Abstract: A method and system for embedding information into streaming media is disclosed. In order to avoid a prolonged waiting period between the time a video stream is selected for viewing and the time it actually begins to play, information relevant to the content of the video stream is independently obtained and locally stored. This information may be advertising, text, games or any other media which may be of interest to the user. The information is embedded into the video or other media stream to be presented to the viewer and played immediately, so that the user avoids any wait time in viewing the selected stream that may occur due to bandwidth shortages or other system considerations.

Abstract: Method and system for delivering a message over a telecommunications network to a recipient comprising transmitting a message over the telecommunications network to the recipient when a predetermined energy/silence condition is detected, performing echo cancellation on a signal communicated from the telecommunications network, and monitoring the signal to detect the energy/silence condition.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting multimedia content segments, such as electronic clips or “eClips,” from a source of video or other multimedia content. The extraction is based on individual preferences such as key terms and/or phrases as well as content source, which a user may identify in a profile. User profiles can be stored in a service platform and continually checked against new content in the system. When matches are found between a user profile and the content, the service platform can alert the user that segments have been identified and extracted. The user may then view/play these automatically provided segments (eClips). In addition, the eClips service is capable of stitching the clips of diverse sources together, providing an automatically generated multimedia experience that revolves around the user's provided profile.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method automatically update address information of a user's outgoing and incoming messages to/from a communication network thereby relieving the user of the burden of manually entering address changes into a user address book. A plurality of users are coupled through terminals to a server in the communication network for exchanging telephone, CATV, Internet, intranet for messaging, facsimile, etc purposes. The server includes a message store; stored message profile; and is coupled to a change server linked to a network. The change server includes search rules and change options provided by the users in directing the change server in finding correct and alternative address information when erroneous or unknown information is detected in the outgoing and incoming messages. Each user address book includes a series of contacts for each user. Each contact is identified by an identification number, ID, including a name and address.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding information into streaming media is disclosed. In order to avoid a prolonged waiting period between the time a video stream is selected for viewing and the time it actually begins to play, information relevant to the content of the video stream is independently obtained and locally stored. This information may be advertising, text, games or any other media which may be of interest to the user. The information is embedded into the video or other media stream to be presented to the viewer and played immediately, so that the user avoids any wait time in viewing the selected stream that may occur due to bandwidth shortages or other system considerations.

Abstract: Method and system for delivering a message over a telecommunications network to a recipient comprising transmitting a message over the telecommunications network to the recipient when a predetermined energy/silence condition is detected, performing echo cancellation on a signal communicated from the telecommunications network, and monitoring the signal to detect the energy/silence condition.

Abstract: Numerous benefits are realized by allowing messaging platforms to receive and act on information packages that include one or more Execution Instruction Sets (EISs), where the EIS is executed as specified. Execution of the included EISs provides vastly enhanced capabilities to the messaging platform, such as controlling when an EIS is executed, from where necessary data is obtained for the execution of the EIS, what kinds of executions are permitted, who will be the recipients of the content portion of platform, what that content will be, etc. Increasing the interaction complexity a step further, the EIS permits creation of an interactive session with the recipient that makes the message more effective. A still additional capability is the establishment of a communication path from the messaging platform. This may be in the form of a message that is sent by the messaging platform, or a connection that is established between the recipient and some other party.

Abstract: Method and system for delivering a message over a telecommunications network to a recipient comprising transmitting a message over the telecommunications network to the recipient when a predetermined energy/silence condition is detected, performing echo cancellation on a signal communicated from the telecommunications network, and monitoring the signal to detect the energy/silence condition.

Abstract: A creator of a voice mail message is provided with the ability to pre-define responses to the message. The pre-defined responses may be sent (i.e., are embedded) with the voice mail message to a recipient's mailbox so that when the recipient opens the voice message, the message is heard, and the recipient is provided with a menu of pre-defined responses from which to choose. After listening to the pre-defined responses, the recipient selects a particular response which is then forwarded to the creator of the original voice mail message.

Abstract: Interactive information and entertainment service customers see advertisers' bids for their attention which are displayed on their display screens and choose which advertisements to view. For each advertisement viewed, the advertisers' bid amount would pay for a portion of the user's service or usage charge. A display on the user's terminal screen includes the advertisers most willing to pay for the user's attention and the dollar amount bid. If the user chooses to see a particular advertiser's message, then the user is reimbursed, or a credit is applied to the user's service account for the amount of the bid promised by the advertiser whose message was viewed. Customer interest profiles and service usage data collected by the service provider are used to identify particular user characteristics to advertisers. Advertisers define user characteristics of particular desirability and place a dollar value on having messages viewed by individual users based on the desirability of the user.