Abstract: An integrated messaging system for performing various types of messaging across different types of networks, including integrated user interfaces and administrator interfaces. Embodiments include a communication server that couples among networks of different types, and an interface module that couples to the communication server. The interface module may be hosted on a messaging server of a network. The interface module pulls various user information from the messaging server, including information relevant to at least the network that includes the messaging server. A cache couples to the communication server and to the interface module to hold information from the communication server and/or the user information pulled from messaging server. The interface module directs a message from the messaging server and/or the cache to at least one device on the networks using the user information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inventions that integrate a home television set top box (“STB”) or home media center with a smart voicemail system of a telephone service provider. Smart voicemail features, such as email notification of voicemails, or online playback of voicemails, may be used to obtain digital voicemail audio files that are then stored and maintained in a home computer network. These files can be served over the network via a networked television STB or a media center computer, to a display monitor during normal usage. Embodiments cause new voicemail notifications to be displayed during typical operation of a television with the STB or media center computer and provide users with an interface for responding to new voicemail notifications, and reviewing, managing, and playing back voicemail. Messages received thus can be easily identified and reviewed through an interface with which subscribers are extremely comfortable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for connecting a call using a name or series of characters are disclosed. A user provides data pertaining to a call from the user to a called party. The data includes name information that corresponds to the called party. A query may be sent to a global name database to search for a telephone number that corresponds to the name information. During the search, a determination may be made as to whether the global name database has multiple telephone numbers that correspond to the name information. When the name information corresponds to multiple telephone numbers, one of the telephone numbers is selected based on preference information associated with the user. Thereafter, the call is routed to a device associated with the selected telephone number.

Abstract: A voice message service provider enables users to access voice messages through a first access point for creating voice messages and a second access point for retrieving the created voice messages. In one implementation, a user calls the first access point to create a message, and the voice message provider indexes the created voice message with a message retrieval telephone number and one or more recipient identifiers. A notification message containing the message retrieval telephone number is sent to the intended recipient to provide notification of the voice message. The intended recipient may retrieve the voice message by calling the message retrieval number contained within the notification message and providing the recipient identifier. The voice message service provider identifies the voice message associated with the message retrieval number and recipient identifier and returns the voice message to the intended recipient.

Abstract: A method and system provides the ability to use VoIP devices to generate and/or propagate a broadcast message to other devices. A device transmits a broadcast message to a recipient device over a peer-to-peer communication channel. Such a device can be an originator or a propagator designated by a third party. Upon receipt of a request to broadcast a message, or upon detecting any triggering event to broadcast, the device processes the request or the triggering event to compose content of the message. Subsequently, a group of recipient devices are identified and located. The device may transmit the broadcast message over existing communications channels without disturbing a conversation with the recipient device. Further, a peer-to-peer communication channel may be established to transmit the broadcast message. Alternatively, the device may request the recipient device to broadcast the message to devices outside of its current peer-to-peer communication connections.

Abstract: To reduce the communications in an IM conversation between two devices, two or more IM events of the conversation at the first device are confirmed by sending to the second device a single IM communication that confirms the most recent of the events. In order that the user of the second device not experience undue delay in receiving the confirmation, the method may be applied where the time interval between any two consecutive ones of the events is less than a predetermined time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for natural language load alerts. A method includes, in a server residing in a network of interconnected computers, maintaining a database of users and related load preferences, maintaining a database of available loads and related load information, and generating a natural language load alert message when an available load matches load preferences of a user. The method can include sending the natural language load alert message as a voice message to the user using telephony services and receiving a voice instruction from the user in response to the natural language load alert message as a voice message.

Abstract: A method for querying message information includes assigning a unique identifier to a message transmitted in a wireless network, providing the unique identifier to a wireless device associated with the message, receiving the unique identifier in a query request, and retrieving the message information from the wireless network based on the unique identifier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processing calls to busy telecommunications lines. In one embodiment, the presence of a subscriber accessing a computer network over a first telephone line via a first computer terminal is detected, wherein the subscriber also has a first telephone station connected to the first line. When a caller calls the first line and the first line is busy, the call is forwarded to a second telephone line associated with a call manager system. The call manager system determines when the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network. At least partly in response to determining that the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network, the call manager system transmits a text message to the caller, the message including the subscriber's phone number. The caller can then call back the first line using the transmitted phone number.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a network communication system that provides textual communication and call transferring between nodes. The system further allows simultaneous notification of multiple nodes of an incoming call. The system includes a local computer that may also serve as a node in the system. A call may originate with the local computer or be generated by a remote device that is in communication with the local computer. The local computer generates a call indicator that is transmitted to one or more nodes simultaneously. Selection of the nodes may be based on user intervention or by predefined groupings. Each node receiving a call indicator is configured to generate a ring message in response. The ring message is displayed on an output device to alert a node user to the incoming call. In response to the ring message, a node user may choose to accept or decline the call. A node user's responses to the call indicator are transmitted to the local computer.

Abstract: A system and a method for submitting a message (MSG) to a telecommunications terminal (2) of an addressee, which message has been deposited by a caller in an inbox (12) of a messaging server (1) of the addressee. The method comprises the following successive steps: a step of sending a request to search for an illustration (8) from the voice messaging server (1) to a directory device (3), a step of sending said illustration (8) from the directory device (3) to the messaging server (1), a step of sending the deposited message (MSG) and said illustration (8) from the messaging server (1) to a multimedia messaging server centre (MMSC), and a step of sending a multimedia message (MMS) containing at least said deposited message (MSG) and said illustration (8) from the multimedia messaging server centre (MMSC) to the terminal (2).

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising the activities of detecting, via a public switched telephone network, a caller's dialing of a telephone number; and after said detecting activity, and prior to call setup, providing to the caller a voicemail status notification. At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising the activities of placing a telephone call via a public switched telephone network, and receiving, via the public switched telephone network, a voicemail status notification after placing the telephone call and prior to call setup. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope.

Abstract: A voice-enabled system for online content access and delivery provides a voice and telephony interface, as well a text and graphic interface, for browsing and accessing requested content or shopping over the Internet using a browser or a telephone. The system allows customers to access an online data application, search for desired content items, select content items, and finally pay for selected items using a credit card, over a phone line or the Internet. A telephony-Internet interface converts spoken queries into electronic commands for transmission to an online data application. Markup language-type pages transmitted to callers from the online data application are parsed to extract selected information. The selected information is then reported to the callers via audio messaging. A voice-enabled technology for mobile multi-modal interaction is also provided.

Abstract: A status monitoring system utilizing an RFID tag. In an embodiment of the present invention, a status of a receiving device comprises a device address, whether the device is able to receive communications from a sending device, and a recipient list of users able to use the receiving device at any particular time. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the recipient list is created by the receiving device in response to the detection of a qualified user within a preset access distance of the receiving device. A sending device may access this status information and determine how to communicate with a user on the recipient list.

Abstract: A system and method for sending facsimile transmissions from mobile devices via web servers wherein a mobile device receives and displays a limited subset of available data on an installed display, a user decides to receive more information than is possible to display on the mobile device display, in hard copy format at a certain locus or elsewhere. The information is ordered using the mobile device and received from the server by facsimile transmission via any facsimile system at any telephone number specified. By this system and method, any facsimile system anywhere becomes an accessible printer. Further, screen snapshots of the limited data appearing on mobile digital communication device displays, complete reproductions of unlimited data represented on the mobile device, and other information specified via the mobile device, including webpages may be reproduced in hard copy format by facsimile transmission.

Abstract: The present invention is a voice organizer system having a message intake module, for storing a voice organizer message created by a first user, and a message delivery module. The message delivery module includes instructions for delivering the voice organizer message to a second user on a date specified by the first user, and periodically redelivering the voice organizer message at a frequency specified by the first user. The message delivery module may also include instructions for associating a passcode with the voice organizer message. The message delivery module may further include instructions for automatically calling the second user on the delivery date specified by the first user, and, if delivery of the voice organizer message fails, placing the voice organizer message in a voice mailbox associated with the second user.

Abstract: One or more voice mail messages, respectively, may be provided as one or more reminder messages. After the playing of a voice mail message, an option may be provided to use the message as a reminder message. Delivery information for the reminder message is obtained. The delivery information may include the user's telephone number, another telephone number, multiple telephone numbers, or identifiers for other devices. The delivery information also may include a designated time for delivery or different times for each of the destinations. The delivery of the reminder message may be password protected. The reminder message is delivered based on the delivery information. If the reminder message is password protected, the reminder message is delivered in response to receipt of the password.

Abstract: An automated notification method comprises detecting an event requiring a notification to a user, determining a level of urgency of the event, selecting a notification method (from predetermined user-specified notification methods) based on the level of urgency of the event, performing the notification method, and dynamically changing the notification method depending upon a change in the level of urgency of the event and upon user response.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling misdirected responses in a multi-media messaging environment is described. The system includes a third party originator that sends data to a recipient bypassing an MMSC for message notification and retrieval. The present system handles the responses sent by the recipient to the MMSC, to prevent error messages and possible delivery failures.

Abstract: Enhanced message notification is provided by an enhanced notification function element and a subscriber preference profile database. The enhanced notification function element queries the subscriber preference profile database to obtain subscriber communication terminal capabilities information, which it uses to select a message notification technology. The enhanced notification function element may then format an enhanced notification that is delivered to a communication terminal through a delivery system architecture appropriate for the selected message notification technology. The enhanced notification may contain: a message type indicator; an identifier of the party leaving the message; a date and time that the message was deposited; multimedia objects; and other enhanced information. The enhanced notification function element may also query a terminal roaming status database in order to determine if the enhanced message should be sent when the terminal is roaming.

Abstract: Marketing of goods and services on telephone lines and during a period from the commencement of a telephone call to the receipt and acceptance of that call (quiescent period) when the recipient of the call actuates his or her telephone. This quiescent period of time, during which a ringing signal is normally generated, is used for presentation of advertising or promotional messages, primarily to a caller, although it can be delivered to the recipient of the call, or both. In addition, the system provides for the use of messages during the normal ringing cycle time to effectively replace the ringing signal. The particular advertising or promotional message can be selected for a certain area, such as an area covered by a telephone switchboard or a certain party or characteristics of that party. In this way each individual telephone switchboard is capable of presenting a message different from the next telephone switchboard.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a messaging system which allows a message originator to send a message to a message recipient, the message being presented to the recipient at a time selected by the message originator without any action being taken by the recipient. In a still further embodiment, the message sent by the originator can be supplemented by additional information, such as by a local temperature sensor, or by electronic data from a different source.

Abstract: An intelligent voice message status indication device for a single line of a telephone network includes a controller that responds to caller-ID signals to detect whether a mailbox contains a message, responds to a call-waiting signal to break communication with the voicemail system during message retrieval to capture an incoming call, and toggles multiple indicators associated with respective sub-mailboxes on a single line. The message waiting indicators may include respective unique audio, as well as respective unique, visual indication of message presence in one or more mailboxes. The voicemail servers of the network may be correspondingly partitioned to host multiple mailboxes and to provide unique outbound caller IDs to identify a mailbox having a message.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable medium system, and method which provide for delivering notifications to a mobile device where the provider has first and second mobile technology types. Initially, a notification is received from a notification sub-system. A first communication of the notification to the mobile device is then attempted via the first technology type. Where the mobile device has the second technology type, an error signal is received that the attempt has failed. Next, a second communication of the notification to the mobile device is attempted via the second technology type. Where the mobile device has the second technology type and receives the notification, a delivery signal that the attempt was successful is received. After the delivery signal is received, logging of the second technology type of the mobile device is made so that thereafter, any new notification is attempted using the logged second technology type.

Abstract: A system for providing medical information to a patient is provided. The system includes a medical information server, including a software engine, coupled to a memory location. The memory location stores a plurality of voice mailboxes. A voice mailbox includes at least two segments. A first segment for test results, or an upload-source note, and a second segment for account owner information, or a chart note. An upload-source, such as a testing facility or laboratory, is coupled to the server and provides test results to the mailbox. An interactive voice response (IVR) software interface is also coupled to the engine. The IVR provides the medical information in the mailbox responsive to a user input. The system may also include a patient database. Further, the engine generates alerts to the account owner based upon particular events. The system is also configured to prevent conflicting accesses by users.

Abstract: A system for configuring and implementing changes to a voice application system has a first software component and host node for configuring one or more changes; a second software component and host node for receiving and implementing the configured change or changes; and a data network connecting the host nodes. In a preferred embodiment, a pre-configured change-order resulting from the first software component and host node is deployed after pre-configuration, deployment and execution thereof requiring only one action.

Abstract: A system and method that provides a dialog with the called party when a call is received, a process is initiated to communicate with the calling party and a process is initiated to communicate with the called party. The processes communicate with each other to provide limited communication between the called and calling parties without an actual connection being made between them. The called party process determines disposition of the call based on the caller ID of the calling party and the state of the called party telephone. Advantageously, the called party process prompts the called party as to how to handle the call. The called party can request further information regarding the person calling, the purpose of the call, etc., without a connection being made to the calling party.

Abstract: The event driven multi-media communication management system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space stations and with one or more communication medium service providers. The communication space station is a modular device that includes a platform, a voice system for providing an audio user interface, and a docking bay for coupling with a subscriber device. The controller accesses a subscriber contact directory that is associated with the subscriber device, communicates content messages representing at least a portion of the subscriber contact directory to the subscriber station, receives control messages representing subscriber selection of a contact, and establishes a communication channel in accordance with the selected subscriber communication information.

Abstract: A school-wide notification and response system utilizes an administrator interface to transmit a message from an administrator to a contact devices for employees and parents associated with a school. The system comprises a dynamic information database that includes parent and employee contact data, priority information, and response data. The administrator initiates distribution of the message based upon grouping information, priority information, and the priority order. The message is transmitted through at least two industry standard gateways simultaneously to groups of parent and employee contact devices based upon priority information. Once the message is received by the parent and employee contact devices, the parent and employee contact devices transmit a response through the industry standard gateways back to the dynamic information database.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing telecommunications services by receiving a notification forwarded from a wireless device, the notification indicating that a voicemail message intended for a recipient associated with the wireless device was received. The voicemail message associated with the notifications is retrieved and forwarded to an alternate device associated with the recipient and/or converted into a text message representative of the content of the voicemail message.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting telephony services over a data network. The approach aggregate message waiting indication information from one or more voice mail systems for notifying a user of the presence of a voice mail message resident on any one of the voice mail systems. According to a user profile, a notification message is transmitted over the data network to one or more instant communication clients based upon the aggregated message waiting indication information, wherein the notification message specifies the presence of the voice mail message.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for answering Home Network telephone calls. The method comprises: receiving telephone calls addressed to a Home Network endpoint; routing the received calls from a gateway to the endpoint; and, automatically recording the received call at a telephone answering device (TAD). The call can be recorded by an endpoint, the gateway, or an external line service provider facility central office or web site. Telephone calls can be addressed to an endpoint from external communication media or another endpoint. Some aspects of the method include sending notification that a message has been recorded. The gateway may initiate the notification. Alternately, the gateway may receive a request for any TAD information that may exist for an addressed endpoint, and if a message exists, the TAD creates a bridge between the TAD and a requesting entity to forward the notification.

Abstract: Within a cellular network, an incoming voice mail message is received at a voice mail server (20), adapted into a format suitable for transmission by a network connection which does not meet a delay requirement for delay sensitive information, dispatched to a mobile station (30), and received, readapted and stored thereat within a storing means (35). Adaptation, transmission, reception and readaptation conform to standards such as the GPRS and the UMTS. The voice mail message is dispatched directly to the mobile station (30) via an IP address of an ISDN address thereof. In this manner, instead of dispatching a message via the SMS, the sending of an adapted voice mail message directly to a mobile station (30) and storing it thereat makes it possible to avoid that a user has to poll a service center by calling in order to have the message delivered.

Abstract: A method for providing a message to a called party through a network comprised of both a telephone network and a data network, and at least one gateway device connected to both the telephone network and the data network. The method performed by the gateway device includes receiving, through the telephone network, signaling information representing a message from a calling party to a called party and providing the message to the called party via the data network by displaying an instant message containing a notification of the message on a display device visible to the called party.

Abstract: A notification system includes a dial map configured for converting the destination telephone number within a notification message from an original format to another format recognizable by a messaging server, based on execution of a mapping rule selected based on a match between the mapping rule and the destination telephone number having the original format.

Abstract: A method and system for forwarding information, such as a message waiting indicator (MWI) message, to a telephone number corresponding to a foreign network (e.g., a wireless network) and a shared NPA/NXX—The invention evaluates individual telephone numbers of shared NPA/NXXs to determine to what networks to send messages. A representative embodiment of the invention uses a service control point and service package application to deliver an MWI message from a messaging service provider to a wireless (i e., foreign network) telephone number of a shared NPA/NXX, Shared NPA/NXXs are marked as “portable” in a signal transfer point for forwarding to the service control point, which determines whether the shared NPA/NXX telephone numbers require local number portability global title translation or should be forwarded to an inter-switch voicemail routing (ISVMR) service package application. The ISVMR service package application determines the point code to which the MWI message should be routed.

Abstract: A portable terminal reading text, such as predetermined information sent as an electronic mail message, and/or viewable by using a browser in a convenient or user-friendly manner for a visually-impaired user. The portable terminal executes operations including, reading out a first information; reading out a second information; and selectively switching between reading out the first and second information based on information to be read out. Specifically, the DSP is configured to read out a text sentence using a downloaded read-out in voice program. The sound source LSI which possesses a built-in ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) function is configured to vocally output a depressed numeric key by using a registered vocabulary. The DSP functions as a voice codec during a telephone conversation using a downloaded voice codec program. Thus, the DSP of the portable terminal is a dual-function type having a read-out in voice function and a voice codec function.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling and retrieving messages from multiple voice mail systems used by a single individual are described. A voice messaging retrieval and forwarding (VMRAF) system checks a subscriber's voice message systems for messages, retrieves the messages and forwards them to the subscriber as attachments to E-mail files. E-mail replay messages are used to control deleting of the messages from the original systems. Prompt messages played to callers by different voice messaging systems before they leave a message can be updated automatically. This is done by indicating to the VMRAF system when one or more prompt messages are to be updated and which messages, from a set of prerecorded messages, are to be loaded into the voice message systems to replace the existing prompt messages. Accordingly, the VMRAF system facilities message retrieval and the updating of prompt messages, e.g., on a preselected schedule or at preselected times.

Abstract: A telephony communication device is capable, upon an election by a user, of transmitting a defer answer signal in response to receiving notification of an incoming call. The defer answer signal causes the telephony infrastructure equipment to place the calling party on hold and play a voice message to the calling party requesting that the party remain on hold and preferably informing the calling party that the called party will be able to accept the call within a predetermined time. Upon the called party becoming available to accept the incoming call, the called party retrieves the waiting call by sending a connect call signal from subscriber's communication device.

Abstract: A telephone includes: a reminding unit for, when judging that a user makes a call but fails to convey information to a party, reminding the user to input the information into information acceptance unit; the information acceptance unit for accepting input of the information from the user; a storage unit for associating the inputted information with a telephone number of the party and storing the associated information; and a notification unit for, when the user makes a call to the party or receives a call from the party, checking whether the information associated with the telephone number of the party is stored in the storage unit, and, if the associated information is stored therein, notifying the user of the stored information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for easily indicating to a user that a communication has been received for him or her. A portable message waiting indication device (MWID) includes a power source (e.g., battery), signal receiver and a visual and/or audible indicator. The indicator is activated in response to receipt of a first wireless signal at the receiver. In response to a second signal the indicator is deactivated. A MWID may also include a user-actuable switch or sensor to deactivate the indicator. In one method of using a MWID to inform a user that a communication has been received, the user registers the MWID and may identify when the MWID indicator should be activated (e.g., for certain types of messages (e.g., voice-mail, electronic mail), certain senders, a category of senders, time of day, message priority). Multiple MWIDs may be configured and employed by a user, and each may be configured similarly or differently.

Abstract: A digital notification and response system utilizes an administrator interface to transmit a message from an administrator to a user contact device. The system comprises a dynamic information database that includes user contact data, priority information, and response data. The administrator initiates distribution of the message based upon grouping information, priority information, and the priority order. The message is transmitted through at least two industry standard gateways simultaneously to groups of user contact devices based upon priority information. Once the message is received by the user contact device, the user contact device transmits a response through the industry standard gateways back to the dynamic information database.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling a user to create a user-defined map of an Internet document to control how text and links of the Internet document are presented to the user. A user selects and names regions of text or links of an Internet document to create a user-defined map. A user accesses a voice browser which provides an audio representation of the Internet document based on the user-defined map. Prompts assist a user in creating and navigating through the user-defined map. User requests cause an audio representation of the text or links associated with the user-defined map to be played to the user. When selected content associated with the user-defined map is modified then the updated content is provided to the user.

Abstract: To relieve a user of a first fixed or mobile terminal from consulting messages deposited in a voicemail server, the voicemail server notifies the first terminal of the presence of a deposited message associated with the identifier of a second terminal, immediately after off-hooking and transmission of the identifier. The message is transmitted to the first terminal only if the user wishes to listen to it so as to decide whether or not to hold the call to the second terminal. Otherwise, it proceeds with the setting up of the call to the second terminal.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting announcement to a called party that is busy on a first call and receives a second call. Information provided by a second calling party is recorded and played back to the called party after the first call is over. The called party is not interrupted during the duration of the first call.

Abstract: A notification architecture utilizes multiple processes configured for managing notification operations based on reception of SMTP-based messages within IMAP based message stores. The notification architecture includes a notification process, configured for receiving notification messages for respective subscribers from messaging sources according to a prescribed open protocol such as Internet Protocol. The notification process accesses subscriber profile information from an open protocol-based subscriber directory based on the received notification messages. The notification process determines, for each received notification message, the subscriber's notification preference based on the accessed profile information, and selectively outputs a notification delivery message according to a prescribed open protocol to at least one notification delivery process within the notification architecture based on the subscriber's notification preference.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a Home Network telephone answering device (TAD) to notify external systems of voice mail messages. The method comprises: receiving the message from a communication media; recording a voice mail message for registered Home Network endpoints; and, sending a notification of the recorded message from the TAD to a system external to the Home Network. The notification may include information such as the calling telephone number, the calling party's name, the time of the call, the addressed endpoint, and the length of the call. Some aspects of the method further comprise: converting the format of the recorded message to one that is compatible with the external system to which the notification is sent. Other aspects of the method further comprise: in response to the notification, receiving a request for the playback of the recorded message; and, supplying the recorded message.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a notification of an email arrival to one or more customer premises equipment to alert users that an email has been received at a mail server. The systems and methods comprise receiving a message on an application server where the message includes at least an email addressee. The application server uses the email addressee to lookup a subscriber's directory number or an internet protocol address and user name associated with the email addressee. Based at least in part on this information, the application server sends an instruction a service control point (if the lookup returns a directory number) or to the internet protocol address (if the lookup returns such an address). If the instruction is sent to a service control point, then the service control point causes an advanced intelligent node to initiate a call to the subscriber directory number and send a signal to the telephone customer premises equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for interfacing a legacy e-mail, voice mail and facsimile system into a unified messaging system. The system includes visual message notification for notifying a user of incoming messages. Visual notification may include a flashing light emitting diode and/or text messages. The text messages may include various characteristics of the waiting messages, such as identification of the sender, subject header, message type, time and date received and a like.

Abstract: The present method and system enable a called party to cancel an unwanted call and send a message to the calling party. The method and system are activated in response to a plurality of inputs provided by the called party. In response to the input provided by the called party, a custom or a standard message can be transmitted to the calling party. A confirmation message can also be transmitted to the called party. The method and system can be implemented in conjunction with other systems that are also activated in response to an input from the called party.