Abstract: The voice signaling gateway (10) provides group call and call back services among iDEN network (20) users (21) and a number of other various networks (30-60) users (31-62). The voice signaling gateway has packet data interface (17) and web interface (16) In an alternate embodiment of the invention, an integrated applications server (70) is added to the voice signaling gateway (100) to provide group call services. The integrated applications server has the functions for supporting group calls which were within the voice signaling gateway (10) and forms a stand-alone special feature system.

Abstract: A system for estimating call waiting time for a call in a queue takes into account multiple queues wherein agents are shared between queues, abandoned call history, and virtual and priority queues. The system in a preferred embodiment is a computer-telephony integration (CTI) software application adapted to execute on a CTI processor, which may be coupled to switching equipment at network level in a connection-oriented, switched telephony (COST) network or to a switch at call-center level, or both.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for controlling content within a device environment through interaction among electronic devices of the environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules and content rules and a processor for implementing the interaction rules and content rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. Methods involve obtaining content information of the media about to be played and comparing the content information to the content rules stored at a device. An instruction about playback of the media content is generated. Methods may also involve seeking rights information for media content and determining whether rights information exists for identified media content in response to the request. When rights information does exist for the identified media content, a message is sent that includes the rights information.

Abstract: A system and method of increasing message throughput in a communications system utilizing priority management, conglomeration and compression, TCP retransmission filtering and pull transmission. The priority manages ranks the messages in a message queue as a function of the priority and time to live of each message. The conglomerator conglomerates messages into assemblies destined for the same destination radio. The TCP filter prevents the retransmission of successfully received messages. The messages are transmitted as a function of the availability of the destination radio to receive.

Abstract: A software application for recommending workforce resource allocation in a communication center based on requirements of events represented in a communication-center queue has a first interface for accessing information from the queue; a second interface for accessing information from a data source about workforce availability and state information; a processing component for processing queue information and workforce information; and a message generation and delivery component for generating a workforce allocation recommendation based on processing results and sending the recommendation to a target entity. In a preferred embodiment, the application periodically accesses the queue and the data source to obtain the most recent information for processing and generates periodic recommendations based on real-time requirements of events and availability states of resources, the recommendations sent ahead of time before the resources are required.

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 controlling and managing individual directed sessions between at least two endpoints in a communications system. The method including the steps of: intercepting a first message sent from an initiating endpoint via application layer routing to at least one other endpoint requesting an individual directed session; communicating the requested individual directed session to a service entity for determining the state of the session as a function of communication system resources and capabilities and resources of the endpoints to be included in the requested session, and if the requested individual directed session is accepted determining a set of corresponding session parameters; and communicating the state of the requested individual session to the initiating endpoint via application layer routing, and if the requested session is accepted also communicating the state of the session the at least one other endpoint via application layer routing.

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: A wireless access protocol-capable telephone provides the ability to conference call numerous individuals. While maintaining the conference call, the telephone user simultaneously uses the wireless access protocol browser to perform data communication. The user then relays the information accumulated from the data communication back to the conference call.

Abstract: A first connection stage includes connecting by a switched network control device a call from a first terminal with a terminal selection device, noticing “there is no terminal to be connected” to the first terminal as a selected result from the terminal selection device when no terminal is selected, and disconnecting the call. A second connection stage includes connecting by the switched network control device a call from a second terminal with the terminal selection device, noticing “there is a terminal to be connected” and “a connection number of the first terminal” to the second terminal as a selected result from the terminal selection device when the first terminal is selected, and disconnecting the call.

Abstract: A gateway apparatus connects a packet-switched network to a PSTN, the packet-switched network having a plurality of information terminals connected thereto. The gateway apparatus includes a recognition operation, an incoming call notification operation and a connection operation. The gateway operates (or is configured) to recognize information terminals on the packet-switched network. The incoming call notification operation notifies all the recognized information terminals of an incoming call upon reception of an incoming call from the PSTN. The connection operation connects the PSTN to an information terminal that has responded to the incoming call notification first. An incoming call notification may be sent to all or a plurality of the information terminals on the packet-switched network in a point-to-multipoint communication using a broadcast address or a multi-cast address.

Abstract: A method for realizing multipoint connections in a H.323 data communication network composed of a connection between first terminal equipment and second terminal equipment and of a consultation connection between the first terminal equipment and third terminal equipment. The multipoint connection setup is respectively initiated by the first terminal equipment with a connection setup to a conference unit. After the setup of signaling connections between the participating terminal equipment and the conference unit, and after releasing the connections between the terminal equipment, the conference unit initiates the opening of payload data channels between the terminal equipment via the conference unit. The setup of signaling connections between the participating terminal equipment and the conference unit is controlled in a call redirection initiated by the first terminal equipment and implemented in the other terminal equipment having the call redirection destination of conference unit.

Abstract: The multimedia call distribution system maintains call connection devices, a multimedia call distribution device, and terminal devices. When a call connection request is received, each of the call connection devices issues an inquiry to the multimedia call distribution device about a terminal device to which a call is to be connected. The call connection device connects the call to the terminal device as a response to the inquiry by the multimedia call distribution device The multimedia call distribution device monitors communication conditions of each terminal device about respective types of media, and selects one terminal device that can preform real-time communication and informs the call connection device that has issued the inquiry of the selected device as a response, when the inquiry is received from the call connection device, and when a type of media of the call connected by the call connection device that has issued the inquiry is a type of media that preform real-time communication.

Abstract: A method of providing secure signaling connections and media connections for packet data network telephony calls. A secure registration request message containing an encryption technique and public key is sent from an originating gateway 105 over a packet data network 100 to a terminating gateway 105. The terminating gateway 105 returns a secure confirmation message containing a digital certificate over the packet data network 100 to the originating gateway 105. Once registered, further communication between the gateways 105 is encrypted over the packet data network 100 using the public key and encryption technique specified in the secure registration request message. The gateways 105 can be linked to other incompatible networks such as the PSTN 115 or wireless telephony 120 networks in order to provide telephone capability among POTS 125, wireless 130, and IP 140 phones.

Abstract: A method of regenerating a point-to-multipoint interface on a point-to-point interface in an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) network configuration is provided. It is determined from which circuit an ATM cell originated by using pre-pending byte(s) and/or user defined byte(s); individual tag(s) are assigned; and at least one tag is decoded corresponding to the point-to-multipoint address.

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: Methods and apparatuses for processing media data for transmission in a data communication medium. A set of data indicates how to transmit a time related sequence of media data according to a transmission protocol. The set of data, includes a time related sequence of data which is associated with the time related sequence of media data. The set of data may be utilized by a digital processing system to transmit the time related sequence of media data (e.g., by packets generated according to the transmission protocol and the set of data).

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: To realize real-time information distribution and a server that reliably delivers information to a mobile terminal and a push-type control method for an information monitoring device. The push-type function server of this invention accumulates information to be distributed and identifier information of destination terminal devices; obtains address information of a terminal device from a home radio server that manages the terminal device according to the identifier information, and transfers distributed information to a radio server connected to a destination terminal device based on the address information, and the information monitoring device monitors whether or not data to be distributed to a specified terminal device have been delivered to other information-storing severs.

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 multi-channel media streaming and distribution system and associated methods is introduced.

Abstract: A radio modem includes a modem: a central processing unit (CPU) connected with the modem for digital data transmission therewith; a read-only-memory (ROM) connected with the CPU; a memory connected with the CPU; and a radio transceiver connected with the modem for receiving/transmitting radio waves and performing an analog signal transmission with the modem. The radio modem has Group ID (GID) and Sort ID functions, and automatically replies according to the order of the Sort ID after identifying the Group ID and confirming that it is necessary to reply.

Abstract: A system for multicasting. The system includes a network comprising nodes and links connecting the nodes. The system includes a mechanism for forming a multicast connection which does not have overlapping branches. A node for an ATM network. The node includes a forming mechanism for forming multicast connections in the network which do not have overlapping branches as parties are added or deleted from the connections. The node includes a port mechanism which connects to the network through which the connections are sent to the network. The forming mechanism is connected to the port mechanism. A method for forming multicast connections. The method includes the steps of forming a first connection between a first node and a second node. Then there is the step of forming a second multicast connection between the first node and a third node by extending the first connection.

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: Methods, systems and computer program products for performing voice conferencing over a data network, such as an internet protocol (IP) network are provided. The conferencing is for use in environments including N incoming channels and N outgoing channels. Each of the N incoming channels is associated with a corresponding one of the N outgoing channels, where N≧3. A different audio packet is received over each of the N incoming channels. The energy level of each of the different audio packets is determined so that a first highest energy packet and second highest energy packet can be identified. Also identified are the incoming channels over which the first highest and second highest energy packets are received. Next, the highest energy packet is sent to each of the N outgoing channels except an outgoing channel associated with incoming channel over which the highest energy packet was received.

Abstract: In a connection management system for setting up connections in a communications network, run-time negotiation is carried out to avoid feature interaction. Users of the network are provided with user agents (intelligent software) which have access to user profiles. When a calling user wants to set up a particular connection configuration, which may involve service features such as ring back later on busy, their user agent sends a connection configuration proposal to the user agent for a called user. The two user agents then negotiate to establish a mutually acceptable connection configuration, if one is available. The negotiation is based on alternative connection configurations stored in order of preference in the respective user profiles. These are proposed and counter-proposed by the user agents in descending preference order until the mutually acceptable configuration is reached or the connection fails.

Abstract: Multiple home agents for a home agent service provider network are implemented in a single computing platform in software as multiple virtual home agents. Each home agent is assigned or dedicated to a single virtual private network. Any number of home agents can be realized in the computing platform by multiple instantiations of a home agent program or code, and by providing unique IP addresses for each instantiation. Each home agent runs independently, and is independently configured and managed by the subscriber of the virtual private network service, freeing the service provider of having to manage and supervise low level processing tasks and customization features that the subscribers may want. In a representative embodiment, the computing platform comprises a router having a general purpose-computing platform.

Abstract: A video teleconferencing system uses digital transcoding to obtain algorithm transcoding, transmission rate matching, and spatial mixing. The video teleconferencing system comprises a multipoint control unit (MCU) for allowing multiple audiovisual terminals, which send and receive compressed digital data signals, to communicate with each other in a conference. The MCU has a video processing unit (VPU) that performs algorithm transcoding, rate matching, and spatial mixing among the terminals within a conference. The VPU includes a time division multiplex pixel bus and a plurality of processors. Each processor is assignable to an audiovisual terminal in the conference and is coupled to the pixel bus. In a receive mode, each processor receives and decodes compressed video signals from its assigned terminal and puts the decoded signal onto the pixel bus. In a transmit mode, each processor receives from the pixel bus uncompressed video signals from any terminal in 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: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for automatically distributing a multimedia call received from an originating end point. The present invention determines whether the multimedia call has been connected to a multimedia source for a minimum time period, selects a destination end point, and determines whether the selected destination end point is available. If the multimedia call has been connected to the multimedia source for the minimum time period or longer, and the selected destination end point is available, the present invention instructs a multimedia switch to transfer the multimedia call from the multimedia source to the selected destination end point.

Abstract: A time-slot interchanger (TSI 100) is used to control both time-slot access and distribution of signals to physical or virtual signal-processing circuits (106-116). The TSI includes a control table (200) with an entry (202) for each time slot, that specifies the source (204, 205) and destination (230, 231) of signals received during the corresponding time-slot interval and the processing (208-228) of those signals. The TSI is coupled to the signal processing circuits, and sends the received signals to the signal processing circuits for processing along with control signals to effect the processing specified by the corresponding control-table entries. For conferencing, the TSI sends all signals for each conference in sequence to the conferencing circuit (108) before starting and sending any signals for any other conference, thereby allowing a single conference accumulator to support any number of conferences of any size.

Abstract: A hardware copy assist for a data communication switch copies packets in a number required to meet multicasting needs. Packets are read from a switch queue and a home mark is retained for the packet at the head of the queue to facilitate multiple reads and to prevent premature overwrites. Copying decisions may be made incidental to the retrieval of outbound headers from a linked list of table entries to minimize overhead.

Abstract: In a communication center system wherein agents participate in and host communication sessions, a session management system has a data repository storing parameters regarding individual sessions in progress in the communication center system and agent parameters including one or both of minimum and maximum load capabilities for individual agents. A management software executes on a server associated with the communication center system, and calculates agent load level over chat sessions hosted by an individual agent, compares the calculated load level with one or both of minimum and maximum load for said agent, and adjusts agent assignment to sessions accordingly. In the case where agents are overloaded, additional agents are assigned to open sessions, and in the case where agents are underutilized, additional sessions may be assigned to the under-utilized agents. The sessions in a preferred embodiment are chat sessions.

Abstract: A computer controlled signal router has a graphical user interface which pictorially represents the source channels and destination channels as intersecting, perpendicular sets of stripes with the intersections representing the switches of a cross-point switching matrix. Multiple signal channels are arranged in logical planes which may be displayed singly or in composite views. Links between source channels and destination channels which are effected by the cross-point switch are displayed by a visual indicator at the intersection of the selected source and destination stripes in the single plane view. In the multi-plane view, closed switches in their respective planes are represented by color coded segments of the visual indicator. Sources and destinations are linked and unlinked by selecting on the display the appropriate cross-point, or by designating a source and destination through selection of icons at the ends of the source and destination channel lines.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing media data for transmission in a data communication medium. A set of data indicates how to transmit a time related sequence of media data according to a transmission protocol. The set of data, includes a time related sequence of data which is associated with the time related sequence of media data. The set of data may be utilized by a digital processing system to transmit the time related sequence of media data (e.g., by packets generated according to the transmission protocol and the set of data).

Abstract: The invention is a system for providing virtual connections through an ATM interworking multiplexer on a call-by-call basis. A signaling processor receives signaling for a call and selects the virtual connection for the call. The signaling processor generates control messages that identify the selection and transfers the control messages to the ATM interworking multiplexer that accepted the access connection for the call. The multiplexer converts user information from the access connection into ATM cells for transmission over the virtual connection in accord with the control messages.

Abstract: A method for dynamically allocating MCU resources during a multipoint network event such as a conference call. The method determines the number of MCU resources to allocate for the start of the multipoint network event and then at each of a plurality of modeling intervals during the multipoint event adjusts the number of allocated MCU resources based upon actual inbound users. Self-tuning of the allocation of MCU resources for multipoint events occurs in advance of use by providing a look ahead allocation of resources based on what is likely to be needed in the future for a conferencing event. The number of multipoint events occurring within a tuning interval are counted. The number of MCU resources actually utilized during each multipoint event are accumulated and then a probability value is determined for future use of MCU resources for an upcoming multipoint event.

Abstract: This invention is an application of antenna diversity and two or more multi-channel radios, with a novel cooperative sharing strategy among the multi-channel radios, to aeronautical packet data communications and other communications. It offers the following benefits: enhanced data communications performance in a fading environment; enhanced data communications performance at long range; enhanced data communications performance in the presence of cochannel interference; extendable to an arbitrary number of cooperating peer radios; no single point of failure; no increase in pilot workload or change in operational procedures.

Abstract: A communications network such as a Global Multi Service Network is provided with a management system which includes a distributed control system. The distributed control system is an open community of co-operating intelligent software agents which individually have control, or responsibility for managing, one or more nodes of the communications network. There are software agents of more than one type and the service management agents which have control over nodes of the network enter a negotiation process with customer agents in the provision of new services, so as to meet the constraints of both customer requirements and the interest of the relevant service provider. In the event of agent failure, the service management agents initiate a bidding process to reallocate the responsibilities of a failed agent.

Abstract: An automatic call distribution system utilizes a number of H.323 compatible devices. An automatic call distribution (ACD) server (52) interfaces with a computer telephony interface gateway (54) to route calls to agents or to a music/video server (56). Calls are received by a gateway and supplied to a gatekeeper that determines an IP address of the destination. The ACD server selects the destination in response to the number of agents available. In addition, customer calls can be received via e-mail, facsimile or the Internet. The call distribution system can instruct an agent to return an e-mail or facsimile message or to call a customer if desired. Calls from one H.323 device can be routed to another H.323 device by a third party application by sending a call control message to the device's application program interface that executes the message as if it were generated at the device itself.

Abstract: A computer connected to an ISDN central office switch via an ISDN digital subscriber line, provides management information regarding activities of a plurality of telephone agents. The computer has shared call appearances with a number of telephone agent stations and receives shared call appearance associated messages from the switch reflecting call handling messages exchanged between the ISDN switch and each of the agent stations. The messages are interpreted by the computer, which generates station status information and management information such as the number of calls handled, average holding time per call, etc. The computer may be connected simultaneously to several central offices via ISDN subscriber lines and generate management information for a group of geographically separated agents, such as home telemarketing agents operating out of their individual homes and connected to different central offices.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol-capable call center system has a managing computer connected to a plurality of PCs at agent stations on a local area network. The managing computer is adapted to receive and route Internet Protocol Network Telephony calls to the agent stations according to predetermined routing rules.. A statistics server (stat-server) in the call center provides status of call center objects, among multiple status possibilities, to requesting applications in the processes of routing calls. Requesting applications, in addition to requests for object states, provide priority indications of object states desired. The stat-server provides the highest priority state to a requesting application. In the absence of a priority indication the stat-server provides status of objects according to a default indicattion.

Abstract: A system and method are described for initiating and conducting a data conference between a plurality of conference endpoints linked in communication by a private or public computer network. A first conference endpoint then sends a conference initialization request to a dedicated conference server coupled to the computer network. Upon receipt of the conference initialization request, the conference server responsively generates a conference code uniquely identifying the conference and transmits the code to the first conference endpoint. The first conference endpoint subsequently converts the received conference code to a form (such as a string DTMF tone) which can be transmitted by in-band audio to other conference endpoints. The other participating conferencing endpoints, after receipt of the conference code, are configured to log on to the conference server using the conference code.

Abstract: A system and method allow an Internet user to act as a broadcast session conductor by assembling audiovisual information in a multimedia document, and broadcasting that information to a predetermined group for simultaneous viewing. During the network broadcast, members of the predetermined group can interact with the Internet conductor using a standard telephone or other audio connection. The broadcast information may be used for such sessions as on-line training/teaching seminars, telemarketing, teleshopping and other multimedia events.

Abstract: An arrangement for multicasting digital data to a user accessing an Internet connection is disclosed. The arrangement entails placing streaming digital data content that is to be multicast in IP protocol to generate streaming IP digital data. The streaming IP digital data is uplinked from a transmission site to a satellite and downlinked to one or more remote Internet gateways via a communications path that is substantially separate from the Internet backbone. A plurality of separate satellite receiver systems, which may be located at separate remote Internet gateways, are adapted to receive IP streaming content via downlink carrier from the satellite and provide the streaming IP content to an Internet gateway without providing substantial TCP confirmation of delivery. At a remote Internet gateway, the streaming IP digital data content is multicast for delivery as a one-way data stream to at least one receiving Internet user's apparatus connected to but distant from the remote Internet gateway.

Abstract: A presentation system for displaying a presentation at multiple computer systems. One computer system is designated as a presenter computer system, and the other computer systems are designated as audience member computer systems. Each computer system executes an application that exposes a function for controlling the behavior of the application. Each computer system also has a conference subsystem with a messaging component, an automation component, and a user interface component. The messaging component controls communications between the computer systems. The automation component controls the behavior of the application using the exposed function. The user interface component displays the presentation within a conference window, receives commands from a presenter and sends the commands to each audience member computer system, receives commands from the presenter computer system, and directs the automation component to effect the performing of behavior of the received commands.

Abstract: A Video Multimedia Call Center (VMMCC) with multipoint access through a PBX (private branch exchange, also known as a switchboard) within an ACD (automatic call distribution) environment has both audio and video capabilities. The VMMCC extends traditional call center capabilities into the video and collaborative data domain. An organization using the VMMCC is able to provide a more personal and feature rich interface for both their customer service representatives and their end customers. Call center agents are able to communicate visually with customers at any location where the organization supports an endpoint. The agent and the customer have the added benefit of sharing data applications which provides the customer with a level of empowerment and understanding of the organization's operation that cannot be appreciated over a standard audio interface. Customers are able to see how their information is truly being represented by the agent.

Abstract: For example in case of an OFDM multicarrier transmission system the transmission characteristics of subcarriers of a multicarrier transmission system using a plurality of antenna elements (3, 3′) can be adjusted. Particularly the power and the phase of the subcarriers can be adapted. To this object the subcarrier frequency channel (2, 2′) characteristics of the multicarrier transmission are detected (11, 11′) at the side of the transmitter (3). The power of each subcarrier is then distributed by a weighting unit (14, 14′). The subcarriers can be further pre-equalized (1, 1′) by dividing the subcarrier signal respectively by the sum of the squared magnitude of the frequency channel characteristics of all subcarrier signals or a frequency characteristic of the selected antenna element (3, 3′).

Abstract: A computerized Internet-Protocol Network Telephony (IPNT) routing system has a routing processor for receiving and forwarding IPNT calls based on information stored in an associated database regarding operation and status of possible destinations for the call. In some embodiments destinations are call centers adapted for receiving IPNT calls at workstations associated with a central processor, and the information in the database at the routing processor is collected and processed at the call centers that are potential destinations for the calls. The information is collected processed and forwarded to the database for the purpose of enhancing call-routing efficiency and accuracy.

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.