-based subscriber directory based on the received notification messages. The notification process determines, for each received notification message, the subscriber's notification preference based on the accessed profile information, and selectively outputs a notification delivery message according to a prescribed open protocol to at least one notification delivery process within the notification architecture based on the subscriber's notification preference.