Abstract: An electronic device displays a messaging interface that allows a participant in a message conversation to capture, send, and/or play media content. The media content includes images, video, and/or audio. The media content is captured, sent, and/or played based on the electronic device detecting one or more conditions.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system comprising multiple switching nodes (10, 20, 30) having a respective local server (C1, C2, C3) and associated terminals (D1, D2, D3, D4) located within a network and a central DSS server (DSS) for controlling the telecommunication system by using a general switching protocol, the terminals (D1, D2, D3, D4) of a switching node (10, 20, 30) are controlled by the local server (C1, C2, C3) under a local protocol comprising control commands for node-internal call pickup.

Abstract: The techniques may include maintaining a thread of events for a plurality of users, where each element of the thread corresponds to an event/activity and includes at least a next field that includes a first subset of the plurality of users and a previous field that includes a second subset of the plurality of users. These techniques may allow new events to be quickly added and prior elements may be updated to reflect the addition. Further, the thread elements may allow the thread to be quickly traversed to identify queried information such that the information may be displayed to a user.

Abstract: Embodiments for performing a fast return to Wi-Fi following completion of a cellular voice call are provided. These embodiments include detecting that a device has switched from communicating over a Wi-Fi interface to communicating over a cellular interface; determining the earliest time that the device can switch back to Wi-Fi; and instituting the switch. In some embodiments, the process of performing a fast return to Wi-Fi is carried out by devices having small form factors, such as smartwatches and other wearables, which may be susceptible to coexistence and peak power problems. The fast return to Wi-Fi embodiments disclosed herein allow a device to perform a voice call over a cellular interface when Wi-Fi calling is not available, and switch over to a Wi-Fi interface immediately upon completion of the voice call in order to conserve battery life, achieve higher data speeds, and avoid high costs associated with cellular data transmissions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling different modes of operation based on a detected audio trigger. The systems and methods may generate an audio signature for a detected first sound and compare the audio signature with a plurality of registered audio signatures. In response to determining that the audio signature matches a first registered audio signature, the systems and methods may enable a first operational mode for a device that enables a first plurality of commands. In response to determining that the audio signature matches a second registered audio signature, the systems and methods may enable a second operational mode for a device that enables a second plurality of commands, where the second plurality of commands are different from the first plurality of commands.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for verifying sending of a voice or multimedia message. The system improves significantly over previous systems by preventing unwanted recording of messages, while also providing expedient user operation. A computing device receives a first trigger operation representing an instruction to generate a voice or multimedia message. The computing device records the voice or multimedia message, and receives a second trigger operation. In response to determining that the second trigger operation represents a send verification instruction, the device sends the voice or multimedia message to a second user or group. In response to determining that the second trigger operation represents a null instruction, the device cancels sending the voice or multimedia message.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating an explanation for a benefit qualification status change over different benefit qualification periods includes a computing device executing a benefit calculation engine. The benefit calculation engine operates on first and second benefit completeness graphs from respective first and second benefit qualification periods to perform first and second benefit qualification status determination. The first and second benefit completeness graphs each describe data dependent benefit qualification operations including a plurality of interconnecting functional nodes connected by one of a plurality of functions. The method also includes the computing device identifying the differences among nodes within the first benefit completeness graph and the second benefit completeness graph.

Abstract: When a first member transmits information on a network, a converted first hash code which includes a member ID of the first member is given. When a second member further transmits and diffuses the information transmitted from the first member, the converted previous first hash code which includes the member ID of the first member is associated with a converted second hash code which includes a member ID of the second member. When the still other member accesses the information transmitted by the second member, the second member is specified from the second hash code and the first member is specified from the first hash code associated with the second hash code.

Abstract: A system for explaining added tax questions resulting from modified tax data for an electronic tax return preparation program includes a computing device having a completeness graph engine, an explanation engine, and a user interface controller. The computing device executes the completeness graph engine, which takes a first snapshot of input needs for a completeness graph corresponding to a tax topic, takes a second snapshot of input needs for the completeness graph corresponding to the tax topic after receiving modified tax data, and compares the first and second snapshots to identify an added variable in the completeness graph. An explanation engine analyzes the completeness graph and the modified tax data to generate an explanation asset for the added variable. A user interface controller generates a tax question corresponding to the added variable. The computing device presents the tax question and the explanation asset to a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented method that includes generating, by a processor of a problem-tracking system, a problem ticket. The problem ticket describes a problem encountered by a first user, and the problem ticket is assigned to at least one qualified user to resolve. The method also includes receiving additional information relating to the problem from at least one second user. The method also includes storing the received additional information in association with the problem ticket. The receiving and the storing of the additional information occurs while the problem ticket is waiting to be resolved by the at least one qualified user. The method also includes providing the stored received additional information and the problem ticket to the at least one qualified user.

Abstract: The intelligent automated assistant system engages with the user in an integrated, conversational manner using natural language dialog, and invokes external services when appropriate to obtain information or perform various actions. The system can be implemented using any of a number of different platforms, such as the web, email, smartphone, and the like, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the system is based on sets of interrelated domains and tasks, and employs additional functionally powered by external services with which the system can interact.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence-based, intelligent agent (IA) services may include an IA server assisting users of a wireless network in various communication scenarios (e.g., calls, texts, chats, etc.). A user may specify rules for managing communications directed to a User Equipment (UE) of the user. Examples of such rules may include intercepting an incoming call to the user, managing the call based on whether the user is available, determining a reason for an incoming call and notifying the user about the reason, inviting the user to join the call, adding other users to the call, recording portions of the call, providing requested information, taking notes, scheduling meetings, and providing other assistant-type services, etc. The IA services may also include monitoring, interpreting, and responding to information that is sent to, or by, the user, during a communication, in addition to implementing Machine Learning procedures for self-improvement.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for audio watermarking and, more particularly, methods and apparatus to inspect characteristics of multichannel audio. Example methods disclosed herein are further to obtain an audio subchannel of the multichannel audio signal, detect an embedded watermark in the audio subchannel of the multichannel audio signal, determine a characteristic of the audio subchannel of the multichannel audio signal based on the embedded watermark, and in response to determining an issue with the characteristic of the audio subchannel of the multichannel audio signal, distribute an alert.

Abstract: When it is detected that a home button is pressed while an application is being executed, execution of the application is suspended and a home button menu is displayed on a display device. Then, when execution of shop software is started, the shop software obtains application identification information of the active application via system software, accesses a shop server based on the application identification information, and displays a page related to the active application on the display device.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for acoustic signatures in a playback system. In some embodiments, a playback device includes an audio processing component configured to receive an audio input signal, receive an acoustic signature signal, generate an audio output signal based on the audio input signal and the acoustic signature signal, and output the generated audio output signal. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature identifies at least one of the playback device or a group of playback devices. Some embodiments additionally include the playback device amplifying the generated audio output signal with one or more amplifiers, and playing the generated audio output signal via one or more speakers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personnel communications management within an enterprise or group of related enterprises during crisis situations. In particular, the systems and methods provide event management, shared situational awareness, personnel tracking, and unified crisis notification management to multiple users.

Abstract: The invention relates to a presence status determination system and a computer implemented method to determine the presence status of a first user registered in a network and to communicate this presence status to a second user, who would like to make contact with the first user. An input device for a presence status determination device records a predetermined first presence status component determined by the first user and forwards the first presence status component to the presence status determination device (20). A contact person registration device records the identity of the second user and reports the identity to a relationship determination device. The relationship determination device determines, with the aid of a computer, a second presence status component, which considers the social proximity between the first user and the second user.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for routing communications. A plurality of communication devices are coupled, via a shared common (interface) communication device, to a communications network. Each such communication device has a device identifier. A user-programmable database associates each of a plurality of user identifiers with a device identifier. A call-routing switch arrangement is coupled to the communication network through a portal communication device having a portal identifier. A user designates a destination user identifier when making a communication. The call-routing switches the call, directing the call to a destination device identifier responsive to the user-programmable database association between the destination user identifier and a device identifier. According to certain aspects, communications are directed to users and are routed to associated equipment, a user identifier serving as a virtual extension number.

Abstract: A media server facilitates automatic audio level adjustment during playback of a media item by a media player application running on a computing device. A media server provides media items to clients via a network. A media player application on a client presents media items to a user of the client. The media player application may also collect playback data and send the data to the media server. Playback data may include audio levels for two media items presented sequentially. The media server determines audio level adjustment instructions based on playback data received from one or more media player applications and provides the instructions to cause automatic audio level adjustments to facilitate the presentation of media items at more appropriate sound strengths.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detection and notification of called party presence via a telecommunication device associated with a called party are provided herein. In some exemplary embodiments, a method for detection and notification of called party presence may include receiving a request to establish a telecommunication session, obtaining presence information derived from presence detection equipment associated with the telecommunication device responsive to the received request, determining presence of the called party based on the obtained presence information, and sending a notification message including an indication of the determined presence of the called party.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for network device configuration management. The method includes: receiving a set of user commands for configuration of a network device; retrieving a syntactic model of a network device configuration interface for a network device type and generating a modelled configuration of a current configuration of the network device; predicting the effect of the user command on the modelled configuration to generate a predicted modelled configuration; and applying rules for a user and/or network device type to determine if the command is permitted based on the predicted modelled configuration of the network device. Predicting the effect of the user command predicts in near real-time the effect on the network device configuration of a command that the user enters.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein include identifying a voice communication session established between a first communication device and a second communication device and, based on the voice communication session established between the first communication device and the second communication device, identifying a plurality of contacts who potentially may be the second user. A list including at least a name of each of the plurality of contacts who potentially may be the second user is presented to a first user using the first communication device.

Abstract: Techniques for managing and applying an availability profile are described. An apparatus may comprise a profile management component operative to store a profile for a user having a condition for activation, a user agent component operative to determine whether the condition is satisfied, a user location component operative to determine a location of the user, and a communication component operative to apply the profile to communication for the user if the condition is satisfied. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining availability of a user based on mobile device status are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for determining availability of a user based on mobile device status may include receiving, at a first device, an instruction to check a status of a second device; transmitting a status request from the first device to the second device; and receiving, responsive to the status request, a message from the second device indicating a telephony status of the second device.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include a communication terminal, a communication method, and a communication control program stored on a non-transitory recording medium, each of which is capable of communicating with a counterpart terminal via a network. While communicating with a counterpart communication terminal being a first counterpart terminal, the communication terminal displays, on a display, second-terminal-specific information regarding an image forming apparatus as a candidate of a second counterpart terminal. In response to a user instruction that selects the image forming apparatus as the second counterpart terminal, the communication terminal communicates with the selected image forming apparatus to transmit image data to the selected image forming apparatus through the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile network (10) organized into a plurality of location areas and service areas gathering a geographically homogeneous set of cells of the mobile network, with gathering of the femtocells into specific additional service areas. The arrival of a received phone call intended to a user equipment (14) coupled to a femtocell (30) triggers a location step, with communication to the switching center of a rough location comprising the service area codes SAC and location area codes LAC corresponding to the femtocell, and of a fine location comprising unique data, such as IP address and INSEE code, of identification of the Internet box (20) associated to the femtocell. The femtocells may hence operate in open mode, each femtocell being able to be coupled to any user equipment registered with the mobile network operator.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and computer program products for establishing business networks based on shared usage of a common platform. One process includes receiving a set of registry data associated with a collaboration system from a first network participant executing a first application based on a first application platform. A request from a second network participant executing a second application on a compatible platform to the first application platform to access the set of registry data from the first network participant is received. Access is provided to the second network participant of a subset of data shared by the first network participant for collaboration.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a network device receives, from a first device, a first call request for a second device. The network device may then send the first call request to a redirect server, which can determine where to send the call. The network device receives a response from the redirect server indicating an address to redirect the call request to. The network device then determines a redirect ID for the redirect. The network device sends a message to the first device with the redirect ID where the message indicates that a redirection occurred to the third device. The network device then receives a second call request from the first device that includes the redirect ID. The network device determines if the call was part of a previous redirect. If so, the second call request is sent to the address associated with the redirect ID.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring presence of a remote device at Layer 2 that allow reducing power consumption without compromising the device's availability. A device that pairs with a remote wireless device may establish a Layer 3 connection, such as an IP connection, to the remote device to provide services to a user. The Layer 3 connection may be formed over a Layer 2 connection via an access point or as a peer-to-peer wireless connection between the devices. When the Layer 3 connection is not actively used to access the remote device, the Layer 3 connection and the supporting Layer 2 connection (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI DIRECT™ or BLUETOOTH®) may be terminated and presence of the remote device may be monitored using a Layer 2 device discovery mechanism. The Layer 2 and Layer 3 connections to the device may be reestablished when use of the remote device is desired.

Abstract: Authentication of a user initiating a communication may be achieved using a visual indicator of the user. Initiation of a communication may result in the initiator of the communication collecting image data associated with the initiator's identity. Additionally, the initiator may be required to perform a task, wherein a response to the task may be transmitted with the image data to the receiver of the communication. The receipt of the image data may allow a receiver of the communication to reduce spam and verify that the initiator is who it purports to be.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for intelligent routing. An intelligent routing processing module sets at least one intelligent routing trigger condition and at least one corresponding intelligent routing policy in advance, and an incoming call or message is processed according to intelligent routing contact manners in the intelligent routing policy. The intelligent routing trigger condition includes relevant information of the incoming call or message and the intelligent routing policy may include more than one intelligent routing contact manner. The embodiments of the present invention may provide more intelligent routing contact manners and intelligent routing policies for communication routing technology and may make full use of subscriber presence information.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sharing state information using a web-enabled system and a phone service system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a presence module is used to identify a currently accessed web page to an agent during an on-line session. In some embodiments, documents are delivered to a user through a web browser concurrent with an audio message delivered by phone. Concurrent delivery of documents configured to accept an electronic signature is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Computer telephony Integration and in particular to the migration of the interface standardised according to ECMA-29 to the private branch exchange (PBX) via a CSTA gateway. The clients (C1-C4) in the data network subscribe to CTI Services and in this regard must be reachable by the CSTA gateway (CCGW). If this is not the case, because for example an error occurs in the data network, then the transmission of unnecessary messages should be prevented or stopped. The problem is solved in that the clients are connected via a server (XS) to the CCGW, wherein the server monitors the Status of the clients and acknowledges the messages addressed to an unreachable client with error messages. The server (XS) is preferably an XMPP server and the clients (C1-C4) are preferably XMPP clients.

Abstract: The number of messages required in networks where both location and presence services are deployed may be reduced, by retrieving presence data from messages otherwise intended to provide only location information. Thus, information determined in a location service scheme is utilized to provide a presence service as well. A location server requests mobile subscriber (MS) information from a Core Network (CN) Node (i.e. HLR, MSC, etc.) that can be used in determining the Location of the MS. A single message aggregates retrieval of information for two services, specifically, for both location and presence.

Abstract: Authentication of a user initiating a communication may be achieved using a visual indicator of the user. Initiation of a communication may result in the initiator of the communication collecting image data associated with the initiator's identity. Additionally, the initiator may be required to perform a task, wherein a response to the task may be transmitted with the image data to the receiver of the communication. The receipt of the image data may allow a receiver of the communication to reduce spam and verify that the initiator is who it purports to be.

Abstract: A mobile terminal capable of recognizing at least one of the presence or absence of a user and a location of the user are provided. The mobile terminal includes: a terminal main body; a user tracking unit configured to recognize at least one of the presence or absence of a user and a location of the user within a certain range based on the terminal main body; and a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling a function of the terminal based on at least one of the presence or absence of the user or the user location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for refreshing a display of a telephone. A telephone apparatus includes a telephone having a display panel and function by which a user can access a plurality of communication services provided over a communication network. The function may represent a given set of conditions associated with a user, such as static and variable conditions. The function is typically associated with one or more commonly used communication services that would be used by a user under a given set of conditions. A method for automatically refreshing a screen on a display panel of a telephone based on a function change includes displaying on a telephone display a first screen based on a function, the display representing a commonly used communication service associated with the function, and selecting a function based on information.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for conveying availability information of a calling party to a called party. A PBX serving the telephones of the calling and called parties is connected to a presence server. In an embodiment of the invention, the presence server is also connected to a computer and/or other information device (such as a personal data assistant or telephone) of the calling party. After the calling party has left a voice mail message for the called party, the called party will subsequently retrieve the message. In an embodiment of the invention, the PBX then queries the presence server as to the availability of the calling party. The presence server senses whether the calling party has indicated his or her presence; if so, it is inferred that the calling party is probably present and available for a return call. If the presence server detects no such indication by the calling party, it is inferred that the calling party is likely to be absent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, a device, and a terminal for implementing incoming call protection. The method includes: determining, according to a frequency for operating a terminal by a user, whether a status of an incoming call protection mode is on or off; if the incoming call protection mode is on, when an incoming call signal arrives, delaying the incoming call signal; and if the incoming call protection mode is off, when an incoming call signal has been delayed and the incoming call signal still continues, releasing the incoming call signal, and when an incoming call signal has been delayed, but the incoming call signal becomes weak or has disappeared, prompting the user that there is a missed call. According to the present invention, a problem of unwittingly connecting or hanging up an incoming call by a user is effectively solved.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a device information communication method applied to a video display device, includes: obtaining device information on a device being connected to the video display device; controlling an outgoing call to a communication partner and an incoming call from the communication partner; and sending the device information to the communication partner.

Abstract: A telephony interface for realtime network communications in virtual communication environments allows telephony communicants to interact with other communicants in an immersive communication environment.

Abstract: A system for providing user support includes a setter configured to set up at least one communication service for a user including providing a unique communication identifier of character strings to access the communication services, and an accessor configured to access customer support including providing a unique customer support identifier character string to the user, the customer support identifier character string comprising at least a portion of the unique communication identifier character string.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing cross-platform presence are described. In some implementations, a cross-platform presence server can be provided that allows a caller to accurately assess the availability and other similar status of a callee by evaluating a device status of a plurality of communication devices associated with the callee. The cross-platform presence server can then determine, based on these device statuses, whether a callee is available. The availability of the callee can subsequently be displayed to the caller (e.g., on the caller's phone), or any other individuals who have been granted permission by the callee to be notified of the callee's availability.

Abstract: A system and method can support a virtual private network based on a public telecommunication infrastructure. The virtual private network can receive a request from a caller for place a call to a callee via the virtual private network. The virtual private network can obtain at least one of presence status and location information of the callee. Then, the virtual private network can allow the caller to make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the call. The public telecommunication infrastructure can be based on a legacy network and an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, and the virtual private network can obtain information from both the legacy network and the IMS network via a service broker.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for communication analysis and handling, such as automated analysis and handling of telephone calls. In some implementations, the method may comprise initiating a first communication to a destination using a first communication line, performing an analysis on the first communication, and sending a communication signal generated at the destination to a first agent. The communication signal may comprise a live communication signal, and the step of sending the communication signal to the first agent may be performed concurrently with the analysis on the first communication such that the agent may thereby be able to monitor the communication and assume a natural response to the person without unnatural delay as the communication begins.

Abstract: A mobile communication device having a feature enhanced contact list and related systems and methods are described. The enhanced contact list can display a voice call availability indication for one or more contact list entries. The contact list can be updated by sending a voice call availability query from the communication device to a wireless network. The communication device can be configured to construct such a query and send it to the network. The network can be configured to receive the query, obtain voice call availability information for one or more contacts and return this information to the requesting mobile device for presentation on a display of that device.

Abstract: To manage a continuity of telephone service in relation to a user associated with a communication terminal (TC) and with at least one communication device (DC), a server (SC) connected to the communication terminal and to the communication device is able to power off the communication terminal following detection of an event relating to the absence of the user close to the communication terminal, and to enable call forwarding from the communication terminal to the communication device based on a user profile. The server is also able to power on the communication terminal following detection of an event relating to the presence of the user close to the communication terminal, and to disable the call forwarding from the communication terminal to the communication device.

Abstract: A communication wall panel includes an interior panel member to be attached to a room as an interior wall material thereof; an information obtaining part provided in the interior panel member and configured to obtain information associated with a person in the room; a notification part provided in the interior panel member and configured to notify the person in the room of information; a communication part provided in the interior panel member and configured to perform communication with a server installed in a location other than the room; and a control part provided in the interior panel member and configured to control the information obtaining part and the notification part. The communication part is configured to transmit information obtained from the information obtaining part to the server and to output information transmitted from the server to the notification part.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing customized ring-back tones to callers on a wireline network such as a public switched telephone network having an advanced intelligent network or a VoIP network. When a call request is received from a calling party to connect to a called party through a wireline telephone network it is determined if the calling party is identified in a screening list for the called party. If so, then a customized audible ring-back tone is played to the calling party until the called party is connected to the calling party or until the call request is terminated.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for providing an integrated call and chat conferencing system. A first participant joins in a conference, wherein the first participant communicates over a voice session. The voice session is converted into a text stream and stored. A second participant joins in the conference, wherein the second participant communicates over a chat session. The stored converted text stream is presented to second participant.