Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a network based voice mail system that includes advantages of traditional answering machines. When a call comes in that is not answered, a Remote Answering Device may pick up after a preselected number of rings and play a prerecorded greeting that is stored locally and then prompt the caller to wait for the beep. The Remote Answering Device may use three-way calling service to conference the user's voice mail number into the call. When a conference call is established it plays the beep and then plays the message which is being recording live on the speaker. If a call is received by the network based voice mail system that did not first pass through the Remote Answering Device, the network based voice mail system may synchronize the Remote Answering Device with the network based voice mail system.

Abstract: A telephone system having a message recording function includes a message receiving system that is connectable to a calling station to the telephone system through a telephone line and receives a message transmitted from the calling station through the telephone line, a message storage in which the message received by the message receiving system is stored, a message reproducing system that retrieves and outputs a message stored in the message storage. With this configuration, the message reproducing system reproduces the message with the telephone line being in the off-hook state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for enabling a telephone caller to generate a brief message for transmission to an intended call recipient, as part of the initial procedure of setting up a phone call between the caller and recipient. The message is sent and displayed or otherwise made available to the recipient before the recipient is required to answer the call. The message could comprise a sequence of alphanumeric characters that conveyed an abbreviated message, or otherwise indicates the purpose to the call to the recipient or provides other information. Respective characters could be transmitted as corresponding sequences of binary tones sent to the call recipient between telephone rings.

Abstract: Integrated voice record and playback systems having indicator for the presence of new recorded audio messages. The voice record and playback integrated circuits include circuitry for the sensing of the recording of a new message and the generation of a pulsing signal which can be used to pulse an external light emitting diode as an indicator of the existence of a new message, or to trigger the repetitive playback of a prerecorded signal to the external speaker used with the voice record and playback system to provide an audible indicator of the existence of a new message. Timing of the pulsing circuit may be controlled using the external capacitor normally used as part of an AGC circuit, thereby achieving a new message indicator with a minimum, if any, extra components. Various embodiments are disclosed, including various methods of disabling the indicator on playback of the message or messages.

Abstract: A voice message system utilizes presence status information obtained from a presence server in playing inbox greeting to incoming callers. The presence status can indicate the actual presence or availability of the called user and is thus dynamic in nature. By using a voice message system to reflect and relay the presence status, the presence status information can be heard by those devices which do not have the capability to display presence information.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables a telecommunications terminal user who is on hold during a call to determine which audio segments, such as musical compositions, are to be played, without some of the costs, disadvantages, and limitations of techniques in the prior art. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a controllable music-on-hold capability that allows the user to enter commands via the user's telecommunications terminal keypad. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a structure for storing computer files, referred to as an “audio segment box,” is established in a data-processing system. The audio segment box is similar to a “voice mail box” used in voice mail systems, except that the audio segment box is designated for audio segments that include musical compositions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for adding attachments to voice calls. A communication system for the invention includes a file server and a switching system of a circuit-based network. During a voice call connected between a first station and a second station over the circuit-based network, the switching system detects a code entered by the user of the first station. Responsive to detecting the code, the switching system transmits a query to the file server. The file server processes the query to locate one or more files stored in the file server. The file server then transmits the located file to the switching system. The switching system plays the file to the second station over the connection for the voice call.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exchanging messages between an end subscriber and a text message server in a telecommunication network via even a conventional telephone device, which is connected to the text message server via a gateway with browser, which has means for voice recognition and for converting text into speech, and a service computer, wherein according to the end subscriber's instructions given by speech and/or via the keypad of the telephone device the gateway with browser contacts the service computer and from there downloads an electronic document, the gateway with browser converts indications, instructions and/or text messages from text into speech by means of the electronic document and outputs them on the telephone device and the gateway with browser receives instructions and/or messages which the end subscriber has input by speech and/or via the keypad of the telephone device, voice messages being converted into text messages in the gateway with browser, and also a telecommunication

Abstract: An audio caller identification system and method are provided. A caller identification device of a called party's telephone, whether integrated with the telephone or stand-alone, includes a speaker for audibly alerting the called party to the nature of an incoming call. A speech synthesizer in concert with an audio caller iD program may audibly identify a name and/or number of the calling party displayed on the called party's caller ID device, including descriptive terms for calling parties such as “private,” “unlisted,” or “out of the area.” When the called party's telephone begins to ring, the called party may listen to the audio identification of the calling party for a quick screening without having to go to the telephone to read the caller ID.

Abstract: An outcalling system considers subscriber presence information in determining when to initiate attempts to deliver messages to the subscriber. The subscriber presence state may provide insight into the likelihood of successful message delivery. The outcalling system may decide to initiate or may forgo initiation of a delivery attempt based in part on the subscriber presence state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for messaging with mobile devices (e.g., cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs)) and, more particularly, to systems and methods for messaging multiple media with mobile devices.

Abstract: A method is provided that can be used for modifying a control parameter associated with a digital subscriber line (DSL) service. Initially, a real-time performance parameter is received from a first termination unit that is coupled to an DSL circuit. The real-time performance parameter is measured at the termination unit after the termination unit is provisioned and after the DSL circuit is placed in-service. A value of a control parameter associated with the DSL circuit can be modified based on the measured real-time performance parameter. Further, activity over the DSL circuit can be monitored in real-time and when usage of the DSL circuit is below a threshold, the provisionable service parameter that corresponds to the control parameter is modified. Moreover, a first re-provisioning cycle between the first termination unit and a second termination unit coupled to the DSL circuit can be initiated using the provisionable service parameter.

Abstract: A system for managing access to folders of an email account so that some folders can be viewed by Internet users other than the email account owner. One way of access is simply by typing an Internet address in an Internet browser. Contents can also be posted by any Internet user to those publicly accessible folders. One way of posting is simply by sending an email addressed to that folder. A voice message management system manages multiple voice message boxes for each subscriber for later retrieval such as one main incoming message box and an advertisement voice message box for storing targeted advertising messages. The incoming voice messages are routed to their respective boxes based on their type, preferably without ringing the user's telephone at the time of delivery. An email and voice message management system for monitoring and managing respective inboxes, folders or boxes of above mentioned email and voice communication accounts.

Abstract: A database having information sought by a consumer, a database containing consumer attributes, and a database of advertising messages are made responsive to telephone calls placed to an interactive voice response (IVR) system. Alternatively, the databases can be linked to a web site responsive to consumer input. Either system can deliver the advertising messages to the consumer. The database of consumer attributes contains information already known about the consumer that can be used to decide on which advertising message to deliver. The consumer initiates activity by calling the interactive voice response system or accessing the web site. Software identifies the consumer via the consumer-inputted identification and delivers an advertising message likely appeal to the consumer. The advertising message can include an offer to purchase a product or service. The offer can be taken during the advertising period and recorded so as to be sent to a sponsor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for communication and provision of routing address information. The prior owner of a called telephone number is referred to herein as a “prior subscriber”. When a number is released by a prior subscriber, it is placed into a database referred to as the “spare pool” which includes available (unsubscribed) telephone numbers. When a caller dials a number that is in the spare pool, the invention intercepts the call and takes any number of possible actions. In one embodiment, the invention automatically forwards the caller to a new number based on a database that stores the new number of the prior subscriber or routes the caller to a message that gives the caller the option (either via a charge or after listening to an advertisement) of being connected to, or being given, the current number of the prior subscriber.

Abstract: A communication remote control system allows a user to remotely configure call management functions across various phone networks using a client device. The communication remote control system centrally handles call management for the user's telephones. The communication remote control system may provide a centralized address book, call log, and voicemail. The user can specify various parameters including modes, filters, schedules, and the like, which are stored in the communication remote control system. The communication remote control system routes incoming calls made to the phone networks to the user's delivery device, which may be part of the client device. Incoming calls are routed to a specified telephone number, sent to voicemail, or otherwise disposed of or users can change modes manually or can specify automatic mode selection based on time of date, day of week, location, and/or other factors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and computer program for handing over a communication from a first party to a second party. The method comprises the steps of analyzing an audio communication with said first party for quality; and transcribing to text said audio communication with either a speech recognition function or a shadow or a human transcription service, based on said analyzing. The method comprises the further steps of editing the transcribed text; aligning said text with visual information viewed during said audio communication; and sending said transcribed text along with said visual information to said second party. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tool that can be used to great effect in the “Call Handover” scenario.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed to provide a conference among conference participants over a communication network. A routing system receives conference utilization data from a plurality of conference systems. The routing system receives a request to join the conference from one of the conference participants. The routing system processes the conference utilization data in response to the request to select one of the conference systems. The one conference system joins the one participant to the conference in response to the selection of the one conference system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an Internet conference call bridge management (ICCBM) system and method with which a person (customer) having access to the Internet may efficiently input the contact number of at least one party (call recipient) with whom the customer wants to speak. The ICCBM system then calls the customer, calls the party or parties, and the audio signals are bridged in a manner that optimizes the call signal to noise ratio, minimizes demands placed on computing resources, and provides controls with which the customer may monitor and control the telephonic access of the other participants through the duration of the conference call.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for changing attributes of voice calls. During a voice call over a connection of a circuit-based network between a first station and a second station through a switching system, the switching system receives audio from the first station. The switching system also detects a code entered by the user of the first station. Upon detecting the code, the switching system changes one or more attributes of the audio received from the first station to generate audio with changed attributes. For instance, the switching system may raise or lower a volume of the audio, may raise or lower the frequency of the audio, may add or remove background tones, or change other attributes. The switching system then transmits the audio with the changed attributes to the second station.

Abstract: Method and system for reachability via time controls to a selective register. This is achieved by the fact that the identity of the calling number from other subscribers to the first subscriber, that via time controls are permitted to be forwarded to a register that corresponds to the identity of the number of the caller, and can according to the invention provide selective messages in an unlimited amount to the call and selectively forward subscribers to selective registers. The time control is a first function that the caller is encountering. Via the time control the identity of the caller can lead to ranked registers such as message registers at a first level and thereafter to other selected registers that corresponds to the identity of the caller. As a last function the call may be let through to the first subscriber assuming that the time control is so arranged.

Abstract: A next-generation network utilizes a three-tier, cascading fault approach to providing emergency stand-alone (ESA) switching in a circuit-to-packet (C2P) network. Calls that are placed to destination numbers which are connected to the same local network device are completed even when connectivity with a community network level has been interrupted, while calls that are placed to destination numbers which are connected to the same community are completed even when connectivity with a gateway media controller has been interrupted.

Abstract: A system is used with advertisements or merchant listings that include promotional phone numbers associated with particular merchants. The system includes a database of associations between phone numbers for the particular merchants and their promotional phone numbers. A call tracker is provided that includes a telephone interface that receives calls directed to multiple phone numbers and identifies a phone number called and a calling phone number for the received calls. As the phone number called is one of the promotional numbers, for received calls, the call tracker uses the database to select the merchant phone number associated with the phone number called and routes the call to the selected merchant phone number. The call tracker also adds data identifying the call, including data identifying the time and date of the call, the calling phone number, the phone number called and the merchant phone number to a call log.

Abstract: An enhanced directory assistance system includes a directory assistance platform configured to receive calls from at least one requester seeking a listing and a listing database, coupled to the directory assistance platform configured to store a plurality of listings. At least one listing has a preferred status. When the requester contacts the directory assistance platform seeking the listing, a customer service representative at the directory assistance platform retrieves listings that meet the requester's search requirement, at least one of which is a listing having a preferred status. The at least one listing having a preferred status is given a more prominent display to the customer service representative than the remaining listings among the plurality of listings that do not have a preferred status.

Abstract: Increasing the level of automation when establishing and managing network connections. A connection manager operates between system level APIs and application programs, providing a level of abstraction. When a user wishes to access a remote resource included in destination network, the user simply identifies the remote resource and the connection manager performs the underlying operations. The connection manager relieves users from having to know detailed information about the remote resource and the destination network. When the connection manager receives a request to access a remote resource, connection manager may utilize extensible decision logic to identify a most appropriate connection method for connecting to a destination network. Such decision logic may include comparing prioritized connection requests to local resources available in a local computing device, as well as, comparing connection parameters associated with connection methods.

Abstract: A telecommunication call center handles a call from a telecommunication network. The call center comprises a call center processor and a call center destination system. The call center processor receives and processes a message from the telecommunication network for the call to select a route code and to select a key, wherein the route code and the key are separate from one another. The call center processor transfers the route code and the key to the telecommunication network. The call center processor transfers the key and call-handling information for the call to the destination system. The destination system receives the key and the call from the telecommunication network, and associates the call with the call-handling information based on the key.

Abstract: An allocation component allocates its received calls among a plurality of telephony systems including a first telephony system and a second telephony system. A first routing protocol (RP) component distributes those of the calls allocated to the first telephony system among a first plurality of call center sites. A second RP component distributes those of the calls allocated to the second telephony system among a second plurality of call center sites. A load-balancing Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system dynamically distributes its received calls between the plurality of telephony systems based on agent availability data associated with the first and second plurality of call center sites and the second plurality of call center sites. A primary IVR receives a plurality of calls and routes a first percentage thereof to the allocation component and a second percentage thereof to the load-balancing IVR system.

Abstract: A rational agent includes interpretation means to transform events translating a communication activity of an external agent into incoming formal records, a rational unit producing outgoing formal records as a function of the incoming formal records and a behavioral model of the rational agent, and outgoing events generation means transforming outgoing formal records into outgoing events materializing a communication activity of the rational agent with the external agent. The interpretation means comprise several interpretation modules, each of which is dedicated to a mode specific to it, and the rational agent also comprises an inputs and outputs management layer provided with a multimodal fusion module that takes account of all incoming events, redirects their interpretation to the different interpretation modules concerned, correlates incoming formal records and submits the incoming formal communication records thus correlated to the rational unit.

Abstract: Improving the deployment of human resources in a work environment and particularly in a contact center environment. Agents working in a contact center are given different assignments based on their skills and proficiencies. Conventional contact centers typically use a static skills resume to evaluate their agents for particular roles. The present invention enables call centers to design customized assessment tools for evaluating their agents. By tailoring the attributes considered important for a particular role, a call center can more accurately, more efficiently, and more easily assess which agents are best-suited for a particular role.

Abstract: A first integrated circuit generates one or more control signals to couple a select one of a plurality of nodes of a plurality of second integrated circuits to a common input node for the first integrated circuit. The first integrated circuit senses an analog signal at the common input node based on a signal at the coupled select node.

Abstract: A system for providing DC power on local telephone lines, such as telephone lines in a building or office, for powering devices and circuitry associated with communications over those telephone lines, as well as other functions. Desired voltage and power levels are supplied over local telephone lines by separating the DC power component from the central office or private branch exchange with a DC blocking filter while passing all AC telephony signals. A distinct DC power is then imposed over the telephone line for powering both the telephony service as well as other loads. Conventional telephone off-hook detection is simulated for compatibility with the central office or private branch exchange. The functions required may be integrated, partially or fully within a telephone outlet.

Abstract: A telephone magnetic hook switch board mounted within a handset cradle of the communications device. The device magnetic circuits place the communications station on-hook or off-hook, depending on the amount of ambient magnetic flux. The magnetic flux varies with the presence or absence of a handset in the cradle. If the handset and the is removed from the cradle, the circuit will change state and the telephone and will go off-hook.

Abstract: A cryptographic method is described. The method comprises storing binary data representing at least a portion of a field element of an odd-characteristic finite field GF(pk) in a register, p being an odd prime number, the field element comprising k coefficients in accordance with a polynomial-basis representation, the binary data comprising plural groups of data bits, wherein each group of data bits represents an associated one of the k coefficients and processing the binary data in accordance with a cryptographic algorithm such that the plural groups of data bits are processed in parallel. An apparatus comprising a memory and a processing unit coupled to the memory to carry out the method is also described.

Abstract: A plurality of original partial data are generated by dividing the original data by the prescribed processing unit bit length, a plurality of random number partial data each having a length less than or equal to the prescribed processing unit bit length are generated in correspondence to the plurality of original partial data, and a plurality of divided partial data that constitute each divided data are generated by using exclusive OR calculation of the original partial data and the random number partial data, each divided partial data having a length equal to the prescribed processing unit bit length. Then, the divided data in the desired number of division are generated from the plurality of divided partial data, such that the original data cannot be ascertained from any one divided data alone but the original data can be recovered from a prescribed number of the divided data among generated divided data.

Abstract: An encrypted data distributing method includes preparing cipher text which can be decrypted only by a specific trusted device, and performing encryption and decryption processing at a high speed. An encryption key is prepared using an encryption device authentication key unique to an encryption device and a decryption device authentication key unique to a decryption device, and cipher text is prepared by this encryption key. The authentication keys are also sent to the decryption device. In the decryption device, the decryption device authentication key received from the encryption device is compared with the decryption device authentication key prepared by the decryption device to perform decryption processing only when the authentication keys match.

Abstract: Systems and methods encrypt data according to a multi-round, block encryption algorithm, In some embodiments, each round includes transforming data held in a group of registers of a processor register set and maintaining round output in the group of registers to use as input in a subsequent round. In some embodiments, the multi-round, block encryption algorithm is the Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for enhancing entropy in a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) using remote sources. According to one embodiment of the present invention, first, the PRNG's internal state is initialized. Local seeding information is then obtained from a local host. For added security, additional seeding information is obtained from one or more remote entropy servers operating independently to each maintain a constantly updated state pool. Finally, the PRNG is stirred based upon the local seeding information, and the additional seeding information.

Abstract: Stateless hardware security modules facilitate securing data transfers between devices in a data communication system. The stateless hardware security module may communicate with other devices via a secure communication channel to securely transfer information between the client device and another device. As a result, sensitive information such as cryptographic keys and data may be securely routed between the client device and another device. The stateless hardware security module may support a limited set of key management operations to facilitate routing of information between the client device and another device. However, the stateless hardware security module does not need to maintain state information for the keys it maintains and/or uses. As a result, the stateless hardware security module may be advantageously integrated into a variety of client devices.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for the encryption of image data in a networked environment. More particularly, this invention is directed to a system and method for encrypting documents or data generated via an associated image generating device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (200) for embedding a watermark in an information signal bit-stream are described. The method comprises receiving a portion of an information signal bit-stream (MPEG2). A first copy of the received portion is stored in a first buffer (220). A second copy of the received portion is watermarked, and the resulting watermarked signal stored in a second buffer (240). At predetermined intervals, a check is performed to determine if the bit-rate of the received portion has been changed by being watermarked. If the check determines the bit-rate has changed, the first copy of the received portion from the first buffer is output. Otherwise the watermarked signal from the second buffer is output.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for outputting a predetermined video signal from a component output terminal includes signal detection means for detecting a copy protection signal embedded in the video signal to protect copyright, setting detection means for detecting a currently set output format of the video signal output from the component output terminal when the copy protection signal is detected by the signal detection means, and changing means for changing the output format detected by the setting detection means to an alternative output format when the output format is a predetermined format.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus having demodulator for demodulating signal received from the tuner and releasing video and audio signals, first encryption decoder for encrypting or decoding the video and audio signals with the use of first encryption key, recorder for recording the encrypted video and audio signals, second encryption decoder for encrypting or decoding the video and audio signals with the use of second encryption key, communication devices for transmitting the video and audio signals encrypted in the second encryption decoder to another recorder over network, and controllers for, when the video and audio signals are recorded in the recorder, directing the video and audio signals to be encrypted with the first encryption decoder and recorded, and when the video and audio signals are transmitted via the communicator, directing the video and audio signals to be encrypted with the second encryption decoder and transferred.

Abstract: In encryption transmission employing a conventional optical transmission apparatus, since a dedicated hardware unit to be used executes a complicated signal process, there are the problems that a high-speed transmission speed is difficult to realize and an entirety of a transmission system employing encryption becomes high in cost. An optical signal transmitter for encryption and an optical signal receiver for encryption, employing optical multi-value transmission which is high in cost and in which an effective improvement of transmission speed is difficult, are used only for exchanging an encryption key and data to be actually transmitted is transmitted by another line. A data signal is transmitted by using: the exchanged encryption key after communication of the encryption key is executed by using the transmitter and receiver for encryption transmission prior to the data transmission; and another system of high-speed signal transmission line in an encryption transmission circuit.

Abstract: A chaotic communication system employs transmitting and receiving chaotic oscillating circuits. One improvement to first-generation systems is the ability to modulate a nonreactive element in the transmitting circuit, thus increasing modulation bandwidth. Other features include insertion of a gain control amplifier in a chaotic receiver; signal filtering in chaotic transmitters and receivers; use of chaotic modulation techniques for cellular telephony applications; dual-transmitter and receiver systems; a dual receiver synchronization detector; interfaces to communication systems; analog chaotic signal modulation; use of multiple chaotic transmitters and receivers; digital algorithm improvement using a cube-law nonlinear component; a Gb-only receiver; a Gb-only transmitter; and positive slope transmitter and receiver systems.

Abstract: A wireless lock and key system using an encryption key pair. When a lock senses a person nearby, the random signal is generated. The key encrypts the signal and returns it to the lock. The lock decrypts the signal and compares it to the original to determine if the lock should be opened. The key may generate temporary tickets for guests to open the lock for limited times.

Abstract: A computer-based vehicle reservation system and a method for a computer-based vehicle reservation system. According to the method: the availability of all vehicles in the vehicle reservation system is detected; a user reserves a vehicle for a determinable time and/or period and/or location by a computing unit connected to a central unit; an identification code is transmitted to a mobile radio device of the user by an SMS module of a central unit; the user is identified in an identification module by the identification code; and the vehicle is released for use. In particular, the billing process for the related services can be automated by the method and system.

Abstract: A surveillance system and method for activating emergency communication between a third party and a system having at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them, wherein the emergency access is operable following a trigger event, thereby providing a secure surveillance system with emergency access having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in reducing airlink congestion and processing time associated with ciphering information communicated between a wireless communication network and a mobile station are disclosed. From the standpoint of the mobile station, one illustrative method involves the steps of receiving a ciphering mode information message from a wireless network; identifying and processing valid radio bearer downlink ciphering activation time information in the ciphering mode information message when it is part of a security mode command message; and refraining from processing any valid radio bearer downlink ciphering activation time information in the ciphering mode information message when it is part of a message that is different from the security mode command message (i.e. when it is part of a radio network subsystem relocation procedure).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically generating authentication keys are disclosed. Specifically, a Mobile-Foreign authentication key is separately generated by both the Mobile Node and Foreign Agent. Similarly, a Foreign-Home authentication key is separately generated by the Foreign Agent and the Home Agent. In accordance with one embodiment, generation of the Mobile-Foreign authentication key and Foreign-Home authentication key are accomplished via the Diffie-Hellman key generation scheme.

Abstract: Preventing the misappropriation of high-value equipment or confidential data by providing access to the equipment or data only after finding and connecting to a predetermined wireless network. If the predetermined wireless network cannot be located, or if a connection to the predetermined wireless network cannot be established, the high-value equipment becomes inoperable or access to the confidential data is restricted. The confidential data may also be deleted to prevent misappropriation.