Abstract: A proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information via at least one network and for building-up a good quality version of the media information are provided. When a user device communicates with the proxy apparatus using a particular bandwidth and requests that media information be provided, the proxy apparatus first determines if a version of the media information encoded for the user device's connection bandwidth has been stored in the proxy apparatus. If a version of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth is not available from the proxy apparatus, the proxy apparatus sends a request to a media server for the media information. If the version of the media information has missing packets, the proxy device sends retransmission requests to the media server to obtain the missing packets, thereby building-up a good quality version of the media information.

Abstract: A proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information via at least one network and for building-up a good quality version of the media information are provided. When a user device communicates with the proxy apparatus using a particular bandwidth and requests that media information be provided, the proxy apparatus first determines if a version of the media information encoded for the user device's connection bandwidth has been stored in the proxy apparatus. If a version of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth is not available from the proxy apparatus, the proxy apparatus sends a request to a media server for the media information. If the version of the media information has missing packets, the proxy device sends retransmission requests to the media server to obtain the missing packets, thereby building-up a good quality version of the media information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for managing immigration status. A system configured to practice the method identifies a project, such as a work contract. The system identifies a worker assigned to the project, wherein an immigration status of the worker requires the worker to have a visa, such as an H-1B visa, to participate in the project. The system electronically prepares and tracks immigration documentation associated with the visa in order to allow the worker to participate in the project. Then the system determines if an event occurs that impacts the immigration status, and, if the event occurs, the system updates the immigration documentation based on the event. The immigration documentation can include a labor condition application (LCA) and/or a public access file (PAF). The system can prepare the immigration documentation based on information stored in a personal profile of the worker.

Abstract: A network based platform uses face recognition, speech recognition, background change detection and key scene events to index multimedia communications. Before the multimedia communication begins, active participants register their speech and face models with a server. The process consists of creating a speech sample, capturing a sample image of the participant and storing the data in a database. The server provides an indexing function for the multimedia communication. During the multimedia communication, metadata including time stamping is retained along with the multimedia content. The time stamping information is used for synchronizing the multimedia elements. The multimedia communication is then processed through the server to identify the multimedia communication participants based on speaker and face recognition models. This allows the server to create an index table that becomes an index of the multimedia communication.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for messaging multimedia calls with a non-CCITT compliant switch when the intended recipient is unavailable. The method is used in connection with a telecommunication network which has an identified multimedia server. According to the method, multimedia calls from a caller, using a multimedia device running a first application and a second application, are messaged when the called party is unavailable. The method involves initiating a multimedia call to the called party using the first application and determining that the multimedia call is an unanswered call using the second application. Using the second application, the first application is signalled to indicate that the multimedia call was unanswered. In response to the signal, an X.25 packet message is sent from the multimedia device to the identified network based multimedia server. The multimedia device receives back a messaging address identifying a multimedia messaging server from the network based multimedia server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and indexing audio information exchanged during an audio conference call, or video, audio and data information exchanged during a multimedia conference. For a multimedia conference, the method and apparatus utilize the voice activated switching functionality of a multipoint control unit (MCU) to provide a video signal, which is input to the MCU from a workstation from which an audio signal is detected, to each of the other workstations participating in the conference. A workstation and/or participant-identifying signal generated by the multipoint control unit is stored, together or in correspondence with the audio signal and video information, for subsequent ready retrieval of the stored multimedia information. For an audio conference, a computer is connected to an audio bridge for recording the audio information along with an identification signal for correlating each conference participant with that participant's statements.

Abstract: A process for converting a point-to-point multimedia call into a bridged multimedia call for accommodating multi-party conferencing. The process utilizes the bearer channel configuration of the standard BRI format to disconnect, one at a time, each bearer channel from the point-m-point call and to reconnect each line to a multipoint control unit, whereupon the reconnected lines are individually reformatted in accordance with standard video phone protocol. The process facilitates the continuous and uninterrupted exchange of audio information and data between the point-to-point participants throughout the disconnection and reconfiguration stages of the conversion.

Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunication network to route a first phone call, from a caller to a channel of a free position of a plurality of positions at a selected destination of a network subscriber, based on voice and data transport capability, and for connecting a second phone call from the caller to a second channel of the same free position to create a multi-channel data call is disclosed. The selected destination is one of a plurality of destinations selected by the network subscriber identified by a common telephone number. Each of the plurality of positions is associated with a discrete telephone number. A plurality of discriminators common to both voice and data calls are established for the call. An additional data rate discriminator is established for a data call corresponding to a requested data rate for the calling party. A database is accessed in response to receiving the common telephone from the calling party for obtaining a destination number for data calls.

Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunication network to route a multi-channel call, made up of phone calls placed at substantially the same time, from a caller at a calling number to an agent position at a selected destination of a network subscriber, based on voice and data transport capability, for increased bandwidth communication is disclosed. The selected destination is one of multiple destinations selected by the network subscriber identified by a common telephone number. Each of the phone calls are associated with a plurality of discriminators common to both voice and data calls. An additional data rate discriminator is established which corresponds to a data rate used by the caller when the phone calls are data calls.

Abstract: A telephone network carrying a facsimile transmission transmitted by a user from a facsimile transmission source modifies the user's facsimile transmission by incorporating with the user's facsimile information at least one advertisement, so as to form a combination facsimile transmission that is transmitted to a destination specified by the user. Ultimately, when the facsimile is printed or displayed, the advertisement will be printed or displayed as well. One or more "sheets" of facsimile information contained within the original facsimile transmission of the user may have an advertisement included therewith. The advertisement incorporated with each sheet may, but need not, be the same. The particular advertisements being incorporated with the user's facsimile information are independent of the content of the user's facsimile information, although they may be selected as a function of one or more parameters of the call over which the facsimile transmission travels.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods and articles of manufacture for operating a single processing system node among a plurality of processing system nodes for performing distributed telecommunications. In particular, a first information data set is transferred from a first processing system node to a second processing system node via a first communications path. A second communications path is established between the first processing system node and a communications node. The second communications path is established as a function of at least a portion of the first information data set. The first and second communications paths operate to facilitate communications between the second processing system node and the communications node.