Abstract: A multi-call management system for allowing a user to interact with multiple calls by providing the user with multiple options for managing the calls, both inbound calls and outbound calls.

Abstract: A method and system are provided. The method includes automatically monitoring one or more voice communication sessions occurring on multiple communication devices to transcribe into text, by a processor-based voice-to-text transcriber, voices uttered by two or more respective participants other than a user in each of the voice communications sessions. The method further includes comparing, for each of the voice communication sessions, the topic of interest to conversation features derived from the text to detect a match there between. The method also includes providing the user with a summary of each of the voice communication sessions for which the match has been detected by said comparing step, the summary being based on the text. The method additionally includes automatically connecting the user to at least one of the voice communication sessions for which the summary thereof has been provided to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of displaying call information in a mobile communication terminal and a mobile communication terminal adapted to display call information. The method includes the steps of checking the call information when a call occurs, updating and storing the call information according to a status of the call, and displaying the updated call information.

Abstract: Methods for operating a meeting coordinator to initiate a teleconference meeting using an automated teleconferencing system, having corresponding meeting coordinators and computer-readable media, comprise: generating a roster of meeting participants comprising meeting invitees; accessing calendaring information concerning the teleconference meeting, the calendaring information including a time of the meeting; a meeting location; identities of the meeting invitees; and contact information for the meeting invitees; and transmitting at least some of the calendaring information to the teleconferencing system to enable the system to connect remotely-located meeting invitees.

Abstract: A method of operating an audio system having first and second sources includes outputting a first audio signal from the first source on first and second speakers. In response to a listener input, the first audio signal and a second audio signal from the second source are output simultaneously on the first and second speakers. The first signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the first signal is perceived by a listener to originate from a first direction toward the listener. The second signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the second signal is perceived by the listener to originate from a second direction toward the listener. The second direction is offset at least ninety degrees from the first direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a telephone service method that provides subscribers with the functionality of an extra telephone line during data/Internet sessions is disclosed. Each subscriber has a unique telephone number Dns that can be dialed by anyone with access to the PSTN. When the Dns is dialed the call will be routed via the PSTN to the ILTD server. The ILTD server upon receiving the call attempt from the Dnc will analyze the dialed number (Dns) and determine if the subscriber's computer is able to receive the telephone call. If the subscriber's computer is actively engaged in an Internet Protocol session, with the ILTD client software running, the ILTD server will connect the call over the Internet to the ILTD client software.

Abstract: A communication system that includes a vehicle and a mobile device, and a method of continuing a mirroring session between the mobile device and a display in the vehicle, which is carried out using the communication system. The method includes the steps of: establishing the mirroring session between the mobile device and the vehicle display; providing mirroring data from the mobile device to the vehicle display via the mirroring session; receiving at the mobile device a keep-alive message from the vehicle display; and in response to receiving the keep-alive message, continuing the mirroring session following an initiation of an inactivity mode of the mobile device.

Abstract: A method of routing messages may include providing a listener registry of a plurality of listeners and associated namespaces so that at least one namespace is associated with each of the plurality of listeners. A message may be received from an originating application, and the message may include a message namespace. The message may be stored in a message queue, and a determination may be made to determine if a listener from the listener registry is associated with the message namespace. If no listener from the listener registry is associated with the message namespace, the message may be stored in a parked message queue separate from the message queue. After the message has been in the parked message queue for a predetermined period of time, the message may be deleted from the parked message queue.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer-program are provided to receive a request to connect a translator to a conference call holding area, and transmit a request to the translator for a personal identification number prior to connecting the translator to the conference call holding area. Upon verification of the person identification number, the translator is connected to the conference call holding area.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for determining and utilizing local phone topography is presented. A first signal level for each of a plurality of telephone lines is determined, each of the telephone lines having a telephone of a plurality of telephones associated therewith. A new signal is initiated on another telephone line with an additional telephone. Next, a change in signal level is determined for each of the plurality of telephone lines and, based on the change in signal level for each of the plurality of telephone lines, a determination made regarding which telephones of the plurality of telephones are within a listening distance (also referred to herein as earshot) of the additional telephone. A topography is defined for the telephones and the additional telephone based on the determining which telephones are within a listening distance of the additional telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a conference call, by an instant voice message (IVM) server coupled to end-user devices, includes enabling an initiating user using one of the end-user devices, to create an instant voice message indicative of: (i) a request to establish a conference call, and (ii) a group of target users, wherein the group of target users includes at least two target users; establishing an IVM session between the IVM server and at least part of the group of target users; receiving a response, from at least one target user of the at least part of the group of target users, indicating that the at least one target user confirms joining the conference call; and establishing the conference call among the initiating user and the at least one target user.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring information over a short range are disclosed. The system and method can be used for a variety of applications, including administrative provisioning of information to particular users, providing information relating to a user during a conference call, handing off calls to or from another phone, for other application deployment, for pass of control, and similar applications. The system includes a first device capable of short-range communication and having a client application thereon and a second device capable of short-range communication and having a client or an administrator application thereon. Information is passed between the first device and the second device using short range communication.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an audio/video conference includes receiving audio from a moderator via a circuit-switched telephone network, transmitting a representation of the audio to a first listener group via the circuit-switched telephone network, and transmitting a representation of the audio to a second listener group via a packet-switched network. The audio/video conference may be transmitted to the first listener group and the second listener group in real-time or near real-time (e.g., within a few seconds). The method and system may be used with a circuit-switched telephone network such as, for example, a public switched telephone network. Further, the method and system may be used with a packet-switched network such as, for example, the Internet. The method and system further provide synchronization of video data, including slide data, and audio data related to the audio/video conference.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for transitioning from a phone-only mode to a web conference mode. One embodiment is a method for participating in an audio conference comprising: a conferencing system establishing an audio conference between a plurality of participants via a communication network, at least one of the participants participating in the audio conference in a phone-only mode; and a server in communication with the conferencing system presenting to the phone-only participant, via a user interface on a computing device, a phone-only control menu for enabling the phone-only participant to selectively transition from the phone-only mode to a web conferencing mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods employing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to provide multi-channel, multi-access voice communication capabilities.

Abstract: A centralized network system allows users at different remote sources to initiate a process to disable recording of different communication signals from the different remote sources. The communication signals are received from the different remote sources during conferences. A user request is also received from one of the remote sources to disable recording of one of the different communication signals. Users at multiple of the different remote sources are simultaneously authorized and enabled to begin a process to disable recording of one of the different communication signals.

Abstract: A communication system has a network-connected server comprising a processor and a coupled data repository and software executing on the processor from a non-transitory medium. The software provides a first function establishing a communication session between an initiator and an agent of an enterprise hosting the system, a second function gathering information about persons other than the initiator and the agent as potential conference participants, a third function generating and sending invitations to a conference to include the initiator and the agent to individual ones of the potential conference participants, and a fourth function connecting those accepting invitations to the conference.

Abstract: System and method for recording communication sessions in a peer-to-peer communication networks. A conference call may be established between an external end-device, a target agent end-device of a call center and a recorder over a peer-to-peer communication network. After the conference call is established, the recorder may receive media transferred between the external end-device and the target agent end-device and record that media.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for transitioning from a phone-only mode to a web conference mode. One embodiment is a method for participating in an audio conference comprising: a conferencing system establishing an audio conference between a plurality of participants via a communication network, at least one of the participants participating in the audio conference in a phone-only mode; and a server in communication with the conferencing system presenting to the phone-only participant, via a user interface on a computing device, a phone-only control menu for enabling the phone-only participant to selectively transition from the phone-only mode to a web conferencing mode.

Abstract: Examples of associating user information from social network sites with a conference call application may include a series of operations. One example operation may provide receiving a command to share at least one social networking application with a scheduled conference call and accessing an application programming interface (API) of the social networking application, and sharing user profile information with a graphical user interface (GUI) application of the scheduled conference call corresponding to the command to share the social networking application.

Abstract: A communication device recognizes a first string of characters as a telephone number and a second string of characters as additional information related to the telephone number. A menu is then displayed having a menu item including the telephone number and the additional information. When the user has selected the menu item, the telephone number and the additional information are provided to a telephone application of the communication device.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention facilitates formation of groups using missed calls. In an embodiment, upon receipt of a first missed call to a pre-specified number from a first user, a missed call server allocates a first phone number to a new group. Upon receiving missed calls to such allocated number, the corresponding callers (i.e., the phone numbers of the callers) are added to the group. According to another aspect of the present invention, different phone numbers are allocated for different groups, and the members are added in each group, in response to missed calls to the corresponding numbers. Additional management tasks such as provide group owner the ability to approve/reject the addition/removal requests, formation of sub-groups, etc., are also facilitated based on missed calls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arranging a conference call with mobile terminals operating in a cellular network. At first, a group of the participants of the conference call is formed either by selecting the participants from a list saved in the memory of the mobile terminal in by inputting the contract information of the participants manually. In the next step, a summons to the conference call is drawn up in standard form. An application loaded into the memory of the convener's mobile terminal forms the summons, and sends the summons to the particulars via the cellular network. When a participant wants to join a conference call, he/she makes a call with the mobile terminal to the telephone number mentioned in the summons. An application in the mobile terminal of the convener receives the incoming calls and joins them to the conference call automatically.

Abstract: A real-time collaboration center and method for using the same are described herein which enables a caller (end-user) to have a real-time collaboration session with a call center agent. In one embodiment, the real-time collaboration center is able to create a new real-time collaboration session for a caller where the caller is routed to the real-time collaboration session in which they might be joined by an automated call center agent which could provide product information and/or gather information to/from the caller while they wait for the live call center agent. When a live call center agent with the appropriate skill set becomes available, then he/she receives an invitation to join the real-time collaboration session where the two parties can then interact with voice, instant messaging, application/desktop sharing, and other media.

Abstract: A facility for conducting a real-time conversation in which the selected one of a number of participants utilizes a silent mode is described. Remark spoken by participants other than the selected one are transformed into text and displayed for the selected participant. Remarks entered textually by the selected participant are transformed into speech and played audibly for participants other than the selected one.

Abstract: A method, a system, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for optimizing on-premise conferencing are provided. The method comprises receiving at least one call from at least one caller, identifying at least one call from at least one caller, and connecting the at least one call to a conference call bridge via a single connection.

Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the present invention provide an integrated system for conferencing services reporting to support customer billing needs. Systems consistent with the present invention enable a customer to retrieve and use integrated usage data, including data for unbilled conferencing services. Furthermore, systems consistent with the present invention provide an integrated account management interface to enable a customer to retrieve and use account information in real time and to manage a conferencing services account with ease. Still further, systems consistent with the present invention enable a customer to establish multiple levels of security to easily manage multiple users with multiple information needs and responsibilities. Systems consistent with the present invention also provide tools to analyze and track moderator conferencing schedules to enhance accurate timekeeping and billing.

Abstract: A dynamic reporting tool presents conferencing data to customers in a useful and flexible manner. Customers may customize standard reports using dynamic, comprehensive search criteria. Customers may also create custom ad hoc reports as needed. Furthermore, customers may access unbilled usage data and conduct searches on the unbilled usage data.

Abstract: An interactive assistant for managing telephone communications and services is disclosed. In one of many possible method embodiments, a chat interface is provided to a device associated with an intended recipient of an incoming voice call. A chat message from the intended recipient is received through the chat interface. The chat message is presented to a calling party associated with the incoming call prior to a disposition of the call being determined. In other embodiments, an interface provides controls for individually managing calls on a conference call, without affecting other calls on the conference call.

Abstract: Methods are described for providing conference calls. Methods are performed in a conference call system and includes: receiving local contact information for a plurality of contacts stored in a local phone book of a user equipment associated with a caller; updating a contact database of the conference call system based on the local contact information; registering the caller with an interactive voice response system of the conference call system; receiving a spoken request from the caller; accessing the contact database with contact information and retrieving a phone number responsive to the spoken request; calling the retrieved phone number; and establishing contact between the caller and a person associated with the retrieved phone number. Systems and computer readable mediums are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reestablishing voice communications in the event of a service interruption. The method comprises establishing a call session with a user via a communication device, storing call state and bridge information associated with the call session, determining that the call session has been disconnected, and maintaining the call state and bridge information associated with the call session and redialing for the disconnected user. The method may further include providing an audio message to other call participants.

Abstract: Initiating a communication is disclosed. An identifier associated with an intended destination with which the calling party desires to establish communication is received from a calling party. Communication with a compliance node is established. An identifier is provided to the compliance node. The compliance node is configured to establish with the intended destination a communication session in which the compliance node, the intended destination, and the calling party are participants.

Abstract: An audio/video communication system displays the status of participants in a video chat session. The system includes multiple video chat capable (VCC) information handling systems (IHSs) that display video images of the participants. In this manner, each user may see the user's own video image as well as the video images of other users in the video chat session. When a user speaks, that user's VCC IHS detects audio, thus designating a speaker participant. This user's VCC IHS includes a gaze direction detector that determines at which particular user video image the user gazes, thus determining a target participant. The VCC IHS sends speaker participant ID information and target participant ID information to other VCC IHSs in the video chat session. In response, the other VCC IHSs display an indicator that designates one user video image as the speaker participant and another user video image as the target participant.

Abstract: Processing a communication is disclosed. A first request to establish communication is received at a redirection node from a requesting communication participant. A destination communication participant associated with the request is determined. A communication session in which the requesting communication participant, the redirection node, and the destination communication participant are participants at the same time is established, including sending from the redirection node to an equipment associated with the destination communication participant a second request to establish communication between the redirection node and the equipment associated with the destination communication participant.

Abstract: An audio/video communication method displays the status of participants in a video chat session. The method employs multiple video chat capable (VCC) information handling systems (IHSs) that display video images of the participants. In this manner, each user may see the user's own video image as well as the video images of other users in the video chat session. When a user speaks, that user's VCC IHS detects audio, thus designating a speaker participant. This user's VCC IHS includes a gaze direction detector that determines at which particular user video image the user gazes, thus determining a target participant. The VCC IHS sends speaker participant ID information and target participant ID information to other VCC IHSs in the video chat session. In response, the other VCC IHSs display an indicator that designates one user video image as the speaker participant and another user video image as the target participant.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for initiating conference calls via an instant messaging system to reduce the effort required to initiate and manage the call. The system uses an TM connection between a requesting party and a conference call server to inform the conference call server of the desire to initiate the conference call. The conference call server may initiate the conference call by having involved parties called by a conference bridge, thus reducing the effort required by the parties to join the call.

Abstract: A method of using an intercom on a cordless telephone during an active call. The active call is put on hold while the intercom is in use. Once the call is re-activated, the intercom is shut off. This system may be designed for a cordless telephone with one handset or a plurality of handsets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed of transmitting live event notification information to a user device. One example method may include retrieving event user preference information from an event user database based on prestored user preferences. The method may also include transmitting an initial event notification message to an end user communication device based on the event user preference information to notify the end user of an upcoming event and receiving a response message from the end user communication device indicating a current availability of the end user. The user device may receive notification information via more than one communication channel and respond in a number of different ways.

Abstract: A method of and system for adjusting audio volume in a conference call environment are disclosed. The method comprises associating respective gain factors with each source of a plurality of incoming audio streams. The method further comprises automatically adjusting the volume of each incoming audio stream in accordance with the associated gain factor. In accordance with example embodiments, the method may be performed either at a telephony endpoint such as a VoIP telephone or at a conference bridge.

Abstract: Data processing and communications devices are configured to generate, using command signals received from at least one user input device, a signal set representing a meeting request, the meeting request signal set comprising signals representing one or more parameters for a proposed meeting and configured for causing a second data processing and communications device to initiate a voice call on receipt of command signals representing a response to the meeting request; and forward the generated meeting request signal set to the second data processing and communications device.

Abstract: A conferencing system enables conference participants to control external party access to an ongoing conference call by providing a conference server that includes a conference client operable to manage a conference call between conference participants, an interface operable to receive an instruction during the conference call that defines a policy to control external party access to the conference call and a processor for executing the conference client to initiate the conference call and process the instruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a communication session with a user in a telecommunications network. The session is to be established between a remote device and one of a plurality of communication clients. Each of the clients is on a user device at which the user may participate in the session. A communication session control system located in a signalling path for the session transmits a session establishment request to a given client to place that client in a prior-to-answer session state. In response, the system receives a request from that client that the option to establish the session with the remote device be made available to at least one client of the plurality of clients other than the given client. The system transmits notification data to the at least one other client to notify that the session is available for retrieval by the at least one other client.

Abstract: A method for alerting teleconference participants includes: activating a mute function in response to a participant command; tracking a teleconference's conversation audio; determining the level of alertness of a participant; determining whether the participant's name is detected in the teleconference audio; wherein in the event the participant's name is detected: determining whether the context in which the participant was addressed requires the participant to respond; wherein in the event the participant is required to respond: alerting the participant that the participant has been summoned and is required to make a response; providing a conversation summarization to the participant; and deactivating the participant's mute function.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for a virtual inmate visitation. Some embodiments include providing a scheduling user interface for a visitor to schedule a video visitation, receiving a visitor scheduling request for the video visitation with an inmate, and determining a visitor type for the visitor. Some embodiments include providing, based on the visitor type, a scheduling option, providing a visitor payment mechanism that depends on the visitor type, and providing a video visitation user interface to the visitor for conducting the video visitation between the visitor and the inmate. Still some embodiment include in response to receiving a visitor input, conduct the video visitation between the visitor and the inmate, determining whether the video visitation includes an unacceptable activity and performing a preventative measure.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for receiving a join request, from a requestor, to join an online conversation in which an online user of an instant messaging system is participating. A notification is provided to the online user that the requester would like to join the online conversation.

Abstract: A solution for enabling a participant to a conference call to obtain contact information for other participants to the conference call in order to send an external message to one or more of the other participants is provided. The contact information can be used by a messaging system, which is available to the participant independent of the conference call, to transmit the external message for presentation to the other participant(s).

Abstract: A method is provided for authorizing an authenticated user into a teleconference session as a participant that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages of doing so in the prior art. The authorization is a combination of the enterprise user's authentication at work and cryptographic authorization to the teleconference system by the inviter. When a user goes to work and connects with his or her office computer to the network of the user's employer, a secure single sign-on (SSO) access control procedure is executed. In a secure single sign-on (SSO) access control procedure, the user submits authentication information, such as a user name and password, to an identity provider and receives back a credential token when the identity provider determines that the user name/password pair is valid. The credential token is saved on the user's computer and used for further authentication.

Abstract: An exemplary method and system are described for providing an easy to use interface for establishing multi-media audio conference calls involving a leader and a plurality of participants. A web-based interface can be used by the leader for establishing, controlling, and providing information associated with the call. Participants can also access the web-site for receiving information associated with the call and receiving status information regarding the conference call. In one embodiment, an address organizer can be used to select participants by the leader and schedule an audio conference call with the recipients having the opportunity to accept, decline, or indicate an alternative telephone number at which they can be reached.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing conference calls. The method includes establishing a first conference call between a host terminal device and one or more participant terminal devices; receiving a request for adding a non-participant terminal device into the first conference call; selecting a participant terminal device from the one or more participant terminal devices to host a second conference call; establishing the second conference call hosted by the selected participant terminal device; and chaining the first conference call and the second conference call through the selected participant terminal device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for initiating conference calls via an instant messaging system to reduce the effort required to initiate and manage the call. The system uses an IM connection between a requesting party and a conference call server to inform the conference call server of the desire to initiate the conference call. The conference call server may initiate the conference call by having involved parties called by a conference bridge, thus reducing the effort required by the parties to join the call.