Abstract: A method of teaching a surgical procedure includes transmitting a first video, from a first location to a second location remote from the first location, of a surgeon in an operating room performing the surgical procedure on a patient with at least one surgical instrument. The method also includes transmitting a second video, from the first location to the second location, of the surgical instrument during the surgical procedure, annotating the second video with at least one annotation, and transmitting, from the first location to the second location, the at least one annotation overlaid on the second video.

Abstract: Doorbells often include a button to enable visitors to ring a chime to summon building occupants. In some embodiments, doorbells include a camera to take pictures of visitors. In several embodiments, doorbells include covers that are light filters. These light filters can cover infrared light sources such as infrared light emitting diodes. The light filters can pass infrared light while blocking visible light. In several embodiments, a front portion of a camera assembly fits through a hole in a light filter. Light filters can help secure camera assemblies and can form a portion of a doorbell's outer housing.

Abstract: A network-connected security device is communicatively coupled to an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device having a camera and a speaker. A method receives video data captured by the camera, and performs an object recognition algorithm upon the received video data to identify an object therein. The method performs a table lookup using the identified object, into a data structure that associates objects with at least one description of a predefined voice message. The method selects a description of a predefined voice message associated with the identified object, and transmits the selected description's predefined voice message to the A/V recording and communication device for output through the speaker.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus including: a detecting unit configured to detect a state change of sound or light emitted from an external security apparatus to external environment; and a controlling unit configured to, in response to the detecting unit detecting the state change, cause a surveillance camera to capture images or apply a tag on image data being captured by the surveillance camera.

Abstract: In a method for performing gaze redirection, a video stream of a user is received, each video frame from the video stream including a depiction of a gaze of the user. For each video frame from the video stream, an estimated gaze direction of the gaze of the user in that video frame is determined. A field of view (FOV) for a virtual representation associated with the user in a virtual environment is determined. An updated video frame including a modified gaze direction of the user different from the estimated gaze direction of the gaze of the user is generated.

Abstract: A method for providing participant status to facilitate video teleconferencing management is disclosed.

Abstract: A high security two-way virtual cross-barrier observation and communication device has a mounting frame with a hardened core, a pair of digital displays, and a pair of cameras. The mounting frame may correspond to a typical interior door of a building or a relevant component of a vehicle, aircraft, or other relevant application. The hardened core is bullet-resistant and fire-resistant to protect occupants of a protected space from harm. The digital displays and cameras are positioned on opposing sides of the mounting frame, each camera transmitting a live video feed to the opposing display, creating the appearance of a window while protecting occupants. The digital displays may be used to display any desired information. An emergency protocol may be activated to communicate with emergency services. A plurality of laminate layers bond and encapsulate the displays and cameras to the hardened core, forming a rugged, self-contained unit with no moving parts.

Abstract: One example method for controlling online meeting attendance includes obtaining meeting information associated with a meeting, the meeting information comprising a meeting identifier; receiving, by a video conferencing system from a client device, a request to join the meeting, the request comprising the meeting identifier; receiving a user identifier corresponding to a user; accessing a set of guest identifiers corresponding to a plurality of meeting guests invited to the meeting; determining that the user is a meeting guest of the plurality of meeting guests based on the user identifier and a correspondence to a guest identifier of the set of guest identifier, wherein the user identifier is not in the set of guest identifiers; and responsive to determining that the user is a meeting guest of the plurality of meeting guests, connecting the client device to the meeting.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for security and/or automation systems are described. In one embodiment, the method including identifying a presence of a first person at a first location, capturing a first video related to the first person at the first location, and initiating an adjustment of a display of the first video based at least in part on identifying the presence of the first person.

Abstract: A video voicemail recording system enables a caller to leave a conventional audio voicemail message over the telephony connection used for routing a call or to leave a message of a different communication modality using a client application at the calling device. A call is routed to a client device from a calling device. In-call options for selection at the calling device are presented responsive to the call going unanswered, in which a first in-call option allows an operator of the calling device to record an audio-only voicemail message over the telephony service and a second in-call option allows the operator of the calling device to record or input a message of a second communication modality (e.g., a video message). A request to open the client application at the calling device is transmitted responsive to a selection of the second in-call option. The message is received in response thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a resident of a controlled-environment facility with a visitation service that include messaging capabilities, where the message are managed on behalf of the resident based on the visitation sessions in which the resident participates. In one scenario, the resident issues an initial visitation request for a visitation session with a particular non-resident. In response to the non-resident not accepting this initial visitation request, the resident is allowed to record and store a message, such as a voice message or video message, for retrieval and playback by the non-resident. At a later time, the resident issues a second visitation request for a visitation session with the same non-resident. The non-resident accepts the second request and the requested visitation session between the non-resident and the resident is conducted. In response to the visitation session being conducted, the stored message may be marked for deletion.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for storing media streams for a multi-region teleconference. One example involves a first server configured to serve a first geographic region, a second server configured to serve a second geographic region, and a coordination server. The coordination server is configured to provide, to the first server and the second server, an indication to store one or more media streams of a teleconference that is or will be joined by a first endpoint device in the first geographic region and a second endpoint device in the second geographic region. The first server is configured to store a first media stream of the teleconference generated by the first endpoint device in the first geographic region, and the second server is configured to store a second media stream of the teleconference generated by the second endpoint device in the second geographic region.

Abstract: A smart lock system that includes a smart lock that electronically locks and unlocks a door and a server that outputs a command to the smart lock to lock or unlock the door via the internet in response to an instruction received via the internet from a user device. The user device may also (simultaneously) directly transmit an instruction to the smart lock (e.g., via Bluetooth). The user device may also directly transmit an instruction to the smart lock to unlock the door in response to a determination that the user device is within a predefined geofenced region around the smart lock. The smart lock may also include a keypad. The smart lock may also include a camera that captures images and output those images to the server for transmittal to the user device. The smart may also include a motion sensor and capture images in response to detected motion.

Abstract: A high security two-way virtual cross-barrier observation and communication device has a mounting frame with a hardened core, a first digital display, a second digital display, a first camera, and a second camera. The mounting frame may correspond to a typical interior door of a building or to a relevant component of a vehicle, aircraft, or other relevant application. The hardened core is constructed of a bullet-resistant and fire-resistant material to protect any occupants of a protected space such as students in a classroom from physical harm. The digital displays and cameras are positioned on opposing sides of the mounting frame, and each camera transmits a live video feed to the digital display on the opposite site, creating the appearance of a window while protecting occupants. The digital displays may be used to display any desired message or information. An emergency protocol may be activated to communicate with emergency services.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an integrated wireless door lock and camera are disclosed. A wireless door lock comprises a camera that is activated upon the occurrence of certain events, such as when a person approaches a door where the integrated wireless door lock and camera are installed or when a doorbell is pressed. When activated, the camera sends video or still images to a networked user device for viewing an area outside, proximate to the door. If the person in the viewable area is recognized, a wireless signal may be sent to the integrated wireless door lock and camera to unlock the door.

Abstract: A network-connected security device is communicatively coupled to an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device having a camera and a speaker. A method receives video data captured by the camera, and performs an object recognition algorithm upon the received video data to identify an object therein. The method performs a table lookup using the identified object, into a data structure that associates objects with at least one description of a predefined voice message. The method selects a description of a predefined voice message associated with the identified object, and transmits the selected description's predefined voice message to the A/V recording and communication device for output through the speaker.

Abstract: As a user interacts with a voice application, a history of the prompts played to the user and the users responses are displayed to the user. The displayed prompts and displayed responses could be summaries of the prompts and responses, or they could be full transcriptions of the prompts and responses. A user may be able to select a prompt or response in the history to return to a certain point in the voice application. It may be possible for a user to save a history of the interactions that occurred when a voice application was performed, and to recall the history to continue on from a selected location in the history.

Abstract: Changes in a road network may be detected and information/data regarding the change may be locally propagated in at least near real time with respect to the detection of the change. A vehicle apparatus onboard a vehicle analyzes sensor data collected as the vehicle traverses at least a portion of a road network. The sensor data is captured by sensors onboard the vehicle. The sensor data is analyzed in at least near real time with respect to the capturing of the sensor data. The vehicle apparatus detects an inconsistency between a result of the analysis of the sensor data and map data stored in the memory. Responsive to the detected inconsistency satisfying a vehicle-to-vehicle criterion, the vehicle apparatus generates a notification message comprising an indication of the detected inconsistency. The vehicles apparatus transmits the notification message via a communication interface using a short or medium range communication protocol.

Abstract: Methods and computer program product for signaling objects of participant gaze in a video conference in which a plurality of participants are displayed on respective screens. A first object of gaze is associated with one of the video participants based on a detected locus of gaze of the first participant relative to that participant's screen. The object of gaze is associated with a participation node of a second video participant on the basis of a display position of the second video participant on the screen of the first video participant. A participant-related gaze indicator links the first video participant to the second participant and is displayed at a display position of the first video participant's screen. Thus, each participant is apprised of other participants' attention. Additionally, a reciprocal gaze between a pair of participants may be indicated, where present.

Abstract: A conference system includes: a computer processing unit (CPU) that: acquires, for each of information processing devices used by participants of a conference, information specific to a first area in which the conference is held; extracts features from the information specific to the first area; compares the features of each of the information processing devices with one another; groups the information processing devices with similar features together; assigns, for each group of the information processing devices, a work space that can be accessed by the information processing devices of each group; and notifies the information processing devices of each group of information related to the work space that allows the information processing devices of each group to access the work space assigned to each group. The information processing devices access the work space using the information related to the work space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing and processing multimedia content. Chat content from a chat session among users on a network is accessed, including at least an item of video chat content associated with a phone number of a chat participant. Location information associated with the chat content is determined. Chat content location information is compared with predefined location information associated with projects or activities to identify a corresponding matching project or activity. A multimedia document comprising chat content associated with the matching project or activity is generated, wherein the item of video chat content is displayed in association with a play control and in association with an identifier of the chat participant. The item of video chat content in the multimedia document may be played in response to a user activation of the play control.

Abstract: Monitoring system of person coming to entrance comprises camera for capturing image of the person and recorder for the captured image, the system informing the person of the image recordation for deterring a crime in bad visit case or making polite notice in goodwill visit case. Unlock system has an intercom for visitor to request unlock and a self unlock operating portion for resident. If unlock done through intercom with acquaintance confirmed, polite notice is preferred, whereas “note record” is added to the image record in case of intercom unlock with unacquainted assumed. If unlock done by resident, the information and the image recordation are withheld. If entrance in a group detected, “note record” is added to the image record in case bad person successively follows goodwill person duly unlocking entrance. Privacy of acquaintance visitor image is protected by password. “Note record” is added to image record without voice message.

Abstract: A method enables a user to self-identify to a user support system when a user electronic device is connected to the user support system by an over-the-top (OTT) communication session where an OTT messaging service provides an anonymous identifier to the user support system to enable communication with the user. The method includes receiving a secured real identifier and a secured token from the user electronic device in response to a user selection to self-identify to the user support system, decrypting the secured real identifier to determine a real identifier that identifies user account information at an external system, determining the anonymous identifier for the user using the secured token in a manner that associates the real identifier with the OTT communication session, and sending the real identifier to the user support system to enable access to the user account information by the user support system.

Abstract: In a controlled-environment facility resident on-demand controlled-environment facility resident electronic communication recording system and/or method, a controlled-environment facility secure communication platform, or the like, accepts initiation of an electronic communication involving a resident of a controlled-environment facility and establishes an electronic communication link between the resident and another call party.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure involve the recording, processing and playback of audio data corresponding to conferences, such as teleconferences. In some teleconference implementations, the audio experience heard when a recording of the conference is played back may be substantially different from the audio experience of an individual conference participant during the original teleconference. In some implementations, the recorded audio data may include at least some audio data that was not available during the teleconference. In some examples, the spatial characteristics of the played-back audio data may be different from that of the audio heard by participants of the teleconference.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically displaying variable image content in an image product includes automatically obtaining markers in photos or videos in a user account which includes detecting features in image content of the photos or the video frames and obtaining a marker for one of the photos or the video frames, automatically identifying a sequence of similar photos or videos if the markers detected in the photos or the associated video frames include more than a predetermined number or percentage of common features, detecting a marker in a photo product by a user device when the photo product is viewed by the user device, identifying a marked photo incorporated in the photo product based on the marker detected in the photo product, and enabling photos or videos in a sequence photos or videos associated with the marked photo to be displayed on the user device.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced human to human and human to machine interactions employs a sensory communication session that spans from end user device to end user device across a network. The sensory communication session includes remote sensory application programming interfaces that provide standardized access to applications executing on user communication devices. The sensory communication session enables enhanced interactions with a deeper quality of experience and enables each communicating user to better discern feelings, situation, and other environmental and personal context associated with the other user.

Abstract: Direction control of audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices in network communication with additional cameras is provided. In one embodiment, an A/V recording and communication device comprises: a first camera configured to capture first image data, wherein the first camera is pointed in a first direction; a communication module; and a processing module comprising: a processor; and a camera application that configures the processor to: maintain the first camera in a low-power state; receive a power-up command signal from the backend server based on an output signal from a second camera; receive an orientation signal from the backend server based on the output signal from the second camera; point the first camera in a second direction in response to the orientation signal; power up the first camera in response to the power-up command signal; and capture the first image data in response to the power-up command signal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically displaying variable image content in an image product includes automatically obtaining markers in photos or videos in a user account which includes detecting features in image content of the photos or the video frames and obtaining a marker for one of the photos or the video frames, automatically identifying a sequence of similar photos or videos if the markers detected in the photos or the associated video frames include more than a predetermined number or percentage of common features, detecting a marker in a photo product by a user device when the photo product is viewed by the user device, identifying a marked photo incorporated in the photo product based on the marker detected in the photo product, and enabling photos or videos in a sequence photos or videos associated with the marked photo to be displayed on the user device.

Abstract: A system is described for setting up videoconferencing between a user 1, 3, 5 and an agent 13, 23, 33 with little or no downloads and configuration. A director 500, 1500, 2500 receives requests from users 1, 3, 5 on computing devices 200, 400, 700 for videoconferences through a website. A connection ID device 520 receives input from the user 1, 3, 5 as to which connection application 210, 220, 410, 710, 720 the user 1, 3, 5 is using. A platform selection device 530 then uses lookup device 531 to find compatible videoconferencing format of the connection application 210, 220, 410, 710, 720 in a compatibility table 533 and determines which video hosting platform 7, 9, 11, 12 employs this compatible videoconferencing format. A linking device 540 then sends a link to the video hosting platform 7, 9, 11, 12 to the user's computing device 200, 400, 700 and agent's computing device 300, 600 to connect and videoconference.

Abstract: An automated smart doorbell (ASD) device having at least one memory, one or more sensors, for detecting a first activity within a first zone and a second activity within a second zone, a processor, coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause a first action upon detecting the first activity within the first zone, a second action upon detecting the second activity within the second zone, the second action occurring when the second activity occurs following the first activity and within a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an integrated wireless door lock and camera are disclosed. A wireless door lock comprises a camera that is activated upon the occurrence of certain events, such as when a person approaches a door where the integrated wireless door lock and camera are installed or when a doorbell is pressed. When activated, the camera sends video or still images to a networked user device for viewing an area outside, proximate to the door. If the person in the viewable area is recognized, a wireless signal may be sent to the integrated wireless door lock and camera to unlock the door.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein discloses a wireless charging system configured to generate and transmit power waves that, due to physical waveform characteristics converge at a predetermined location in a transmission field to generate a pocket of energy. Receivers associated with an electronic device being powered by the wireless charging system, may extract energy from these pocket of energy and then convert that energy into usable electric power for the electronic device associated with a receiver. The pocket of energy may manifest as a three-dimensional field (e.g., transmission field) where energy may be harvested by a receiver positioned within or nearby the pocket of energy. Video sensors capture actual video images of fields of view within the transmission field, and a processor identifies selected objects, selected events, and/or selected locations within the captured video images.

Abstract: Monitoring system of person coming to entrance comprises camera for capturing image of the person and recorder for the captured image, the system informing the person of the image recordation for deterring a crime in bad visit case or making polite notice in goodwill visit case. Unlock system has an intercom for visitor to request unlock and a self unlock operating portion for resident. If unlock done through intercom with acquaintance confirmed, polite notice is preferred, whereas “note record” is added to the image record in case of intercom unlock with unacquainted assumed. If unlock done by resident, the information and the image recordation are withheld. If entrance in a group detected, “note record” is added to the image record in case bad person successively follows goodwill person duly unlocking entrance. Privacy of acquaintance visitor image is protected by password. “Note record” is added to image record without voice message.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for providing multimodal interaction aids in multimedia events. The system presents a multimedia event to a participant which has limited access to the multimedia event, wherein the limited access prevents the participant from experiencing every mode of the multimedia event. The system also generates a cue associated with the multimedia event, wherein the cue is structured according to the limited access of the participant. The system then transmits the cue to a device associated with the participant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer server machine receives, from one or more client devices, one or more video streams associated with a video session associated with one or more users. The one or more users are respectively associated with each client device. The computer server machine analyzes the one or more video streams to identify an interesting event and generates a marker for the one or more video streams based on a time associated with the identified interesting event. The computer server machine sends information regarding the marker to the one or more client devices.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system to provide the ability for a user to make audio and/or audio-video phone calls simultaneously while watching (co-viewing) provider video content in remote locations. A control system is provided to set up call, direct provider video content, and provide for the phone calls and video content to be delivered and then synchronized. The phone calls may be routed by the control system to PSTN destinations or Internet based destinations and calls made or received may be bridged to other Internet based sources. The provider video content may be provided directly from its source or routed through NAT traversal or through the control system.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for using a biosensor worn by a user to trigger an event and activate a camera worn by the user to begin streaming and/or recording video data. The biosensor trigger also initiates a real time multimedia collaboration session with the user wearing the biosensor and one or more designated parties. Through an interoperability gateway device, a voice communications device of the user is bridged with voice communications devices of the designated parties, and the video data is electronically transmitted to the designated parties. Thus, the designated parties may have real time voice communications among each other and with the user, and the designated parties may also view the video data in real time. Embodiments also determine when an event has ended and deactivates the camera worn by the user.

Abstract: A voice input and output database search method that includes: extracting at least one candidate keyword represented by a word or phrase from text information included in a search result; memorizing the extracted candidate keyword and a search state including the search result from which the candidate keyword is extracted in correspondence; and after a new search condition that is different from the search condition and is provided by a voice message has been recognized and a search has been conducted in accordance with this recognized search condition, when a backtracking keyword represented by a word or phrase is recognized together with a backtracking directive that is represented by a word or phrase and backtracks to a search state, controlling on the basis of memory contents so as to backtrack to a search state memorized in correspondence with a candidate keyword that corresponds to the recognized backtracking keyword.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to store messages is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a minimum message length for stored messages. The minimum message length may be greater than zero. The method may further include determining an amount of available storage space allocated for storage of user messages on a computer-readable medium. The method may also include, in response to a communication session not being established between a user of a first communication device and a second communication device and in response to the amount of available storage space being greater than zero but being insufficient to store the minimum message length, not storing a user message and providing an indication that there is no available storage space.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically displaying variable image content in an image product includes automatically obtaining markers in photos or videos in a user account which includes detecting features in image content of the photos or the video frames and obtaining a marker for one of the photos or the video frames, automatically identifying a sequence of similar photos or videos if the markers detected in the photos or the associated video frames include more than a predetermined number or percentage of common features, detecting a marker in a photo product by a user device when the photo product is viewed by the user device, identifying a marked photo incorporated in the photo product based on the marker detected in the photo product, and enabling photos or videos in a sequence photos or videos associated with the marked photo to be displayed on the user device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for collective contribution video creation and messaging wherein story-based communications are created among multiple users. The disclosed method uses a program or application wherein a virtual object is used to authorize a particular user to make the immediate post to the applicable story communication. The possession of the virtual object also indicates that any user that does not have possession of the virtual objection is unable to presently contribute to the group storyline. Once the user in possession of the virtual object submits his or her content, the virtual object is made available. Any user inside the story seeking to gain control may then attempt to obtain the virtual object. The present disclosure aids users in creating story timelines of their contributions, as well as promoting full contribution from all group members in messaging.

Abstract: Monitoring system of person coming to entrance comprises camera for capturing image of the person and recorder for the captured image, the system informing the person of the image recordation for deterring a crime in bad visit case or making polite notice in goodwill visit case. Unlock system has an intercom for visitor to request unlock and a self unlock operating portion for resident. If unlock done through intercom with acquaintance confirmed, polite notice is preferred, whereas “note record” is added to the image record in case of intercom unlock with unacquainted assumed. If unlock done by resident, the information and the image recordation are withheld. If entrance in a group detected, “note record” is added to the image record in case bad person successively follows goodwill person duly unlocking entrance. Privacy of acquaintance visitor image is protected by password. “Note record” is added to image record without voice message.

Abstract: A business can register a finite state machine with a server. This finite state machine can express a tree structure of menus. The registration can cause the finite state machine to be mapped to the business's telephone number on the server. A mobile device can receive user input that manifests the intent to make a telephone call. In response to receiving the user input, the mobile device can determine that the telephone number that the user intends to call is mapped to a business's registered finite state machine on the server. The mobile device can then cause menus of selectable options, indicated in the business's registered finite state machine, to be displayed to the user in an interactive manner instead of placing the telephone call that the user intended to make.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for managing voicemail in a communication session between a sending communication device and a receiving communication device are provided. It is determined at the receiving communication device that a voicemail is to be created. The voicemail based on content received via the sending communication device. The voicemail is recorded. The voicemail is caused to be stored at resources associated with the sending communication device.

Abstract: A method for providing a composite voice-screen automatic response system (ARS) service, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a step for receiving, by a server for a multimedia call, a call request message from user equipment; a step for determining whether the server for the multimedia call possesses ARS contents corresponding to a call number of the call request message; a step for transmitting, by the server for the multimedia call, a command for downloading the ARS contents to the user equipment when it is determined that the server for the multimedia call possesses the ARS contents; and a step for transmitting, by the server for the multimedia call, the call request message to the call number, wherein the user equipment can receive an ARS service synchronized with a voice and a screen without installing an application according to each enterprise for providing the ARS service.

Abstract: A multi-channel video intercom system with access to advanced digital services includes a two-wire communication bus for audio, video, and data communications in different communication channels, at least one outdoor panel having a camera connected to the communication bus, at least one power supply connected to the communication bus to provide power to the rest of the video intercom system, at least one user terminal connected to the communication bus wherein at least one terminal is connected to the at least one outdoor panel, and wherein at least one terminal is a video intercom terminal. The system further includes a communications gateway connected to the communication bus through a first connection interface and Internet connected through a second connection interface wherein the gateway is allowed access to advanced digital services via the Internet from at least one video intercom terminal through at least one communication bus channel available for data.

Abstract: In a monitoring system, a master device transmits predetermined sound source list data to a mobile phone terminal in response to a first operation on a display/input unit. The mobile phone terminal displays the predetermined sound source list data transmitted from the master device on the display/input unit, and transmits information regarding a selected sound source to the master device in response to an operation of selecting one sound source from the sound source list data. When the information regarding the sound source is received from the mobile phone terminal, the master device outputs selection audio data corresponding to the information regarding the selected sound source from a speaker of a monitoring camera.

Abstract: A system is described herein that facilitates the monitoring of inmate communications. The system provides a remotely-accessible means for a reviewer to monitor a call between an inmate and another person. The system includes a monitoring server and a monitoring station. The monitoring server is configured to receive a call and call information from a communication center and process the call for monitoring, schedule a review of the call; and store the call, the call information, and scheduling data. The monitoring station is configured to receive the call and the call information from the monitoring server based on the scheduling data, and to display the identifying information and facilitate the review of the call.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing access to a visual phone menu is disclosed. One of the methods includes receiving a call request transmitted from a calling device to initiate a call to a recipient; saving state information associated with the caller's navigation through a voice response system; providing an option for the caller to select between receiving a visual phone menu (VPM) or continuing to listen to the voice response system menu; receiving a selection of the option to receive the VPM; providing the VPM to a client device including providing state information associated with the caller's navigation through the voice response system prior to the selection; and using the state information when the caller navigates back in the response tree using the VPM.