Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for utilizing the camera or video capability of particular communication devices, such as cell phones, to enhance handling of calls, such as emergency calls. In one implementation, when a call is made to an emergency response center (ERC) using an image/video capable communication device is queued until an agent is available for handling the call, one or more images or video may be collected from such caller by utilizing the image/video capability of the caller's communication device. The images collected from a plurality of different callers may then be sorted into different event groups. For instance, all the images/video that relate to a same emergency event, such as a traffic accident, are grouped together into a same event group. The different groups can then be prioritized for handling by an available agent. Additionally, the individual callers for each group may also be prioritized based on the collected images/video, e.g.

Abstract: A method for providing a conference service using speaker selection includes hosting a conference between a plurality of endpoints and receiving from the plurality of endpoints a plurality of media streams. The plurality of media streams each include a power indicator. The method includes normalizing the power indicators to determine a normalized power indicator for each of the plurality of media streams and selecting, based on the normalized power indicators of the plurality of media streams, a first number of the plurality of media streams for processing into a conference stream. The method also includes processing the selected first number of the plurality of media streams into the conference stream and communicating the conference stream to at least some of the plurality of endpoints.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a data session in a communications environment is provided that includes receiving, at a first endpoint, a call that was initiated by a second endpoint. The first endpoint is already engaged in a previous call. The method further includes invoking a reverse eCamp-On™ feature in response to receiving the call from the second endpoint such that the first endpoint initiates a new call to the second endpoint once the previous call is completed.

Abstract: In on embodiment, techniques for providing alerts to a user when a communication frequency pattern between a user and a contact has not occurred during a pre-determined amount of time are provided. Communication records between the contact and the user can be analyzed to determine if the communication frequency pattern with the contact during the pre-determined amount of time does not meet pre-determined criteria. For example, the criteria may be generate an alert if communications do not occur in the last month, generate an alert if less than five communications occur in the last six months, or any other communication pattern. Also, the content of a communication may be analyzed to determine if a certain topic has been discussed. If a certain topic has not been discussed during the pre-determined amount of time, an alert may also be generated reminding the user that the topic has not been discussed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for enhanced call pickup includes accessing data indicating a current status of each of one or more users in a call pickup group (CPG) with respect to an incoming phone call to a phone number corresponding to the CPG and communicating the data to one or more endpoints of one or more users in the CPG for display to one or more users in the CPG. A display of the data to a first user in the CPG facilitates the first user determining a current status of each of one or more second users in the CPG to facilitate a decision by the first user regarding whether to pick up the incoming phone call.

Abstract: In one embodiment, techniques for sending a conference invite that provides access to a list of participants in an existing conference are provided. A participant in a conference may decide to send an invite for the existing conference to the user. A request for inviting the user into the existing conference is received. A list of participants in the existing conference is determined. An invite message for the conference is then generated where the invite message includes information for the list of participants. The invite message is then sent to the user where the information for the list of participants is accessible to the user. For example, the list of participants may be displayed as caller ID information when the invite message is received by the user.

Abstract: A template listing one or more associated tasks is distributed to one or more devices, each device having a respective user. A task is selectively designated as either shared or individual. When information indicating that an action associated with a particular task has been performed is received at a first one of the devices, the template is updated at the first device, and optionally at others of the devices to indicate to others of the users that the action has been performed. The associated action of a shared task is performed once for all users, and the associated action of an individual task is performed separately by one or more of the users. Task information is optionally communicated between a template on a particular one of the devices and a personal information manager of the respective user of a particular device.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of an integrated mobile communication and broadcast program reproduction device and of operating the device includes monitoring an occurrence of a trigger event at the device; and upon occurrence of the trigger event, recording a broadcast program signal received by the device. An integrated mobile communication and broadcast program reproduction device has a trigger event monitor and a broadcast program recorder for recording a broadcast program when a trigger event occurs. A trigger event may be receipt of an incoming call, the making of an outgoing call, the identification of predetermined content in a received program and the start of a predetermined program. Different trigger events may be prioritized. Recorded material may be reproduced, with broadcast material being received being recorded whilst previously recorded material is reproduced.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for automating a login process and user/device associations. A user's preferred device settings and/or functions may be provisioned automatically. Some implementations provide an automated log out or “sleep” when a user leaves one or more of the devices. Users may be automatically identified and associated. The “presence” of members of a user group may be determined as required for one or more actions to be taken. Some user groups control devices according to which members of a group may have access to certain functions, information, etc., and which may not.

Abstract: A method for communicating with an automatic call distributor system agent includes communicating through a communications link with a first agent of a plurality of agents associated with an automatic call distributor (ACD) system. The plurality of agents are able to receive user calls distributed by the ACD system. The user calls comprise requests for service. The method includes receiving an audible state command from the first agent through the communications link and changing the state of the first agent with respect to the ACD system in response to the audible state command.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating messages includes receiving, from a first client associated with a calling party, a request for connection with a second client. A called party associated with the second client is notified that the request for connection was received, in response to receiving the request for connection. A connection processing instruction may be received from a third client associated with the called party. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the request for connection may be processed in accordance with the connection processing instruction.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing a caller at a contact center includes a processor subsystem and one or more modules that include code executable by the processor subsystem. Execution of the code invoking an automatic call distributor (ACD) collaborative application that provides the caller with a visual or aural call session history that lists each agent with whom the caller has interacted. The ACD collaborative application also providing the caller with an option to request return to a previous agent listed in the call session history. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a telephonic response to an electronic message is described. The method includes determining at least one telephone number from a received electronic message, and assigning the determined telephone number dynamically to a button on the telephone to provide a speed dial button on the telephone. Determining the telephone number may include comparing an electronic mail address in an address field of the electronic message with a telephone directory to determine a telephone number associated with the address. If the electronic message is a text or a voice message, determining the telephone number may include parsing a body of the message to determine a telephone number, if present, which has been included into the body of the text message.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a data session in a communications environment is provided that includes initiating, by a first endpoint, a call that is intended for a second endpoint. The method also includes invoking, by the first endpoint, an eCamp-On™ feature in response to the second endpoint being unavailable. The eCamp-On™ feature initiates a new call between the first and second endpoints once the second endpoint is available. Presence data associated with the first endpoint may be leveraged in order to make the new call.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling an enhanced camp-on feature for a communications device. In an illustrative embodiment, the system includes a first mechanism for providing information pertaining to why a first user of a first communications device is unable to be contacted. A second mechanism enables a second user of a second communications device to make a camp-on selection based on the information. In a more specific embodiment, the information includes state information pertaining to the first communications device. The first means includes a first module running on the first communications device. The first module is adapted to selectively relay the state information to an entity connected to the network. In the specific embodiment, the entity connected to the network includes Private Branch eXchange (PBX) system.

Abstract: A method of routing calls of an automatic call distributor system that includes receiving a first workflow, comprising a desired behavior, associated with a first agent of a plurality of agents and receiving at least one request from a respective user for connection with one of the agents. The method also includes monitoring system information and executing the first workflow after the first agent becomes available for connection with one of the requests. The method includes selecting a first request of the at least one request, wherein the first request is selected based on the first agent's desired behavior and the monitored system information, and connecting the first request to the first agent. The method may also include receiving a notification that the first agent is available for connection with one of the respective users, and executing the first workflow after receiving the notification that the first agent is available.

Abstract: A method and system is described to provide data to an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System. The method may comprise accessing an image communicated from a voice-communication device and communicating the image to an optical character recognition (OCR) module. Thereafter, data extracted from the image by the OCR module may be accessed and communicated for use in one or more IVR processes. The extracted data may be communicated to the device and confirmation that the extracted data corresponds to data in the image may be monitored. For example, the method may discover capabilities of the device to identify different communication options to communicate the image from the device. The options may be communicated to the device for presentation to a user. Upon receiving an indication of an option selected by the user, the IVR system may be configured to allow receipt of the image via the user selected option.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conference with multiple end points is provided. At the locations, multiple screens may be configured to display video from a portion of the multiple end points. Video from multiple locations is output onto the multiple screens, such as video streams from N different segments are output on N different screens. The video output may be determined based on a first dimension of the floor control algorithm. A push-to-talk input may then be received from a button. A video segment associated with the push-to-talk button is then determined and the video segment is output on one of the multiple screens in response to receiving the push-to-talk input. The push-to-talk input may be used by users that cannot actively participate in the first dimension of the floor control algorithm. For example, users using sign language cannot speak louder and thus by using the push to talk button or hand gestures can indicate their desire to be switched in as one of the displayed segments.

Abstract: A method for distributing calls includes receiving a plurality of calls each for connection with one of a plurality of agents and storing each of the plurality of calls in a queue. The method includes monitoring the time that each of the plurality of calls has spent in the queue and determining that a first agent is available to receive a call. The method also includes determining, for a first call that has spent the most time in the queue, a first amount of time that the first call has spent in the queue and determining whether the first amount of time has exceeded a service level time. The method includes, if the first amount of time has not exceeded the service level time, distributing the first call to the first agent.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes establishing a call, and continuously monitoring the call from or using a first endpoint associated with the call. Monitoring the call includes identifying when an information element associated with the call has changed. The method also includes determining when the information associated with the call has changed, and storing a representation of the information element in an enhanced directory arrangement associated with the first endpoint when the information associated with the call has changed.