Abstract: A system and method for voice interaction for location-relevant mobile resource management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network server transmits a voice message to a voice device at a mobile unit upon detection that the mobile unit is within a predetermined distance of a certain location. Pursuant to another embodiment, the network server receives a voice request for location-relevant information from a user at a mobile unit and transmits responsive location-relevant information to the user as a voice message. The network server may also conduct certain actions responsive to voice requests received from users at mobile units. Users may receive information from the server via voice devices even when not located at a mobile unit.

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 transmitter into which a modulated signal (TX) is fed, the transmitter comprising an adjustable amplifier (1) for adjusting transmission power level, the modulated signal (TX) being fed into to the input of the amplifier (1), an amplification branch (11) arranged after the adjustable amplifier (1) on the signal path, the amplification branch comprising a power amplifier (3) for further amplifying the transmission power level, and at least one filter (27, 28) arranged after the power amplifier (3) on the signal path for filtering the frequency band to be transmitted. The transmitter further comprises an antenna (9) after the amplification branch (11) on the signal path for transmitting signals. The transmitted is characterized by a bypass branch (10) which operatively couples the output of the adjustable amplifier (1) and the antenna (9) and is used for bypassing the amplification branch (11) and connecting signals to be transmitted at low transmission power levels directly to the antenna (9).

Abstract: An IP telephony gateway and a voice mail resource enable a voice mail subscriber to place an outgoing call to a destination party from a voice mail session according to the voice over IP (H.323) protocol, and resume the voice mail session upon completion of the outgoing call with the destination party. The IP telephony gateway establishes a voice mail session for the voice mail subscriber with the voice mail resource across a first Real Time Protocol (RTP) data stream. The voice mail resource initiates a second RTP data stream to a destination party in response to reception of a prescribed command from the voice mail subscriber. Although an RTP bridge connecting the first and second RTP data streams can be maintained by the voice mail resource, the voice mail resource may also use the Empty Capability Set feature in the H.323 standard to cause the IP telephony gateway to close the first and second RTP data streams to the voice mail resource.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for communicating by receiving data and instructions from a sender, the instructions including at least a delivery time of a scheduled voicemail message intended for a recipient and contact information associated with the recipient; generating a scheduled voicemail message according to the data and instructions received from the sender; storing the scheduled voicemail message; and processing the scheduled voicemail message according to the data and instructions received from the sender.

Abstract: A system that uses real-time information from a variety of sources to coordinate meetings between parties. For example, the system may be deployed to coordinate meetings between customers and representatives of a company that delivers products or services to customers at many, possibly dynamically determined locations. It may also coordinate meetings between independent parties, such as mutual friends traveling to a meeting point to be determined, or realtors from several realty offices and their collective customers on a busy day. The system manages communications between the meeting parties and accounts for the objectives and constraints of each party to generate an efficient schedule for one or both parties.

Abstract: A switching device having an IVR provisioning/monitoring system and an associated method to reprovision and/or monitor a switch. Audible sounds are detected and analyzed to determine whether they are audibilized commands containing reprovisioning instructions. If so, the switch is reprovisioned in accordance with the instruction. To determine whether the detected audible sound is an audibilized command, the audible sound is digitized for comparison with plural recognizable commands. If the digitized audible sound matches a recognized command, then the corresponding reprovisioning instruction is executed. Prior to the reprovisioning analysis, the detected audible sounds are analyzed to determine whether they are an authorization code. If so, subsequent audible sounds are analyzed to determine whether they contain reprovisioning instructions.

Abstract: A method for improving the recognition confidence of alphanumeric spoken input, suitable for use in a speech recognition telephony application such as a voice response system. An alphanumeric candidate is determined from the spoken input, which may be the best available representation of the spoken input. Recognition confidence is compared with a preestablished threshold. If the recognition confidence exceeds the threshold, the alphanumeric candidate is selected to represent the spoken input. Otherwise, present call data associated with the spoken input is determined. Call data may include automatic number identification (ANI) information, caller-ID information, and/or dialed number information service (DNIS) information. Information associated with the alphanumeric candidate and information associated with the present call data are correlated in order to select alphanumeric information that best represents the spoken input.

Abstract: A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include call routing options. In a first call routing option, calls are routed to each phone number in a sequence of phone numbers until a live answer of the call is realized. In a second routing option, the routing of the call is based upon a schedule. Thus, a current time, current day of the week or current date may determine what phone number is called when an incoming call is routed. Routing may also be associated with personal identification numbers (PINs). In such an instance, a caller enters a PIN to identify the caller and the PIN is used to determine what routing profile to apply.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an operator with automated calling functions allows the operator to be on the line when a customer call is placed so that a sales call can begin immediately if a customer answers the call. The system and method could be configured so that the operator can place calls automatically be selecting customers from customer call lists. The system and method may also allow the operator to cause a pre-recorded audio message to be played to a first customer, or the first customer's answering machine, while the operator proceeds to a second customer call placed over a second telephone line.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an automated conversational name dialing system for placing a call in response to an input by a user. One technique begins with the step of analyzing an input from a user, wherein the input includes information directed to identifying an intended recipient of a telephone call from the user. At least one candidate for the intended recipient is identified in response to the input, wherein the at least one candidate represents at least one potential match between the intended recipient and a predetermined vocabulary. A confidence measure indicative of a likelihood that the at least one candidate is the intended recipient is determined, and additional information is obtained from the user to increase the likelihood that the at least one candidate is the intended recipient, based on the determined confidence measure.

Abstract: An apparatus for interactive communications is provided that includes an interactive element, which includes a plurality of keys. One or more of the keys are operable to trigger an audible message to be communicated to an end-user when the end-user depresses and holds a selected one of the keys. The audible message provides descriptive information associated with the selected key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizes a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines. The computer control unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users and for recording calling transactions made by the users. The computer control unit implements a prospective call screening feature whereby outside recipients of undesired calls from the institution may enter a code that directs the computer control unit to prohibit similar calls in the future.

Abstract: A method and system for notifying a non-published customer of a telephone network the number and possibly the identity of callers who have been attempting to obtain their non-published number from directory assistance. When a calling party calls for directory assistance, it is determined whether the telephone number sought is a non-published. If so, the call is forwarded to a service package application on a service node where at least a telephone number, and preferably also the name, of the calling party is obtained. A notification call is then placed to the non-published customer and the customer is provided with at least the telephone number and possibly the name of the calling party.

Abstract: Method for calibrating a motor vehicle hands-free access system comprising a control unit (UC) with an emitting antenna (AE) and an antenna controller (PA), consists in: 1. sending to the control unit (UC), from a measurement apparatus (AM) equipped with a receiving antenna (AR) connected to the control unit (UC) via a wire link (LF), a message to configure the control unit (UC) in calibration mode, 2. transmitting a signal via said emitting and receiving antennas (AE, AR) to said measurement apparatus (AM), 3. measuring characteristics of the received signal, comparing them with reference values and sending calibration data via the wire link (LF), 4. on receipt of the data, modifying the parameters of the antenna controller (PA). Using this method, it is possible to correct certain operating defects of the hands-free access systems through an operation at the end of the motor vehicle assembly line.

Abstract: A portable device having telephone information stored thereon is provided according to one embodiment. The portable device has a memory for storing telephone information specific to a particular geographic region. The telephone information includes telephone numbers, each of which has a name associated with it. The portable device also includes a display for displaying the stored telephone information. A user interface allows a user to select an entry from the stored telephone information. A power source provides power to the portable device. A method and computer program product for transmitting regional telephone information to a portable device are also provided. Accordingly, a connection is initiated between a portable device and a host. The portable device has a memory for storing telephone information specific to a particular geographic region. The telephone information includes telephone numbers, each of which has a name associated with it.

Abstract: A PBX switch incorporates methods and apparatus for automatically configuring Call Appearance values in an ISDN BRI. The methods and apparatus include providing means for one PDN to call the other PDN in the same BRI, recording the Call Appearance data for the first call, placing the first call on hold and calling the same number again, recording the Call Appearance data for the second call, and repeating the process until all Call Appearance values have been recorded. According to the invention, the process is repeated for both PDNs in each BRI coupled to the PBX switch.

Abstract: A method is provided for downloading audio characteristics to terminal equipment. A score information part (101, 302, 303) is provided describing the presentation instructions of an audible signal. An instrument information part (104, 305, 306) is also provided describing the parameters for synthesizing an audible signal the presentation instructions of which is described by said score information part. Additionally some compatibility information (123, 210, 211, 212, 220, 315) is provided describing the compatibility of said score information part and said instrument information part with certain processing and storing capacity. As a response to a selection command (411, 418), (412, 419) said score information part and said instrument information part are downloaded to terminal equipment through a communication network.

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: System and method for putting control of incoming telephone calls in the hands of subscribers with the aid of computer software and the Internet. In effect, a very efficient multiplexer is provided that does not require a change in the behavior of the called party or the calling party. This system permits the called party to hear a spoken message by the calling party in real time, and the content of the spoken message permits the called party to decide how to handle the call. The system adaptively learns and captures the rules of the called party for handling calls, and learns which callers the called party always wishes to talk to. The system uses special control software on the called party's computer which is connected to the Internet. The system employs a central server in which all of the required intelligence is resident. Audio signals are exchanged via non-data channels provided by the telephone companies and by the Internet.