Abstract: In one embodiment, a scheduling/conferencing system provides a user with the ability to set up a camp-on request for a person invited to attend a conference session in response to one or more selections made by the user via a user interface, which may include a name of the person and a specified action to be taken when the person leaves the conference session. During the conference session, a conference port of the person is camped-on. When the person leaves the conference session and his conference port becomes free, the specified action, which includes an attempt to communicate with the person by the user, is executed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A telecommunications device including a notification set-up unit associated with a user device; an access control unit configured to receive notification configuration information from said notification set-up unit and provide notification to said user device of a pending conference in accordance with said notification configuration information.

Abstract: A new audio echo cancellation (AEC) approach is disclosed. To facilitate echo cancellation, the method adjusts for errors (called drift) in sampling rates for both capturing audio and playing audio. This ensures that the AEC module receives both the signals at precisely the same sampling frequency. Furthermore, the far-end signal and near-end mixed signal are time aligned to ensure that the alignment is suitable for application of AEC techniques. An additional enhancement to reduce errors utilizes a concept of native frequency. A by-product of drift compensation allows for excellent buffer control for capture/playback and buffer overflow/underflow errors from drift errors are eliminated.

Abstract: A method, system and memory are provided for enabling interoperability. A communication session between different communication systems, such as radio systems, operating using different protocols is initiated by receiving a scenario identifier from one of the user devices. An interoperability server receives the scenario identifier and accesses interoperability data to obtain the connection information corresponding the scenario matching the scenario identifier. The data includes scenarios for communication sessions and the connections required for each scenario. Once the interoperability server obtains the connection information, the communication session is initiated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for user authentication. According to an embodiment, the invention provides a method for user authentication in a video communication apparatus, the video communication apparatus including a user authentication unit, the method comprising: receiving image data of a plurality of users; detecting a face region of each of the plurality of users by using the received image data; performing, by the user authentication unit, a user authentication by comparing face feature information corresponding to each of the detected face regions with pre-registered face feature information; and permitting, by the user authentication unit, an access to a video communication service by a user corresponding to at least one of the detected face regions using the user authentication result.

Abstract: A multiple screen telepresence style video conferencing experience is provided employing generic hardware and intelligent software, which may be based on existing enhanced communication systems such as unified communication systems. Through a component based approach, the system can be deployed in any conference room, assembled on the spot by an untrained user, flexible to accommodate any number of screens.

Abstract: Call replay systems and methods are disclosed. A call replay system can record a telephonic communication and replay the recorded communication upon request. The entire communication may be recorded, or only a portion, such as the most recent few minutes. The entire recording can be transmitted to a requester, or only a portion. The recording may be altered before it is transmitted to a requestor. Alterations may include actions taken to reduce playback time, such as removing spaces in the recording where no conversation is taking place, or speeding up the recording. Other alterations may include adjusting the sonic characteristics of the recording, translating the recording, or transcribing the recording to create a text version.

Abstract: A method, implemented by electronic data processing resources, for audio conference between conference participants via their respective terminals, the participants including at least one listener and at least one speaker, the method comprising, for at least said listener and for at least said speaker, the steps consisting in, estimating, as a function of a digital signal coming from a terminal of the speaker, at least one characteristic specific to said speaker, and determining, using said at least one estimated characteristic, a setpoint for positioning the speaker within a virtual space of the listener.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for implementing a multipoint control unit in an endpoint that is participating in and managing a multipoint audio conference in a packet network. The multipoint control unit establishes audio communications between a plurality of endpoints of the packet network, mixes audio communications from the plurality of endpoints, and provides echo cancellation for the endpoint that is managing the multipoint audio conference.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes first and second substrates with a liquid crystal material therebetween; a first alignment film formed on the first substrate and a second alignment film formed on the second substrate; a first align mark on the first substrate, the first align mark formed of the same material as the first alignment film and formed in a shape of any one of a circle, square and cross; and a second align mark to be aligned with the first align mark on the second substrate.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for providing customer services on a mobile device can provide a user-interface on a mobile device to display one or more customer service options, store state information of the customer's interaction with the user-interface, and provide a user-interface element that provides the customer an option to contact a customer service agent. In response to the customer's exercising the option to contact the customer service agent, the stored state information is sent to the customer service agent.

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: Devices that are enabled to communicate with each other via an ad hoc conference mode and an infrastructure supported conference mode, are provided with processing capabilities that can allow them to evaluate one or more resources required to support an ad hoc conference communication session and/or one or more quality metrics associated with the ad hoc conference communication session, and determine whether one or more resources or metrics are outside optimal operating parameters. If so, the processing logic can initiate a transition from the ad hoc conference communication session to an infrastructure supported conference communication session hosted at a conference server.

Abstract: An echo canceller apparatus comprises a receive side attenuator coupled in a receive side signal path that is configured to couple from a conference call bridge to a caller; a convolution processor coupled to the receive side signal path at a convolution processor pick-off point; a double-talk detector coupled to the receive side signal path and to a sending side signal path that is configured to couple from the caller to the conference call bridge; and logic coupled to the receive side attenuator which when executed is responsive to a double-talk condition detected by the double-talk detector and operable to determine a level of echo canceled by the convolution processor, to determine an additional amount of attenuation to introduce, and to activate the receive side attenuator to introduce the additional attenuation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for monitoring a conference. A first bridging function is established that bridges together signals received from all conference participants. A second bridging function is established that bridges together signals received from i) a subset of the conference participants, ii) an output of the first bridging function, and iii) a monitor of the conference. The second bridging function isolates the monitor's signals from the conference such that only the subset of the conference participants may communicate with the monitor during the conference.

Abstract: The invention enhances mobile device software such that upon receipt of a specially formatted SMS message, the software can automatically dial a telephone number that was specified in the message after a configurable timed interval. A further enhancement comprises improvements to the integration between collaboration software (such as Lotus Notes) and mobile device software to enable employees to utilize this invention for connecting to conference calls. An additional enhancement comprises interfacing with a travel reservation system to detect when the user may want such an enhanced SMS message.

Abstract: A communication device sends a message to a server requesting a list of call center telephone numbers. The communication device receives the list of call center telephone numbers from the server and provides the list to a user.

Abstract: The spatial sound conference system enables participants in a teleconference to distinguish between speakers even during periods of interruption and overtalk, identify speakers based on spatial location cues, understand low volume speech, and block out background noise using spatial sound information. Spatial sound information may be captured using microphones positioned at the ear locations of a dummy head at a conference table, or spatial sound information may be added to a participant's monaural audio signal using head-related transfer functions. Head-related transfer functions simulate the frequency response of audio signals across the head from one ear to the other ear to create a spatial location for a sound. Spatial sound is transmitted across a communication channel, such as ISDN, and reproduced using spatially disposed loudspeakers positioned at the ears of a participant.

Abstract: A multicast call processing unit receives a request from a requester, determines if the request is associated with a multicast function, identifies a plurality of destinations defined by the multicast function and establishes communication link between the requester and the plurality of destinations. In one embodiment, the call processing unit authenticates the plurality of destinations before establishing a communication link between them and the requester. If the request from the requester is not associated with the multicast function, then the call processing unit establishes a communication link between the requester and a single destination. In another embodiment, a supervisor manages the plurality of destinations.

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: There is described a method for enabling session mobility in a multi-participant IP-based multi-media communication network in full-mesh conference model, the method comprising: mapping a full-mesh communication protocol to a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP); defining an extended message protocol including new message mechanisms to support session mobility options; mapping the extended message protocol to the Session Initiation Protocol; and adding headers to mapped messages from the extended message protocol and from the full-mesh communication protocol to comply with full-mesh message signalization protocol mechanisms.

Abstract: In a method for calling participants in a conference call, a computer system receives a conference date, a call time for the conference call, names of the participants, and telephone numbers for the participants. The computer system is operable to automatically initiate computer originated calls to the participants on the conference date at the call time for connecting the participants together for the conference call. The computer system receives one or more pre-set call-back preferences before the conference call is initiated. The one or more pre-set call-back preferences are for use by the computer system if one or more of the participants is not initially connected to the conference call in response to one or more of the computer originated calls. The one or more call-back preferences include a designation of a user-selectable call-back frequency with which each non-answering participant is called back.

Abstract: A user interface for handling multiple calls includes displaying an image associated with a first party on a first call and an image associated with a second party on a second call. When one call is active and the other call is on hold, the image associated with the party that is on the active call is visually highlighted to make it more visually prominent relative to the other image. When both calls are joined into a conference call, both images are displayed adjacent to each other and neither is visually highlighted relative to the other.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a multi-media communication path between at least first, second and third communication devices coupled to a multi-media provider system during post answer call redirecting and/or teleconferencing. The method includes receiving and processing a first call request at a circuit-based portion of the multi-media provider system for forming a first communication link between the first and second communication devices. Thereafter, predetermined attributes of the first communication link may be sent to an IP-based portion of the multi-media provider system for configuring the IP-based portion of the multi-media provider system to process a subsequent request to execute post answer call redirecting and/or teleconferencing.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium that facilitate verbal control of conference call features are provided. Automatic speech recognition functionality is deployed in a conferencing platform. Hot words are configured in the conference platform that may be identified in speech supplied to a conference call. Upon recognition of a hot word, a corresponding feature may be invoked. A speaker may be identified using speaker identification technologies. Identification of the speaker may be utilized to fulfill the speaker's request in response to recognition of a hot word and the speaker. Particular participants may be provided with conference control privileges that are not provided to other participants. Upon recognition of a hot word, the speaker may be identified to determine if the speaker is authorized to invoke the conference feature associated with the hot word.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system based on application software run on a primary server that establishes a teleconference involving a plurality of callers and at least one facilitator. The teleconferencing system enables transferring callers from the primary server to connected secondary servers, each of which is connected to the primary server, thereby enabling the size of the teleconference to scale either upon initiation of or during the teleconference. Callers may be transferred to secondary servers, and secondary servers may be added or removed from the teleconferencing system during a teleconference. The inventive teleconferencing system enables an almost unlimited number of callers to participate in a teleconference.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system in which a plurality of callers join a facilitator in a teleconference. The teleconferencing system enables the facilitator to dynamically arrange the callers into sub-conferences. The callers in one sub-conference can communicate with other callers in that same sub-teleconference, but not with callers in other sub-conferences. The callers in a sub-conference may or may not be able to communicate with the facilitator. Formation of sub-conferences is performed using application software, beneficially under the control of a Graphical User Interface.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system for establishing a facilitator-led teleconference involving a plurality of callers, a facilitator, and at least one party that can receive transfers. The teleconferencing system is operated by the facilitator under the control of application software through a user interface. A facilitator-led teleconference is formed and the callers are informed of how to initiate a transfer to the party, such as by touching of a key on their telephone keypad. The system detects the callers who initiate transfer. If the party is available the initiating caller is automatically transferred to that party. If the party is not available, such as would happen if numerous callers initiate transfer to that party, the initiating callers are placed into a transfer queue. When the party becomes available the callers in the queue are then transferred in queue order.

Abstract: A multiparty calling method, which includes initiating a multiparty call between at least a first, second and third terminal, and setting a flag in the first terminal to inform a processor of the first terminal to skip a process of closing an existing communication path between the first terminal and the second terminal, when the first terminal is disconnected with the third terminal. Further, the set flag is released when the multiparty call between the at least first, second and third terminals has been established for a predetermined time period. In addition, the first terminal preferably sets the flag when the multiparty call join command is transmitted to the network.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to determine the presence of one or more cellular phones in the same sound field as an endpoint that is dedicated for teleconferencing, such as a speakerphone. The teleconference bridge of the illustrative embodiment continually receives geo-location information about the cell phone. Based on the geo-location of the cell phone relative to the position of the speakerphone, the bridge determines whether to include or exclude signals that are received from the cell phone when preparing a signal for transmission to the speakerphone during a conference call. The bridge also determines whether to refrain from transmitting an audio signal to the cell phone, when the bridge infers that the cell phone is being used as a satellite microphone, such as when the cell phone is placed on a conference room table. As a result, each conference call participant is able to use his or her own cell phone as a personal satellite microphone, which can improve the sound quality of the conference call.

Abstract: The performance of a voice conference using a packet-based conference bridge can be improved with a number of modifications. In one modification, the conference bridge receives speech indication signals from the individual packet-based terminals within the voice conference, these speech indication signals then being used by the conference bridge to select the talkers within the voice conference. This removes the need for speech detection techniques within the conference bridge, hence decreasing the required processing power and the latency within the conference bridge. In another modification, the conference bridge sends addressing control signals to the individual packet-based terminals selected as talkers, these addressing control signals directing the terminals selected as talkers to directly transmit their voice data packets to the other terminals within the voice conference. This direct transmission of voice data packets can reduce transcoding and latency within the network.

Abstract: A method of moving telephone communication from a first device engaged in a call, to a second device. The method includes initiating a determination of status of the first device from the second device, joining the second device to the call to form a conference in response to an active call status indication, and removing the first device from the conference, leaving the second device engaged in the call.

Abstract: A hands-free teleconferencing apparatus for use with a wireless telephone for enabling multiple users to participate in a telephone call in a hands-free environment. An adapter of the apparatus configured to connect to a wireless telephone includes circuitry for communicating with at least two external speakers and at least one external microphone. The communications between the adapter and the external speakers and microphone may be wired or wireless. If wired, the external speakers and microphone may be part of respective earbud devices or headsets that connect to the adapter. Each earbud device includes an acoustic transducer that functions as an audio speaker and may include a microphone that converts the users' voices into electric audio signals. If wireless, the external speakers and microphone may be in respective headsets that have respective wireless transducers for communicating wirelessly with respective wireless transducers in the adapter.

Abstract: A method for communicating one or more primary data streams between a plurality of attendees connected to a communications network includes steps of communicating a plurality of data streams from each of the attendees to all others of the attendees, and of designating at least one of the streams from one of the attendees as primary. The primary stream is identified using a primary selection command.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that utilize audio spatialization to help at least one listener on one end of a communication session differentiate between multiple talkers on another end of the communication session. In accordance with one embodiment, an audio teleconferencing system obtains speech signals originating from different talkers on one end of the communication session, identifies a particular talker in association with each speech signal, and generates mapping information sufficient to assign each speech signal associated with each identified talker to a corresponding audio spatial region. A telephony system communicatively connected to the audio teleconferencing system receives the speech signals and the mapping information, assigns each speech signal to a corresponding audio spatial region based on the mapping information, and plays back each speech signal in its assigned audio spatial region.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a computer controlled method for use with a communication system. The method includes a step of receiving a plurality of communications, where each one of the plurality of communications is from one of a plurality of communication sources; includes a step of mixing (that is responsive to a plurality of floor controls) the plurality of communications for a plurality of outputs associated with plurality of communication sources; and includes a step of analyzing, for a plurality of users associated with the plurality of communication sources, one or more conversational characteristics of two or more of the plurality of users. The method also includes a step of automatically adjusting the plurality of floor controls responsive to the step of analyzing. Other embodiments include systems and devices that use the method as well as program products that cause a computer to execute the method.

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 switching system that provides conference call functionality can mute music played into the conference call by the muting of a conference call participant. The muting of conference call music can be accomplished by controlling the switch's connection to a music on hold source or by controlling the music on hold device.

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: Marking a keyframe of a media stream in a communication system involves one or more entry media switches in communication with one or more endpoints. An entry media switch receives a media stream from an endpoint, where the media stream comprises a sequence of packets with a keyframe. The keyframe is detected and marked with a keyframe indicator. The keyframe indicator is operable to notify a downstream device of the keyframe. An output media stream is outputted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a method performed by a conference server for providing caller identification information for a TDM conference call. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request from a host to set up a TDM conference call. The method further includes receiving host configuration parameters for providing the host with caller ID information of callers participating in the conference call. The method provides the host with a calling number for enabling callers participating in the conference call to call in. In response to receiving a call and caller ID information associated with a caller calling the calling number, the method connects the call to the conference call and provides the caller ID information to the host based on the host configuration parameters.

Abstract: There is a need for providing a content to a user in process of a voice call without interrupting the conversation. A presence server is provided to manage positions, in a virtual space, of a user of each of voice telecommunication terminals and an advertisement sound source provided by an advertisement server. A media server applies a stereophonic process to voice data for each of the other voice telecommunication terminals correspondingly to a relative position between a user of each of the other voice telecommunication terminals and a user of the relevant voice telecommunication terminal. Further, the media server applies a stereophonic process to acoustic data for the advertisement sound source correspondingly to a relative position between the advertisement sound source and a user of the relevant voice telecommunication terminal. In this manner, stereophonically processed data is synthesized to generate voice call data for the relevant voice telecommunication terminal.

Abstract: A conference control server accesses a calendar server in order to identify calls scheduled by an organizer and to facilitate initiation of the calls at the scheduled time. A method for integrating the calendar server and the conference control server includes identifying a plurality of resources, which each have a resource identifier, and registering to receive notifications of updates to those resources. If update notifications are received, the conference control server determines meeting information for a scheduled conference indicated by the update notifications. The conference control server may also provide a portion of the meeting information to a resource identified by the meeting information.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user who places a telephone call on hold with a partial hold option. When a user places a first call on partial hold and picks up a second call, the user can still hear conversation and activity that occurs on the first call. For example a user participating in a conference call may receive a second call. The user can place the conference call on partial hold and pick up a second call (i.e. engage in a conversation on a second telephone call). However, the incoming channel to the conference call will remain active and the user will be able to hear, in the background, what is taking place in the conference call. Should the user hear something interesting in the conference call, or if the user hears someone ask a question directed to the particular use, the user can switch back to the conference call.

Abstract: A voice conference bridge provides respective voice connections to a call coordinator and a plurality of call participants. A message server is coupled to the voice conference bridge for receiving DTMF tone messages from the call coordinator and the call participants and for sending data messages in a caller ID format to the call coordinator and the call participants via the voice conference bridge. The message server interacts with the call participants using a participant-initiated request channel and a server-initiated broadcast channel. A particular call participant invokes the request channel by including a predetermined tone command in a respective DTMF tone message. The particular call participant forwards a message content to the message server by including predetermined tone data in the respective DTMF tone message. The message server forwards the message content to other call participants via the broadcast channel according to an approval granted to the particular call participant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for notifying a telephone speaker engaged in a call or conference that the audio quality being received by one or more listeners is not acceptable. The notice is provided before the call or conference has ended, so that effective action can be taken to continue the conference. Embodiments of the invention can include both automatic and manual methods for informing a participant in a telephone call that audio distortion is occurring. An automated method uses audio sampling and comparative logic, while a manual method is accomplished using phone programming and a key entry sequence. A further embodiment provides means for any participant on a call to verify the audio quality of his or her own telephone.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which teleconference calls are scheduled in advance and, at an appropriate predetermined time, calls are automatically made to the designated participants of the conference calls thereby avoiding the need for the participants to call into a teleconference center. In a preferred embodiment, when teconferences are scheduled, the telecon participants are designated and their phone numbers are input or otherwise determined, for example, through access to a centralized database. A calendar is monitored and at a predetermined time relative to the scheduled start of the telecon, a server system application initiates the calling of the participants for connection to the telecon. The system may be configured to require participants to enter a password before the connection is completed. The status of the called participants is determined and displayed on individual display devices of the other participants in the telecon.

Abstract: A method and system to provide push-to-talk from one user to another in a wireless packet data telecommunications network is described. The system may include: a wireless communication network including push-to-talk (PTT) functionality, with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Proxy Server; a SIP Registrar and Location Server operable to store contact addresses of active mobile devices; a Realtime Transport Protocol (RTP) Media Gateway (PTT Server) operable to function as a call endpoint for each of a plurality of mobile devices wherein the plurality of mobile devices are segmented into membership groups, the PTT Server further operable to multicast a communication from one member of the group to the other members of the group; and an Internet Protocol (IP) network interconnecting the SIP Proxy server, the SIP Registrar and Location Server, and the PTT Server.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing information to mass localized mobile users over a limited bandwidth are described. Short text messaging system messages, e.g., SMS, may be used to transmit coded data between mobile terminals and content providers, while a client application resident on each mobile terminal can decode the messages received from a content provider and display information in human-understandable formats on the display screen of the mobile terminal. The client application can also encode messages to send to the content provider to request specified information on demand. Users can also specify criteria that, when met, the content provider automatically sends an encoded SMS message to the user's mobile terminal with the requested information, provided the user has prepaid to receive SMS messages.

Abstract: A method and system of providing language interpretation for a merchant are disclosed. An incoming telephone call from a customer speaking a first language is received at a language interpretation service. The customer is greeted in the first language by an interpreter associated with a language interpretation provider. The interpreter telephonically engages a first agent representing the merchant, wherein the first agent speaks a second language and the interpreter translates a conversation between the customer and the first agent. Once the translation is completed, the first agent is disconnected from the call. Next, if the customer elects to be connected to a business partner of the merchant, the interpreter telephonically engages a second agent representing the business partner. The second agent speaks the second language and the interpreter translates a conversation between the customer and the second agent.