Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for setting up a voice call between a client and one of a plurality of agents of an organization. The method includes the steps of detecting a contact request associated with the client determining a communication system address of the client based upon the detected contact request transferring a request to a router at a router Internet protocol address for a voice connection between the client at the determined address and one of the plurality of agents selecting an agent of the plurality of agents and forming a voice channel between the determined address of the client and an agent Internet protocol address of a terminal of the selected agent.

Abstract: A method (800, 900) and apparatus (1001) for controlling a session between communication units (141-146) sharing a group Internet Protocol (IP) multicast address. The method includes determining communication units from which a response to a session initiation protocol (SIP) control message is not required and preparing the control message which is sent to the communication units using the group address with information used to control from which of the of communication units the response is required. The SIP control message is sent to a second communication unit using a unicast address indicating that the response is required.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for transmitting information for distinguishing between a packet data service in all of a plurality of frequency bands and a packet data service of a specific frequency band from a Radio Network Controller (RNC) to a User Equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system providing a plurality of packet data services through a plurality of frequency bands, the method including the steps of starting a packet data service which the UE has joined, and transmitting indicator information to said all frequency bands, the indicator information indicating if the packet data service can be provided in said all frequency bands.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and software is disclosed for enabling data receivers in a multicast network to access data indicating active multicast groups that may be joined.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising loading a set of transport components into a memory; initializing each transport component of the set of transport components to listen on a particular conferencing interface using a listen string to associate with a network interface, each transport component of the set of transport components listening to a different conferencing interface, the listen string encapsulating parameters to one or more calls to listen; 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. Other embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A multimedia distribution system comprises a control terminal having a decoder to decode a data from a data source, a tuner coupled to the data source to select a channel, a first WLAN module coupled to the decoder or the data source to transfer data; at least one client with a second WLAN module coupled to the first WLAN module, and a data output coupled to the second WLAN module to output the data.

Abstract: A plurality of distribution devices accommodate one or more respective cameras. Respective picture monitors are connected to a plurality of receiving devices. The plurality of distribution devices and the plurality of receiving devices are connected by a transmission line. This transmission line is in a ring shape, and transmits picture data by a time division multiplex method. On receipt of a request related to picture display from a user terminal, a central device transmits an instruction to the plurality of distribution devices and to the plurality of receiving devices, according to a usage condition of the transmission line and the number of simultaneously distributed pictures. The plurality of distribution devices distribute picture data according to the instruction, and the plurality of receiving devices receive the picture data according to the instruction.

Abstract: An ad hoc wireless communications system and method permits a group of wireless portable communications devices to communicate with each other. The ad hoc network has security systems. A server for the ad hoc network is selected from among the portable communications devices associated with the ad hoc network.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system for voice and data provides interconnections among user sites via a central station. User stations at user sites each alternate operation between a data mode connecting a user computer and modem to a user telephone communication path and a voice mode connecting a telephony circuit to the communication path. The teleconferencing system is adapted for conducting a voice conference over standard telephone lines while allowing simultaneous viewing of data objects such as slides, graphs, or text. A host computer connected to the central station serves as a central repository for storage and retrieval of data objects for use in teleconferences.

Abstract: A method for distributing digital content over a computer network, where a first user contacts a host computer and purchases the right to download the digital content. The present invention teaches that BitTorrent is used for downloading the digital content through other users connected to the network. Any other user that is used by the first user in the process of downloading the digital content is entitled to remuneration, and the first user is entitled to remuneration if any other user uses the first user in the process of downloading the digital content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for persistent caching of methods delivered via a publish-subscribe network. At a first node, a message having data via the network is received. The data is time-marked. The data is cached in a cache memory at the first node. The message is routed to a second node using content-based routing. These steps are repeated at a second node. A router that includes modules for executing this method is provided. A publish-subscribe network that includes nodes that include modules for executing this method is provided. A computer-readable medium that includes instructions for executing this method is provided.

Abstract: Transmitting an acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) signal in association with a packet transmitted on an uplink is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a packet transmitted from a user equipment, decoding the packet, and determining whether the packet has been successfully decoded, transmitting an ACK signal or a NACK signal, based on the decoding result. Different transmission powers are allocated for the ACK signal and the NACK signal. Alternatively, the transmission power for the NACK signal selectively has an OFF level. The present invention optimizes the transmission powers for downlink ACK/NACK signals in accordance with the required reception quality of each of the ACK/NACK signals, and thus, enables the system to operate efficiently.

Abstract: In a communications system having a plurality of endpoints (240,242,246) each including a logical entity and its physical counterpart, a system for controlling and managing session between at least two endpoints. The system including a registration manager (202), an application layer router (204), a session controller (206), a group database manager (208), and at least one group entity (210).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an Internet service by interacting between a network of a network operator and an Internet service network in a communication system are provided, in which a service interface server interfaces between the Internet service network and the network of the network operator, an application server of the Internet service network requests from the service interface server at least one of subscriber profile information and/or service profile information for a subscriber, and upon receipt from the service interface server for the request for the at least one information, a universal user profile server provides the requested profile information among registered subscriber information and service profile information.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and computer platform for delivering allowing an advisory services provider to provide advisory services to an organisation is described. Information relating to a plurality of different topics is accessible over a computer network by a plurality of end users of the organisation. Access to the information by the end users is monitored. It is determined when information relating to a topic identified as being high risk or complicated has been accessed by an end user. The method then ensures that a communication between the end user and an individual authorised to advise on the topic is initiated to allow advice to be provided to the end user. The advisory services platform can include a content delivery module operable to provide a website to the end users and also operable to monitor and track access to the information by end users.

Abstract: A method and system establishing a floor grant in a Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) communication network includes a first step of initiating a PoC session. A next step includes associating a floor grant parameter with the PoC session. A next step includes determining the floor grant parameter associated with the PoC session. A next step includes mapping the floor grant parameter to a predefined floor control scheme. A next step includes operating the PoC session with the floor control scheme. The present invention allows floor control schemes other than the commonly known floor grant to the caller initiating a PoC session.

Abstract: The communication system includes multiple participating devices connected with each other by a data line. At least one connection device for connection to a corresponding participant device defined as associated with it is connected to the data line. The communication system is preferably an IP network and with respective connection devices defined as associated with corresponding participating devices, which are used to connect portable operating and display terminals with the participating devices. For definite identification of the corresponding participating device associated with the respective connection devices, the connection devices include readable means of identifying the corresponding participating device, e.g. including a stored IP address, which is readable by the connected interface device, i.e. the terminal.

Abstract: A host device in a data communication system provides a dual-function clock/enable signal at a single output port shared by at least one asynchronous target device and at least one synchronous target device. In the asynchronous operating mode, the host device generates an asynchronous gated-clock signal that facilitates read/write functions of one or more selected asynchronous target devices. In the synchronous operating mode, the host device generates a synchronous clock-gate signal that facilitates read/write functions of one or more selected synchronous target devices. The target devices and the host device share both a common data bus and a common clock bus. The host device supplies the dual-function clock/enable signal on the common clock bus.

Abstract: A system for assuring quality-of service for Data Network Telephone (DNT) calls, such as Internet Protocol Network Telephony (IPNT) calls has software for monitoring established DNT calls for adequate bandwidth. A threshold bandwidth, or parameter value related to bandwidth is stored, and tests are periodically made on the DNT call path and compared to the threshold. If the available bandwidth falls below the threshold, an alternative conventional call, such as a PSTN or ISDN call is made to replace the DNT call. Once the alternative call is established, the original call is ended. After the original call is ended, tests of the DNT path continue, and, in some cases, if adequate DNT bandwidth becomes available, the call is switched back to DNT. In some cases, alerts are posted for call participants, and provision is made for approval by one or both participants in a call for a switch in service type to be made.

Abstract: The disclosure details the implementation of an apparatus, method, and system for an network selector for datacasting in hybrid networks (NSDHN). In one aspect, the disclosure teaches an efficient delivery decision mechanism that takes into account efficiencies that may be achieved by employing one network delivery system over another for any given area. In another aspect, the disclosure teaches how to dynamically select the bearer for IP multicast data delivery in hybrid networks. Also, the disclosure teaches a network delivery selector based on Simulated Annealing and genetic algorithms. The network delivery selector provides an extremely fast mechanism to establish an optimal delivery bearer dynamically. This allows the network delivery selector to combine unicast, multicast and broadcast network bearers in the same hybrid network to exploit their combined best properties and serve as many users as possible.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for semi-stateless scalable and distributed management of telephone hunt group features in a PBX. In particular, the invention conducts an auction-like phone call handling process in which phone handling decisions are partially delegated from a central resource to the individual client agents. Briefly, phone handling functions offer available call to agents who then decide which available calls to handle. This auction-like process is preferably implemented using broadcast (or multicast) messaging features so that system components do not need to know or access global state information. Messaging is preferably built on a selected instant messaging protocol.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system (1) comprises multiple teleconferencing bridges (5, 6, 7) each having an associated database (8, 9, 10). A server (20) hosts a local engine (22) associated with each bridge, and a multi-site engine (21). For a “global” conference utilising the resources of at least one other system (2), the multi-site engine (21) communicates over TCP/IP (36) with an equivalent multi-site engine of the other system to set up a link line via PSTN (31) between the bridges (5, 6, 7, 41). During the conference, the multi-site engine (21) automatically transmits event-driven updates to the remote system, and likewise receives such updates from the other system.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system for voice and data provides interconnections among user sites via a central station. User stations at user sites each alternate operation between a data mode connecting a user computer and modem to a user telephone communication path and a voice mode connecting a telephony circuit to the communication path. The teleconferencing system is adapted for conducting a voice conference over standard telephone lines while allowing simultaneous viewing of data objects such as slides, graphs, or text. A host computer connected to the central station serves as a central repository for storage and retrieval of data objects for use in teleconferences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coupling a mobile data input unit to a field bus, whereby a coupling unit is connected to the field bus via a spur line and a line driver and the signals at the output of the line driver are supplied to a coupling link or received from the latter via first level converters. The mobile data input unit receives the signals from the coupling link or supplies them to the latter via second level converters.

Abstract: A distributed intelligence conferencing system is disclosed, having a plurality of conferencing nodes to connect groups of participants to a conference. Each of the conferencing nodes provides for the connection of one or more participants to the conference. Each node includes a DSP for distributed signal processing, eliminating the need for a central processor.

Abstract: A table driven call management system for an organization having a plurality of departments and agent. The call management system is capable of supporting local and remote agents each of which can have the same degree of access to the organization's information. Calls are received by the call management system and handled according to a table describing a department in the organization. If an agent for the department is available according to the table, the call is transferred to the agent, either local or remote. If the agent is not available, the call is transferred to another department according to an entry in the table. If no department has an agent available to take the call, a caller message is recording in a department mailbox or a default mail box or the call is transferred to an available operator.

Abstract: A queue server is established in a packet telephony environment, wherein the queue server is defined as a callable entity, separate from the H.323 workstation for which it is being used. The queue may be used with any piece of H.323 software without modification to the software. All that need be done is the configuration that is typically accomplished when H.323 software is installed on the workstation. For example, the queue may be identified as a callable entity to receive call forwarding from the busy device or endpoint. The H.323 software of the endpoint needs to be able to handle only one call at a time, thereby reducing memory requirements for the equipment.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention comprises a compressed domain conference bridge. The method includes maintaining full intelligibility for all users even when there are multiple simultaneous talkers. The bridge also allows a user to hear a plurality of talkers over a single channel.

Abstract: A system and method of coordinating team members, each team member having a mission processor, in real time for continued coordinated operation in the absence of reliable communications between team members. Prior to a mission, each team member is provided with common programs and data for a mission, the data including identity of programs and data supplied to other team members and providing to each team member a pseudo random seed for use in conjunction with random functions. Each team member is provided with an initial set of conditions, whereby each team member performs deterministically to generate a same plan for itself and each of the other team members. Each team member monitors for a transmission event and responds to a transmission event by generating a re-planning operation, whereby each team member will produce a coordinated replan for itself and each other team member, whereby the team members remain coordinated.

Abstract: A technique for distributing receiver membership reports containing receiver information for a plurality of multicast source systems in a multicast source notification of interest protocol is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique is realized by collecting receiver information for a plurality of multicast source systems; aggregating receiver information for each multicast source system into a respective record; indexing each respective record using an IP address of each multicast source system; aggregating the plurality of respective records into a single message; and multicasting the single message to a group address.

Abstract: Methods are described that enable host devices of a multicast IP network to reliably join multicast group address(es) in talkgroup or point-to-point calls. For a talkgroup call, a sourcing host sends “hello” packets or payload to one or more network devices, addressed to a multicast group address. The receiving host issues a join command to the one or more network devices in an attempt to reliably join the multicast group address. If any packets are received by the receiving host within a designated time period associated with the attempt, the receiving host is reliably joined to the multicast group address. For a point-to-point call, a controller sends a pair of multicast group addresses, one designated for sourcing packets and the other designated for receiving packets, to a first and second host participating in the point-to-point call. The designated “source” and “receive” multicast group address are complementary for the first and second hosts.

Abstract: Shared secret data is used to authenticate and encrypt between a CDMA network and a GSM network such that a mobile station having a subscription in a GSM network can roam into a CDMA network and be authenticated to use the CDMA network and have messages encrypted without having a CDMA subscription. The goal of authenticating a GSM subscriber in a CDMA network using GSM authentication credentials is achieved by substituting a key Kc as SSD-A and messages are encrypted substituting Kc as SSD-B using a CAVE algorithm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing a three-party connection among a first, second and third call participant during a voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) telephone call. The method includes the steps of providing a respective first and second port within a transceiving terminal for receiving VoIP voice information of the VoIP telephone call from the first and second call participants, mixing the VoIP information from the ports of the first and second call participants and transferring the mixed VoIP information to the third call participant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating, collecting, and manipulating useful information for validating or defining SLAs of web servers on a network. Web servers comprising a web farm on the network are adapted for logging detailed runtime information regarding user transactions and performance parameters. An Accumulator device interacts with intelligent agents to collect and combine their log files, process the combined file and post information into a database. An operator enters committed performance parameters into an SLA Reporter system according to classes of users, classes of web sites being hosted on the web servers, classes of URLs, transaction, content and file type. When compared with the database, processing of SLA reports indicate how well the parameters of the SLAs are being met for users, web sites, classes, URL's and transactions, or other measurable elements.

Abstract: In a communications system having a plurality of endpoints each including a logical entity and its physical counterpart, a method for managing a pool of multicast addresses. The method including the steps of: generating a pool of available multicast addresses; receiving a request for a multicast address; allocating a multicast address for usage subject to at least a first limitation; monitoring the usage of the allocated multicast address; and reclaiming the allocated multicast address if as a function of the monitoring it is detected that a first condition is met, and causing the allocated multicast address to be placed into the pool of available multicast addresses.

Abstract: A Multimedia Telecommunications Call Center provides integrated video, audio, data and telephony functionality, together with connectivity to the Internet, ISCN, PSTN, and other wide-area networks. The Call Center includes a Local Area Network having a Gateway and a Gatekeeper. Incoming multimedia calls are received by the Gateway and are permitted onto the network under control of the Gateway and are permitted onto the network under control of the Gatekeeper. Communications between the Gateway and the Gatekeeper preferably take place across the network and comply with the ITU H.323 standard protocol. Communications between the Gatekeeper and the Call Manager preferably take place across the network and comply with the European Computer Manufacturers Association CSTA standard protocol.

Abstract: Aggregator devices and methods are disclosed for establishing device interaction in an environment containing other electronic devices and the aggregator device. The aggregator device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules, and a processor for implementing the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The methods involve transmitting a message to the aggregator from a first device, referencing rules of device interaction for the environment, and then according to the rules of device interaction, transmitting a message from the aggregator to a second device. The rules of device interaction may include instructions that are to be transmitted from the aggregator in response to the aggregator receiving change of state messages from devices of the environment.

Abstract: An emergent network that is autonomous at the service level. Network nodes have policies that enable them to process different types of service requests, with the processing earning the nodes ‘rewards’. Successful nodes can pass some or all of their policies to other nodes using the evolutionary biology of bacteria as a model.

Abstract: In a broadcast system in which computer data and other content are delivered from multiple content servers to multiple clients at least partly over a broadcast network, a transmission announcement system announces upcoming broadcast transmissions and instructs the clients on how to receive the broadcast transmissions. Announcement servers (which may or may not be the same as the content servers which serve the data for the broadcast transmissions) generate announcements containing information specifying how associated upcoming transmissions are to be delivered over the broadcast network. The announcement server makes the announcements available to the clients over the broadcast network or over a secondary link other than the broadcast network.

Abstract: A method of forecasting, allocating and scheduling in a single or multi-site skills-based contact or call center environment organized into a hierarchy of zero or more business units at a first, upper level, one or more contact types at a second, intermediate level, and one or more management units at a third, lower level. A user creates (a) a set of given contact allocations that define how contacts are distributed from a given business unit to multiple contact types, and (b) a set of given requirement allocations that define how agent requirements are distributed from a contact type to one or more management units. Agent availability by contact type is then predicted to generate agent availability data. Thereafter, forecasted contacts and forecasted agent requirements are allocated based on the given contact and requirement allocations as well as the agent availability data.

Abstract: The communications system has a communications terminal that transmits status data to a remote computer. The remote computer processes a program that generates an instruction sequence on the basis of the status data. The instruction sequence is processed by a central controller of the communications terminal as a program section.

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for the multicasting of streaming digital content to a plurality of Internet users. Streaming digital audio, video or other digital data content that is to be multicast to Internet users is formatted into IP protocol at a head-end content source transmission site. The streaming IP digital data is transmitted from the head-end transmission site to at least one distant/remote routing station of an Internet service provider (i.e., a provider-edge router or Internet point of presence) via a bandwidth portion of a digital communications data transport service or transmission medium that is substantially unaffected by conventional Internet communications traffic. The Internet service provider (ISP) maintains at least one access router for providing Internet access via its Internet domain for its customers accessing the Internet via conventional two-way IP connection.

Abstract: A broadband telephony network changes a number of users in a multiuser call. The network initially has active users. Each initial active user has a one-way connection as an origin and a one-way connection as a destination. In response to a change in the number of users, for each active user maintaining an active status, the destination of one of the connections where that active user is the origin is changed while that active user remains as that connection's origin.

Abstract: A video conferencing system. In a type of conferencing known as “synchronized browsing,” several computers download a common web page from a public-access, packet-switched network, such as the Internet. Software in a first computer informs the other computers how the first computer is navigating through the web page, and sends the other computers data which enables them to navigate the same path, so that all computers navigate in synchrony, and display the same sequence of images. Under the invention, while such a web page is being navigated by such computers, software observes one of them, and looks for the event of scrolling (as opposed to navigation). When scrolling is detected, its termination is awaited. When termination occurs, the invention tells the other computers which part of the page is currently being displayed, so that the others can navigate to that part and also display it.

Abstract: A multimedia collaboration system and method utilizing an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) network among a plurality of workstations, the UTP network defining a data path along which data can be shared among workstation participants and an AV path along which AV signals, representing video images and spoken audio of the participants, can be carried among the workstations. The system is configured to manage a data conference during which the data is shared and interactively displayed on at least two participants' workstation monitors, and to control the reproduction of the video images and spoken audio of one or more participants at the workstation of another participant during a videoconference.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of establishing an audio call path between an Internet user accessing a web site and an agent of the web site is provided. The method includes the steps of proving a web site with a plurality of audio access icons and a plurality of agent groups and associating an agent group of the plurality of agent groups with each audio-access icon of the web site. The method further includes establishing a voice path between the user and an agent of the associated agent group based upon activation of a audio-access icon by the user.

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: Digital broadcasting for transmitting program data including at least one of digital audio data and digital video data with other information is carried out by using terrestrial waves. The program data, download data corresponding to contents of the program data, and reference information correlating the download data with the program data are multiplexing with each other. The multiplexing signals are transmitted over a specific frequency band.

Abstract: A system for distributing a timing signal is disclosed. A timing generator inserts a phase of a timing signal and a command signal into a framed signal. A distribution module receives the framed signal from the timing generator. A bus control module receives the framed signal from the distribution module and distributes the framed signal to a telecommunication system. A method for distributing a timing signal in a telecommunication system is disclosed. A phase of a timing signal and a command signal is inserted into a framed signal using a timing generator. The framed signal is transmitted to a distribution module. The framed signal is transmitted to a bus control module. The framed signal is distributed to a telecommunication system using the bus control module.

Abstract: A method for providing communication control functionality at a remotely located site using a distributed feature architecture which provides communication features and data records to an Enhanced Network User (ENU). The ENU connects to a Distributed Feature Network (DFN) in order to gain access to communications features contained in the DFN. Based on the type of communication requested, one or more feature boxes are created in order to implement the requested communication.