Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving through a telephony user interface from a user at the telephony user interface an indication of a first direction of a sound source along a first axis with respect to the user and a second direction of the sound source along a second axis with respect to the user. The first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis. The method further involves communicating the indication of the first direction and the second direction to enable audio communication of sound originating at the sound source to the user as if coming from the first direction and the second direction with respect to the user.

Abstract: A system for effecting conference calling in a telecommunication network includes: (a) a plurality of subscriber units coupled with the telecommunication network; and (b) a conference control unit coupled with the telecommunication network. The conference control unit responds to a request message from a requesting subscriber unit to effect coupling of a conference-set of subscriber units in a conference calling configuration. The conference control unit controls inclusion in the conference-set by respective subscriber units. The system may provide that the conference control unit provides and controls conferencing services for the conference-set of subscriber units.

Abstract: A method for exchanging channel information between a transmitter and a receiver each including antennas. A request frame including a first preamble, second preamble, and channel information feedback request is transmitted to the receiver, wherein the first preamble is transmitted from one of the antennas of the transmitter, the second preamble is transmitted from each of the antennas, and the channel information feedback request is transmitted from the one of the antennas. The request frame is received at the receiver, and the channel information feedback request is detected by a decoding based on the first preamble. Channel information is estimated using the second preamble, and a notification frame including the estimated information is constructed and transmitted to the transmitter.

Abstract: An exemplary land mobile radio dispatch console and method are provided. In one embodiment, the console has the capability to process and handle Requests To Talk (RTT) and emergencies. In another embodiment, the console has the capability to provide a history. In another embodiment, the console provides the capability for operators to configure and save patches of predefined groups for later use. In another embodiment, the console includes a telephone interconnect interface component, and combinations of features mentioned above.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for visualizing and analyzing spectrum assets. License, channel, and lease data from a communications authority is collected and formatted into individual polygon maps. The maps could be drawn according to county or state boundaries, or by some other mapping standard. The maps are then divided and redrawn into several market service areas and several basic trading areas. The maps are also divided and redrawn according to the bandwidth spectrum of one or more channels. Since the maps are drawn with several different boundary conditions, the layout of all of the maps result in some maps being partially overlaid onto other maps for the same region. These regions containing partially overlaid maps are redefined as superblocks. Each superblock contains all of the data from each overlaid map portion for that particular region.

Abstract: A status proxy server having a full bandwidth connection with a media server and wireless connection with a mobile end user device, receives SIP or similar protocol structured data; maintains a status indicator representative of the received structured data; and communicating at time intervals an update of the status indicator to the mobile end user device.

Abstract: Client terminals of participants of a conference, connected to a network, and a server connected to the client terminals are used to authenticate and confirm the participants of the conference. After successful authentication, a telephone line is set among telephone sets of the participants to hold the conference.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for alerting a participant when a topic of interest is being discussed and/or a speaker of interest is speaking during a conference call. A participant to a conference call identifies the topics and/or speakers of interest which is stored for future use along with the participant's contact information. When a participant's identified topic of interest is being discussed and/or a participant's identified speaker of interest is speaking during a conference call, the participant will be alerted to that fact, such as via the means specified in the participant's contact information.

Abstract: Data processing and communications devices are configured to generate, using command signals received from at least one user input device, a signal set representing a meeting request, the meeting request signal set comprising signals representing one or more parameters for a proposed meeting and configured for causing a second data processing and communications device to initiate a voice call on receipt of command signals representing a response to the meeting request; and forward the generated meeting request signal set to the second data processing and communications device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferencing dynamically determines composite image layout based on properties of received conferencing signals that include video signals and control signals. Video signals received from connected sites are processed to provide a composite video signal according to the defined composite image layout and the composite video signal is transmitted to the connected sites. Upon a change in properties of one or more received video signals, the composite image layout may be redefined. The received video signals are processed according to the redefined composite image layout to provide a second composite video signal that is transmitted to the connected sites.

Abstract: A conferencing system that can be configured by a host, and then reconfigured on the fly, in real time. The host initially provides configuration information to the system to define the initial operation of the conference call. The host can then update this information during the conference call to reconfigure the conference call. For instance, the information may include a question set. The initial question set is presented to participants as they enter the conference call. When the configuration information is changed by providing a new question, the new question is then presented to the participants in the conference call.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing an application-level routing protocol for multiparty audio-video conferencing. In one implementation, application-level per-stream routing techniques separately control audio data and video data between conference members hosted on a network. Different audio application-level multicast (ALM) trees are generated by each member, are dynamically updated according to shortest-path-first selection of data delivery paths, and are used to send audio data to the other members of the videoconference. Likewise, different video ALM trees are generated by each member, are dynamically updated according to broadest-path-first selection of data delivery paths, and are used to send video data to the other members of the videoconference. Separate audio and video ALM trees for each member can utilize IP multicast in segments of the network in which IP multicast is enabled.

Abstract: A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically.

Abstract: A network entity, method and computer program product are provided for effectuating a conference session. The method may include receiving a plurality of signals representative of voice communication of the participants. In this regard, the signals may be received from a plurality of terminals of a respective plurality of participants at one of the locations, each of at least some of the terminals otherwise being configured for voice communication independent of at least some of the other terminals. The method of this aspect also includes classifying speech activity of the conference session according to a speech pause, or one or more actively-speaking participants, during the conference session. The signals of the respective participants may then be mixed into a at least one mixed signal for output to one or more other participants at one or more other locations, the signals being mixed based upon classification of the speech activity.

Abstract: A conference call management method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor from a conference call administrator, a command for enabling a first conference call. The computer processor enables the first conference call thereby allowing telecommunications between the conference call administrator and a first participant. The computer processor locks the first conference call such that additional participants are unable to access the first conference call. The computer processor receives from a second participant, a conference call request for accessing a second conference call and routes the second participant to a virtual holding area. The computer processor enables the second conference call and routes the second participant from the virtual holding area to the second conference call.

Abstract: A telephone system connects a user to a plurality of telephone call participants in a sequence of calls referred to as a “call chain.” Features of each call in the chain, such as the telephone number(s) of the participant(s) to be called and the scheduled duration of the call, may be stored in a computer-readable record. A first telephone call is established between the user and the first participant in the call chain. The first telephone call may be terminated automatically by the system upon expiration of a predetermined maximum duration or when the first participant hangs up the telephone. Upon termination of the first telephone call, a second telephone call is established between the user and the second participant in the call chain. A third and subsequent telephone calls may be established between the user and the subsequent participants in the call chain in the same manner.

Abstract: A conference-call system receives a conference-specific access code from an invited participant of a conference call and a conference-specific access code from an initiator of the conference call. The conference-call system grants the invited participant access to the conference call when the conference-specific access code from the invited participant matches the conference-specific access code from the initiator. The conference-specific access code from the initiator and the invited participant each include a base code portion and a portion added to the base code portion by the initiator of the conference call.

Abstract: A transceiver includes an analog front end (AFE) device and first, second, third, and fourth transmitters. A digital signal processor (DSP) receives digital receive signal and digital transmit signals and generates a shared error control signal and first, second, third, and fourth individual error control signals. An echo canceller system generates an estimated echo signal. First, second, and third NEXT canceller systems generate first, second, and third estimated NEXT signals, respectively, each based on the second analog receive signal and respective ones of the analog transmit signals from the second, third, and fourth transmitters during the first mode and each based on the shared error control signal, respective ones of the second, third, and fourth individual error control signals, and the respective ones of the analog transmit signals from the second, third, and fourth transmitters during the second mode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a network device attaches a header including an identifier for an original call to an outgoing refer message and may also modify a table entry for a consultative call to include the identifier. The network device then monitors incoming invite messages for a header containing the identifier and observes that an incoming invite message containing the header correlates to the original call. When a header is not included, the network device extracts information from the incoming invite messages and compares the extracted information to the modified table entry to correlate one of the incoming invite messages to the original call.

Abstract: A conferencing system provides the scheduling of virtual meetings with meeting lobbies so that a meeting presenter can conduct a virtual meeting without the need to send out invitations to attendees. A person that wants to conduct a virtual meeting can schedule with the conferencing system a meeting with a meeting lobby. The meeting lobby has an address, but there is no associated privileged information, such as a meeting password. Would-be meeting attendees use the meeting lobby address to enter the meeting lobby as visitors in the lobby, and request to enter the meeting from the meeting lobby. A meeting presenter can then either grant authorization for a visitor in the meeting lobby to enter the meeting, or deny authorization for a visitor in the meeting lobby to enter the meeting. If a visitor in the meeting lobby is denied authorization to enter the meeting from the meeting lobby, the conferencing system removes the visitor from the meeting lobby.

Abstract: A method for externally controlling and managing a wireless local area network subscriber assigned to at least one wireless local area network includes requesting a service using the subscriber, checking an authorization of the subscriber to access the TCP/IP network, and establishing a connection via the TCP/IP network to the subscriber if the subscriber has the authorization to access the TCP/IP network. Signaling and/or information data are managed using a control and managing device connected to the public TCP/IP network via an interface device.

Abstract: Methods for inter-mixer communication enable a “self-formed” cascaded mixer node tree topology. One method enables inter-mixer node signaling and includes first selecting a plurality of media flow payloads at a first cascaded mixer node. A set of conference payloads are generated and each include the media flow payloads from the plurality of media flow payloads that are part of the same conference call, an identifier for the conference call, and a node identifier for each media flow in the conference call. For each media flow in the conference call, each conference payload further identifies whether the first cascaded mixer node is a root node or a leaf node. The set of conference payloads are bundled into a single packet and sent to a second cascaded mixer node. Another method enables the “self-forming” of the mixer node tree topology. Yet another method enables active talker identification within the “self-formed” tree topology.

Abstract: A management system may test network paths prior to scheduled calls. Testing network paths may include one endpoint placing a test call to an endpoint on the other end of the path. Various characteristics of the network path may be tested. If the network path fails and/or in some way does not meet the predefined characteristics for the call, an administrator may be notified and/or alternate network path may be detected and tested. The call may be rescheduled if a satisfactory network path is not found in time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enabling a dynamic computer telephony integration campus call center that leverages the assets of a school communications system including internal telecommunications networks, information systems, data networks, and applications, of public telecommunications networks, of public data networks, and/or of various communications devices to facilitate improved access, sharing, notification, and/or management of communications (e.g., external and internal communications) and associated data to enhance school safety services.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing call setup latency are disclosed. In one aspect, a channel assignment message is sent with a flag to direct the use of previously negotiated service parameters. This aspect eliminates the need for service negotiation messages. In another aspect, a channel assignment message is sent with an active set identifier instead of an active set and its parameters. This aspect reduces the transmission time of the channel assignment message. In yet another aspect, call setup without paging is facilitated by a mobile station (106) sending a pilot strength measurement message between active communication sessions, such that a channel assignment message can be used for mobile station terminated call setup without the need for mobile station paging and related messages.

Abstract: A method implemented by a teleconferencing system includes assigning a teleconferencing bridge to a teleconference responsive to at least a current workload of the teleconferencing bridge, and forwarding a first plurality of communication sessions corresponding to the teleconference to the teleconferencing bridge, wherein the teleconferencing bridge is configured to connect each of the first plurality of communication sessions to each other communication session among the first plurality of communication sessions.

Abstract: In a computer system having a memory, a processor, and a network interface, a method for listening on multiple conferencing interfaces having the steps of loading a set of transport components into the memory; initializing each transport components of the set of transport components to listen on a particular conferencing interface using the network interface, each transport component of the set of transport components listening to a different conferencing interface; receiving an incoming call signal on the network interface having an incoming conferencing interface; processing the incoming call signal to detect the incoming conferencing interface; and launching an application based on the incoming conferencing interface.

Abstract: A distributed contact center and method of managing data transfers between the distributed parts of the contact center is provided. Distributed parts of the contact center are joined together through a known communications initiation protocol, then one or both of status information and control signals are transferred between the distributed parts using lossless communication protocols. The status information and/or control signals may be published to a large number of interested entities through the use of conference call facilities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus in a wireless device for use in maintaining appropriate authentication credentials for receiving a message service provided by a service network which is external to a wireless network are described. The wireless device receives, via the wireless network, a data session configuration file which includes a list of a plurality of wireless networks mapped against authentication credentials associated with each said wireless network. The list includes authentication credentials associated with the wireless network. The wireless device submits, via the wireless network, the authentication credentials for establishing a data session via the wireless network. Then, the wireless device receives, in the data session via the wireless network, the message service provided by the service network.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for secure automated conferencing between authorized conference participants. A conference server may schedule a conference between a plurality of authorized conference participants and assign each authorized conference participant a respective unique participant-ID. The conference server may send each participant a conference message containing an actionable link that the party may invoke to join the conference. The link may designate the party's unique participant-ID and the conference bridge number. When the link is invoked, the device of the conference participant may initiate communication with the conference server and provide the unique participant-ID to the conference server. When a given party initiates communication with the conference server, the conference server may verify that the given party is an authorized conference participant.

Abstract: Aspects of mobile communication for establishing a receive-only group communication, such as a Push-to-Talk (PTT) call or multicast call with a plurality of wireless communication devices that are in a receive-only mode are disclosed. When a group call between wireless communication devices starts from an originating device, in one embodiment indicating a receive-only group with which a group call is to be established, one or more receive-only wireless communication devices are determined and invited to participate in the group call. The traffic channel to the receive-only wireless communication device is transitioned to a uni-directional, forward-only traffic channel such that media is provided from the originating wireless communication device to the receive-only wireless communication device via the uni-directional traffic channel.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an audio conference includes receiving audio from a moderator via a circuit-switched telephone network, transmitting a representation of the audio to a first listener group via the circuit-switched telephone network, and transmitting a representation of the audio to a second listener group via a packet-switched network. The audio conference is preferably transmitted to the first listener group and the second listener group in real-time or near real-time (e.g., within a few seconds). Although the method and system could be used with any suitable circuit-switched telephone network, the method and system are preferably used with a public switched telephone network. Further, although the method and system could be used with any suitable packet-switched network, the method and system are preferably used with the Internet.

Abstract: A repeater receives and repeats, on a multi-site channel, a sequence of control and media transmissions included in a session, wherein the session has a plurality of participants. While repeating these transmissions, the repeater further detects, from at least one of the transmissions, a start of the session and a type of the session. Based on the type of the session, the repeater determines whether to perform an arbitration during the session to control access to the multi-site channel, and restricts each performed arbitration to only transmissions received from the participants to the session. In addition, after repeating at least one of the control transmissions, the repeater sets a hang time having a duration that is determined based on a type of the transmission preceding the setting of the hang time.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes accessing information associated with at least one service or application in a social network. The method also includes detecting at least one event relating to the information associated with the at least one service or application within the social network and modifying the information associated with the at least one service or application in response to the at least one event.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-readable articles of manufacture enable private notification of a participant in a telephone conference. In representative embodiments, a system receives a telephone call intended for a first conference participant, generates an informative announcement containing information regarding the call, mixes the informative announcement with the conference audio, and privately plays the mixed audio to the first participant. In other representative embodiments, the system concurrently generates a non-informative announcement, mixes the non-informative announcement with the conference audio, and plays the second mixed audio to the other conference participant or participants. In this way, the first participant is notified of the incoming call while simultaneously listening to the conference audio, and the information regarding the call is not shared with the other conference participant or participants.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for controlling user's participation into a session so that the system can control accession to a PoC session requested by anonymous users and restrict an expelled user from joining the session again. Under the present invention, a client in the PoC session sends a request of expelling a user to the control server, with the SSRC identifier or nickname of the user or an anonymous user wildcard carried in the request; according to the received SSRC identifier, nickname or anonymous user wildcard, the control server searches for the corresponding PoC address, and expels the user out of the session as required according to the PoC address. Therefore, the client with the expulsion right can control accession to the PoC session requested by other users, especially anonymous users, thus keeping order of the session.

Abstract: A group communication method capable of performing group communication without additional functions provided on a network and with preventing excessive network traffic. Each communication device first transmits an enrollment message. A providing device groups the communication devices, creates a group key specifying the communication devices that are identified as a same subgroup, and transmits the group key to the communication devices. The communication devices receive and store the group key. To transmit distribution data to a subgroup, the providing device transmits the data together with data corresponding to the group key to a selected communication device of the subgroup. When the communication devices recognize the distribution data, the communication devices determine whether to receive the distribution data, based on the distribution data and the stored group key.

Abstract: A method for use in a push to talk type service in which a floor is required before a client terminal may distribute a media item to at least one other terminal participating with the client terminal in a push to talk type session. According to the invention, the floor is managed depending upon information relating to the size of the media item, and may be managed depending upon other criteria as well. Managing the floor may include one or more of granting the floor, maintaining the floor, monitoring the floor, and releasing the floor. The floor may be denied, for example, if the media item is larger than a predetermined size, which size may be indicated as being within a range of sizes. The push to talk type service may be a general conferencing service.

Abstract: A broadcast channel, such as a broadcast control channel that carries a short message service, in a GSM/EDGE or similar communication system can be extended with additional timeslots. These additional timeslots can be pointed out in a tree structure, the root of which is in the SMS broadcast channel. The extended broadcast channel can be used for broadcast-like services provided under a multimedia broadcast/multicast service.

Abstract: A method and system for providing network management communication between a plurality of network elements are disclosed. A method includes creating a tunnel configured for transmitting data between the network elements and transmitting network management information over the tunnel using a network management protocol. The tunnel passes through a gateway network element configured to communicate with the network elements utilizing the network management protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for floor control in a multi-media dispatch network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a floor request message related to a first media type at a dispatch network controller from a first user and receiving a floor grant request message related to a second media type at the dispatch network controller from the first user. The apparatus includes a dispatch network controller where the dispatch network controller receives a floor request message related to a first media type from a first user and receives a floor grant request message related to a second media type from the first user.

Abstract: Push-to-talk private call pre-emption may be applied in an application-to-person context or on a person-to-person context. A PTT subscriber may send a PTT server a pre-emption request indicating a desire to interrupt the application voice stream or another PTT subscriber, respectively. In an application-to-person context, the PTT server may revoke the floor from the application server and grant the floor to the requesting device. In a person-to-person context, the PTT server may send the other PTT subscriber a floor release request. Once the subscriber with the PTT floor releases it in response to the floor release request, the PTT server will be able to send an open floor signal back to the requesting subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention avoids taking much time for finding a person who speaks in a lot of numbers out of a telephone directory list of a mobile phone in a step of starting PTT communication. The device for receiving data receives voice signals from other mobile phones through a server. The device for controlling speaker's voice output outputs speaker's voice to a speaker, and further outputs his/her name to a display unit. The device for counting up a number of speeches counts up a number of speeches made by each of speakers stored in a telephone directory list. The device for terminating PTT communication terminates PTT communication. The device for re-arranging a telephone directory list re-arranges persons recorded in the telephone directory list, in accordance with a number of speeches.

Abstract: A method of providing conference call connections includes initiating a conference call between multiple conferees using a conferencing controller, placing each of the multiple conferees in a half-duplex listen only mode using the conferencing controller, and receiving a signal at the conferencing controller from at least one of the multiple conferees to actively participate in the conference call. Active participation can be in the form of asking questions, giving comments, or providing a keypress to vote or provide other information. The conference call can also be broadcast to increase participants. Also, after the conference call is initiated, additional potential conferees can be added.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of a wireless portable communication device for maintaining appropriate authentication credentials for accessing a data application maintained in a service network are provided. A default access point name (APN) or network access identifier (NAI) is maintained in memory of the wireless device. The wireless device submits, via a default wireless network, the default APN or NAI for establishing a data session in the default wireless network. The wireless device is then able to receive, in the data session via the default wireless network, a message service using the common data application maintained in the service network. In response to a change in service subscription for the wireless device, the wireless device receives, via a current cellular network, a current APN or NAI and stores it in its memory. The wireless device then submits, via the current wireless network, the current APN or NAI for establishing a data session in the current wireless network.

Abstract: A method for managing conference resources includes receiving from an endpoint of a user a call to join a multipoint conference between a plurality of participants. Each participant communicates on the multipoint conference through a respective endpoint. The method includes determining that an insufficient amount of resources exist to allow the user to communicate on the multipoint conference and determining participation instructions to enable the user to communicate on the multipoint conference. The method also includes communicating the participation instructions. Location information associated with the user and location information associated with at least one of the plurality of participants may be used to determine the participation instructions to enable the user to communicate on the multipoint conference.

Abstract: A radio/telephony interoperability architecture that facilitates intercommunications between a security services network, elected officials and/or emergency services network and a telephony management system for one-way and two-way security and/or emergency teleconferencing communications. The telephony system creates a session in which one or more session participants can communicate with front-line mobile radio operators (e.g., first responder personnel) and radio band components. Mobile radio systems can be accessed via circuit-switched and packet-switched networks with communications capable of existing between horizontal services entities (e.g., city fire and police) and vertical entities (e.g., city, state, and federal agencies and personnel). Furthermore, the presence of participants and potential participants is provided to authorized users to facilitate the establishment of such conferences. Notifications and alarms are used to alert participants and potential participants of important events.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for establishing a conference call from a mobile station in a call centre environment. A user may choose conference call participants from his mobile phone, and a client application in the mobile phone will communicate relevant parameters to the call centre server, which will then call the conference initiator and other participants via the gateway server. The calls are handed over to the gateway server, which will digitize each call to an audio and/or video stream, typically an RTP stream. The streams are relayed to a computer where the streams are combined to form a successful conference call. The conference call is then recorded to a data file on the computer, and may be sent to participants or stored to a database with relevant metadata. The network infrastructure of the telecommunications network operator need not be consulted, nor is there any need for additional hardware.

Abstract: A voice conference apparatus includes: a communication unit that transmits and receives a first voice signal to and from another apparatus via a network; an output unit that reproduces the first voice signal received by the communication unit and outputs the reproduced first voice signal as a first voice; an input unit that collects the first voice and a second voice generated by a voice source, as a second voice signal; a separating unit that separates the second voice signal into a third voice signal originated from the first voice and a fourth voice signal originated from the second voice; and a selecting unit that selects one of the third voice signal and the fourth voice signal. The communication unit transmits the one of the third voice signal and the fourth voice signal selected by the selecting unit to the other apparatus.

Abstract: In a communications system where a plurality of endpoints share a virtual address, all of the endpoints are involved in a communication with one of them, but only one has its talk path enabled at any one time. Each endpoint has an actuator that, when actuated, enables that endpoint's talk path and disables the other endpoints' talk paths. Preferably, one of the endpoints is either an announcement facility or a teletypewriter, while another one of the endpoints is a telephone.