Abstract: An application programming interface implements a method for transparently switching from one communication protocol to another and for restoring the state of a previous connection. The application programming interface executes on a local, client computer, as well as remote computers. It includes functions that multi-user application programs can call to communicate in a device independent manner with other applications executing on remote computers. To support communication on a variety of different computer communication protocols, the application programming interface accesses programs called service providers that implement the communication protocols and support the message passing model of the interface. The application programming interface can transparently switch the protocol on a remote computer by sending a system message to a compatible version of the interface on the remote computer that includes an identifier of the service provider for the new protocol.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosures made herein is a method for facilitating mediated communication. In such an embodiment of the disclosures made herein, a voice-based communication request transmitted from a first communication device is received by a mediation system. The voice based communication request is requesting voice-based communication between the first communication device and a second communication device. In response to receiving the request for voice-based communication, a capability of the first communication device for communicating via a prescribed text messaging protocol is determined. Facilitating presentation of a text messaging follow-through action at the second communication device is performed in response to determining that the first communication device is capable of communicating via the prescribed text messaging protocol.

Abstract: A system and method for adapting program guides to meet subscriber criteria, and for providing program guide information to selected subscribers based upon subscriber criteria such as the subscriber's location within a market area is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is applied to a system broadcasting a first signal having service channels, each of which service channels is uniquely described by a service channel identifier. The application of the method provides second program guide information describing a second set of programs only to a subset of the plurality of receiver stations that comply with at least one service criteria.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for allowing an authorized party to join a conference are provided. In some embodiments, an application may create or generate a request for an MCU to handle an ad-hoc or meet-me type conference. The application may provide the request to an MCU resource controller or other device. The MCU resource controller may have knowledge of the capabilities of one or more MCUs and be able to assign an MCU to host or otherwise handle the conference. In addition, the MCU resource controller may create or generate a resource address that a participant in the conference may use to access the assigned MCU. The MCU resource controller can provide the resource address to the application, which may then distribute the resource address to one or more parties participating in the conference. The resource address may include or have associated data that the assigned MCU can use to validate or authorize a party to join the conference.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a subscriber service to service users in a telecommunications network. In networks utilizing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) control signaling for call setup and control, the SIP REGISTER message is modified to indicate service capability information and optionally a traffic load indication for service providers. The REGISTER message is sent to a modified Presence and Instant Messaging (PIM) server that stores presence information and the service capability information for registered service providers. The PIM server then notifies subscribing service users of the identity of the service provider that is registered on the network. The PIM server may utilize the traffic load information to balance the traffic load between service providers by providing users with the identity of the service provider that is the most lightly loaded.

Abstract: A video teleconferencing system for controlling multiple multipoint control units (MCU) from a single apparatus. The system utilizes a Virtual MCU (VMCU) (110) to communicate with a plurality of MCUs (135, 140, 145). A user initiates a reserve conference command with the VMCU (110). If sufficient resources are available, the reservation is made and connection numbers are assigned. When the time for the conference arises, an MCU (135, 140, 145) is assigned to the conference. The participants are then connected to the conference. By using a single VMCU (110) to schedule and coordinate multiple MCUs (135, 140, 145), the present invention is able to efficiently schedule a large number of conferences. This greater efficiency in scheduling may allow users to schedule conferences without the advance notice that is usually required.

Abstract: A multimedia terminal for telephony based on the ITU-T Standard H.323 sets up multipoint connections to a plurality of other terminals. The multimedia terminal has a controller for processing signaling information for point-to-multipoint connections and has a mixer for mixing datastreams originating at the terminals involved in the multipoint connection and for providing datastream mixtures to these terminals.

Abstract: A method and corresponding equipment for setting up a conference call via a communication network that uses session initiation protocol (SIP) signalling for call setup, the method including steps (E1a E2a E3a E4a) of providing during the call setup signalling to a subscriber invited to participate in the conference call an indication that the call is a conference call and including in the call setup signalling a reference to a group document indicating information about the conference call, such as the other invited participants, or including the group document itself.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a conference call in an Internet Protocol (IP) telecommunications network between a conference owner and a plurality of other conference participants. The IP network includes a conference server and at least one Call State Control Function (CSCF). The CSCF includes a Presence and Instant Messaging (PIM) server that notifies the conference server when participants are present and available. A first user is registered with the conference server as the conference owner, and the owner identifies the conference participants and provides criteria for initiating the conference. The conference server identifies each participant's serving CSCF, and sends a request to A each CSCF to notify the conference server when served participants are present and available. When the predefined number of participants are present and available, the conference server initiates the conference call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to form an audio bridge session are described.

Abstract: Within an interactive voice response system, a method of aggregating conference calls can include registering a caller with the interactive voice response system, accessing a calendar system used by the registered caller to determine teleconference data specifying at least a telephone number for a scheduled conference call, and, at approximately a time of the conference call, automatically calling the telephone number for the conference call. The method also can include establishing contact with the registered caller and joining the registered caller with the conference call.

Abstract: In communication system (200), a packet data terminal (102) (e.g., personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), telephone, mobile radiotelephone, network access device, Internet peripheral, and the like) initiates, coordinates, and controls the provision of on-demand conference call and call waiting services as a function of user inputs without the need for coordination of network resources that dominate conference call service as currently known and practiced. The packet data terminal permits users to establish call conference services for originating and terminating calls, alike. In addition, multi-party call waiting (two or more parties on-hold) services are established.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus including a discovery unit which discovers the completion of connection with another wireless communication apparatus, a mode setup unit which sets up a mode which defines processing for a signal for performing communication with the wireless communication apparatus from a wireless communication apparatus except for another wireless communication apparatus, and a shift unit which shifts to the mode set up by the mode setup unit when the discovery unit discovers the completion of connection.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating calls via electronic calendar is disclosed. A call list is associated by a user to a particular time and day within the electronic calendar. When the particular day and time arrives, the call list is forwarded to a service which executes the call list, and subsequently contacts the members of the call list through a telephone network. Once a connection is established, the user and the members of the list are linked to a conference bridge.

Abstract: Using switching technologies to duplicate packets of a digital stream (e.g., digital video stream) sent from one workstation to multiple recipient workstations, where the switching technologies enable the multiple streams sent from the switch to the recipient workstations to be generated from a single digital stream sent from the sending workstation to the switch. Data units, such as video data units, may be transmitted by using a switch to enable receipt of a stream of data units including a payload portion and an attribute portion from at least two conferencing participants. The switch is used to duplicate at least a subportion of the payload portion of a data unit within the stream of data units, and to enable access to the duplicated subportion of the data unit by two or more conferencing participants.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and apparatus for telephone call initiation. An application program causes a telephone number to be displayed. A user activates the displayed telephone number. A telephone call module recognizes the activation of the displayed telephone number, and causes a signal to be sent to a switch instructing the switch to initiate a telephone call between a predefined telephone number and the displayed telephone number.

Abstract: A wireless communication system 200 comprises a connectionless packet network 201 coupled to a plurality of sites 203–208. Upon a first communication unit (213) initiating a call request for a 2-party call with a second communication unit (215), a call server 235 identifies respective multicast IP addresses (MC1, MC2) associated with the source and target. If the first communication unit 213, or its associated site (205) desires to send payload to the second communication unit 215, it addresses the payload to the multicast IP address (MC2) of the second communication unit, and the second communication unit 215, or its associated site 206 joins the multicast address MC2 to receive the payload.

Abstract: Methods of establishing communication sessions from multiple mobile devices as well as managing available conferencing bandwidths is disclosed. One of the methods disclosed includes establishing a communication session between mobile devices and a group of conferencing servers. The method also includes checking the load of each server. Further, the method includes determining whether the load of each server is above a predetermined threshold. Further still, the method includes routing subsequent mobile devices to communicate through specified conferencing servers selected from the group of conferencing servers if the load of particular servers is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A telecommunications method and system of floor control, for enabling at least one conference participant to access a shared object or resource for purposes of input. A floor control command signal establishes at least one floor control policy, and the floor control command signal includes a floor control language script for automatically determining the access. This access is determined based upon factors such as access requests and prior access history, without need for a floor chair.

Abstract: A video teleconferencing method for providing reservationless conferencing. The method involves creating a conference profile identifying selected connection parameters; allocating a dial-in number; notifying participants of the dial-in number; detecting a call from a requesting participant; determining if sufficient resources for the participant are available; and connecting the requesting participant into the reservationless conference. Additionally, the video teleconferencing method allows the conference time to be automatically extended. This is done using timers and reallocating available resources when the original end of conference time arrives. The method also enables the conference to automatically terminate after all conference participants leave the conference.

Abstract: Group communication is performed in the wireless ad-hoc network that has a rearrangement frequency of connection higher than the communication frequency due to the movement of communication terminals 101 to 116. Communication terminals 101 to 116 stores the identification information and valid time periods of adjoining terminals into the group management table 11, as well as its own station's time period during which it belongs to the group, and send a packet with appending its own identification information and further a valid time period of the group based on the information about the valid time periods stored in the group management table 11.

Abstract: A system for scheduling a conference between callers includes a database that stores scheduling information indicating at least a start time, a duration, and a maximum number of callers for one or more scheduled conferences, the scheduling information reflecting available conferencing resources. A server complex coupled to the database communicates, to a requesting Internet Protocol (IP) user, at least one page including one or more scheduling input fields. The server complex receives scheduling input from the requesting IP user for a requested conference according to the scheduling input fields. The server complex accesses the database to determine, according to the scheduling input, whether sufficient resources are available for the requested conference. If so, the server complex allocates at least some available resources to the requested conference and generates confirmations of the requested conference for communication to the callers.

Abstract: Participant terminals which are to be connected to a promoter terminal are configured by speaker terminals which are enabled to perform two-way communication with the promoter terminal, and audience terminals which are enabled to perform one-way communication with the promoter terminal. The connection line number M of participant terminals which are connected to the promoter terminal is set to M=2S+T where S is the number of connected speaker terminals and T is the number of connected audience terminals. As a result, the total amount of communication is suppressed to S×(K?1) (K=S+T) as compared with the conventional art in which all participant terminals are configured by speaker terminals.

Abstract: A base subunit receives a signal over a first frequency. A plurality of despread voice signals are produced using the received signal. The despread signals and a voice signal generated at the base subunit are combined. The combined signal is mixed with a chipping sequence. The mixed combined signal is transmitted at a second frequency.

Abstract: A telephone exchanging apparatus 30 comprises a joined terminal table 341, a joined terminal table operating portion 352, and a reception side designating portion 355. The joined terminal table 341 stores terminal identification information that identifies a telephone terminal 40 that will join a conference. The joined terminal table operating portion 352 operates the joined terminal table 341 corresponding to joined terminal table operation commanding information. The reception side designating portion 355 designates the reception side of a speech packet transmitted from the telephone terminal 40. Since the joined terminal table 341 is operated by the joined terminal table operating portion 352, even if the number of people who join a conference increases, they can be easily added or deleted.

Abstract: A system and method for reserving a network resource for a multipoint conference includes receiving a list of participants scheduled to participate in the conference, a scheduled start time, and estimated duration for the conference. A plurality of communication paths are predicted, each communication path corresponding to at least one of the participants. A network resource along the communication paths is reserved for a predetermined period of time beginning at approximately the scheduled start time. In accordance with the particular embodiment, the network resource includes bandwidth.

Abstract: A method and system configures conferences and schedules communication devices, such as video, audio, application sharing, streaming or other multimedia devices, based on a query from a user to request the conference. A configuration engine accepts conference information from a query engine based on the request and applies device data and rules, such as scheduling, configuration and access control rules, to determine one or more possible communication device configurations. The configuration engine or an associated optimization engine determines a preferred configuration and schedules communication devices without requiring the user to have any in depth understanding of the device limitations and capabilities.

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: An apparatus in a telecommunication system provides access to telecommunication services to subscribers at user terminals. Each terminal is separately connected to at least one access point via a xDSL modem and a communication network. The access point includes one or more xDSL modems with filters. As a result, a large number of subscribers can be connected in a short period of time, and the subscribers can consider the establishment of the connection as plug-and-play.

Abstract: An IP telephony client initiates and manages multimedia sessions. The client includes a user interface, an application interface, and a protocol stack. The application interface provides an interface between the protocol stack and the user interface and helper applications. The protocol stack packages messages received from the application interface and parses messages received from other parties or prospective parties. The application interface converts incoming messages to appropriate application programming interfaces (APIs) and sends incoming payloads to the appropriate helper application.

Abstract: In making a transition from two-point communication to three-point communication, by making preparations for three-point communication without interrupting two-point communication, and by making a transition to three-point communication when preparations are completed, momentary interruption of the conversation is eliminated. That is, while maintaining two-point communication, the transcoders at each point are made to acquire rate control information for all points, after which the transition to three-point communication is made.

Abstract: When a service receiving server 1 receives a request of a multi-point communication service from communication terminals 3A to 3C, a service ID corresponding to the multi-point communication service and passwords are respectively sent to the communication terminals 3A to 3C receiving the multi-point communication service and are sent to a communication service unit 2. When the communication service unit 2 receives the service ID and the password from the communication terminals 3A to 3C, the communication service unit 2 collates whether or not the service ID and the password sent from the communication terminals 3A to 3C agree with those sent from the service receiving server 1. In case of the agreement, the communication service unit 2 connects with the group of communication terminals 3A to 3C and provides the multi-point communication service for the communication terminals 3A to 3C according to the service ID.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering a net within a group communication network provides for requesting a current list of available nets that the communication device may join from a controller and, after receiving the current list of available nets from the controller, selecting a net from the current list of available nets. The method and apparatus further allows the communication device to send a request to the controller for joining the selected net, which may be followed by receiving a response from the controller that the communication device has been added to the list of current participants in the selected net. In another aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus for exiting a net within a group communication network provides for sending a request to the controller for exiting the net, receiving a response from the controller that the communication device has been removed from the list of current participants in the net, and exiting the net.

Abstract: A method and system for group call services in a CDMA radio access network over a GSM-MAP or ANSI-41 core network are presented. The method and system provide for call setup, call notification, and call termination in the air interface of the CDMA radio access network. The necessary modification to the traffic and signaling channels for the CDMA radio network as well as new call flow messages are provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system 10 and method for managing the simultaneous utilization of diverse real-time collaborative software applications. This method allows linking of multiple computer operators or users in a single collaborative session, involving multiple collaborative applications transparent to the operator or user.

Abstract: The present invention is system and method for holding voice chat over a telephone network. An embodiment for implementing the invention can comprise the following steps. First, a caller accesses the chat service by dialing a telephone number that is associated with the service of the present invention. Second, the caller is routed to a conference bridge circuit. Third, the subscriber enters a public chat room. Fourth, the subscriber participates in the public chat room that he or she had entered. While in the public chat room, the subscriber hears the voices of other chatters in the public chat room, and those chatters hear the subscriber's voice when the subscriber speaks. Fifth, at anytime, the subscriber may leave the public chat room by pressing an appropriate key on the keypad. In the preferred embodiment, two or more chatters may request to be placed in a private chat room for a private discussion that is not heard by other chatters of the public chat room.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method that allows the operator of each user device participating in a multimedia conference to selectively receive information services during the multimedia conference. The apparatus includes a controller for receiving start-up signals from a user device, sending start-up requests to destination user devices, and receiving start-up signals from the destination user devices. The start-up signals may include information as to whether each user device requests information services to be provided during the multimedia conference. The controller establishes the multimedia conference and selectively provides the information services to the respective user devices. The information services are provided continuously or non-continuously at the preference of the user devices. The information services may also be provided in various formats at the preference of the user devices.

Abstract: A method and accompanying apparatus forms a synchronized representation of network contents within a group of users. This makes it possible to realize a series of new applications, for instance electronic commerce, electronic consulting, call centers, telelearning, and multimedia hotline.

Abstract: Video, voice and data are integrated using existing telephone connections by using a video network server to receive and transmit video signals to and from clients using telephone wires. Client frequency division multiplexing couplers, each associated with one of the clients, receive video and telephone signals from the client and frequency multiplex them onto the telephone wires for transmission. They also receive video signals from the server and frequency demultiplex them for transmission to the client. A video frequency division multiplexing coupler connected between the video network server and each of the client frequency division multiplexing couplers receive the video and telephone signals from the clients and transmit only the video signals to the video network server.

Abstract: An apparatus in a telecommunication system provides access to telecommunication services to subscribers at user terminals. Each of terminal is separately connected to an access point via high speed modems and a communication network. The access point includes high speed modems with filters. The invention permits a large number of subscribers to be connected in a short period of time, and the subscribers can consider the establishment of the connection as plug-and-play. Moreover, when one initial access point is filled, subscribers are transferred to other access points, whereby room is made available for new subscribers.

Abstract: An audio conferencing method in a hybrid network. Input from a plurality of endpoints connected to an audio conference in the hybrid network is received in a media gateway. The media gateway converts the input to an MCU-usable format and selects input based on predetermined selection criteria. An MCU mixes the selected input with other selected input to form an output stream and a sum stream which are matched with the endpoints in the audio conference. The media gateway converts the output stream and the sum stream to an endpoint-compatible format which is returned to the endpoints in the audio conference. Audio conference participants can dial-out from the MCU to bring additional participants into the audio conference. Once established in the hybrid network, the audio conference supports full service audio conferencing. In addition, dynamic routing permits an operator to service multiple MCUs, and an audio conference participant and/or an entire audio conference to be moved between MCUs.

Abstract: A system for scheduling a conference between callers includes a database that stores scheduling information indicating at least a start time, a duration, and a maximum number of callers for one or more scheduled conferences, the scheduling information reflecting available conferencing resources. A server complex coupled to the database communicates, to a requesting Internet Protocol (IP) user, at least one page including one or more scheduling input fields. The server complex receives scheduling input from the requesting IP user for a requested conference according to the scheduling input fields. The server complex accesses the database to determine, according to the scheduling input, whether sufficient resources are available for the requested conference. If so, the server complex allocates at least some available resources to the requested conference and generates confirmations of the requested conference for communication to the callers.

Abstract: A method is provided that comprises receiving an incoming call from a party and receiving calling party information associated with the incoming call. The method further comprises receiving information associated with at least one physical attribute of the party and altering at least a portion of an image associated with the calling party information based on the received information. The method comprises displaying the altered image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a voice call by way of an electronic mail (email) message is provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, a first party (i.e. offeror), generates or causes to be generated, an electronic token representing an offer to participate in a voice which is transmitted to an offeree party in association with an email message. Upon receiving the electronic token, the offeree has the option of accepting the offer by activating the electronic token. When the offeree activates the electronic token, a first voice call is established with the offeree and a second voice call is established with a destination party identified by the offeror. Once the two calls have been established, they are bridged together to place the offeree in voice communication with the destination party. In one embodiment, the destination party is the offeror.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling admission of new nodes to a secured conference combines transport layer security mechanism and application layer certificate exchange. A new node that is not directly connected to the top provider of the conference sends a request to join the conference and a certification identifying itself to a first conference node connected to the top provider. The first node performs transport level authentication of the new node, and then forwards the request and certificate of the new node on an application level to the top provider. The top provider verifies the identity of the new node based on the certificate. If the new node is allowed to join the conference, the top provider updates a list of conference participants and makes the certificate of the new node available to other conference nodes so that they can also verify the identity of the new node.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for distributed conference bridge processing in Voice over IP telephony. A distributed conference bridge multi-casts mixed audio content of a conference call in a way that reduces replication work at the mixing device. A switch is coupled between one or more audio sources and a network interface controller. A conference call agent is used to establish and end a conference call. The switch can be a packet switch or a cell switch. In one embodiment, a distributed conference bridge is implemented in a media server.

Abstract: The invention replicates a packet requiring high availability and transmits it from two or more ports of a switch, for example a wiring closet Layer 2 switch. The parent packet carries a unique sequence number. The copies of the packet each carry the parent packet's unique sequence number. Each copy of the packet then travels on separate pathways through routers (Layer 3 network devices). The pathways are maintained separate by assigning high costs in a LSP routing sense to links connecting the two paths, and by assigning low costs to links along the desired paths. The two identical packets converge on the destination station. The destination station accepts the first packet with a particular sequence number, and discards any later packets with the same sequence number. In the event that a link in one path has a catastrophic failure, then the packet travelling along the other path reaches the destination station and service remains operative without interruption.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for utilizing a stand-alone Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone with traditional plain old telephone service (POTS) telephone support is disclosed. A stand-alone VoIP telephone with an analog telephone adaptor supporting a plurality of external analog telephone sets and a digital Internet protocol (IP) interface to support VoIP voice data communication over a data channel is presented. The VoIP telephone is used to establish VoIP service line data connections between a VoIP telephone and a data switch to an IP network. The VoIP telephone receives an analog telephone signal from an external analog telephone and establishes a voice connection between the external analog telephone and the VoIP telephone.

Abstract: A method of alerting a user of a variable bit rate communication between a first terminal and a distant terminal over alternative networks including a circuit switched network and a packet network permits the user the opportunity to change alerting preferences from a remote location or locally and to predetermine instructions for a calling party.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol Telephony Network and public switched telephone network that allows one or more call waiting callers to dynamically join in an existing and to establish a multiple-party conference call including the call waiting call. A call waiting call may also be added to an existing conference call.