Abstract: The invention provides a communications interface for communications between participants, said interface including a virtual space (1) and graphical avatars (2, 3) that firstly represent respective ones of said participants and secondly are designed to move in said virtual space (1), said communications interface also including control means for controlling the movement of each graphical avatar, said communications interface being characterized in that it is designed to set up a discussion channel automatically between two of said participants when either the distance (d) between the two graphical avatars (2, 3) representing respective ones of said two participants is less than or equal to a predetermined first value (D1), or the distances between a graphical object and each of the two graphical avatars (2, 3) are less than or equal to a second predetermined value. Communications interfaces.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface for supporting a patient, and a nurse call interface adapted to provide an interface between a bed and a wall-mounted nurse call outlet having a plurality of pins to thereby allow a patient supported on the bed to communicate with a remotely positioned nurse. The nurse call interface coordinates the duplex signals of the bed's microphone and speaker with the half duplex nurse audio signals from the nurse call system. More particularly, the interface includes a nurse call audio channel communicatively coupled to first and second audio pins of the plurality of pins of the nurse call outlet, a bed microphone channel to a bed microphone, a bed speaker channel to a bed speaker, and a switch controller adapted to selectively connect the nurse call audio channel to the bed microphone channel or to the bed speaker channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a communications interface for communications between participants, said interface including a virtual space (1) and graphical avatars (2, 3) that firstly represent respective ones of said participants and secondly are designed to move in said virtual space (1), said communications interface also including control means for controlling the movement of each graphical avatar, said communications interface being characterized in that it is designed to set up a discussion channel automatically between two of said participants when either the distance (d) between the two graphical avatars (2, 3) representing respective ones of said two participants is less than or equal to a predetermined first value (D1), or the distances between a graphical object and each of the two graphical avatars (2, 3) are less than or equal to a second predetermined value. Communications interfaces.

Abstract: A voice control method and display apparatus are provided. The voice control method includes converting a voice of a user into text in response to the voice being input during a voice input mode; performing a control operation corresponding to the text; determining whether speech of the user has finished based on a result of the performing the control operation; awaiting input of a subsequent voice of the user during a predetermined standby time in response to determining that the speech of the user has not finished; and releasing the voice input mode in response to determining that the speech of the user has finished.

Abstract: A client device displays a user interface, which includes a menu item associated with forced reminders. In response to a user selecting the menu item, the client device displays a forced-reminder user interface, which includes a content display area configured to display one or more forced-reminder messages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for presenting a contact manager associated with a communication session represented in a graphical user interface (GUI). The method includes grouping by context contacts associated with a user in the communication session, wherein the communication session is displayed as a set of connected graphical elements representing a structure of the communication session, presenting on the GUI a graphical representation of at least a part of the grouped contacts, receiving user input associated with one contact of the contacts and the communication session, and modifying the communication session based on information associated with the user input and the one contact. Grouping the contacts by context can include sorting the contacts as a cache, and grouping based on user preferences, user communications history, social networks, topic, project, and/or employer.

Abstract: A voice control method and display apparatus are provided. The voice control method includes converting a voice of a user into text in response to the voice being input during a voice input mode; performing a control operation corresponding to the text; determining whether speech of the user has finished based on a result of the performing the control operation; awaiting input of a subsequent voice of the user during a predetermined standby time in response to determining that the speech of the user has not finished; and releasing the voice input mode in response to determining that the speech of the user has finished.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telecom control function in a communication terminal. The telecom control function is configured to receive call indicia when a call tag in a software entity, such as an application or electronic document, is selected by a user of the communication terminal. The call indicia provides information associated with a remote party with which a call is being requested by the user. The telecom control function may use the call indicia along with user indicia obtained from the user and indirectly establish a call with the remote party using a telephony terminal other than the communication terminal. If the communication terminal includes a telecommunication client capable of supporting a call, the telecom control function may instruct the telecommunication client to directly initiate the call with the remote party using the call indicia.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display performs a method that includes: displaying a phone call user interface on the touch screen display, wherein the phone call user interface includes: a first informational item associated with an active phone call between a user of the device and a first party, a second informational item associated with a suspended phone call between the user and a second party, and a merge call icon; upon detecting a user selection of the merge call icon, merging the active phone call and the suspended phone call into a conference call between the user, the first party, and the second party, and replacing the phone call user interface with a conference call user interface. The conference call user interface includes: a third informational item associated with the conference call, and a conference call management icon.

Abstract: A voice control method and display apparatus are provided. The voice control method includes converting a voice of a user into text in response to the voice being input during a voice input mode; performing a control operation corresponding to the text; determining whether speech of the user has finished based on a result of the performing the control operation; awaiting input of a subsequent voice of the user during a predetermined standby time in response to determining that the speech of the user has not finished; and releasing the voice input mode in response to determining that the speech of the user has finished.

Abstract: A quick communication method and device, and a storage medium are disclosed in the in present disclosure which belongs to the field of mobile communication. The method includes: displaying a quick communication key on the lock screen interface of a terminal; invoking a shortcut panel according to an operation triggered by a user on the quick communication key, and the shortcut panel includes contact information of a part or all of the contact objects from the contact list in the terminal; receiving a contact object selected by the user, and communicating with the contact object; and the device includes: a display module, an invoking module, and a communicating module. Quick communication with a contact object can be implemented by the present invention through the quick communication key on the lock screen interface of the terminal to improve the efficiency of terminal communication.

Abstract: Keyword based phone dialing may provide additional convenience to users that are subscribers of the wireless carrier network. A user input of a string of one or more values is received by a communication application. The string is checked as an alias number query against alias numbers in an alias number data store in response to a determination that a numerical format of the string fails to match a telephone number numerical format. One or more alias numbers from the alias number data store that match or partially match the alias number query are then presented by the communication application. Each of the alias numbers is associated with a different telephone number of a corresponding product or service provider. In response to the communication application receiving a selection of a corresponding alias number, a telephone call is routed to a product or service provider using a corresponding telephone number.

Abstract: A land-based or mobile phone and methods are provided for receiving inbound communications as either voice or text, and then based on the user's configuration settings, the inbound communication is provided to the user as it was received or is automatically converted into a format that is desired by the user. The phone also takes voice or text that is input by the user of the phone and converts the user's input to either voice or text based on the configuration settings stored in the user's contact list or otherwise. The outbound communication is configured according to how the intended recipient wants to receive a communication based on the configuration settings stored in the user's contact list or otherwise. The phone includes a controller that determines how the phone will handle and process inbound and outbound communications. The controller includes a speech recognition engine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for presenting a selected media message to a first user. The method includes displaying via a graphical user interface (GUI) a notification associated with a request from a first user for a communication with a second user in the context of a graphical representation of a communication session including at least the second user, receiving a second user input identifying a selected action associated with the first user via the GUI, and performing the selected action relative to the first user. The second user can be notified of the incoming request via a communication session displayed as a set of graphical elements representing a structure of the communication session via the GUI. The first and/or second user can be a communication session of multiple users.

Abstract: A processing method and a processing device for displaying an icon and an electronic device are provided. The electronic device has a plurality of variable operation forms. Specifically, a current operation form of the electronic device is detected and determined. A first application applicable to the electronic device in the currently determined operation form is selected according to the determined operation form. Then, a display policy for the icon which corresponds to the selected and determined application and is displayed on the display screen of the electronic device is correspondingly adjusted. Therefore, it is ensured that the user can rapidly, conveniently and accurately select the available application in the case of the operation form of the electronic device, thus improving the user experience when the user uses the electronic device.

Abstract: Controlling message handling in a mobile communication terminal. A message creation procedure is initiated followed by assigning a destination address to a message. Message content for the message is recorded and subsequent to the assignment of the destination address, a message received from an originating address is recognized. The originating address of the received message is compared with the destination address of the message being recorded. In a case where the comparison results in that the originating address is equal to the destination address the received message is displayed.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device includes: a display unit; a voice input unit; and a controller displaying a plurality of contents on the display unit, receiving a voice command for controlling any one of the plurality of contents through the voice input unit, and controlling content corresponding to the received voice command. Multitasking performed by the electronic device can be effectively controlled through a voice command.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display performs a method that includes: displaying a phone call user interface on the touch screen display, wherein the phone call user interface includes: a first informational item associated with an active phone call between a user of the device and a first party, a second informational item associated with a suspended phone call between the user and a second party, and a merge call icon; upon detecting a user selection of the merge call icon, merging the active phone call and the suspended phone call into a conference call between the user, the first party, and the second party, and replacing the phone call user interface with a conference call user interface. The conference call user interface includes: a third informational item associated with the conference call, and a conference call management icon.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method and system of integrating a user's voice mail onto a single voice messaging service, e.g., a Unified Messaging (UM) service, such that a client may access this single source for voice mail retrieval, even where such voice mails are from a variety of sources, e.g., work, mobile phone, etc. A user, or the user's mobile operator, need only agree to accept the service, and the registration and configuration requirements for providing the service and forwarding calls to the service are automatically configured. The user's existing “speed dial” key or other setting for retrieving voice mail may also be automatically configured to the access number(s) for the service. Configurations may monitor the status of the service and update access and/or forwarding numbers. Voice mail forwarding and settings may also be automatically reverted back to the user's original service.

Abstract: An arrangement for allowing “hands-free” access to DTMF-controlled systems, such as one's voice mail messaging systems, utilizes a speech-to-DTMF tone application that monitors the communication between the user and the DTMF-controlled system. A speech recognition unit is utilized to retrieve certain voice commands (e.g., “next”, “skip”, “repeat”, “forward”, etc.) when uttered by the user. The application then translates the received commands into the proper DTMF tone sequence used by the DTMF-controlled system and transmits the DTMF tones to the system. The application is particularly useful in the cell phone environment and avoids the necessity of the user to constantly switch between using the keypad and listening to messages/commands from the system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for managing a virtual meeting room communication session. The method includes establishing a persistent virtual meeting room communication session, the virtual meeting room communication session including shared resources available to virtual meeting room communication session participants, displaying to meeting participants a set of connected graphical elements representing a structure of the virtual meeting room communication session via a graphical user interface (GUI), receiving from one of the meeting participants input associated with the set of connected graphical elements, the input having an action associated with the virtual meeting room communication session, and performing the action based on received user input. The virtual meeting room communication session can persist when no participants are in the communication session.

Abstract: A method and system for invoking an operation of a communication terminal in response to registering and interpreting a predetermined motion or pattern of an object. An input is received, the image data of the object is captured and the object in the image data is identified.

Abstract: A process, system and software that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, determining whether prior network communications were established between a first device having a first communication identifier and a second device having a second communication identifier using a network-compliant calling format. Responsive to determining that the prior network communications were not established using the network-compliant calling format, a network-compliant calling format of the second communication identifier is determined from a portion of the second communication identifier and the first communication identifier of the first device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an entrance device housing with detachable front panel, mainly comprising: an accommodating body and a detachable front panel, in which the panel of the entrance device housing is detachable, so that the users are able to replace the panel of the entrance device by themselves as they like. Moreover, both the upper cover and the bottom box of the accommodating body include a plurality of water-guiding grooves, such that the water droplets onto the front surface and the rear surface of the accommodating body would be ruled out via the water-guiding grooves. Furthermore, a situation light accommodating structure is disposed on the detachable panel, and the light source in the situation light accommodating structure can emit light via the light-emitting surface during night, so as to facilitate the doorplate on the entrance wall show a beautiful and dreamy situation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for displaying a user interface for managing communication sessions on a communication device. A system configured to practice the method displays, on a first side portion of the user interface, a first set of user-configurable communication information. The system displays, a second side portion of the user interface, a second set of user-configurable communication information. The system displays, on a center portion of the user interface, a communication work space for managing communication sessions. In one embodiment including a touch sensitive display, this interface is used with a tablet device such that a natural position of user's thumbs are in an optimal position to interact efficiently with the user interface. The side portions can be user-configurable to display, for example, contacts, calendar events, tasks, memos, and so forth.

Abstract: A bidirectional text display method embodied in a functional programming language which first assigns bidirectional attributes to a logical character stream. Next, through explicit processing, level numbers are assigned, honoring any directional overrides present in the logical character stream. Subsequent weak and neutral type processing potentially causes attribute types to change based upon surrounding attribute types. Then, implicit processing assigns final level numbers to the stream which control reordering. Finally, reordering processing produces a sequence of characters in display order. By separating the facets of layout dealing with reordering from those that are concerned with rendering, such as line breaking, glyph selection, and shaping, the Haskell-based method is more discernible and comprehendable, thereby allowing it to be more useful as a model upon which others may base bidirectional implementations.

Abstract: Methods for enabling enhanced call return in a communications network is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving an incoming telephone call from a caller, wherein the incoming telephone call identifies a subscriber as a callee thereof; capturing caller-specific information for the caller, wherein the caller-specific information includes at least one of the name of the caller and the telephone number of the caller; and storing the caller-specific information into an intelligent peripheral (IP) within the network. Some embodiments of the methods include allowing the subscriber to access the caller-specific information stored in the IP. In some embodiments, the subscriber subscribes to an enhanced call return (ECR) feature as part of a service plan. The ECR feature allows the subscriber to access caller-specific information for a predetermined number of past callers and also to return calls from those past callers.

Abstract: In a method for dialing phone numbers using a portable communication device, the device includes a keypad including numeric keys and an LED driver. Each of the numeric keys is equipped with a first color LED light and a second color LED light. The LED driver drives the first LED light under each of the numeric keys to emit a first color light. The LED driver turns off the first LED light under the numeric key and turns on the second LED light under the numeric key to emit a second color light according to an LED control signal. The LED driver further turns off the second LED light and turns on the first LED light to emit the first color light when the digit input from the keypad is in a digital group.

Abstract: A method for initiating a communication in a mobile terminal, and a mobile terminal apparatus to perform the method, are provided. The method includes determining whether the mobile terminal has entered a shortcut mode, if the mobile terminal has entered the shortcut mode, searching a phone book for shortcut numbers, which consist of a predefined number of digits and start with an input number, obtaining phone book information corresponding to the shortcut numbers that were found in the phone book and displaying the shortcut numbers and their associated phone book information, and if any one of the displayed shortcut numbers and their associated phone book information is selected, initiating a communication using the selected phone book information or shortcut number.

Abstract: A method of connecting a computing device to a conference. One method comprises finding one or more potential dial-in numbers and looking up the one or more potential dial-in numbers in at least one database. One method further comprises one of, accessing a conference reception zone with one of the potential dial-in numbers when the one of the potential dial-in numbers is found in the at least one database and attempting to access the conference reception zone with the one or more potential dial-in numbers when the one or more potential dial-in numbers are not found in the at least one database. One or more potential conference pin numbers are obtained and it is determined whether one or more additional conference pin numbers are associated with the one or more potential dial-in numbers. A selected conference pin number is assigned a confidence level and the conference pin number is entered in the conference reception zone prior to accessing the conference.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatic correction of numeric input, such as telephone numbers. The communications device configured to perform automatic correction can receive a numeric input string indicating a numerical address with which to initiate a communication, and compare the numeric input string to a database of known valid numerical addresses. Then, upon determining that the numeric input string has no match within the database of known valid numerical addresses, the communications device can identify a known valid numerical address that is within a threshold similarity to the numeric input string, and correct the numeric input string. The communications device can initiate communication using the corrected numeric input string. Also set forth herein are a system and method for automatic completion of partially entered numerical addresses.

Abstract: A communication apparatus having an abbreviated dialing function allowing input of a destination number with fewer key input operations and a method of controlling the communication apparatus capable of reducing the operations of inputting a destination number is disclosed. The communication apparatus includes an abbreviated dialing input unit for inputting a destination number with fewer key input operations, a touch panel input/display unit for inputting the destination number, and a destination input operation menu controlling unit for controlling a menu display mode of a destination input operation menu on the touch panel input/display unit based on destination management information registering plural abbreviated dialing numbers referred to by the abbreviated dialing input unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods enable configuring and using speed dialing. A first user interface is displayed to a user, the first user interface providing a name field configured to display and/or receive a contact name and a phone address field configured to display and/or receive a phone address associated with the contact name. A speed dial field configured to receive and/or display a speed dial identifier associated with the phone address is provided. When the user later enters speed dial identifier via a telephone, the phone address is called.

Abstract: A computerized method and related system and software for simplifying telephonic calling, comprising: designating a default destination area code; the user specifying a destination telephone number; and as a default, causing the call to be signaled using the designated default destination area code in combination with the specified destination telephone number, without the user entering the designated default destination area code when specifying the destination telephone number.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a phone book using business card recognition in a mobile communication terminal. An image of a business card is captured and recognized character fields from the captured image are searched. Any one of the searched character fields to be set as a name is selected. The selected character field is converted to text and set as the name. The captured image is stored with the name in a predetermined directory. In addition, it enables to use all functions available in an existing phone book, thereby being more convenient to the user.

Abstract: A communication terminal having one or more one-touch-dial buttons simplifies operations needed for registration of destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses. A communication terminal (e.g., a cellular phone) having one or more one-touch-dial buttons includes a destination-data registration unit (e.g., a phone-directory database) that allows destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses to be registered therein, a one-touch-dial registration unit that allows destination data to be registered therein so as to be associated with the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, and a control unit that, in response to an operation of the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, determines whether destination data has been registered in the one-touch-dial registration unit or the destination-data registration unit, and that outputs a result of the determination and a query message regarding registration of the destination data.

Abstract: A computerized system and related method for assisting a user with placing a telephonic call, comprising a user interface, computerized processing, and computerized storage for: a user specifying an originally-specified telephone number to place an intended telephonic call, which telephone number, as originally-specified, for at least one particular reason, cannot be used to successfully complete the intended telephonic call; the user, after specifying the originally-specified telephone number, later specifying later-specified telephone number elements, including the possible deleting or ignoring of part of the originally-specified telephone number; and causing the telephonic call to be successfully signaled using the originally-specified telephone number in combination with the later-specified telephone number elements, without the user having to re-specify the originally-specified telephone number.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to retrieve a telephone number having an area code, an exchange code, and an extension code, generate from the telephone number at least one additional dialing format, present a plurality of dialing formats comprising the telephone number in its original dialing format and the at least one additional dialing format, detect a selection from the plurality of dialing formats, and initiate communications according to the selected dialing format. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for intelligent formatting of VoIP telephone numbers. The intelligent VoIP formatting system includes a presentation and user interface layer, an E.164 formatting engine, a location routine, and a database of telephone number data which are used to deconstruct input telephone numbers and reconstruct them as E.164 compliant telephone numbers.

Abstract: A communication terminal having one or more one-touch-dial buttons simplifies operations needed for registration of destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses. A communication terminal (e.g., a cellular phone) having one or more one-touch-dial buttons includes a destination-data registration unit (e.g., a phone-directory database) that allows destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses to be registered therein, a one-touch-dial registration unit that allows destination data to be registered therein so as to be associated with the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, and a control unit that, in response to an operation of the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, determines whether destination data has been registered in the one-touch-dial registration unit or the destination-data registration unit, and that outputs a result of the determination and a query message regarding registration of the destination data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring and using speed dialing are described. A first user interface is displayed to a user, the first user interface providing a name field configured to display and/or receive a contact name and a phone address field configured to display and/or receive a phone address associated with the contact name. A speed dial field configured to receive and/or display a speed dial identifier associated with the phone address is provided. When the user later enters speed dial identifier via a telephone, the phone address is called.

Abstract: At a telephony service location remote from a caller and a call recipient, a request for establishing a connection to the call recipient is received. The request is initiated by the caller specifying a number associated with the call recipient. A call recipient originated command signal is received during a call connected phase, the call recipient originated command signal being a single command that is interpreted by the telephony service without the necessity of any additional command being sent. In response to receiving the call recipient originated command signal, a service or transaction is initiated between the caller and the call recipient other than a standard call connection transaction. The call recipient originated command signal is received from a communication device of the call recipient.

Abstract: A wireless device and method are provided for redialing of conference calls comprising: establishing a call connection based on a first dialed number; monitoring for subsequent numbers dialed after the establishment of the call connection; determining if the subsequent numbers dialed meet predetermined criteria; and saving the first dialed number and the subsequent numbers dialed in a memory of the wireless device as a saved first dialed number and saved subsequent numbers if the predetermined criteria are met.

Abstract: A system for maintaining an address book, wherein the address book includes a plurality of entries with each entry containing contact information and wherein address book updates are transmitted over a wireless network. The system includes a gateway for storing the address book and transmitting the address book updates to a wireless device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to receive from a first communication device (CD) a telephone number of a second CD, submit a verification code to the second CD, submit a request to the first CD for the verification code, receive the verification code from the first CD, provide the first CD access to update in whole or in part a second contact book of the second CD stored in a contact book account, receive from the first CD one or more entries of a first contact book of the first CD, merge the one or more entries of the first contact book with one or more entries of the second contact book, thereby generating an updated second contact book, and store the updated second contact book in the contact book account. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining information relating to a first telephone number, and determining whether the first telephone number corresponds to a first speed dial button on a device. The first speed dial button is highlighted if the first telephone number corresponds to the first speed dial button. If the first telephone number does not correspond to the first speed dial button, the method also includes determining whether the first telephone number is associated with a second telephone number, determining whether the second telephone number corresponds to the first speed dial button if the first telephone number is associated with the second telephone number, and highlighting the first speed dial button when it is determined that the second telephone number corresponds to the first speed dial button.

Abstract: A telecommunication method and system are described. A request in a telephony network is received for a communication connection between a caller and a call recipient. A call connect command is received from the caller. In response to the call connect command and before conventional routing to connect the communication, the caller is notified of at least one offering. The communication connection is routed between the caller and the call recipient after the caller is notified of the at least one offering.

Abstract: A communication device provides a face detection module and a face recognition module. The face detection module detects faces in a photo input by a user. The face recognition module searches the detected faces in a storage system of the communication device. If the detected faces do not exist in the storage system, the communication device prompts the user to edit communication information of the detected faces. If the user wants to dial a phone number, the communication device searches the storage system for the phone number of a selected face in a photo and dials the phone number. If a phone number is calling in, the communication device displays a photo corresponding to the phone number, and highlights a face corresponding to the phone number.

Abstract: A method functions to resolve conflicts between wireless digital telephony and traditional analog telephony when an automatic telephone number dialer is concurrently used in a gateway. The method acts to prioritize telephone calls that operate using one telephone line when a single analog telephone line interfaces with an automatic telephone dialer and an analog telephone set in a system that also operates with a wireless digital telephone interface. The method includes detecting if an active call is present and determines if the telephone number being dialed is of higher priority than the active call. The highest priority call is placed or preserved according to the highest priority regardless of the source of the call in the system.

Abstract: A computerized method and related system and software for simplifying telephonic calling, comprising: designating a default destination area code; the user specifying a destination telephone number; and as a default, causing the call to be signaled using the designated default destination area code in combination with the specified destination telephone number, without the user entering the designated default destination area code when specifying the destination telephone number.