Abstract: A method and a call manager node (200) for handling calls directed to a group of subscribers. When receiving (2:3) a request from a caller (202) for access to a first group of subscribers (204) having at least one common characteristic, the call manager node assigns (2:4) first caller-specific temporary group number (A1) for the caller, wherein the first group number can be used exclusively by the caller for calling the subscribers in the first group. The call manager node further sends (2:5) the first group number to the caller in response to the request. The caller is then connected (2:7, 2:9, 2:11) to a subscriber in the first group sequentially or according to a scheme each time the caller dials (2:6, 2:8, 2:10) the first group number. The group is created according to a criteria and the anonymity of the called parties is kept. Call hunting.

Abstract: A method and system for speech to speech translation using a plurality of computational cores of a natural liquid architecture are provided. The method includes receiving an audio signal; identifying a first concept related to the received audio signal; identifying a first language based on the first concept identified for the received audio signal; and determining a match between of the first concept and at least a second concept, wherein the at least second concept represents a target second language.

Abstract: A method for determining a pupillary response to a multimedia data element viewed through a user computing device. The method comprises receiving a first image of a viewer's pupil captured prior to display of the MMDE over the user computing device; receiving a second image of a viewer's pupil captured after the display of the MMDE over the user computing device; determining, using the first image and the second image, if the viewer's pupil has been dilated; querying a deep-content-classification system to find a match between at least one concept structure and the at least second image of the user's pupil; upon identification of at least one matching concept, receiving a first set of metadata related to the at least one matching concept structure; determining the viewer's attention to the displayed MMDE respective of the first set of metadata; associating the at least one MMDE with the determined user attention.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method for translating a message can be broadly summarized by the following steps: generating an electronic message in an understood language of an originating party; receiving instructions to translate contents of the electronic message to another language; converting the electronic message to the another language in accordance with the instructions; and delivering the converted electronic message to the receiving party. Other methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method for handling an initiated communication includes receiving, from an initiating party, an initiated communication directed to a communication destination address assigned to a receiving party. Before the initiating party is provided access to the communication destination address, the initiating party is provided with a first menu of selectable options including an option to obtain information particular to a physical geographic location identified during the initiated communication. A selected option to obtain the information particular to the physical geographic location is received from the initiating party. The information particular to the physical geographical location is provided, and after providing the information particular to the physical geographical location, the initiating party is provided with access to the communication destination address.

Abstract: A method and a processing device for managing an interactive speech recognition system is provided. Whether a voice input relates to expected input, at least partially, of any one of a group of menus different from a current menu is determined. If the voice input relates to the expected input, at least partially, of any one of the group of menus different from the current menu, skipping to the one of the group of menus is performed. The group of menus is different from the current menu include menus at multiple hierarchical levels.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a response with different language options for a data communication protocol, such as Session Initiation Protocol, are disclosed. For example, data communication is controlled between at least two endpoints. A response code indicative of a condition of the data communication is transmitted to one of the at least two endpoints. The response code is associated with a reason phrase operable to be displayed at the one of the at least two endpoints in a language selected from an option of a plurality of languages.

Abstract: Translating a phrase from one language into another using an order-based set of declarative rules is disclosed. Information to be communicated as sensory perceptible output is received. An ordered set of rules is applied to generate a representation that expresses the information in a manner that embodies applicable communication system rules of a target symbolic communication system in which the information is to be communicated.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method for translating a message can be broadly summarized by the following steps: generating an electronic message in an understood language of an originating party; receiving instructions to translate contents of the electronic message to another language; converting the electronic message to the another language in accordance with the instructions; and delivering the converted electronic message to the receiving party. Other methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: A system and methods for adding a personal touch to auto-reply email messages is presented herein. The system and method involve a user enabling a personalized auto-reply feature in their email client, the email client communicating such enablement to a related email server, the email server receiving an email message for the user, the email server determining personal identifier of the sender of the email message and the email server sending a personalized auto-reply using the determined personal identifier to compose and send an auto-reply with a personal touch. The email server may determine the personal identifier through searching one of the user's address book or a global address list for an address entry having the reply address found in the received message's header or the email server may search the body of the received email message to determine personal identifier.

Abstract: A method for handling an on-hold communication includes receiving an incoming communication from an initiating party directed to a communication destination address assigned to a receiving party. When the incoming communication is placed on-hold, the initiating party is provided a menu of selectable options including an option to obtain information particular to a physical geographic location identified during the incoming communication. The on-hold initiating party selects the option to obtain the information particular to the physical geographic location, and the information particular to the physical geographical location is provided while the incoming communication is on-hold.

Abstract: A method processes and conditionally routes a call. The method includes receiving a call from a caller, determining a telephone number of the caller, and determining if the telephone number of the caller is a telephone number assigned to a specific individual. The method also includes accessing an electronic database to determine a stored language preference of the specific individual when the telephone number of the caller is determined to be assigned to a specific individual, prompting the caller to select a language preference when the specific individual does not have a stored language preference, and storing the language preference selected by the caller based on the prompting in an electronic database. The method further includes routing the call to a predetermined destination based on the stored language preference of the specific individual in the electronic database.

Abstract: Instant messaging (IM) is provided and translated between parties that speak different languages, such as between a foreign language speaker and an entity. One or more converters may convert the foreign language speaker's speech to IM text in the speaker's language, which may then be translated into a language used by the entity. The foreign language speaker may provide IM text instead of speaking, and this IM text in the foreign language may be translated into IM text in a language used by the entity. The translated IM text or the speech converted from the translated IM text may then be provided as text, or may be converted to speech and provided as speech, to the entity, or a representative associated with the entity.

Abstract: A method and system for improving user satisfaction with a computer system that includes a computer. The computer prompts a user at a user machine to select a language usage pattern preference from at least two language usage pattern preference choices respectively including at least two text passages, each text passage expressing different text. After the prompting, the computer receives from the user machine a language usage pattern preference selected by the user from the at least two language usage pattern preference choices. The computer stores, in a user profile of the user located in a database accessible to the computer, a flag indicative of the selected language usage pattern preference.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method for translating a message can be broadly summarized by the following steps: generating an electronic message in an understood language of an originating party; receiving instructions to translate contents of the electronic message to another language; converting the electronic message to the another language in accordance with the instructions; and delivering the converted electronic message to the receiving party. Other methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method and a processing device for managing an interactive speech recognition system is provided. Whether a voice input relates to expected input, at least partially, of any one of a group of menus different from a current menu is determined. If the voice input relates to the expected input, at least partially, of any one of the group of menus different from the current menu, skipping to the one of the group of menus is performed. The group of menus different from the current menu include menus at multiple hierarchical levels.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is described for developing query tags for classification of user queries to a call routing application. Multiple user query corpuses are accessed that contain user queries from multiple call routing applications in multiple different vertical domains. A set of frequent user queries are selected which appear in multiple different query corpuses in multiple different vertical domains. From these are developed frequent query tags for semantic classification of the frequent user queries. The frequent query tags are then stored in a query tag database.

Abstract: A universal phone number is provided for connecting to communication methods, including fixed line, mobile line, and internet communication methods. A communication group of communication methods may include multiple communication methods belonging to one individual or to multiple individuals within the communication group, such as a family. The universal phone number may be designated as the primary contact number for the communication group such incoming phone calls and text messages may be automatically routed to the communication methods in the communication group. The universal phone number may provide alerts to the multiple communication methods for notifying when incoming phone calls are answered. A universal voicemail box may also be provided for a scenario when the incoming call is not answered. Additionally, the universal phone number may provide the ability to keep the contact information for each of the individual communication methods private.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for dynamically changing an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Responses to a menu of prompts are monitored. A presentation order of the menu of prompts is automatically updated according to a set of rules. The set of rules describe qualifications for dynamically changing the menu of prompts.

Abstract: A method that processes and conditionally routes a call. The method includes receiving a call from a caller, determining a telephone number of the caller, and determining if the telephone number of the caller is a telephone number assigned to a specific individual. The method also includes accessing an electronic database to determine a stored language preference of the specific individual when the telephone number of the caller is determined to be assigned to a specific individual. The method further includes routing the call to a predetermined destination based on the stored language preference of the specific individual in the electronic database, and routing the call to a first default destination when the telephone number of the caller is determined to not be assigned to a specific individual.

Abstract: A method for improving user satisfaction with automated response computer driven systems is provided. In one embodiment the automated computer system utilizes a Web browser accessing at least a Web site. In another embodiment, the automated computer system is a telephonic response system with voice recognition and generation capability. In each embodiment the user is first prompted to provide indications of user language usage preferences which are then analyzed and stored in a user profile. Thereafter, subsequent information from the automated system is modified in accordance with the stored user profile before presentation to the user.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for providing a managed language translation service. A request, from a source station, is received, at a switch, to establish a voice call with a destination station. A determination is made whether the request includes an indicator specifying invocation of a translation service managed by a service provider. If the request includes the indicator, the voice call is directed to a gateway that transmits the voice call over a data network to a translation application. The translation application translates, in real-time, speech associated with the voice call from a first language to a second language. The translated speech is transmitted to the destination station.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of enabling concurrent real-time multi-language communication between multiple participants using a selective broadcast protocol, the method including receiving at a first server a real-time communication from a first participant, the real-time communication being addressed to a second participant constructed in a first spoken language. A preferred spoken language of receipt of real-time communication is identified by the second participant. A determination is made whether the preferred spoken language of receipt is different than that of the first spoken language of the real-time communication.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing selectable options to a calling party while the calling party is on hold. A call from the calling party is received and the calling party is placed on hold. While on hold, the calling party is provided with a plurality of selectable options. Each of the plurality of options corresponds to a predefined operation. A selected option request, corresponding to one of the plurality of options, is received from the calling party. The predefined operation corresponding to the selected option request is then performed. A system is also provided having instructions thereon for providing selectable options to a calling party while on hold.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time interpretation, translation, and cross-culture communication expertise for delivery over the global communication and wireless networks, mobile communication devices and kiosks. The system provides an end-to-end global communication and interpretation service for users including registration, listing, profiling, matchmaking, authentication, scheduling, reservation, delivery, billing, feedback, archiving and rating components. Consumers engage the translation/interpretation services of certified language and knowledge experts after communicating their needs in their native language(s) or by selecting translators/interpreters based on profiling and availability. Thereinafter, the real-time event and/or knowledge transfer is delivered over the global communications networks, mobile phones, or kiosks.

Abstract: A method for enabling input into a handheld electronic device having at least three selectable languages available thereon includes detecting a predetermined input a number of times and switching a selected language between one of the three selectable languages and another of the three selectable languages wherein the another language is an immediately preceding selected language.

Abstract: A system for managing voice and data communications coupled to a wide area telecommunications network. Video data is coupled between the system and a video unit under control of a processor. Audio data is coupled between the system and a microphone unit under control of the processor. The audio data are coupled to a TDM bus in the system operating under control of the processor. The video and audio data are coupled to a digital transmission link of the wide area telecommunications network. A user participates in a video call with the video data, while concurrently the user participates in a telephone call with the audio data. Voice communications of the telephone call that stay in a circuit-switched form are provided via the TDM bus. The video call and the telephone call provide a conference call.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a conference between a plurality of geographically-dispersed participants, with simultaneous interpretation in a plurality of languages, wherein the method comprises establishing an audio bridge for each of the languages, connecting through a network each participant of a plurality of participants to an appropriate one of the bridges based upon a preferred language of the respective participant, and connecting an interpreter to a first one of the bridges and a second one of the bridges, wherein the interpreter simultaneously listens to a speaking one of the participants through the first one of the bridges and speaks a translation into the second one of the bridges, and wherein the audio connections within the system are configured automatically according to the language being spoken and the abilities of the interpreters. Order is maintained by allowing a participant to make a request to speak, and by granting said requests in turn.

Abstract: A method processes a call received from a caller over a communication network. The method determines a telephone number of the caller, and accesses an electronic database to determine a stored language preference of the caller, the caller's stored language preference being associated with the caller's telephone number in the electronic database. The method also routs the call to a predetermined destination based on the stored language preference of the caller in the electronic database.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for establishing a communication session between a first and second communication device. A request may be received for a communication session from the first communication device, the request indicating a language for media streams transmitted to, and received from, the first communication device. A communication session invitation specifying a plurality of languages supported for the communication session may be transmitted to the second communication device. A response may be received, from the second communication device, indicating a language for media streams transmitted to, and received from, the second communication device. The communication session, between the first and second communications devices may be established such that the media streams transmitted to, and received from, the first and second communications device are in a language indicated by the first and second communications devices respectively.

Abstract: A system for use in speech recognition includes an acoustic module accessing a plurality of distinct-language acoustic models, each based upon a different language; a lexicon module accessing at least one lexicon model; and a speech recognition output module. The speech recognition output module generates a first speech recognition output using a first model combination that combines one of the plurality of distinct-language acoustic models with the at least one lexicon model. In response to a threshold determination, the speech recognition output module generates a second speech recognition output using a second model combination that combines a different one of the plurality of distinct-language acoustic models with the at least one distinct-language lexicon model.

Abstract: A method for providing a product use agreement. The method includes sending, to a user in response to a request for a product, a message that includes an address for accessing the product use agreement. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a call at the address and audibly playing, to the user, a pre-recorded product use agreement recording. The pre-recorded product use agreement recording includes a legal agreement for using the product between the user and a business entity providing the product. The method further includes receiving, from the user, acceptance of the product use agreement based on the pre-recorded product use agreement recording, and providing access to the product based on acceptance of the product use agreement.

Abstract: A method processes a call received from a caller over a communication network. The method determines a telephone number of the caller, and accesses an electronic database to determine a stored language preference of the caller, the caller's stored language preference being associated with the caller's telephone number in the electronic database. The method also routs the call to a predetermined destination based on the stored language preference of the caller in the electronic database.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for classifying at least two languages in an automatic dialogue system, which processes digitized speech input. At least one speech recognition method and at least one language identification method are used on the digitized speech input in order, by logical evaluation of the results of the method, to identify the language of the speech input.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a call are disclosed. Generally a stored indication of a user's language preference is accessed in response to receipt of a call initiated by the user. The call is then routed to a location based on the stored indication of the user's language preference.

Abstract: A hybrid speech recognition system uses a client-side speech recognition engine and a server-side speech recognition engine to produce speech recognition results for the same speech. An arbitration engine produces speech recognition output based on one or both of the client-side and server-side speech recognition results.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reporting to subscribers, wireless network events in a plurality of formats and languages depending upon the particular subscriber group to which a wireless subscriber belongs. When a subscriber requests a call, a switching node in the network invokes a trigger that identifies a location register for routing the call and sends a route request to the location register While processing the route request, if the location register detects an event that would prevent the call from being routed, the location register identifies the subscriber group of the wireless subscriber and determines a directory number associated with the identified subscriber group and the detected event. The location register then returns the determined directory number to the switching node Using the determined directory number, the switching node establishes the call to a message node, where a message associated with the determined directory number is executed.

Abstract: A method and system of providing a language interpretation service is disclosed. A language interpretation number, such as an 811 number, can be provided. The language interpretation number can be used to place a telephone call to a language interpretation service for language assistance. A language interpretation telephone call is received at the language interpretation service provider from a caller speaking a first language. The caller places the language interpretation telephone call by dialing the language interpretation number. The caller has at least one business need. The first language is identified so as to provide the customer with an interpreter that can interpret between a first language and a second language. The interpreter can be associated with the language interpretation service provider. The interpreter can telephonically engage an agent representing a business entity that can service the at least one business need of the caller.

Abstract: A method for enabling input into a handheld electronic device having at least three selectable languages available thereon includes detecting a predetermined input a number of times and switching a selected language between one of the three selectable languages and another of the three selectable languages wherein the another language is an immediately preceding selected language.

Abstract: A system and method for the distribution of individualized multimedia content over a network to a number of recipients. The system assembles a message containing multimedia content which is extracted from a media content repository in response to information about the intended recipient. The multimedia content is thereby individualized for the particular recipient; for example an individualized audio greeting containing with audio annunciation of the recipient's name within multimedia message. Multimedia elements may be variously combined within an individualized message containing audio, graphics, text, animations, video, and/or ecommerce/transaction primitives. The system provides the ability to develop and manage the multimedia content repository, control the distribution of the individualized multimedia content, and report on system activity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for dynamically changing an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Responses to a menu of prompts are monitored. A presentation order of the menu of prompts is automatically updated according to a set of rules. The set of rules describe qualifications for dynamically changing the menu of prompts.

Abstract: In one embodiment, when a mobile telephone accessible to the Internet accesses a homepage provider server, character codes of the homepage accessed is identified. Thereafter, a homepage is displayed using character codes in the mobile telephone on the basis of the identification. The homepage provider server provides information for identifying character codes. A character code provider always updates and registers the latest character codes. The mobile telephone accesses the homepage provider server and the character code provider through wireless telephone network and the Internet.

Abstract: A method for managing user nametags for a vehicle communications system includes receiving a nametag transfer request at a call center from a source, determining a target vehicle based on the request, generating a nametag data file including a text data file, a phoneme set, and an audio data file for each nametag, and transmitting the nametag data file to the target vehicle.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for arranging voice feedback to a digital wireless terminal device, which includes a voice-assisted user interface (Voice UI), wherein the terminal device gives a voice feedback corresponding to its state. The terminal device includes memory devices (PPM) for storing the voice feedbacks. In the method, the following stages take place to arrange the voice feedback in connection with the terminal device: one or more voice feedbacks are generated, the generated voice feedbacks are converted into a digital form, the digitalized voice feedbacks are edited with chosen algorithms (ACELP) in order to reduce their file size, and the edited voice feedbacks are stored in a memory (PPM) arranged in connection with the terminal device.

Abstract: An accent compensative speech recognition system and related methods for use with a signal processor generating one or more feature vectors based upon a voice-induced electrical signal are provided. The system includes a first-language acoustic module that determines a first-language phoneme sequence based upon one or more feature vectors, and a second-language lexicon module that determines a second-language speech segment based upon the first-language phoneme sequence. A method aspect includes the steps of generating a first-language phoneme sequence from at least one feature vector based upon a first-language phoneme model, and determining a second-language speech segment from the first-language phoneme sequence based upon a second-language lexicon model.

Abstract: A method for managing user nametags for a vehicle communications system, the method including receiving a nametag transfer request at a call center from a source, determining a target vehicle associated with the source based on the request and modifying a source nametag data file based on an acoustic profile of the target vehicle, wherein the source nametag data file is one of an audio file and a text file.

Abstract: A video conferencing method is provided in a system for managing voice and data communications to a plurality of users. Computer data is communicated between the system and one of a plurality of computers coupled to the system over one or more packet buses. Voice data is communicated between the system and one of a plurality of telephone devices coupled to the system. The voice data is coupled to a TDM bus in the system, and the voice data and/or the computer data are coupled from the TDM bus to a digital transmission link. Video and audio data are coupled between the system and a video conferencing unit and coupled to the TDM bus. The video and audio data are coupled from the TDM bus to a digital transmission link of the telecommunications network. A video conference participant participates in a video conference with the video conferencing unit over the digital transmission link, while concurrently a user participates in a telephone call with one of the telephone devices over the digital transmission link.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reporting to subscribers, wireless network events in a plurality of formats and languages depending upon the particular subscriber group to which a wireless subscriber belongs. When a subscriber requests a call, a switching node in the network invokes a trigger that identifies a location register for routing the call and sends a route request to the location register. While processing the route request, if the location register detects an event that would prevent the call from being routed, the location register identifies the subscriber group of the wireless subscriber and determines a directory number associated with the identified subscriber group and the detected event. The location register then returns the determined directory number to the switching node. Using the determined directory number, the switching node establishes the call to a message node, where a message associated with the determined directory number is executed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a call are disclosed. Generally a stored indication of a user's language preference is accessed in response to receipt of a call initiated by the user. The call is then routed to a location based on the stored indication of the user's language preference.

Abstract: A wireless communications system providing interactive voice response is disclosed. The system is menu driven, and can accept information as well as deliver information to the customer in the form of prompts or prompt information. The system includes provisions that permit customers to vary the prompt information. In prompt information can be varied in a number ways, including the method of delivery, the content, pre or post-call prompts, and the frequency in which the prompt information is delivered.