Abstract: A method and system for providing security for a computing device include resolving conflicts between a password-protected screen saver and communication notification capabilities by selectively enabling access to specific communications when the computing device is in a locked mode. The screen saver of the computing device is configured to switch the device from a normal operative mode to a locked mode in response to detection of a preset condition, such as the expiration of an idle-time timer. The computing device then remains in the locked mode until a preset authorization condition is recognized, e.g., entering a password. However, with the computing device in the locked mode, a subset of communication access capabilities is enabled. Specifically, notification of incoming communications is enabled. Preferably, connectivity for select types of outgoing calls is also enabled, e.g., connectivity for emergency calls.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for routing transmissions from a plurality of transmission lines to a plurality of devices associated with the transmission lines. An incoming transmission is received via a first transmission line. Source information associated with the incoming transmission is determined and a data type of the incoming call is determined based on the source information. A routing protocol for the incoming transmission is then determined according to the data type and a transmission hierarchy. The incoming transmission is then routed according to the routing protocol.

Abstract: A system for providing automatic call distribution and training is provided. This system includes agents capable of answering incoming telephone calls. In the preferred embodiment, a queue handler processes the incoming telephone calls to an automatic call distribution system. A monitoring means, such as a server, is used to monitor the queue. It can also monitor agent activities. A contacting means, such as a computer, is used for connecting the agents to the incoming calls. The contacting means also provides training to the agent. Thus, the agents are automatically provided with training based on the queue activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing network rerouting when the overhead associated with the reroute operation could result in system resources being overwhelmed. The system monitors link congestion and CPU utilization that will be caused by rerouting. A comparator determines whether the amount of congestion and CPU utilization is beyond an acceptable predetermined threshold. A reroute control unit prevents rerouting if the amount of link congestion and CPU utilization exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A circuit switched system is provided wherein user devices (1000) are able to identify a particular communication as having a higher or lower level of priority. The lower priority level channels are identified as being "droppable." If during a communication on a particular channel another user device desires communication which would require use of the already used channel (3000) a network supervisor (100) determines whether or not the previously used channel is identified as being droppable. If the currently used channel is identified as being droppable, the network supervisor (100) is configured to cause the channel transmission to end and to allow the establishment of the subsequent channel.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the relative distances from a plurality of hyperlinks 206 to a cursor 202 when a select button is depressed. The relative distances are compared and the hyperlink corresponding to the shortest distance has its function activated. If the distances are determined to be identical or if the distances are determined to be within a predetermined range of one another, the hyperlinks 206 are not activated. Instead, the user positions the cursor 202 such that it is relatively closer to one of the two or more relatively equidistant hyperlinks 206 and clicks again.

Abstract: A system and method for creating full duplex symmetrical circuits using asymmetrical links. Two asymmetrical channels 101a, 101b having high speeds in reverse directions are linked together in one full duplex symmetrical circuit 100 using a dedicated controller 122a to monitor the high speed channel bandwidth and to transmit control signals on the low speed channels in the opposite directions.

Abstract: A computer executable program method for automating the upgrade of a storage medium, such as a disk drive, in a computer system is disclosed. The computer based method is preferably implemented with a series of computer-executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic disk or CD-ROM. When executed on a computer, the program method automatically performs the series of operations needed to configure, partition and format the upgrade disk drive. The method also provides the option of adjusting system parameters so as to account for any changes to logical device designations resulting from the installation of the upgrade disk drive. Once installed, the program method optionally provides the user with the option of utilizing the upgrade disk drive as the new system boot device, or as a secondary/slave device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating multiple data communications with a first platform (100, 102, and 104) using a single communication conduit (108) having first and second channels. First data are transmitted between the first platform and a second platform (114) via the first and second channels (202). It is determined whether an incoming call comprises second data of a particular type (206). Where the incoming call comprises the second data of the particular type (208), transmission of the first data via the second channel is inhibited (226) thereby enabling reception of the second data by the first platform via the second channel while the first data continue to be transmitted via the first channel. The second data are then received at the first platform via the second channel (230). Transmission of the first data via the first and second channels is resumed in response to termination of transmission of the second data (266).

Abstract: A vehicular passenger telephone 37 according to the present invention includes an improved passenger call notification mechanism 154, 534 and user interface. A passenger telephone 37 is provided which includes a handset 506, a credit card reader 508 and a housing 507 for the handset 506 and credit card reader 508. In addition, either the handset 506 or the housing 507 includes a ringer or other call notification circuit 509. The passenger telephone 37 is operative in a first mode such that call notification is provided by the handset or housing ringer 509. The passenger telephone 37 is operative in a second mode such that the vehicle=s entertainment system 150 is employed to provide private call notification. In a first embodiment, call notification is provided via an audio headset 152. In a second embodiment, call notification is provided via a video display terminal 252.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an audio message, such as the identification of a caller, without requiring pre-recording by the call receiver, and providing the audio message in the caller's own voice, if they so desire. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a caller may record her identification prior to making a telephone call. The recorded identification would be sent along with each call the caller makes. The caller's recorded identification would be received by the receiver and announced to the receiver. The caller may also record an image to be sent along with her calls such that the receiver of her call may see her recorded image displayed when her call is being announced. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention allows identification of first-time callers and infrequent callers without the need for the call receiver to pre-record the caller's identity.

Abstract: A method and system for processing user-level messages, such as voicemail messages, among messaging systems within a network includes enabling inter-system transmissions of identifications of the physical locations in memory space for the mailboxes in which the contents of the user-level messages are directed. Each mailbox in a particular system is uniquely associated with a user and with a physical location in memory space at the system. The physical locations of the mailboxes are identified to remote systems within the network, so that the user-level messages may be accompanied by system-level messages that identify the appropriate physical locations. Thus, a receiving system may determine the physical location of an intended mailbox without performing a database search. In the preferred embodiment, each system-level message also includes the mailbox number, so that the receiving station may verify the physical location by matching the identified mailbox number with the actual mailbox number.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating multi-media messages across multiple systems. A networked messaging system 10 having a plurality of mailboxes 50 according to the present invention comprises a first mailbox configured to receive a first plurality of messages and a second mailbox operably coupled to the first mailbox and configured to receive a second plurality of messages. A control system 37 is coupled to control the first mailbox and the second mailbox. The control system 37 is configured to generate first tokens corresponding to the first plurality of messages. The control system 37 is further configured to transfer the tokens from the first mailbox to the second mailbox and is configured to use the first tokens to access the first plurality of messages from the first mailbox responsive to the second mailbox itself being accessed.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating occasional user-initiated data transfers with a generally continuous video transmission in a multimedia communications session includes enabling a party of the session to select at least two levels of video quality of service for the session. A first level is selected for time segments in which the user-initiated data transfers are active. A second level of video QoS is selected for time segments having user-initiated data transfers. Connectivity for the session is established based upon the first level. However, upon initiation of a data transfer, the video transmission requirements are switched to requirements based upon the second level of video quality of service. Present-time quality of service is monitored to determine whether the data transfer should be regulated so as to ensure that the present-time video quality of service remains at or above the second selected level.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring channels and controlling calls. Multiple channels provided by at least one digital line are monitored. Based on this monitoring, the present invention determines when all of the multiple channels are occupied. At least one of an incoming call and an established call is given priority when all of the multiple channels are busy. The priority is based on predetermined inputs from a user. The call with priority is provided on one of the multiple channels. The present invention then determines when one or more of the multiple channels are available. When one of the multiple channels becomes available, the action based on the call priority is automatically disabled.

Abstract: A signal-processing method and system for a telecommunications switch that supports a number of individually addressable telephones including transmitting ring signals to telephones that are determined to be in an inadvertent off-hook condition. The telecommunications switch is configured to transmit a first notification ring signal upon detecting that a particular telecommunications line is in a condition that indicates that the associated telephone is in the inadvertent off-hook condition. The first ring signal induces a ring condition that preferably is uniquely identifiable as indicating that the phone has been left off-hook. A second notification ring signal is transmitted if the phone is returned to the on-hook condition and an incoming call is directed to the telephone. Preferably, the second ring signal induces a uniquely identifiable ring condition indicating that an incoming call is directed to an off-hook telephone.

Abstract: A contention protocol permitting transmission of isochronous data. A device (104) wishing to transmit isochronous data can reserve periodic time slots for the transmission. Either the device (104) or a network controller (101) transmits the reservation information to other devices (106, 108) on the network. When non-isochronous transmissions are desired, the devices (104, 106, 108) contend for access using the CSMA/CD protocols, but taking into account the already reserved time slots. For example, the reserved period may be added to the randomly chosen backoff window. Alternatively, if a backoff window expires during a reserved period, the backoff window may be restarted upon completion of the reserved period. If not all the devices (104, 106, 108) on the network employ this modified CSMA/CD protocol, a "dummy" frame is provided at the beginning of each isochronous transmission. If another device is contending for access, the dummy frame collides, and the other device backs off.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a telephone user to be automatically connected, in sequence, to multiple telephone numbers in response to a single directory assistance query. The user can elect to put all numbers retrieved by his request into a queue, or can queue a subset. The user can further elect to be connected to all numbers in the queue, or can dial some and skip some. An analogous apparatus and method allow a user connected to the internet to navigate by voice interaction through queued site-visit options.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a telephone user to be automatically connected, in sequence, to multiple telephone numbers in response to a single directory assistance query. The user can elect to put all numbers retrieved by his request into a queue, or can queue a subset. The user can further elect to be connected to all numbers in the queue, or can dial some and skip some. An analogous apparatus and method allow a user connected to the internet to navigate by voice interaction through queued site-visit options.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting digital communications for a single-premises wireline digital telephone include converting between a first signaling format that is compatible with conventional bidirectional wireline telecommunications and a second signaling format that is compatible with bidirectional wireless telecommunications. In the preferred embodiment, the single-premises telephone is a feature phone having a visual readout or light display that is activated upon receiving party-specific call messages. A connection from the digital telephone to an interface may include protocol conversion and/or digital-to-analog conversion that utilizes the first signaling format. On the other hand, signal transfers between the interface and the transceiver utilize the second signaling format. In one embodiment, the single-premises digital telephone is remotely located from a switching network, such as a private branch exchange, so that the switching network supports the call features of the feature phone.