Abstract: The present invention provides a method for retrieving multimedia messages from a multimedia mailbox. A communication system receives a request to retrieve a multimedia message from a multimedia mailbox from a calling phone. If the calling phone is capable of processing IP data, the communication system sends a text-based menu interface to the calling phone. The communication system receives a selection of one of the stored messages from the calling phone and initiates a second connection between the multimedia mail system and the calling phone. The communication system sends the selected stored message from the multimedia mailbox to the calling phone over the second connection. The calling phone can send a callback indicator to the multimedia mail system, and the multimedia mail system will establish a call between the calling phone and the depositor of the multimedia message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for redirecting a calling phone from a finder service to a destination phone. A communication system receives a request to generate a set of destination names at the finder service from the calling phone. If the calling phone is capable of processing IP data, the communication system sends a text-based menu interface including the set of destination names to the calling phone. The calling phone may send a menu response indicating one of the set of destination names to the communication system. The communication system receives the menu response from the calling phone and redirects the calling phone to the destination name.

Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100) that provides for two-way interactive calls, multimedia data is provided to callers when interactive calls are placed on hold. When a user places a call over the network (202), a determination is made as to whether or not the destination is available. If the destination is not available, the caller is placed on hold (204). While on hold, the user is invited to accept multimedia data, including, for example, a cartoon, interactive game, information, advertisement or the like (206). If the user accepts the invitation (208), bearer channels are set up to send the multimedia data (212). The user may end the multimedia session if the destination becomes available or may continue the multimedia session during and after the voice call to the destination.

Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100) that provides for two-way voice calls, multimedia caller identification data is provided to destinations for calls. A message is generated to set up the interactive communications session between the user terminal (102) and destination (202). The user terminal is a wireless communication device with an over-the-air interface for communicating with the network or the user terminal is a wired device (144, 154) that is coupled to the system. Caller identification data is added to the message (204). The caller identification data includes at least one of audio data and video data. For example, the caller identification data may include a video clip, logo, animation or tune. The caller identification data is alternatively added by the user terminal or a processor in the multimedia communications network. The caller identification data and the message are transmitted to the destination (206). The path for transmission preferably includes a packet-based network.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a smooth by-pass of extra Vocoders in a mobile station to mobile station connection. Vocoders are used in mobile stations using digital signals to communicate with base stations. When the vocoded signals are to be transmitted over the public switched telephone network, they are normally converted into the kinds of signals such as 64 Kb per second pulse code modulation (PCM), used in the public switched network. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of this invention, when a connection is made between two mobile units, the connection is made via a separate asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. Arrangements are also available to switch between the ATM network and Vocoders connected to the public switched telephone network when it is necessary to transmit a PCM signal to a land based station, or other equipment.