Abstract: A communication system utilizing speech control of operations, comprising a plurality of telephone devices, at least one Speech Recognition Engine (SRE) for providing indications of speech from spoken voice at the telephone devices, and a call control for controlling operation of the telephone devices in accordance with predetermined call states, and for dynamically allocating and de-allocating the SRE in response to the predetermined call states, whereby the SRE provides indications to the call control for initiating changes in the call states.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for replying to an incoming E-mail message by a corresponding voice message response. The recipient reads, or listens to the incoming E-mail message and voice data, containing a recorded voice reply to the incoming E-mail message is then generated. An E-mail reply message which comprises the voice data is generated and sent to the originator of the incoming E-mail message, as an E-mail reply message. The incoming E-mail message may be attached to the generated voice data before sending it sent to the originator.

Abstract: A network element, such as a service control point, in a telecommunication network controls the playing of promotional announcements to subscribers and provides for the collection of input from subscribers, such as a DTMF tone, in response to the announcements and action based on subscriber input. Stored subscriber records allow the selection and periodicity of announcements to be customized.

Abstract: A communications terminal equipment according to the invention is a communications terminal equipment connected to a single communication circuit for use by a plurality of users, comprising an extension number database which is a first database, provided in a memory, a processor, and a speech output unit. Respective names of cataloged users of the communications terminal equipment and numbers corresponding to the respective names of the cataloged users are stored (cataloged) in the extension number database as cataloged extension numbers. The processor receives a designated cataloged extension number, as designated and inputted by a caller, and identify the name of a target call receiver by referring the designated cataloged extension number to the cataloged extension numbers in the extension number database.

Abstract: A Service Control Point (SCP) directs a telecommunications network to connect a resource only when the resource is needed. When the resource is no longer needed, the SCP selects a new connection for the network. The SCP directs the network to disconnect the resource and use the new connection so the resource does not remain on the line during the entire call. The invention can be used to add and drop multiple resources from a call while the call is in progress. The SCP also provides context information for the call so multiple resources can access context information for the call.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of transmitting electronic voice messages including the steps of establishing a caller identity associated with a first telephone connection, recording a first audio clip from the first telephone connection, establishing an email target string, encapsulating the first audio clip, the caller identity and the email target string into a first email attachment, transmitting the first email attachment to a first email account associated with the email target string, broadcasting the first audio clip to a second telephone connection, prompting the second telephone connection for a reply recording, responsive to a record signal, recording a second audio clip from the second telephone connection, encapsulating the second audio clip and the caller identity into a second email attachment, and transmitting the second email attachment to a second email account associated with the caller identity.

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: A method of operating a telecommunications network (10) for providing a voice-activated telephone directory is disclosed. The directory is toll-free to the caller and accessible via a heavily advertised, easily remembered access number wherein the caller is quickly and automatically connected to the selected business.

Abstract: A switching core controller for controlling one or more Digital Cross-connect Systems (DCSs). A method for operating a switching core for pre-provisioning communication paths in anticipation of incoming calls. A method for routing a call to effect load balancing between mediation devices of a logical entity of at least two mediation devices.

Abstract: A computer-based administration tool migrates user's names and greetings from a first voice mail system to a second voice mail system. Illustratively, the administration tool accesses the first voice mail system for recording, or storing, each of a plurality of users names and greetings. The administration tool then sends them to the second voice mail system for use therein.

Abstract: A method of creating a transaction usage record is provided. An input signal is received. A transaction usage record is created in response to the input signal. An event jacket is created. The event jacket is associated with the transaction usage record. A request to perform a transaction is received. A confirmation signal is received after the transaction has been performed. Finally, a transaction leg jacket is created. The transaction leg jacket includes at least one record. The at least one record includes information relating to the transaction.

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: 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 via a first Real Time Protocol (RTP) data stream 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 voice mail resource initiates a second RTP data stream to a destination party, and uses 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. The voice mail resource then issues Non-Empty Capability Set messages to the IP telephony gateway for the first and second RTP data streams, causing the IP telephony gateway to internally bridge the first and second RTP data streams, and later to resume the voice mail session.

Abstract: The automated, computerized voice message storage and redelivery system (SRS) provides for the receipt, recordation and storage into individual computer files of telephonic messages received from subscribers who telephone into the computer system and respond either verbally or via touch-tone keypad to verbal prompts by the SRS in order to enter scheduling data and who then record voice message(s) in response to prompts by the SRS. The SRS receives the subscriber's scheduling data and verbal message. The SRS automatically checks its files every minute of every day and, upon detecting a scheduled call telephones the predetermined number. When the recipient telephone is answered, the SRS listens for a human voice. If a human voice is detected, the SRS then replays the previously recorded voice message. If a human voice is not detected, the SRS terminates the telephone call and then does one of two things depending upon the previously recorded request of the subscriber.

Abstract: A voice-enabled user interface and method for enabling a user that is providing audio and vocal input to access data from telephone service systems that are only responsive to dual tone multi-frequency (“DTMF”) signals. A user access the voice-enabled user interface with a telephone device and provides input that is translated into a DTMF translation that can be recognized by DTMF telephone service system. A template of the voice-enabled user interface maps menu states, prompts, and acceptable inputs of the DTMF telephone service system. The template also monitors the current state of the telephone service system at all times. The invention also enables a user to jump from one menu state to another menu state of the telephone service system without having to enter input for each menu state between the first and the second menu states.

Abstract: A computer-implemented control center for permitting a subscriber of a plurality of communication services of a unified mess aging system to customize communication options pertaining to the plurality of communication services. The communication options include parameters associated with individual ones of the plurality of the communication services and routings among the plurality of communication services. The plurality of communication services comprise a voice telephone service through a telephony-centric network and an e-mail service through a data-centric network. The communication options are accessible via display terminals coupled to the data-centric network and via telephones coupled to the telephony-centric network.

Abstract: A method for enabling a user having access to a telephone device to browse the Internet without a Web browser. The method begins by establishing a connection between the user's telephone device and a computer. The computer includes a Web browser and a text-to-speech processor. Using the telephone device, the user enters information identifying a given URL. The input information is then supplied to the Web browser, which fetches the desired page. The text portions of the Web page are then converted to speech and output to the user over the telephone device. Alternatively, the user may elect to transmit the page to a given fax destination, to e-mail the page to a given e-mail destination address, or to e-mail the URL itself. Using the telephone as an input device, the user may selectively navigate the Web page or explore links in the page.

Abstract: An interchange unit for a private telecommunications network executing partly in real time and partly in mixed mode, which interchange unit includes a half-link which has an interface using a protocol used by the interchange unit for connecting real time applications to the outside and an application-oriented interface to at least one mixed mode application. The invention enables dialog between a real time application and a mixed mode application without entailing modification of the real time applications.

Abstract: A method of creating a page usage record is provided. An input signal is received. A page usage record is created in response to the input signal. An event jacket is created. The event jacket is associated with the page usage record. A request to send a page is received. A confirmation signal is received after the page has been sent. Finally, a page leg jacket is created. The page leg jacket includes at least one record. The at least one record includes information relating to the page.

Abstract: A system and method in which multiple voice network access provider (“VNAP”) systems cooperate to enable output of voice pages based on input of a voice code (“VCodes”) assigned to the voice pages. Each multiple voice network access provider enables user to access content corresponding to the VCodes publicly displayed in proximity to an object, attraction or subject, by calling a central number for that VNAP and entering the VCode or verbally describing the object, attraction or subject, in which case the verbal description is associated with a VCode or collection of VCodes.