Abstract: A network based processing element for processing audio information improves the understanding of speech or music for intended listeners based on an identifier. The processing involves performing a media enhancement function, where a parameter affecting the utilization or performance aspects of the media enhancement function are dependent upon the identifier. A “media enhancement server” (MES) is included, whereby the audio of a telephone call, video call, multimedia program or other stream to be heard by a specific listener is processed using a personalized audio enhancement parameter to enhance the audio signal such that the listener will enjoy a benefit, such as better comprehension of the information, reduced listening effort, and more listening comfort during the call. The personalized parameters are stored and retrieved based upon the identifier, and used within the MES. The audio portion of the call or stream could be speech, music, or a combination.

Abstract: A customer premise equipment (CPE) network integrator (CNI) (20) is connected to today's integrated telephone network to provide additional and improved telephone services. The CNI (20) is connected between a CPE (10) and a network switch (30) and is connected to an STP (40). The CNI (20) detects existing inband call progress network tones, such as dial tone, busy, audible ringback, etc. and a variety of local CPE events, such as offhook, onhook, etc. and uses these tones and events to infer a change in network state. In response to certain network state changes, the CNI (20) queries a network service control point (SCP) (50) and requests call processing information. In response to the call processing information from the SCP (50), the CNI (20) processes the phone call. Because the CNI (20) can infer changes in network states from inband call progress network tones and local CPE events, the CNI (20) can bypass the network switch (30).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a dual tone alerting signal in the presence of speech for the purpose of initiating transfer of special service information on a telephone line is described. The apparatus includes two channels for separately detecting each tone. Each channel includes means for comparing the signaling energy around one of the tones with the energy in a selected weighted guard band portion of the voiceband. Based on this comparison, a determination is made whether a tone is or is not present. A pulse signal formed from the coincidences of tone detection in each channel is used by timing circuitry to determine whether the dual tone alerting signal is actually present or whether speech energy caused both tones to be erroneously detected (talkoff). Characteristics of this pulse signal are analyzed to determine whether an alerting signal is present.