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: A SCSI bus expander provides signal conditioning for transmitted data pulses that is particular to a negotiated data transfer rate. The expander monitors the bus arbitration to determine the devices involved in the transfer, and thereafter monitors the data transfer rate negotiations to determine the transfer rate to be used by that particular combination of devices. An indication of the transfer rate is stored in a memory device at an address determined by the device IDs. The transfer rate is then used to select tap values for tap lines that modify the pulse width and/or a propagation delay of the pulse, so as to correct for signal degradation and to align it better relative to other signals during data transmission. The specific tap values may vary for the different combinations of transmitting and receiving devices involved in the transfer, since the manner in which the pulse characteristics should be modified may be different for different transmission rates.

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.

Abstract: A SCSI bus extender apparatus coupling a main SCSI bus to a auxiliary SCSI bus includes a mechanism for detecting and processing SELECTION and RESELECTION signals transmitted between the two buses to accommodate target devices on the auxiliary bus which support tagged queuing in accordance with the SCSI protocol. The invention contemplates reserving an address on the auxiliary bus for each initiator on the main bus and performing the appropriate address conversions to enable target devices to properly identify the correct initiator device during a RESELECTION phase.

Abstract: A delay circuit comprises a tapped delay element line constructed from delay elements with fixed delay intervals and a multiplexer for selecting the signal at one of the taps to produce a variable delay through the circuit. The multiplexer is controlled by a selection circuit which receives an input indicative of the actual delay time through the delay circuit from an oscillator constructed from the same fixed delay elements as the delay line.

Abstract: A SCSI bus extender apparatus coupling a primary SCSI bus to a secondary SCSI bus includes a mechanism for detecting and resolving contention between a substantially simultaneous SELECTION operation on the primary bus and a RESELECTION operation on the secondary bus. The inventive method contemplates the bus extender arbitrating for control of the primary bus after a conflict is detected, and releasing control of the secondary bus if control of the primary bus is obtained. A target device on the secondary bus can then rearbitrate for control of the secondary bus. Once the target device controls the secondary bus, it can direct a RESELECTION signal to the bus extender, which responsively directs the signal to an initiator device on the primary bus. If the bus extender is unable to gain control of the primary bus after a conflict is detected, the SELECTION operation is allowed to proceed and the target device reattempts to assert the RESELECTION operation thereafter.