Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for an originator of a voice mail message stored on a voice mail system to modify the message after the session in which the message has ended. An originator initiates a session with a voice mail system, which queries the originator as to the intent of the session. If the session is to record a new message, the voice mail system accepts the message and a unique message identifier is assigned to the message. If the originator wishes to modify an existing voice mail message, the voice mail system requests the originator to supply the unique message identifier. After the message has been identified, the originator is given several options to modify the existing message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to allow conference call participants to determine the identity of the current speaker without interrupting the call by verbally requesting the identity of the speaker. When a conference call is established, a conference bridge initiates a connection to an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system. The conference bridge prompts each participant as they join the call to repeat words on a predetermined list. The repeated words are sent to the ASR system, where a voice profile is generated for each conference participant. When a conference participant wishes to know the identity of the current speaker, the participant notifies the conference bridge. The conference bridge sends the request to the ASR system, where a comparison is made between the voice of the current speaker and the voice templates. When a match is found, the identity of the current speaker is returned to the requesting participant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing extension service to mobile stations in a wireless communications system. A network call control function receives an incoming call request. Via a query/response sequence with a network user profile data base, the network call control function determines if wireless extension service is enabled and which mobile stations are on the wireless extension list. The network call control function utilizes a network conference bridge to initiate a multiparty call to the mobile stations on the extension list. Inclusion of determination of the geographical location of other mobiles allows call alerting to be restricted to mobiles within a predetermined geographic location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to allow mobile stations in a wireless communications system to act as extension units to each other. A first mobile station receives a call request. The first mobile station determines if extension functionality is enabled. If wireless extension functionality is enabled, the first mobile station determines which other mobile stations are in the extension member list. The first mobile station alerts other mobile stations in the extension list. The other mobile stations return instructions as to the disposition of the call. Those accepting the call are bridged onto the call and notified when the call ends. Inclusion of determination of the geographical location of other mobile stations allows call alerting to be restricted to mobile stations within a predetermined geographic location.

Abstract: A system for delivering web products to a subscriber unit including: (a) at least one subscriber unit equipped for processing web signals; (b) a telecommunication network coupled with the at least one subscriber unit; and (c) at least one web provider station coupled with the telecommunication network. Each respective web provider station is responsive to a predetermined call code for providing a predetermined web product to a particular subscriber unit via the telecommunication network.

Abstract: A system for delivering video products to a subscriber unit includes: (a) at least one subscriber unit equipped for processing video signals; (b) a telecommunication network coupled with the at least one subscriber unit; and (c) at least one video provider station coupled with the telecommunication network. Each respective video provider station is responsive to a predetermined call code for providing a predetermined video product to a particular subscriber unit via the telecommunication network.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling a conference bridge. In response to receipt of a first signal, such as Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency Signal (DTMF), muting a port of a speaker who has captured the bridge. In response to a subsequent signal or a time-out, the speaker's port is unmuted. Advantageously, this arrangement allows conferees other than the speaker to help control the allocation of the conference bridge among the conferees.

Abstract: A method for discovering and assigning telephone numbers that have commercial, trademark or vanity significance to requesting subscribers on a worldwide scale. The method includes determining numbers that have value because they potentially will be requested for commercial, trademark or vanity purposes by companies or persons active in various locations in the world. Language translations and transliterations are also taken into account in order to obtain a telephone number that will retain its commercial, trademark or vanity value in an area that speaks a different language.

Abstract: The present invention provides a text-based interactive response system and a method for redirecting a calling phone from the interactive response system to a destination phone. The communication system receives a request at the interactive response system from the calling phone. If the calling phone is capable of processing IP data, the communication system sends a text-based menu interface to the calling phone. The calling phone can also send a menu response to the communication system. The menu response indicates a menu selection associated with a destination phone. The communication system receives the menu response from the calling phone and redirects the calling phone to the customer service representative chosen by the calling phone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for retrieving multimedia messages from a multimedia mailbox. A communication system receives a request to retrieve a multimedia message from a multimedia mailbox from a calling phone. If the calling phone is capable of processing IP data, the communication system sends a text-based menu interface to the calling phone. The communication system receives a selection of one of the stored messages from the calling phone and initiates a second connection between the multimedia mail system and the calling phone. The communication system sends the selected stored message from the multimedia mailbox to the calling phone over the second connection. The calling phone can send a callback indicator to the multimedia mail system, and the multimedia mail system will establish a call between the calling phone and the depositor of the multimedia message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for redirecting a calling phone from a finder service to a destination phone. A communication system receives a request to generate a set of destination names at the finder service from the calling phone. If the calling phone is capable of processing IP data, the communication system sends a text-based menu interface including the set of destination names to the calling phone. The calling phone may send a menu response indicating one of the set of destination names to the communication system. The communication system receives the menu response from the calling phone and redirects the calling phone to the destination name.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for direct access to the multimedia mailbox associated with a wireless unit. The wireless unit subscribes to the direct multimedia mail service. A calling unit, such as a wireline phone, wireless phone, or mobile phone, sends a call request requesting a direct multimedia mail message be sent to the subscriber to the direct multimedia mail service. The calling unit will be directed directly to the multimedia mailbox of the subscribing wireless unit, without ringing or alerting the called wireless unit to the communication with the multimedia mailbox.

Abstract: A method apparatus for finding and assigning both commercially valuable and vanity (CSV) numbers in a telecommunications system that permits number portability. CSV Numbers are identified by a rules based process that combs the unused number database for valuable combination and saves those numbers in a special database. Those numbers that are not so identified stay in the unused database for general assignment. To assign a CSV number, a similar process is used to generate candidate numbers based on a desired keyword, and then the candidate numbers are used to query the special database and even the general unused number database to get available candidates. The available candidates are offered to the requesting user and the user may accept or decline.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for allowing a user of a wireless station to screen incoming calls by presenting to the user a displayed text generated by a speech-to-text converter, the text corresponding to the initial portion of a message that the caller is leaving on the called party's voice mail system. Advantageously, the called party can screen calls, not only by caller identification, which may or may not be present, but also by the specifics of the message that the caller is planning to leave for the called party. Advantageously, using this arrangement, the caller need not know that the called customer could have answered the call, a disadvantage with arrangements such as call waiting, in which there is a brief exchange before a connection is either established, or not established, to the interrupting party.

Abstract: A new local-toll telephone network configuration which, using aspects of data network configurations in a unique way, supports both voice and data telephone calls. Further, this invention may be used in conjunction with existing switching systems, so that there is a minimal of capital required to upgrade a local switching system for competitive access. An ATM switch is configured so that there are permit virtual circuits (PVCs) connecting switching offices connected to it. The synchronous data stream is connected to asynchronous and the circuit identifier code is included in the payload. Thus, the ATM switch is serving as a conduit for large amounts of data (including packetized voice) between local telephone switching systems while not having to take the time to set up each connection individually.

Abstract: A method for detecting translation data error in a central office switch comprises: receiving a call directed to a ported directory number in a switch; retrieving translation data from the switch memory to connect the call to a customer line; and determining that the call cannot be completed to a customer line served by the switch. Upon determining that the call cannot be connected to a customer line served by the switch, a translation data error (TDE) indicator is set in the switch memory so that the instant call, and all subsequent calls directed to the same ported directory number, are connected to an announcement circuit. An translation data error message is also sent to a central switch maintenance and control center by the switch.