Abstract: A method is disclosed that breaks the “one line, one location” paradigm of teleconferencing in the prior art. The teleconference bridge in the illustrative embodiment is able to utilize more than one audio channel from each location. By having access to more than one audio channel from a teleconference location's sound field, the bridge is able to create a multi-channel effect during a conference call. When more than one microphone is present in the first sound field, they can be used to create a multi-channel effect in a second or other sound field involved in a conference call that has more than one loudspeaker. With the bridge mimicking the multi-channel imaging in one room with the multi-channel imaging in another, the conference call participants can experience audio depth during a conference call and can experience two-dimensional imaging, depending on the microphone or speaker separation that is present.

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

Abstract: A method for managing a terminal device includes: setting management commands; sending the management commands to a terminal device; and obtaining executed results of the management commands from the terminal device. Another method for managing a terminal device, comprising: setting management commands; configuring a terminal device with the management commands; and obtaining executed results of the management commands from the terminal device.

Abstract: A validation service offers the ability to validate a telephone conference. The validation service can verify that a telephone number and a pass code can be used to access the telephone conference at the time the telephone conference is scheduled. The validation service can also inform users about changes to the scheduled telephone conference, and provide alternative telephone numbers that can be used to access the telephone conference.

Abstract: A method and system for coordinating a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) teleconference. A teleconference operator drags the name of invited attendees into a hot window, which connects the invited attendees to a channel for the teleconference. Each invited attendee's name has a status icon associated with it, indicating if the invited attendee is active in the teleconference. Each invited attendee has access to a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that permits the attendee to toggle back and forth between different teleconferences.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing the scheduling of calls and automating the process of making and delivering such calls. Any endpoint (e.g., telephony-enabled) device can be used with a PSTN, cellular, and VoIP network. Different types of devices and interfaces may be used for provisioning users, conferring calling events, scheduling events, and/or delivering calls. Among other things, this increases user mobility. Also, automated retrying and rescheduling of calls, which may use updated data, reduces the likelihood of missed calls.

Abstract: A system for establishing a conference call is provided. The system includes a handset operable to send a message containing a list of prospective participants for the conference call. The system also includes an application server operable to receive the message and invite at least some of the prospective participants. The application server is further operable, in response to receiving an acknowledgement from at least one of the prospective participants to participate in the conference call, to include the at least one of the prospective participants in the conference call.

Abstract: Contacts are managed within a contact center by associating each contact with one or more skill set and priority identifiers. The contacts may be represented as a software object. Contact (or contact objects) may be queued relative to one another by means of references to and/or from the object(s) immediately ahead of and behind each contact. For those contacts having multiple skill sets, a process and a system is disclosed wherein the multiple skill sets of the contact are serviced by multiple agents to provide a 1 to N process. The customer may be given the option to have each additional agent conference into a contact session thereby reducing the customer's overall wait time for the contact to be serviced. The process and system also may include identifying contact objects having prerequisites and routing those contact objects to an agent having one of the prerequisites. The process and system also allows a group of related contacts to be serviced by one or more agents in an M to 1 or M to N fashion.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying conference participants who dial in to a telephone conference of an electronic conference that includes a web conference is provided. To identify a conference participant, a conference system displays to a user the names of those conference participants who have not yet been associated with a telephone line of the telephone conference. The conference system plays to the user the identification announcement of a conference participant who is not yet associated with a telephone line. When the user hears the identification announcement, the user recognizes the name of the conference participant and selects the name of that conference participant from the displayed names. The conference system can then associate that conference participant with the telephone line associated with the identification announcement that was played to the user.

Abstract: A message is received from a first device in an information/call center, wherein the message identifies a second device in an information/call center capable of providing a requested service and includes a command directed at the second device to activate the service. The first device may comprise, e.g., an operator terminal. The message may comprise a uniform resource locator (URL), and may additionally identify a software application residing on the second device. The message may also include one or more parameters used to provide the requested service. The command is retrieved from the message, and the command is transmitted to the second device, thereby causing the second device to provide the service.

Abstract: A communications system and method, which may be used, for example, within a conferencing communication system, is provided. A plurality of communicators may transmit, via a network, audio streams bound from any other communicator. A server receives from the plurality of communicators a plurality of incoming streams and for each communicator transmits any mixed combination of the incoming streams. The system also may control any of the mixers to independently control a volume level of any of the incoming streams being mixed at any of the mixers to create the required mixed combination of the incoming streams. Various conference call features may be effected using such mix capacities.

Abstract: This is a method for use in a teleconference that troubleshoots echo problems. After receiving a code to begin the troubleshooting process, all legs of the teleconference are muted except a test leg. That test leg is evaluated for echo. The process is repeated for each of the legs of the teleconference. After automatically measuring echo on all legs, results are reported to a moderator or host, who can take action such as muting all legs with echo, or discussing remedial action with each participant on a leg with echo.

Abstract: Access to an electronic conference may be administered by receiving an electronic instruction configured to establish the electronic conference, enabling more than one user to generate content restrictions that limit content rendered during the electronic conference, analyzing one or more participant devices to ensure compliance with the content restrictions, establishing the electronic conference in accordance with the content restrictions, and enabling user access to the electronic conference consistent with the content restrictions.

Abstract: A method for processing subscriber calls is disclosed. A call agent receives signals associated with a first call from a first subscriber of a first point of presence. The first subscriber is associated with a first feature set. The call agent receives signals associated with a second call from a second subscriber of a second point of presence. The second subscriber is associated with a second feature set. A feature server is notified of the first call and the second call. A feature from the first feature set is provided to the first subscriber in response to the notification, and a feature from the second feature set is provided to the second subscriber in response to the notification.

Abstract: A conference engine operates in a multiplex processing scheme and requires a signal hardware summer to process all of the programmed conferences, all of the outputs and all of the input channels. The conference engine is only limited by the number of available input channels, the number of desired conference registers, the speed of the implementation, and the amount of memory available on the target system. The conference engine allows the number of available conference channels, the number of conferences per bridge and the number of bridges to be scaled. Each bridge contains a unique set of conference registers and has full access to the input channel data. Additional conference bridges are added by increasing the operating clock/memory to meet the processing requirements of the additional bridge. Conference registers in each conference bridge can be added/removed depending on the system requirements and are independent of the number of input channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to teleconference services using voice recognition technology to receive information on packet networks such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the service provider enables a caller to enter access information for accessing a conference service using at least one natural language response.

Abstract: Stored in an each speaker's sound volume coefficient table 13 are a speaker identification ID and information of a voice coefficient so as to be correlated with each other. A speaker identification unit 11 extracts an each speaker's ID from a received packet based on floor control information or outputs the packet as an RTP packet to an RTP buffer. A sound volume control unit 12 executes a control program 14a of a recording medium 14 to record a current speaker identification ID and reads a sound volume coefficient relevant to the speaker identification ID from the each speaker's sound volume coefficient table 13 to output the coefficient as sound volume control information. In this case, the sound volume control unit 12 increments/decrements the relevant sound volume coefficient based on sound volume adjustment information of a sound volume adjustment unit.

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: One embodiment of the invention is based on a facilitation of the natural dynamics associated with face to face conversation, where the amplitude of a speaker's voice is often used to gain floor control. This capability advantageously allows a user who is intending to speak to interrupt a user who currently has floor control. By basing talker arbitration at least partially on the amplitude of the speaker's voice, the invention removes the need for a user to push a separate button on the handset before the commencement of speech.

Abstract: Audio conferencing is carried out in stereo by centrally assigning a position in the stereo spectrum (either bipolar stereo or surround sound) and instructing each conference endpoint to transmit at the stereo position assigned to it. In this way signals from a number of endpoints can be simply added to one another in order to provide a composite broadcast signal. This method also facilitates multiple server conferences in which endpoints attached to additional conference servers can be instructed to change their virtual stereo position in the case of a conflict with the stereo position of an existing conferee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing a packet switched, centralized conference call between a plurality of terminals 13. In order to enable an enhancement of the user comfort, it is proposed that the method comprises at a conference call server 12 receiving data packets from all terminals 13. Based on these data packets, then at least one terminal 13 currently providing voice data is determined. In a next step, the data received in the data packets is mixed, and the mixed data is inserted into new data packets together with at least one identifier associated to one of the terminals 13 which were determined to provide voice data, such that the at least one identifier can be distinguished from any other information in the data packets. Finally, the new data packets are transmitted to terminals 13 participating in the conference call. The invention relates equally to a corresponding server and to a corresponding terminal.

Abstract: A method for using a centralized conference call manager is provided for initiating conference calls. Users register with the centralized conference call manager to set up a conference call at a future date and time. When the designated time/date arrive, the centralized conference call manager contacts the various intended attendees using a variety of contact locations (e.g., office telephone, mobile telephone, home telephone, etc.). The system further allows an intended attendee to, when contacted by the centralized conference call manager, provide a different contact number that the conference call manager will use instead. An anticipated attendee can decline the call and provide a verbal reason for not being able to attend. The centralized conference call manager records the reason and, when requested, plays the reason back to the other attendees.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided for enabling a caller on hold to listen to one or more ongoing calls. The method includes receiving an incoming call, determining a subject category and at least one keyword associated with the incoming call, and determining an ongoing call based on the subject category and the at least one keyword. In one embodiment, keywords associated with calls may be stored in a database.

Abstract: A method (and system) of requesting help includes connecting a user to a help request generator, accessing, by the help request generator, a database including a list of helpers, selecting at least one helper from the list of helpers, and transmitting a help request from the help request generator to the at least one helper.

Abstract: A call center apparatus for automatically bridging a mobile user (e.g., a supervisor, etc.) into an existing conversation between a telephone operator and a caller is disclosed. The illustrative embodiments bridge the mobile user into the conversation of the closest telephone operator for which the mobile user has bridging authority.

Abstract: A user may access information assistance for a concierge-type service, whereby the user may make restaurant reservations, purchase goods and services, obtain movie listings, etc. with an agent's (or operator's) assistance. In accordance with the invention, the agent may suggest a vendor for providing the goods or services requested by the user, and attempt to fulfill the user request. The suggested vendor may be one of the preferred vendors pre-selected by the user; it may be one of the preferred vendors pre-selected by a group to which the user belongs; it may be one of the preferred vendors pre-selected by the provider of the concierge-type service; and it may be one of the preferred vendors pre-selected by a telephone carrier to which the user subscribes. The suggested vendor may also be a function of characteristics of the vendors that the user prefers, costs, etc. The invention resolves conflicts of preferences of different parties involved to come up with the suggested vendor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for supporting the communication of information via a communications system, as well as a service unit, an electronic agent, software products and servers for supporting the communication of information via a communications system which comprises communications networks of two or more network operators. The service unit passes a request for the communication of information to two or more electronic agents which interact with the service unit within the framework of a virtual electronic marketplace for information communication. The service unit prompts the electronic agents, once or several times, through interaction within the framework of the electronic marketplace for information, to submit offers for the execution of the requested communication of information.

Abstract: A system to allow a conferee defined as a nuisance source to respond to an automatic nuisance decision of a Multipoint Control Unit is disclosed. For example, a conferee placing a conference on hold may generate on hold music, which may be identified by a nuisance detector. The nuisance detector sends an indication of the nuisance condition to a control unit in the MCU. The control unit mutes the signal coming from this conferee and sends an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) message to the conferee. The message may inform the conferee that he has been muted and requests the conferee for example to press one of a plurality of touch tone keys depending on his situation. For instance, the conferee can select particular keys if he is returning from the hold condition, if he is experiencing a noisy line/environment and needs to reduce the sensitivity of the nuisance detector algorithm, or if he wishes to disable the nuisance detector algorithm.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a network (102) and a multimedia server (104) operably coupled to the network. The multimedia server (104) is adapted to manage a multimedia conference and includes a memory (103) for storing selectable portions of the multimedia conference. The system further includes one or more client devices (122) operably coupled to the network and adapted to set recording cues for choosing portions of said multimedia conference for playback. The multimedia server or clients may include a voice recognition system (216) for transcribing audio portions of the conference. The voice recognition system may further be used to detect instances of the recording cues. In addition, in certain embodiments, the system provides for a moderator or participants to the conference an ability to adjust relevance probabilities generated upon recognition of the cues.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a processor supported by the housing, a memory coupled to the processor, and a communications transceiver coupled to the processor. The transceiver is configured to support voice conference calling between more than two parties. A program stored in the memory and running on the processor is configured to provide a user interface on the display which is configured to display indicators representative of the parties on the conference call. The user interface includes the hold area configured to display indicators representative of the parties on hold and an active area configured to display indicators representative of the parties active on the conference call.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for joining a meet-me conference call includes but is not limited to presenting an option to specify a quorum associated with a meet-me conference call, in response to user input to an application program co-resident with a terminal. In one embodiment, the user input includes but is not limited to an indication that the user is requesting to join a meet-me conference call. In one embodiment, the presenting an option to specify a quorum is done in response to the user input includes but is not limited to an indication that the user is requesting to specify a quorum either at the time at which a meet-me call is being scheduled, or at a time prior to a time at which a meet-me conference call is to transpire.

Abstract: Within an interactive voice response system, a method of aggregating conference calls can include registering a caller with the interactive voice response system, accessing a calendar system used by the registered caller to determine teleconference data specifying at least a telephone number for a scheduled conference call, and, at approximately a time of the conference call, automatically calling the telephone number for the conference call. The method also can include establishing contact with the registered caller and joining the registered caller with the conference call.

Abstract: A communication system including a first administrative subsystem and a second administrative subsystem providing group communication service. The system includes a first server for storing group and list management information of subscribers of the first administrative subsystem. The system also includes a second server for storing group and list management information of subscribers of the second administrative subsystem. Further, the system includes an interface for exchanging group and list management information between the first server and the second server. In addition, the system reduces ambiguity in group information management of integrated systems that include two or more administrative domains.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arbitrating between a first communication device having floor control in a group communication network and a second communication device competing for floor control provides receiving a floor-control request from the second communication device, comparing respective priority levels of the first communication device and the second communication device, and granting floor control to the second communication device if the second communication device has a higher or equal priority level. In one embodiment, the controller receives the request for floor control from a push-to-talk (PTT) device.

Abstract: A caller associates computer software code with a signalling protocol messages such that when the messages are received at a destination processor the computer software code is executed. For example, the messages may be improved SIP protocol messages with incorporated Java code. By selecting different computer software code for association with the messages, the caller is able to control the destination terminal. For example, to display information about the identity of the caller at the destination terminal; to modify the behaviour of the destination terminal according to the priority of the call; to take into account the configuration of the destination terminal, and to allow users to adjust this configuration from a remote location.

Abstract: A video conference system includes at each of several sites multiple participant stations and a control station. A conference coordinator (e.g., a guard or receptionist) operating the control station receives notice from the control station that a scheduled conference is about to begin and directs a person identified to be a participant of the conference to a station designated by the notice. Signals from participant stations are monitored and if a participant station is determined to be unavailable, the conference may be rescheduled to replace the unavailable station with an alternate available station. Notice sufficient to direct a participant to the alternate station is provided via the control station to the coordinator. The subject of detecting availability and rescheduling alternatives may be an item of equipment or an equipment capability (e.g., a recorder channel to be used for recording the conference). Higher ranking requests may force rescheduling of already scheduled lower ranking conferences.

Abstract: A telephone exchanging apparatus 30 comprises a joined terminal table 341, a joined terminal table operating portion 352, and a reception side designating portion 355. The joined terminal table 341 stores terminal identification information that identifies a telephone terminal 40 that will join a conference. The joined terminal table operating portion 352 operates the joined terminal table 341 corresponding to joined terminal table operation commanding information. The reception side designating portion 355 designates the reception side of a speech packet transmitted from the telephone terminal 40. Since the joined terminal table 341 is operated by the joined terminal table operating portion 352, even if the number of people who join a conference increases, they can be easily added or deleted.

Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.

Abstract: A system and method for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. The present invention features a recording and/or monitoring device, referred to hereinafter as “a recording device” for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. The recording device is a participant in the IP multimedia session, although preferably the recording device only receives data for recording and/or otherwise monitoring the session. Therefore, the IP multimedia session is preferably a multi-user session, such as a “conference call” for example, even if data is being provided for recording from only one of the participants in the session.

Abstract: A system and method for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. The present invention features a recording and/or monitoring device, referred to hereinafter as “a recording device” for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. The recording device is a participant in the IP multimedia session, although preferably the recording device only receives data for recording and/or otherwise monitoring the session. Therefore, the IP multimedia session is preferably a multi-user session, such as a “conference call” for example, even if data is being provided for recording from only one of the participants in the session.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: receiving via internet a time, a date and a telephone number for a reminder telephone call (such as a wakeup call); storing in a database the time, date and telephone number of the reminder telephone call; and delivering to the subscriber via telephone the reminder telephone call at the specified time, date and telephone number. In one embodiment, the reminder call comprises a marketing message. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: receiving via the internet demographic information corresponding to the subscriber; matching the marketing message to the demographic information; and delivering the matched marketing message to the subscriber during the reminder telephone call. In other embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of receiving via the internet a personal reminder message or a selection for information, and delivering the personal reminder message or selected information to the subscriber during the reminder telephone call.

Abstract: A conferencing method that conducts an audio conference over the Internet. The method includes receiving digitized audio signals, summing a plurality of received audio signals that contain speech, providing a summed conference signal from the summed plurality of audio signals with an audio conference mixer, transcoding the summed conference signal, and streaming the transcoded summed signal onto the Internet.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling audio content during a multiparty communication session includes prompting active participants to the multiparty communication session to identify themselves. Media from a particular device from which no active participant is identified is disabled to terminate communication of the media from the particular device to other devices in the multiparty communication session.

Abstract: The present invention is system and method for holding voice chat over a telephone network. An embodiment for implementing the invention can comprise the following steps. First, a caller accesses the chat service by dialing a telephone number that is associated with the service of the present invention. Second, the caller is routed to a conference bridge circuit. Third, the subscriber enters a public chat room. Fourth, the subscriber participates in the public chat room that he or she had entered. While in the public chat room, the subscriber hears the voices of other chatters in the public chat room, and those chatters hear the subscriber's voice when the subscriber speaks. Fifth, at anytime, the subscriber may leave the public chat room by pressing an appropriate key on the keypad. In the preferred embodiment, two or more chatters may request to be placed in a private chat room for a private discussion that is not heard by other chatters of the public chat room.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a long distance conference call discount feature is disclosed. Call detail records for calls on a per call basis both in the wireline local and long distance setting and any wireless setting are assembled at a telecommunications service provider billing system for preparation of periodic billing to a subscriber. A discount feature engine reviews a periodic billing record and determines the overlapping long distance call charges. The call with the highest long distance charges may be removed from consideration. The long distance charges for one or more of the remaining calls is reduced by a predetermined amount. The reduced long distance charges are saved in a new periodic billing record.

Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100), a conference establishment server coordinates the scheduling of a conference call. The server receives request for conference calls (202). The request includes a list of participants and may include an indication of the resources necessary and any rules for the conference call. The request may indicate critical resources or participants that are required for the call. Based on the request, the server determines a conference time and notifies participants of the time (204, 206, 210). Prior to conference time, participants are reminded of the time and automatically connected to the call. The server may check the status of users on the telecommunications network to determine availability. If a critical participant or resource is unavailable at conference time, the conference may be cancelled with notification to the participants.

Abstract: A method, computer system, computer program product, and user interface for enabling SMS users to engage in many-to-many conversation, or an SMS conference, utilizing SMS services. Specifically, a user initiates an SMS conference by sending a short message, including the contact numbers for a group of conference participants, to a control center. The control center establishes an SMS conference by storing the contact information as a conference group and assigning a unique identifier to the conference group. Thus, the SMSC establishes an SMS conference by associating the conference group with a unique identifier. The SMSC transmits the short message from the conference initiator to each participant. A participant is able to send a message to all conference participants by addressing the message to the unique identifier. The control center then forwards the message to each participant in the conference as indicated by the unique identifier.

Abstract: A telephone call recording and recorded call retrieval system records telephone conversations and stores the recorded conversations for later retrieval. The system includes on one or more servers coupled to the PSTN, but preferably separate from mobile and land-based telephone company switches. A first server includes telephony, call recording, and call conferencing functionality. A subscriber calls an access telephone number for the first server and is routed to the server by the PSTN. The subscriber has several options with respect to the type of recording: dictation-type recording, automatic recording upon dialing and answer by a called party, or selective recording of any portion of a conversation upon activation of pre-assigned keys on the telephone. The recorded calls are then stored for later retrieval by the subscriber, e.g., on a storage server. The system may be used from both land-based and mobile telephones.

Abstract: A method for automatically establishing a conference call. The method includes viewing numbers associated with a call log feature of a communication device, selecting desired invitees from the call log using a select key, and conferencing desired invitees together by activating a key. Conference call set-up and connect information may be provisioned in a variety of ways, including via a menu-based dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) mechanism and via a form or formatted file sent from a subscriber. The present method queries a profile database and will connect invitees to a conference based on the directory number associated with the call-log. A method for aiding a subscriber in establishing an automatic conference call that is easy to use and does not require invitee action to connect to a conference bridge.