Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for providing voice quality assurance is provided. The method determines voice information for an end point in a voice communication system. The voice information may be from an ingress microphone. The method determines if the voice quality is considered degraded based on an analysis of the voice information. For example, the voice information may indicate that it is distorted, too loud, too soft, is subject to an external noise, etc. Feedback information is determined if the voice quality is considered degraded where the feedback information designed to improve voice quality at an ingress point for a user speaking. The feedback information is then outputted at the end point to the user using the end point.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an example method is provided for echo mitigation in a conference call. In this method, a test audio signal is transmitted to a conference endpoint and as a result, an echo associated with the transmittal of the test audio signal is received. One or more parameters of the echo are then identified and an echo mitigation process is selected from multiple echo mitigation processes based on the identified parameters. The selected echo mitigation process is then applied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the effect of surrounding noise in a push-to-talk (PTT) system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a first media stream using a microphone when a PTT functionality of a PTT communications system is in a first state, and identifying a first set of characteristics associated with noise in the first media stream. The method also includes obtaining a second media stream using the microphone that includes the noise and a first sound when the PTT functionality is in a second state. A second set of characteristics associated with the first sound in the second media stream is identified, and parameters associated with a filtering arrangement are determined using the first and second sets of characteristics. Finally, the method includes applying the filtering arrangement to the second media stream to filter out the noise such that a communications stream is created.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of buffering a media stream is provided. The method may comprise receiving a plurality of IP packets of the media stream, each packet providing a fragment of a portion of the media stream. Thereafter, the portion of media stream may be buffered in a jitter buffer using the fragments provided by the received packets. Further, the portion of the media stream may be buffered in a replay buffer using the fragments provided by the received packets. The replay buffer may be larger than the jitter buffer and a first received fragment and a second received fragment may be combined. The second received fragment may have been discarded by the jitter buffer. A media stream may then be played back using media from the replay and/or jitter buffer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for providing voice quality assurance is provided. The method determines voice information for an end point in a voice communication system. The voice information may be from an ingress microphone. The method determines if the voice quality is considered degraded based on an analysis of the voice information. For example, the voice information may indicate that it is distorted, too loud, too soft, is subject to an external noise, etc. Feedback information is determined if the voice quality is considered degraded where the feedback information designed to improve voice quality at an ingress point for a user speaking. The feedback information is then outputted at the end point to the user using the end point.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for ensuring quality of a media message is provided. The method includes receiving information for a media message. At least a portion of the media is analyzed to determine a media quality for the media message. The method then determines if the media quality is acceptable. If the media quality is not acceptable, then an alert may be sent regarding the media quality of the media message. For example, a caller may be prompted to re-record a media message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the effect of surrounding noise in a push-to-talk (PTT) system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a first media stream using a microphone when a PTT functionality of a PTT communications system is in a first state, and identifying a first set of characteristics associated with noise in the first media stream. The method also includes obtaining a second media stream using the microphone that includes the noise and a first sound when the PTT functionality is in a second state. A second set of characteristics associated with the first sound in the second media stream is identified, and parameters associated with a filtering arrangement are determined using the first and second sets of characteristics. Finally, the method includes applying the filtering arrangement to the second media stream to filter out the noise such that a communications stream is created.

Abstract: In one embodiment, techniques for optimizing voice quality for a media stream provided to participants in a conference are provided. A first path is provided that provides an unmixed path of media from a first user to participants in the conference. A second path includes a mixed path of media from multiple users. The mixed path may include media from a first user and a second user that is mixed. The mixed path may include a transcoding from a first compression to a second compression, and back to the first compression (or another compression). A floor control module may switch between the first path and the second path to optimize voice quality.

Abstract: A method of and system for adjusting audio volume in a conference call environment are disclosed. The method comprises associating respective gain factors with each source of a plurality of incoming audio streams. The method further comprises automatically adjusting the volume of each incoming audio stream in accordance with the associated gain factor. In accordance with example embodiments, the method may be performed either at a telephony endpoint such as a VoIP telephone or at a conference bridge.

Abstract: Computerized systems and methods for initiating, creating, managing, and securitizing loans and other credit programs electronically are disclosed. The systems and methods provide lenders with equal opportunity access to a plurality of loan securitization pools, such that the lenders can subscribe to various loan securitization pools, and within each loan securitization pool, subscribing lenders are equally provided loan securitization opportunities on a rotating basis. Methods for providing lenders with rotating credit decision opportunities are disclosed. The rotating credit decision methods provide participating lenders who subscribe to a common securitization pool with an equal opportunity for selling loans eligible for that securitization pool to their customers.

Abstract: Computerized systems and methods for initiating, creating, managing, and securitizing loans and other credit programs electronically are disclosed. Loan securitization pools that can be subscribed to by a plurality of lenders are electronically defined and established. Lenders may subscribe to the loan securitization pools for the purpose of converting their loans to cash. The loan securitization pools comprise loans from a plurality of lenders, and are created according to optimizing a plurality of loan features, thereby maximizing the potential conversion value of the loans therein. Optimization techniques are disclosed for establishing the loan securitization pools with pre-defined sets of loan characteristics, such that the loan securitization pools have an easily analyzed worth and will not be discounted when converted to cash.

Abstract: Computerized systems and methods for simultaneously managing multiple securitization pools are disclosed. The simultaneous management methods allow lenders to re-allocate loans into secondary loan pools when the loans become ineligible for primary loan pools. Lenders are thereby saved from having to carry loans on their books when they become ineligible for a primary loan pool. The methods also allow lenders to allocate a loan to relatively higher valued loan securitization pools based on loan characteristics, and to re-allocate the loan to a relatively lower valued loan securitization pool should the loan fall out of or become disqualified from the relatively higher valued loan securitization pool. The disclosed systems and methods provide smaller lenders with the ability place their loans in the most beneficial loan securitization pool available.

Abstract: A portable steam sauna that provides a framing structure having a plurality of detachable framing members and coupling members wherein each coupling member releasably engages at least two framing members for manually assembling and disassembling the framing structure while utilizing a flexible, light-weight, soft, steamproof enclosure material for forming a steamproof enclosure. The framing structure utilizes light-weight, non-metallic, rigid framing members and coupling members having hollow cylindrical structures. The framing members and coupling members are preferably fabricated from a conventional polyvinyl chloride which will remain comfortable to a user's touch even in elevated temperatures. The releasable engagement between the coupling members and the framing members is a frictional fit to assure the framing structure remains assembled when said steam sauna is in use while also allowing for the manual disassembly and reassembly of the framing structure when the portable steam sauna is not in use.

Abstract: A system enabling the frequency, and if desired, phase control of an oscillator which generates a standard signal useful as a carrier which is modulated by modulation signals. A multiplicity of such oscillators and associated transmitters may be used in a simulcast transmission system. The transmissions originate from a station which may be remote from the transmitters. The station has a system controller and the transmitters have transmitter controllers. For frequency control a reference signal generated in the system controller is transmitted over the same link and band width (e.g. the voice band width) with the voice modulating signals to the transmitter controllers of all of the transmitters.