Abstract: In an automated call management method and system, automated processing is used to collect customer information that enables skills-based call routing and a camp-on approach to efficiently handling calls. The customer information is preferably acquired through use of a web-compatible form that is submitted by the customer. The form includes information that identifies agent attributes that are considered advantageous to handling a particular call, includes the callback telephone number, and may include the time at which the callback should be initiated. In another embodiment, the information is acquired using interactive voice recognition techniques. After an agent queue is selected on the basis of a correlation between identified agent attributes and the skills of a particular agent or agent group, a camp-on request is generated to initiate a connection when an appropriate agent is available.

Abstract: A telecommunications network includes a central service center (112) for maintaining a master system database (122, 124) and propagating to switch databases preactivation information. Local switches (114) include or are operably coupled to switch databases (126, 128) and PIN collection units (130). The central service center (112) is adapted to receive a PIN and preactivation information, and then propagate this information to the local switch databases (128). The local switches (114), associated databases and PIN collection units, are adapted to detect a power on of a cellular telephone, receive and check and PIN, and activate to allow service to the telephone. The local switches (114) are further adapted to transmit the activation information to either the central master database (122, 124) (which will then transmit to other switches) or to propagate the activation information to other switch databases itself.

Abstract: A voice mail system includes a database (210) associating a plurality of calling party telephone numbers with a voice mail box. The system further includes a calling party telephone number identification unit (204) for determining the number of a calling party. The system is accessible from external to the system by dialing an access telephone number. When a user from external to the system calls in, the calling party telephone number identification unit (204) reads the number of the calling party. The database is accessed to determine if the calling party telephone number is associated with a system mailbox. If so, the system lets the user access the mailbox by entry of a password. Otherwise, the system requires the user to enter a specific mailbox number.

Abstract: The present method for predictive caching operation determines a time-based pattern of a high-access period for a web page, and pre-fetches the web page into a cache before the high access period begins. A table is generated where the table comprises a URL, a time of last access and a time stamp of the pre-fetched web page. When a request for a web page is made, the requested web page's URL and time stamp are checked with the URL and time stamp listed in the table to determine whether any modification has been made. The web page which has been modified is downloaded into the cache.

Abstract: The present method for selective web caching comprises the steps of generating a table, the table comprising a URL, a time of last access and a time stamp of a web page, the table further comprising a URL, time of last access and time stamp of elements found on the web page; when a request for a web page is made, checking the requested web page's URL and time stamp and URL and time stamp of the requested web page's corresponding elements with the URL and time stamp listed in the table to determine whether any modification has been made; and selectively downloading in a cache only those elements which are deemed to have been modified.

Abstract: A conferencing server (22) and methods for use with a videoconferencing system (20) for multimedia collaborative conferencing. The conferencing server (22) includes at least two data ports (69) and at least two video graphics input ports (67), each pair of data and video graphics input ports for connecting to one of at least two computers (72) belonging to a participant located in a local videoconference room. The conferencing server (22) also includes a single video graphics output port (77) for connecting to a local input port (40) of the videoconferencing system (22). The conferencing server (22) includes a control unit (50) that is selectively programmed to couple a first of the at least two video graphics input ports (67) to the video graphics output port (77) for allowing the transfer of information from the computer connected to the first of the at least two video graphics input ports to the videoconferencing system (20).

Abstract: A service provider providing gatekeeper backup services to a plurality of off-site voice packet networks from a single central backup gatekeeper. The gatekeeper maintains a database of local gatekeepers for which the backup service is to be provided. The services provided may be identical to those provided by the corresponding local gatekeeper, or may be a more basic level of service to reduce the cost of the backup service.

Abstract: Many portable computing devices include data based applications such as schedules, contact managers, and the like, which can be synchronized with another computing device, such as a desktop computer, whereby the data on both synchronized devices are conformed. The present invention discloses a method and apparatus that allows such data to be selectively synchronized, wherein the user can specify, on a record-by-record basis, which other databases receive or synchronize with each record. The present invention allows multiple users to synchronize portable computers with the same desktop (or other) computer without necessarily sharing all of their synchronizable data.

Abstract: A concealed telephone includes a telephone body that is hidden from view. Audio signals produced by the telephone are provided to an earpiece that is hidden in a pair of glasses, sunglasses, or jewelry. A microphone is incorporated into a tie tack, jewelry piece, or other location that is inconspicuous, such as in a pen. Signals between the earpiece and microphone are preferably transmitted wirelessly to the telephone by a Bluetooth™ or other short-range analog or digital wireless communication device. Alternatively, signals could be transmitted from the telephone to the earpiece and microphone via hidden wires.

Abstract: A method and system provide user management of electronic message transmissions between servers and client devices, particularly transmissions of files attached to electronic messages. The method and system operate to transfer selected attached files to and from a client device. When accessing electronic messages with attached files stored at a server by a user, the attached files that satisfy a prescribed requirement are automatically downloaded from the server to the client device utilized by the user. The prescribed requirement may include maximum file size and download time, and approved list of file formats and senders. Preferably, the prescribed requirement is entered into the client device by the user. The prescribed requirement can vary depending upon the personal preference of the user. When forwarding received electronic messages with attached files, only the attached files that have been modified are uploaded from the client device to the server.

Abstract: A data communication system and method that reduces conversion distortion on data calls between locations that encode telephone signals according to different conversion standards is disclosed. The data communication system (40) includes a first switch (44) and a processor (50). The first switch (44) receives a telephone call carrying a first analog modulated data signal, and converts the first analog modulated data signal to a first digitized data signal according to a first conversion standard. Next, the processor (50) converts the first digitized data signal back to the first analog modulated data signal and then demodulates the first analog modulated data signal to recover the original data signal.

Abstract: An improved prompting system for accessing specified functions in an interactive voice response (IVR) system. The IVR system (101) presents a plurality of prompts to callers. The prompts are typically presented in a predetermined order. However, the IVR system (101) improves the presentation by adjusting the presentation order based on a caller pattern of prompt selection. By monitoring incoming calls to determine what prompts are most frequently selected, the IVR system (101) can tailor the presentation order to the needs of individual users. The IVR system (101) can monitor either the selections made by all users or those made by a particular individual user over a configurable time period to establish the pattern of prompt selection.

Abstract: A telecommunications system is provided whereby call routing may be based on a pre-programmed calendar of time-date associations. Moreover, the routing may be selective, based on caller-identification information. In particular, when a call arrives at a messaging server (804), such as a PBX or TOL server, a LAN database is checked. The LAN database points to a calendar (916, 918) corresponding to the user. The calendar (918) is queried to determine the user's location. The caller ID information is checked to determine whether the caller is authorized for forwarding. If so, the call is forwarded based on the calendar.

Abstract: A method of transmitting DTMF signals over a compressed computer network (24) comprises sending a packet containing a compressed DTMF signal followed by a confirmation packet. The confirmation packet preferably comprises an uncompressed DTMF signal which is transmitted on the same logical channel as the packets that represent voice signals. To detect the DTMF signal transmitted, a telephony Internet server (28) decompresses packets as they are received. If a packet appears to contain a compressed DTMF signal, the telephony Internet server looks for the presence of the confirmation packet before processing the previously received packet as a DTMF signal. In an alternative embodiment, the confirmation packet comprises a code that represents a DTMF signal. The packets that represent the voice signal and the code representing the DTMF signal are sent on separate virtual channels of the same logical channel.

Abstract: In an automated call management method and system, automated processing is used to collect customer information that enables skills-based call routing and a camp-on approach to efficiently handling calls. The customer information is preferably acquired through use of a web-compatible form that is submitted by the customer. The form includes information that identifies agent attributes that are considered advantageous to handling a particular call, includes the callback telephone number, and may include the time at which the callback should be initiated. In another embodiment, the information is acquired using interactive voice recognition techniques. After an agent queue is selected on the basis of a correlation between identified agent attributes and the skills of a particular agent or agent group, a camp-on request is generated to initiate a connection when an appropriate agent is available.

Abstract: A system and a method for securing telecommunications resources include a resource requirements module which determines network resource requirements specified in call requests of telecommunications calls. In one embodiment, a resource availability monitor determines if the resource requirements exceed the available levels for at least two network resources. In another embodiment, the resource availability monitor determines if Digital Signal Processor (DSP) requirements in the call request exceed DSP availability. If the resource requirements exceed the resource availability at the time when the call request is received, a resource reservation mechanism places the call request into network resource queues for those network resources which are in short supply.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forwarding Caller ID data on demand when retrieving messages from an answering device using an endpoint telecommunications device and an associated call control system (such as the central office of the calling phone, a PBX, ToL Gatekeeper, wireless carrier switch, etc.), to fully or partially automate the dialing process for remotely calling back a message sender. The invention permits the caller retrieving messages to quickly and easily return calls with little or no manual intervention, without having to create a trombone connection. The invention operates with calling endpoint telecommunication devices that are “intelligent” enough to receive, store and/or utilize Caller ID data forwarded from an answering device; as well as with not so intelligent telecommunications devices (such as many pay phones) that may lack the ability to receive, store and/or utilize forwarded Caller ID data.

Abstract: An improved video e-mail system includes a video input device with a video e-mail controller, and a Web Access Device processor implementing video capture, e-mail and compression selection programs. In operation, a user activates the video e-mail controller, for example, by pushing or clicking a button. The video input device sends a video stream to the Web Access Device processor which is stored until the user clicks or pushes the button again. The Web Access Device processor then activates the e-mail program, opens a “compose” window, and attaches the stored video file.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for recording Call ID data and transmitting the Caller ID data to remote telecommunications devices on demand, to fully or partially automate the dialing process for remotely calling back a message sender.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically loading an application program associated with an e-mail application attachment file upon reception of the e-mail. Alternatively, the application program may be loaded as soon as the e-mail message itself is opened, without waiting for the user to click on the attachment icon. In either case, the application program is loaded in a minimized state such that as soon as the user clicks on the attachment icon, the attachment application file may be run without waiting for the relatively lengthy time required to load the application program. Prior to loading the application program, responsive to receiving the e-mail message, the computer (102, 114) may examine system resources to determine whether memory (208) usage is sufficient to allow for the opening of the application program.