Abstract: A cell phone system (10) for enabling and disabling a vehicle (12) includes a cell phone (20) and a receiving receptacle (22) secured within the vehicle (12) that is configured so that the cell phone (20) cannot transmit signals whenever the cell phone (20) is secured within the receiving receptacle (22). A vehicle enabling mechanism (44) is secured within the receiving receptacle (22) and is also secured in communication with an engine (50) of the vehicle (12) so that placement of the cell phone (20) within the receiving receptacle (22) activates the vehicle enabling mechanism (44) to put the vehicle (12) in an enabled mode, and so that removal of the cell phone (20) from the receiving receptacle (22) deactivates the vehicle enabling mechanism (44) to put the vehicle (12) in a disabled mode.

Abstract: A portable device-based monitoring and security system has a docking device with a connector for connecting to a portable electronic device. The docking device has a plurality of sensors that are able to transmit to the portable electronic device signals representing measurement values acquired by the sensors. In one embodiment, the docking device is a base with a cradle and a plug connector for connecting with a jack of the portable electronic device. The base may be an externally powered unit, forming a charging station for the portable electronic device. The sensors may include a carbon monoxide sensor, an ambient light sensor, a sound sensor, a gas sensor, a smoke sensor, a motion sensor, and the like. In the case in which the docking device is a portable dongle or a protective case with a dongle, the sensors are advantageously CO sensors, TDS sensors, pH sensors, breathalyzer or UV sensors.

Abstract: A content reproducing method and system for performing seamless playback of contents between devices is provided. The contents reproducing system includes a portable device which, when a short distance communication with a remote control which is configured to control an electronic device occurs during reproducing of contents, generates data required by the electronic device for reproducing the contents that are being reproduced, and which transmits the generated data to the remote control; the remote control which receives the data from the portable device and which transmits the received data to the electronic device, in conjunction with the occurrence of the short distance communication with the portable device; and the electronic device for receiving the contents from a contents provider and reproducing the contents.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for detecting a privacy condition in a communication device and disclosing the privacy condition to a second communication device. A privacy condition is detecting in the communication device, wherein the privacy condition is a condition that can affect the privacy of a call. The privacy condition can be the enablement of a speakerphone, the detection of a non-private environment, or the detection of a nearby electronic signal. Thereafter, during an active call, a notice of the privacy condition is sent to the second communication device. A privacy condition can be displayed in response to receiving a privacy condition message from the second communication device.

Abstract: One or more media items can be bound to a voice call using a binding protocol. The binding protocol allows call participants to more easily transfer media items to other call participants using one or more user interfaces. A call participant can initiate a media transfer by selecting the media and a communication modality for transferring the media. The binding protocol can be active or lazy. In lazy binding, the call participant can select the desired media for transfer before the voice call is established, and subsequently mark the media for binding with the voice call. In active binding, the call participant can select and transfer the desired media item during the voice call, and the media item is automatically bound to the voice call. The media item can be transferred using a user-selected communication modality over an independent data communication channel.

Abstract: Avoided is falsely detecting a hand of a usual user being in contact with a contact sensor, instead of detecting an object, such as water, having a high dielectric constant being in contact with the contact sensor. A smartphone (1) includes a contact determination section (101) which determines that (i) a hand is in contact with a contact sensor (11) in a case where an output value outputted by the contact sensor (11) is not lower than TH1 and lower than TH3 and (ii) an object, such as water, having a high dielectric constant is in contact with the contact sensor (11) in a case where the output value is not lower than TH3.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for mobile device management during synchronized audio playback in coordination with external video playback. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for mobile device management during synchronized audio playback in coordination with external video playback includes receiving in memory of a mobile device a request to synchronize playback of an audio file through the mobile device with a presentation of video externally to the mobile device and in response to the request, automatically dimming a display of the mobile device and synchronizing playback of the audio file with the external presentation of the video.

Abstract: A system for automated adaptation and improvement of speaker authentication in a voice biometric system environment, comprising a speech sample collector, a target selector, a voice analyzer, a voice data modifier, and a call flow creator. The speech sample collector retrieves speech samples from a database of enrolled participants in a speaker authentication system. The target selector selects target users that will be used to test the speaker authentication system. The voice analyzer extracts a speech component data set from each of the speech samples. The call flow creator creates a plurality of call flows for testing the speaker authentication system, each call flow being either an impostor call flow or a legitimate call flow. The call flows created by the call flow creator are used to test the speaker authentication system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving an input from a call center agent indicating a symptom of a quality of an electronic communication between the agent and a caller. Identifying a cause of the quality of the electronic communication based on the input. And, sending instructions to adjust the cause of the quality of the electronic communication.

Abstract: Techniques for a personalized Bluetooth headset and a voice interaction control method thereof are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, the Bluetooth headset is caused to maintain a voice contact list. Each item in the voice contact list corresponds to a phone number associated with a set of audio data (e.g., a voice or a predefined audio). When a paired mobile device receives a call, the voice contact list is searched per the caller number. A corresponding audio is played back when an item is located in the voice contact list. As such a user of the Bluetooth headset knows who is calling and determines whether the call shall be answered or not.

Abstract: A caller information server provides caller identification (ID) information to a mobile device. The server receives caller ID information from local address books stored on multiple mobile devices. The caller information server aggregates the received caller ID information to generate a pooled address book. The caller information server may determine whether names within the caller ID information are legitimate and store or filter the information accordingly. When a mobile device receives a call from a telephone number for which it lacks caller ID information in its local address book, the mobile device sends a request for the caller ID information for the telephone number, to the caller information server. The server identifies caller ID information associated with the telephone number in the pooled address book, and sends this information to the mobile device.

Abstract: A device includes a communication unit configured to receive a call request from a calling user; and a control unit configured to control the communication unit to provide a response message including information about a current situation based on information about an application currently being executed to the calling user in response to a rejection regarding the call request.

Abstract: A system and method for securely recording voice communications, comprising an authentication server, further comprising at least a software components operating on a network-capable computing device, and a database, wherein an authentication server verifies the validity of voice communications and a database stores voice communication recordings.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an order in which to communicate with a list of numbers and/or addresses for a particular contact is disclosed. Each caller that communicates with the contact may specify a different order for the contact's various phone numbers and other addresses. A communication management system may then automatically dial the numbers or use messaging addresses to initiate data communications in the specified order when the initiating party attempts to communicate with the contact. The order may specify simultaneous and/or sequential use of numbers or addresses. Alternatively or additionally, the communication management system may dynamically and/or automatically determine the communication order or a portion thereof. The automatic determination of the order may be based on a communication history or communication receiving of the initiating party. In some arrangements, the order may be partially manually defined and partially automatically defined.

Abstract: A method of tuning a hearing device includes sending a test signal to a model of a hearing device that may be remote from the actual hearing device being tuned. The test signal is encoded by the model and sent to the hearing device being tuned. The user of that hearing device sends a response signal based at least in part on the encoded test signal. This response is received and compared to the original test signal. Thereafter, an operational parameter is sent to the hearing device based on the comparison.

Abstract: Unwanted calls are detected by determining all calls which are unverified by prior prompting the caller to provide data, such as “press 5 to be connected” or “say ‘proceed’” before being allowed to connect. Once connected, the called party may indicate that the call was/is unwanted and should be disconnected. Then, the call is disconnected from the called party while being maintained with the switch. The call is also recorded in embodiments of the disclosed technology, with the audio therefrom, or audio signature, being used to detect future unwanted calls. The detection of future unwanted calls may further be modified or determined based on association of called parties to each other, which, additionally, may be used to change the threshold of closeness of audio signatures between calls.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for a telephony server to provide services based upon a call from a user. A user communicates with the telephony server over a telephone communication device. The telephony server retrieves a voice application over a computer network from a remote web site and uses it to have a speech-based conversation with the user. The conversation results in obtaining service data from the user. The retrieved voice application performs the requested service based upon the user-provided service data. After the requested service is performed, the voice application and the user service data are removed from the telephony server.

Abstract: A speech analytics system (“SAS”) monitors speech from a remote party and agent to determine when text-based guidance information (“TBGI”) and a script control icon is to be provided to the agent. The agent may respond to a particular context with certain information, either by verbally informing the remote party or causing a prerecorded script to be played to the remote party. In one embodiment, the SAS monitors the agent's speech to ascertain if an expected speech response is provided by the agent within a first time period. If not, the SAS may cause another TBGI and script control icon to be presented to the agent, and again monitor the agent's speech to ascertain if an expected speech response is provided by the agent within a second time period. If the agent again fails to respond properly, then data may be written indicating a compliance failure.

Abstract: A method for providing inbound call reservations to a communication center has steps for monitoring service access points into the communication center by reservation software executing from a machine-readable medium, evaluating communicators and potential communicators, and issuing invitations for reserved communication sessions to qualified communicators and potential communicators, the reserved times coordinated according to data pertaining to predicted communication load and resource availability statistics.

Abstract: A method and computer readable medium for routing a call to geographically dispersed agents based on agent skill-set, agent location and caller location that results in the call being delivered to the best available agent. The computer readable medium and method are utilized with a system comprised of a call center application module coupled to a database module with a communications network being used to couple incoming calls from customers with the best available agent. A database contains a ranking of available agents, based on a dataset including information regarding skill-set, previous interaction with the customer, proximity to the customer, language capability, current availability, and the like. The method chooses the best available agent to service a customer call based on the agent rankings. In the case where the customer has a preference for proximity of the agent to the customer, the system adjusts the agent rankings according to the agent's distance from the customer prior to making a selection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for facilitating collaboration in a contact center by providing a roster of recommended subject matter experts on a topic related to an ongoing customer contact session. For example, embodiments can use a modification of the skills matching algorithm of the CRM system used to initially select an agent to also evaluate the needs of the service incident, and match those needs with people who would be able to contribute to a conversation and help the agent. The system can then recommend these possible contributors in a ranked order based on how well each collaborator's skills match the requirements of the incident. When the agent requires assistance and creates a conversation, the system can recommend to the agent a list of users that can help, based on the strength of the match to the skill that would equate to the incident.

Abstract: At least one inquiry message is received from a user device in the form or a text message, email or other communication message format. The message may be received and processed to identify the content of the inquiry message to determine whether the inquiry message should be transferred to a live agent queue or whether the inquiry message should be responded to with an automated response stored in a database. In the case of the automated message failing to address the user's inquiry or if the automated responses do not appear to be relevant based on the comparison of the message content to automated response content then transmitting the inquiry message to the live agent queue.

Abstract: An automated notification system for use in a facility, including a telephone system, a controller, a paging system, and a warning system. The warning system includes warning lights, warning speakers, and warning displays. The telephone system includes extension handsets, and the paging system includes paging speakers. The extension handsets, paging speakers, warning speakers, warning lights, and warning displays are distributed throughout the facility. An alert condition may be activated using one of the extension handsets or by an activation device within the facility. Upon detection of an alert condition, the controller actuates the warning system and uses the paging system to provide audible and visual warnings throughout the facility, and provides outgoing notification to emergency personnel through the telephone system. Remote units located in outlying areas around the facility are wirelessly signaled by the control unit to provide appropriate warnings in such locations.

Abstract: Selecting one of a plurality of direct inward dialing numbers for dialing an international number preceded by a direct inward dialing number is disclosed. A destination phone number to be dialed by a wireless device is initially received at the wireless device. It is then determined that the destination phone number is an international destination phone number. In response to the determination that the destination phone number is an international destination phone number, one direct inward dialing number is selected from among a plurality of direct inward dialing numbers. The selected one direct inward dialing number connects the wireless device to a server. Next, the wireless device dials the one selected direct inward dialing number and determines that a connection between the wireless device and the server has been established. Finally, the international destination phone number is forwarded to the server.

Abstract: Methods for operating a meeting coordinator to detect which participant is speaking during a teleconference meeting using a teleconferencing system, having corresponding mobile electronic devices and computer-readable media, comprise: accessing calendaring information concerning the teleconference meeting, the calendaring information including a time of the teleconference meeting, a meeting location, identities of meeting invitees, and contact information for the meeting invitees; automatically setting up the teleconference meeting using the calendaring information to enable the teleconferencing system to connect remotely-located meeting invitees; generating a roster of meeting participants comprising at least some of the meeting invitees; tracking a participation status for the meeting participants; and accessing prerecorded unique digital voice signatures for the meeting invitees.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus registers voice call destination information and data transmission destination information for a destination in association with each other. The image processing apparatus executes a voice call with the destination using the voice call destination information, and executes, after the voice call, data transmission to the destination using the data transmission destination information in accordance with a data transmission instruction input by the user.

Abstract: A modified end user network access point includes a switching module and a controller to track usage of the end user network access point by wirelessly connected end user devices. The tracked usage information is transmitted from the end user network access point to a remotely coupled data center. The data center collects usage information from a plurality of different end user network access points. The collected usage information is in turn transmitted from the data center to a network carrier. The network carrier uses the received usage information to bill users for accessing the end user network access points and using any services provided by the end user network access points. An owner of each end user network access point is compensated by the network carrier each instance that an end user device utilizes the end user network access point to access the network carrier's communications network.

Abstract: A Toll-Free Management Platform (TFMP) includes methods and systems for number administration, customer administration, call management services, texting services and text registry, and a smart services registry. The TFMP may allow users to search for, receive recommendations for, and make reservations of toll-free numbers. A user interface may allow activating a toll-free number, through a one-click activation function and users may access the TFMP to create and access existing templates of toll-free call routing templates, and utilize a routing tree engine to create customized call routing trees for the toll-free numbers of interest to the user. Predictive analytic services may be provided that allow a user through a customizable user interface, or dashboard, to access third party data sources and other information derived from toll-free telecommunications networks.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and apparatus are disclosed. The method includes determining whether a shared balance threshold has been breached, and notifying a member of a sharing group, in response to a determination that the balance threshold has been breached. The shared balance threshold is for the sharing group, which includes a number of members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for notifying an end user of a messaging event in a multi-user setting is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in a communication device which includes computer instructions at least for matching a caller identifier associated with a messaging event and entries in a plurality of contact books corresponding to a plurality of users, and identifying a plurality of parties to whom the messaging event is potentially directed based on the matching. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A server includes a controller and an interface for communicating with image processing devices and an information processing device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus stores output data in a storage unit, in an output system in which an output device acquires and outputs the output data stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus includes a determining unit configured to determine whether a substitute output function should be valid for the output data, based on information read from the output data, by using a substitute output setting including the information that can be read from the output data for which the substitute output function should be valid; and a specifying unit configured to specify a substitute output person, based on information read from the output data, and reflect information of the specified person in output-data-related-information relating to the output data that is stored together with the output data in the storage unit, when it is determined that the substitute output function should be valid for the output data.

Abstract: Provided is a portable terminal capable of efficiently storing untransmitted print object data as print data in a non-volatile storage unit, and restarting printing by the print object data. Included are a storage unit, a remaining battery capacity detection unit, a print data construction unit that constructs the print data in each [print unit size] from a data start position of the print object data and transmits the print data to an image forming device, and a data storage processing unit that performs a data storage process in which the print object data is stored in the storage unit in each [storage unit size] toward the data start position from a data end position of the print object data when a remaining battery capacity is smaller than or equal to a preset reference value during transmission of the print data by the print data construction unit.

Abstract: A management server includes a communication unit configured to receive job data and transmit the job data to the image forming apparatus so that the image forming apparatus executes the job, and a registering unit. When the communication unit receives the job data containing account information, if it is determined that the account information contained in the job data satisfies the registration condition, the registering unit registers the account information contained in the job data. If it is determined that the registration condition is not satisfied, the registering unit does not register the account information contained in the job data.

Abstract: In the case where state information has already been obtained from a service providing server on the Internet at the time when an MFP requests access to the service providing server, a mediation server gives a notification using the MFP based on the state information. In this case, the mediation server switches a notification method between a method of displaying a view on a display panel of the MFP and other methods in accordance with a function of the MFP.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a reception unit and a display controller. The reception unit receives an operation for selecting a destination from a transmission destination list containing a registered mail address of the destination to which an image is to be transmitted. The display controller displays an object image in a predetermined display region. The object image indicates a parameter of an image reading unit that reads the image. When the destination is selected by the operation, the display controller makes the display region display the mail address registered in the transmission destination list in place of the object image. When a preset time period elapses, the display controller sets the display back to the object image.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus with which, in selecting one of plural processing image areas in one image, even an inexpensive display unit will not lower the convenience. An information processing part of image forming apparatus includes a division number questioning part, answer receiving part, image dividing part, key highlighting part, processing image selection part, and reporting display part. Division number questioning part makes a question about a required image division number. Answer receiving part receives an answer. Image dividing part displays image, dividing it into plural processing image areas by the required image division number answered. Key highlighting part highlights keys corresponding to processing image areas. Processing image selection part selects processing image area corresponding to a key operated, as processing object.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a frame in which a carriage configured to reciprocate along a predetermined direction is disposed, and a unit disposed to be openable with respect to the frame. A first engaging portion is formed on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is capable of restricting a movement of the carriage at least in the predetermined direction with use of a securing component including a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion. When the securing component is attached to the carriage, and then the unit is closed with the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engaging with each other, the securing component is sandwiched and fixed between the frame and the unit.

Abstract: A web browser section makes, to a second web server section, a request for acquisition of operation screen data of an application program executed in an information processing device, when an instruction to activate the application program is received. The second web server section transmits the operation screen data of the application program to the web browser section in accordance with and in response to the request for acquisition. The displaying section displays an operation screen in accordance with the operation screen data obtained by the web browser section from the second web server section.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus has a scanner configured to read an original sheet on a line basis at a constant line cycle and generate analog image data for each pixel of the line, and output the analog image data for each pixel at a pixel cycle, a power source including a DC/DC converter configured to convert a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage by applying a switching control to the first DC voltage at a switching cycle, the second DC voltage being supplied to the scanner, a convertor configured to sample the analog image data at the pixel cycle to convert the analog image data to digital image data, a sampling setting unit configured to set the pixel cycle, and a controller configured to cause the sampling setting unit to set the pixel cycle to be an integer multiple of the switching cycle of the DC/DC convertor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image reading apparatus and includes: scanning unit including a light source; a focusing mirror which reflects light from the light source on a reflecting surface portion; and a mirror holder which fixes the focusing mirror on fixing portions formed at both ends of the mirror holder, wherein, when the scanning unit is moved to read image information, the focusing mirror is formed such that the fixing portion is smaller than the reflecting surface portion in at least one of strength and rigidity.

Abstract: A light irradiator includes a light source and a light guide to guide a light flux from the light source to an illumination area. The light guide has an incident surface, an emission surface and two side surfaces. The emission surface is located apart from a reading optical axis with an inclination relative to the reading optical axis. The following relations are satisfied: S1(x)?S2(x) S1(L)>S2(L) wherein S1 represents a divided cross-sectional area near the reading optical axis and S2 represents a divided cross-sectional area far from the reading optical axis when a virtual cross-sectional area S parallel to the incident surface of the light guide is divided by a plane passing the center of the incident surface, formed by a direction perpendicular thereto and the incident surface and the main scanning direction; S (x) represents a virtual cross-sectional area distant from the incident surface of the light guide by x; L is a distance from the incident surface to the emission surface; and 0?x<L.

Abstract: A driving device is used in an image reading apparatus, and reciprocates a scanning unit for reading an image on an original. The driving device comprises a pull member, a driving pulley which transmits driving force to the pull member, a following pulley which applies tension to the pull member and a pulley holder having a pulley axis which holds the following pulley rotatably. Then, the pulley axis has a lock pawl capable of locking an upper end portion of the following pulley and canceling engagement with the following pulley by being tilted toward a side of an axial center by elastic deformation. Furthermore, the lock pawl is arranged at a side of a tension acting direction from the pull member to the following pulley except the farthest position from the driving pulley among positions in a circumferential direction of the pulley axis. It is possible to attach and detach the following pulley easily at a time of maintenance or the like.

Abstract: Arithmetic memories, image sensors including the arithmetic memories and methods of operating the arithmetic memories are provided. The arithmetic memories may include an input block to which a digital pixel reset signal and a digital pixel image signal are input and a plurality of unit cells configured to generate a digital difference signal. The input block may include first and second multiplexers to which the digital pixel reset signal and the digital pixel image signal are input and an inverter connected to the first multiplexer. The plurality of unit cells may include a first unit cell connected to the input block and a second unit cell through an N-th unit cell successively connected to the first unit cell. N may be two or greater. The first unit cell may include third and fourth multiplexers, a first flip/flop, and a first AND gate.

Abstract: A first document image is scanned from a document in a first orientation, and a second document image is scanned from the document in a second orientation different from the first orientation. A wrinkle area candidate detecting unit rotates the first document image by a rotation angle between the first and second orientations, and detects as a wrinkle area candidate an object in a predetermined density range in the rotated first document image and the second document image. A similarity degree determining unit determines a similarity degree between the wrinkle area candidate of the rotated first document image and the corresponding wrinkle area candidate of the second document image. A wrinkle area removing unit removes the wrinkle area candidate as a wrinkle area if the similarity degree falls into a predetermined range.

Abstract: Provided is an image compression apparatus including a dividing unit that divides a bit width pixel value set in advance that indicates compressed image information into an invalid bit region and a valid bit region other than the invalid bit region that are replaced with a fixed value determined in advance, an image information conversion unit that makes a value of the valid bit region be a value of a bit corresponding to the pixel value and makes a value of the invalid bit region be the fixed value determined in advance and converts the compressed image information to conversion image information, and a compression unit that compresses the conversion image information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which forms an image on paper and is connected to be communicable with an image capturing apparatus that captures a person existing around the image forming apparatus, includes a receiving unit configured to receive a job, a generation unit configured to generate information representing a user who has input the job received by the receiving unit, and a transmission unit configured to transmit the information representing the user, which has been generated by the generation unit, to the image capturing apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus which comprises: a receiving unit configured to receive a print job from an information processing apparatus; an obtaining unit configured to obtain at least owner information and domain information from a header of the print job; a generating unit configured to generate user identification information including the owner information and the domain information; a registering unit configured to register the user identification information; and a storage unit configured to store the print job in association with the user identification information. Thus, it is possible to register the appropriate user identification information according to environments of a network system.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image obtaining unit configured to obtain an image of a document, a document supplying unit configured to supply a document to the image obtaining unit, an image forming unit configured to form the image on a printing medium, a storing unit configured to store supply status information of the document, and a controller configured to perform a preparation for an image forming operation in response to at least one of the document being supplied to one of the image obtaining unit and the document supplying unit and an option setting command of the image forming operation being input. The controller, in response to the option setting command being input after the preparation for the image forming operation is stopped, is configured to perform the preparation for the image forming operation again based on the supply status information of the document.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus reads an image on an original and generates lines of data by causing a carriage to perform scanning, then by referring to the data, detects chromatic color pixels that exist between two achromatic color pixels, being first and second achromatic color pixels, from among pixels in the image that has been read in the scanning direction of the carriage, and determines one of the detected chromatic color pixels as a pixel of interest and corrects the pixel of interest to an achromatic color pixel while shifting the position of the pixel of interest pixel-by-pixel N times from a pixel position adjacent to the first achromatic color pixel in a direction toward the second achromatic color pixel.