Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting bearer loss in an IP-based multimedia session. A multimedia session is initiated by an access terminal. A Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) communicates the Session setup information and the bearer characteristics to a Signaling Gateway (SGW). The SGW uses this information to adjust the dormancy timers on the originating side so that the originating access link remains active during the call setup.

Abstract: To address the need to manage multiple media streams within the communication network rather than at the user equipment, the network may employ a method such as that depicted in diagram 10. The network determines (11) that a called remote unit is associated with a personalized service that provides a first media stream for a calling remote unit during setup of a multimedia session. The network then indicates (12) to network equipment supporting the setup of the multimedia session to not provide a second media stream for the calling remote unit during the setup of the session. In response to receiving (13) an indication that the called remote unit is accepting the multimedia session, the network indicates (14) to network equipment to remove the first media stream from the calling remote unit and establish a media path between the called remote unit and the calling remote unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting signaling messages over the communication channel to a CDMA mobile station. If a one-half, one-quarter, or one-eighth frame voice packet is to be transmitted, augmenting that packet with signaling information to form, essentially, a full rate frame; if no more than N consecutive full rate frames are detected, deferring transmission of the signaling message, and thereafter, if another full frame voice frame is detected, substituting a frame of signaling information for the full frame voice frame. Advantageously, using this arrangement, most short signaling messages can be transmitted to a CDMA mobile station with minimal voice impairment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing secure access for a communication unit to an IP Multimedia Network in a communication system. The communication system includes a local area network (LAN), an Internet, and the IP Multimedia Network. A first secure connection is established between the LAN and the IP Multimedia Network. The first secure connection traverses the Internet. Secure access is provided to the communication unit by utilizing the first secure connection and a second connection between the communication unit and the LAN.

Abstract: A method of managing a multimedia call session conducted over a communications network (10) is includes: receiving a request to set-up the multimedia session over the communications network (10), including a plurality of media types; and, establishing a separate single media session for each media type included in the request, the established sessions being between a plurality of participating terminals (40, 50).

Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100), a multimedia-based answering system (200) lowers the amount of air interface bandwidth used to send multimedia mail messages. When a called party is unavailable, a user of a user terminal (102) is given an option to send a multimedia mail message for the unavailable called party (300, 302, 304). If the user wants to send a multimedia mail message, the bandwidth requirements for the call are renegotiated to reduce bandwidth for sending the multimedia mail message (306). The multimedia mail message is then transmitted over-the-air to a multimedia mail system (208), where the multimedia mail message is buffered, transcoded (if necessary) and stored until the called party retrieves it (308, 310).

Abstract: A communication device is described that includes a POTS interface system, a processing system, a conversion system, a voice interface system, and a digital interface system. When in operation, the POTS interface system receives analog voice signals for a call. The POTS interface system converts the analog voice signals from analog to digital to generate digital voice signals. The processing system performs an application on the digital voice signals to provide a presentation format of the digital voice signals of the call to a user. The conversion system then converts the digital voice signals into analog voice signals and a voice interface system transmits audible signals to the user. The digital interface system receives digital data signals from a data service provider and the processing system performs an application on the digital data signals to provide additional data to the user.

Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100), a conference establishment server coordinates the scheduling of a conference call. The server receives request for conference calls (202). The request includes a list of participants and may include an indication of the resources necessary and any rules for the conference call. The request may indicate critical resources or participants that are required for the call. Based on the request, the server determines a conference time and notifies participants of the time (204, 206, 210). Prior to conference time, participants are reminded of the time and automatically connected to the call. The server may check the status of users on the telecommunications network to determine availability. If a critical participant or resource is unavailable at conference time, the conference may be cancelled with notification to the participants.

Abstract: A method of converting between media types in a call session conducted over a multimedia communications network (10) includes receiving call set-up signaling from a calling party. The call set-up signaling initiates establishment of the call session and identifies the calling party's selection of a first media type which the calling party desires to use for participation in the call session. The method further includes inviting a called party to join the call session, querying the called party to determine the called party's selection of a second media type which the called party desires to use for participation in the call session, and receiving a response to the query, the response identifying the called party's selection of the second media type.

Abstract: A method of managing a multimedia call session conducted over a communications network (10) is includes: receiving a request to set-up the multimedia session over the communications network (10), including a plurality of media types; and, establishing a separate single media session for each media type included in the request, the established sessions being between a plurality of participating terminals (40, 50).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting signaling messages over the communication channel to a CDMA mobile station. If a one-half, one-quarter, or one-eighth frame voice packet is to be transmitted, augmenting that packet with signaling information to form, essentially, a full rate frame; if no more than N consecutive full rate frames are detected, deferring transmission of the signaling message, and thereafter, if another full frame voice frame is detected, substituting a frame of signaling information for the full frame voice frame. Advantageously, using this arrangement, most short signaling messages can be transmitted to a CDMA mobile station with minimal voice impairment.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system provide for variable encoding levels for encoding of in-band control messages in wireless telecommunication systems. In the various embodiments, ANSI-136 handoff and geolocation messages may be encoded utilizing different code rates, and are then transmitted in lieu of voice data in a fast associated control channel (FACCH). The preferred system embodiment includes a transceiver (base station) and a mobile switching center. The mobile switching center includes instructions to create a message for transmission during a communication session. When the message is necessary for continuation of the communication session, such as a handoff message, the mobile switching center includes further instructions to select a first encoding level from a plurality of encoding levels, such as a robust ¼ convolutional code, and to encode the message using the first encoding level to form the encoded message for transmission.

Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100), a multimedia-based answering system (200) lowers the amount of air interface bandwidth used to send multimedia mail messages. When a called party is unavailable, a user of a user terminal (102) is given an option to send a multimedia mail message for the unavailable called party (300, 302, 304). If the user wants to send a multimedia mail message, the bandwidth requirements for the call are renegotiated to reduce bandwidth for sending the multimedia mail message (306). The multimedia mail message is then transmitted over-the-air to a multimedia mail system (208), where the multimedia mail message is buffered, transcoded (if necessary) and stored until the called party retrieves it (308, 310).

Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100), a conference establishment server coordinates the scheduling of a conference call. The server receives request for conference calls (202). The request includes a list of participants and may include an indication of the resources necessary and any rules for the conference call. The request may indicate critical resources or participants that are required for the call. Based on the request, the server determines a conference time and notifies participants of the time (204, 206, 210). Prior to conference time, participants are reminded of the time and automatically connected to the call. The server may check the status of users on the telecommunications network to determine availability. If a critical participant or resource is unavailable at conference time, the conference may be cancelled with notification to the participants.