Abstract: Techniques and systems for recalling voicemail messages from remote voicemail systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for recalling a voicemail message from a target mailbox can include: accessing a voicemail system by a caller using a device; authenticating the caller using speaker verification; and deleting the voicemail message from the target mailbox. The target mailbox owner can be a member of the voicemail system, while the caller can be a non-member of that voicemail system. The device may be configured to support a telephony user interface (TUI), for example.

Abstract: A source mobile telephone detects that a telephone number of the telephone has changed to a new number, and in response, sends a text or short message service (SMS) notice message to contacts identified in the mobile telephone to indicate that the source mobile telephone has a new telephone number. In response to receiving the text or SMS notice message, a contact telephony device may update its contact list to reflect the new number. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A message greeting system receives a notification that a party is unavailable in response to a communication initiated by a contacting party. In response to receiving the notification, the message greeting system acquires contextual data associated with the contacting party, determines a message greeting that is appropriate for the contacting party based upon the contextual data, acquires the appropriate message greeting, and sends the appropriate message greeting to a contacting party device associated with the contacting party. The appropriate message greeting includes a message greeting that is usable by the contacting party given a context in which the contacting party is involved as identified by the contextual data. In some embodiments, the message greeting system acquires the appropriate message greeting by adapting an inappropriate message greeting for the context in which the contacting party is involved, thereby creating the appropriate message greeting.

Abstract: A method for signaling an Integrated Messaging System (IMS) on an Internet Protocol (IP) based network to deposit a message, including the steps of sending a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) SIP INVITE request to the IMS indicating a message deposit action; receiving a corresponding SIP message from the IMS agreeing to participate in the message deposit action; and sending an SIP acknowledge message to the IMS confirming receipt of the corresponding SIP message; and depositing the message in a destination mailbox. A method of signaling an IMS on an IP based network to retrieve a deposited message, the method including the steps of sending a SIP INVITE request to the IMS indicating a message retrieval action; receiving a corresponding SIP message from the IMS agreeing to participate in the message retrieval action; sending an SIP acknowledge message to the IMS confirming receipt of the corresponding SIP message; and retrieving the deposited message from a mailbox corresponding to known account information.

Abstract: A Short Message Service (“SMS”) provider's quality of service, such as SMS transmission latency and/or success rate, is measured based on collected event data. A notification service initiates SMS message transmissions which are sent through an SMS provider and a carrier before reaching a mobile service on a mobile device. Each SMS message includes a unique identifier. The notification service creates send events recording when each SMS message was sent. The mobile service creates receipt events recording when each received SMS message was received. By determining how many sent messages are received, and aggregated time differences between messages being sent and received, quality of service information can be determined. In some embodiments, quality of service information is determined on a per-SMS provider basis, and/or on a per-location basis.

Abstract: A messaging system for selectively performing an action on information, for remote retrieval of messages, for performing action on information at different times, for selective paging, for providing a user interface for message access and having integrated audio visual messaging.

Abstract: Notification systems and methods receive a call from a caller and prompt the caller to identify an event. A response is received from the caller which identifies a particular event. The notification systems and methods select an advertisement related to the particular event, the selected advertisement being associated with a second event of the same type as the particular event. The caller is prompted whether a reminder message associated with the second event is desired. A response is received from the caller regarding the reminder message. If the caller desires to receive a reminder message, that reminder message is scheduled.

Abstract: System and method for providing a telecommunication transmission from an originating device to a terminating device over a telecommunications network. In one embodiment a bit code may be received from the telecommunication network, such that the bit code is extracted from the telecommunication transmission from the originating device. A directory number associated with the originating source may be received and a predefined message may be determined based at least on the directory number and bit code. The predefined message may be displayed on the terminating device.

Abstract: A node and method for communication diversion and communication diversion notification is provided. The node has a component configured to receive notification about a communication diversion related to an incoming communication corresponding to only those communication diversions which match criteria for at least one specific reason to be notified, wherein the notification includes a diversion reason element that is locale-independent encoded.

Abstract: There is provided a communication apparatus comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of pieces of audio contents, a playing member configured to produce a contents-based audio signal by playing a piece of audio contents stored in the memory, and a management circuit configured to identify a plurality of events occurring while the playing member is producing one of the contents-based audio signals, one of the events being associated with one of a plurality of event-associated audio signals and given a highest priority, to have the playing member pause and stop producing the contents-based audio signal and to produce one of the event-associated audio signals associated with the identified event in a case where the identified event is given the highest priority.

Abstract: A hosted private branch exchange (PBX) system is provided that includes: non-transitory storage that includes subscriber identifying information that identifies a subscriber to a message routing service; non-transitory storage that includes distribution rules information associated with the identified subscriber; and a message management server configured to receive a message sent over the Internet to the identified subscriber and to send the message over the Internet to one or more devices according to the distribution rules associated with the identified subscriber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide ways to locally store and deliver voicemail messages on personal communication devices. An illustrative method includes initiating a call to a recipient's device, receiving an indication the call cannot be established, prompting the user to leave a voicemail, storing the voicemail locally on the communications device, and sending the voicemail to the recipient's device.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to retrieving voicemails from a voice mailbox server. In particular embodiments, a mailbox server may receive a notification from the voice mailbox server and connect to the voice mailbox server providing the credentials of a client device, and pull new voicemails for storage at the mailbox server. In particular embodiments, mailbox server periodically polls voice mailbox server for new voicemail messages. In particular embodiments, a client device polls or receives notification of new voicemails, and transmits a downloaded message to the mailbox server.

Abstract: Managing voice messages across multiple voicemail systems. A server acts as a gateway and interacts with multiple voicemail systems and with multiple user devices. The server can retrieve voice messages from one voicemail system and transmit the retrieved voice messages to another separate voicemail system without user assistance. The voice messages are transcoded as necessary. The server also enables a recipient to generate a reply voice message that can be delivered to the original sender's device or delivered to the sender in another manner, such as a Vnote, SMS or an email.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system to remotely test message-waiting notifications over a communications network is provided. The method includes receiving broadband signaling from a voicemail platform; converting the broadband signaling to narrowband signaling; and transmitting the narrowband signaling, which generates status notifications, and transmits the status notifications to a remote test location. The system includes a switching element that routes the broadband signaling generated by the voicemail platform. The switching element routes the broadband signaling to a message processing component that executes code that searches a message-waiting-notification database to generate appropriate tones based on the broadband signaling received from the switching element.

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

Abstract: A user inputs event information into a data processing system which is stored in an application memory of an application. Message information contained in each incoming message received by a messaging service is compared to the event information. In the event that the message information corresponds to the event information a notification of the event is sent to a short-range wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter transmits notification of the event to a remote receiver. Upon receipt of the wireless signal, the remote receiver triggers an alert notification notifying the user that data processing system has received the specified event.

Abstract: A mechanism for indicating a specific response message to be played to a caller is provided. A call that comprises an identification of a caller is received in a recipient device. If the recipient device is operating in the phone management mode, a recipient notification of the call is blocked on the recipient device. If the caller is identified as a known caller based on the identification of the caller, a caller specific response message is sent to the known caller. The caller specific response message is at least one of an interactive or a non-interactive caller specific response message. The interactive response message includes a code with which to respond. If the response message is the interactive response message and the caller enters the code associated with the interactive response message, then the recipient notification of the call is activated on the recipient device.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for managing calls to voice mail is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a voicemail system having a controller element that receives a call redirected away from a targeted communication device without providing the targeted communication device notice of the call responsive to a voicemail redirection request supplied by signaling information associated with the call. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for quick note messaging. In one embodiment, a call from a calling party to the communication device is intercepted by a network system. The network system is configured to receive a calling party selection to record a quick note message for a user of the communication device prior to connecting the call. The network system monitors for at least one of a termination of the call by the calling party or a time-out threshold. The network system indicates at the communication device if a quick note message has been received. If the calling party selection to record a quick note message is not received, then the network system is configured to handle call processing normally.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a housing that is configured to support a first picture and a second picture, a first sensor that is configured to receive a first input and that is associated with the first picture, a second sensor that is configured to receive a second input and that is associated with the second picture, a communication module that is configured to communicate with a remote device and to retrieve audio messages from the remote device, a speaker that is configured to play the audio messages, an electronics control module that is configured to control playing of the audio messages that are designated as being associated with the first picture in response to selection of the first sensor and control playing of the audio messages that are designated as being associated with the second picture in response to selection of the second sensor, and a power module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a voice message exchange system and method for improving communication between an inmate and a third party by enabling the inmate to leave a message when a call is not answered and further allowing the third party who receives the message to reply with a message to the inmate. Additionally, outside parties that meet the institution's requirements can leave messages for inmates at any time. The present invention can be used as an add-on to legacy inmate call management systems or incorporated internally into an inmate call management system. The system also provides monitoring, controlling, recording, and billing means.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and devices for user supervision and notification. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following: monitoring activities performed by a telephone device; and notifying a user of the activities performed by the telephone and identification of users performing the activities, notification of activities being made by the telephone device.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a system for transmitting an IP-based message from an initiator to a receiver lacking an IP address via a packet-switched (PS) network capable of communicating IP-based messages and a circuit-switched (CS) network capable of communicating non-IP-based messages, includes: a serving node in communication with the PS network and the CS network, the serving node including logic to: receive the IP-based message from the initiator over the PS network; generate a trigger message responsive to the IP-based message, the trigger message including a non-IP-based message including instructions for the receiver to initiate a connection to the PS network; and transmit the trigger message to the receiver via the CS network, and the receiver including logic to initiate a connection to the PS network and to receive the IP-based message responsive to the trigger message. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of controlling transmission of voice messages or information via telephonic voice message systems, which are sometimes referred to as Voice Mail Systems. Users of the system selectively specify voice message transmission instructions for controlling transmission of voice messages directed to them. Upon receipt of a user's voice message address, the voice message system determines whether the destination voice message address has a specified voice message transmission instruction previously selected by the recipient and processes the voice message in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for routing a call to a landline communication unit or a wireless communication unit based on the availability of the wireless communication unit. A call placed to a landline communication unit is routed to the wireless communication unit if the wireless communication unit is determined available. Otherwise, the call is routed to the landline communication unit.

Abstract: Extensible media and/or activity sharing within a voice call or concurrent real-time communication session is enabled. A concurrent voice call may contextualize shared media and/or activities. Users may share live experiences within the context of a voice call. Continuous, changing real-time media types such as periodic media (e.g., a user's current location) and streaming media (e.g., what the user is currently “seeing” through their personal video camera) may be shared, as well as interactive activities and atomic media types such as an image or a text message. Such sharing may have a unidirectional modality, for example, one party may offer to share media and/or an activity and another party may accept or reject it. Once accepted, the media and/or activity may be available until the sharing party terminates the call or ends the sharing. Conventional mobile computing environments may be adapted to enable rapid, wide-spread adoption of these communication modalities.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for announcing a calling party from a communication device. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a call processing system can have a controller for processing calls in a communication system. The controller can be programmed to detect an incoming call initiated by a third party communication device over a first voice channel, transmit to a communication device over a control channel a notification signal associated with the incoming call, detect a connection made by the communication device to a second voice channel, transmit to the communication device over the second voice channel audio signals that identify a calling party, and link the first and second voice channels upon detecting over the control channel a call acceptance action by the communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device receives, from a management server, an optimal number of threads, generates a dynamic thread based on the optimal number of threads, and retrieves, from a message store, a message based on the dynamic thread and when the message store is not empty. The device receives a binding from a voicemail server associated with a voicemail user, generates a notification based on the retrieved message and based on the binding, and provides the notification to a user device associated with the voicemail user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for implementing a multimedia ring back tone service. The method comprises: establishing a connection to a multimedia ring back tone platform when it is determined that either the calling party or the called party of a call is a user to the multimedia ring back tone service during call connection, and completing a media capability negotiation between a calling terminal and the multimedia ring back tone platform; acquiring a first media content and a second media content according to a multimedia ring back tone information of the user, and generating a streaming media from the first media content and the second media content; and playing the streaming media to the calling party. The present invention is capable of further improving existing multimedia ring back tone techniques to better meet the communication users' requirement for personalization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a voicemail short messaging method (10, 20, 30) and means and a subscriber terminal (500). In particular it concerns a method and means for instantaneous packet switched voicemail between Internet compatible computers, personal digital assistants, telephones and mobile stations. In particular the inventive subscriber terminal (500) concerns a hardware and a software setup that allows the combined use of audio and/or video devices (550) with both the normal cellular or fixed telephony network (520) and with an Internet connection (510). The inventive subscriber terminal (500) allows the flexible use of both the Internet and telephony network with numerous advantages, one of which is the inventive voicemail short messaging method under study. The inventive voicemail messaging method (10), comprising at least one subscriber terminal is characterised by server independence.

Abstract: Data communications sessions for visual voicemail data communications are terminated under the control of a wireless device's visual voicemail client. In one embodiment, a visual voicemail client can be configured to transmit a request or command to terminate a data communications session immediately upon sending an acknowledgement of receiving voicemail data from a voicemail server. In another embodiment, a visual voicemail client can be configured to transmit a request or command to terminate a data communications session following the expiration of a timer set by the visual voicemail client. Alternatively, a visual voicemail client can be configured to wait for a termination request for command from a voicemail server.

Abstract: A system may include servers. The servers may include memories including a first database to store voicemail message information associated with a voicemail mailbox and a user device, and a second database to associate a plurality of user devices with a voice-to-text transcription service; and a receiver to receive a new voicemail message associated with the voicemail mailbox. The servers may also include a processor to query to the second database to determine whether to request a voice-to-text transcription of an audio file associated with the new voicemail message and to determine whether to notify the user device of the new voicemail message before or after receiving the voice-to-text transcription of the audio file. The servers may also include a transmitter to send a notification of the new voicemail message to the user device according to the determination of whether to notify the user device of the new voicemail message before or after receiving the voice-to-text transcription of the audio file.

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 mechanism for indicating a specific response message to be played to a caller is provided. A call that comprises an identification of a caller is received in a recipient device. If the recipient device is operating in the phone management mode, a recipient notification of the call is blocked on the recipient device. If the caller is identified as a known caller based on the identification of the caller, a caller specific response message is sent to the known caller. The caller specific response message is at least one of an interactive or a non-interactive caller specific response message. The interactive response message includes a code with which to respond. If the response message is the interactive response message and the caller enters the code associated with the interactive response message, then the recipient notification of the call is activated, on the recipient device.

Abstract: Managing shared voice messages across the multiple voice messaging systems of the various recipients of a message. A server may act as a gateway and may interact with the multiple voice messaging systems and multiple user devices of the recipients. The server may retrieve voice messages from the sender voice messaging system and may transmit the voice message to the disparate voice messaging systems of the recipients with or without user assistance. The voice messages may be transcoded as necessary. The server then may determine the status of the voice message in the voice messaging systems of the recipients and may update the message status in the sender's and the recipients' voice message systems accordingly.

Abstract: A voicemail system apparatus produces a voicemail notification message corresponding to a voicemail message received and saved at a voicemail system, and causes the voicemail notification message to be sent to a mobile device. Subsequently, the apparatus causes a voicemail deletion notification message to be sent to the mobile device, where the voicemail deletion notification message indicates that the voicemail message will be deleted by the voicemail system. In response to expiration of a voicemail message time expiration period associated with the voicemail message, the apparatus deletes the voicemail message at the voicemail system. On the other hand, prior to expiration of the voicemail message time expiration period, and in response to receiving a save command from the mobile device for resaving the voicemail message, the apparatus saves the voicemail message at the voicemail system and updates the voicemail message time expiration period.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide messages to television users are disclosed.

Abstract: A smart ringback blocking and replacement system for delivering and/or selectively blocking signal content from a communications network is disclosed. Communications devices interact with the smart ringback blocking and replacement system to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to methods for use in connection with network-based messaging systems and related systems. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a call at the network-based messaging system and providing a notification to a subscriber of the network-based messaging system that the call has been received and that a message for the subscriber is to be recorded. The subscriber is located remotely from the network-based messaging system. In accordance with another particular embodiment, the system includes a computer server and a notification module. The computer server is associated with the remote subscriber terminal and includes a voice message storage unit to store voice messages. The notification module is to notify the remote subscriber terminal when a call is received at the computer server and when a voice message is to be recorded.

Abstract: A method that includes receiving a first call request from a second user to a first user, establishing a first dialog between a network element and the first user, establishing a second dialog between the network element and the second user, establishing a third dialog between the network element and a third user in response to a second call request from a third user, establishing a fourth dialog between the network element and the first user as a result of establishing the third dialog, waiting for a response from the first user in the fourth dialog and receiving one or more indications of actions from the first user to manage the disposition of the second call request.

Abstract: Voicemail systems and methods for managing voicemail systems are provided herein. The subject voicemail systems provide a plurality voicemail greeting, each of which are associated with a context tag. The context tag can be, for example, a location, a device parameter, an account parameter, a network parameter, or any other contextual information. Upon receipt of a change in a context tag, the voicemail system determines a new voicemail greeting associated with the new context tag and sets the new voicemail greeting to the active voicemail greeting.

Abstract: In a communication system comprising multiple networks, a system is provided for notifying a caller that a call destination who was initially unavailable is now available, involving subscribers of possibly different networks. The system, when installed in a network, can support destination availability notifications following failed call attempts in which at least one user is a user of the network, regardless to which network the other user subscribes.

Abstract: A system and method for a selective ring silencer that prevents people from having to listen to the telephone ring on and on with nuisance calls. The ringer silencer can be: (1) discretely constructed from a telephone, (2) part of a telecommunication device, or (3) part of a central telephone network construction. A receiver demodulates an incoming call. Control logic reads at least a portion of the called identification (CID) data and determines an action based on the reading. A switch in communication with the control logic is actuated to a first state that allows the communication data to be output from the ring silencer, and a second state that blocks the communication data from being output from the ring silencer to a user's communication device. The control logic blocks toll-free area codes originated calls from ringing a user's telephone, optionally forwarding the call to a voice mail module.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for recording a to-do list includes receiving an incoming call by a first communication device from a caller using a second communication device. In at least one embodiment, the first communication device is located at a customer premise location. The method further includes prompting the caller to record an audio to-do list, recording an audio to-do list from the caller, and converting the audio to-do list into a text to-do list. The method further includes converting the text to-do list into at least one to-do list item, and sending the at least one to-do list item to a computing device to be utilized by an application. In at least one embodiment, the method further includes adding the at least one to-do list item to a software calendar application associated with the computing device.

Abstract: An apparatus including a processor, a memory connected to the processor, a user interface connected to the processor and a communication module connected to the processor. The processor is configured to automatically monitor at least one incoming message status for each of at least two voice mail accounts, and to register each of the at least one message status in the memory.

Abstract: Lessons of the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attack (9/11) and Hurricane Katrina are incorporated. Methods are disclosed for rapidly establishing alternate electronic messaging for person-to-person communications in a large-scale emergency. Details for constructing electronic access addresses comprised in part by subscriber telephone numbers and an event identifier, allows the provider to establish a default system with no specific information from the user while allowing the user to access the messages in a systematic way. No registration or passwords are required, which allows free access to all interested parties. Expedited contact of lost pet owners and parents, as well as identification of the dead, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a mobile terminal for easily and rapidly searching for messages received from or sent to the same phone number of a currently displayed message. The method includes a first step of detecting whether a user inputs a key to select a previous or next message received from or sent to the same phone number of a currently displayed message; a second step of searching for the previous or next message received from or sent to the same phone number upon detecting the user's key input; and a third step of displaying the detected message on a display unit of the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal includes timer for detecting the time of an incoming call, a caller number registration table for storing caller numbers, answer message ID numbers and time-dependent switching codes in relation to each other, the time-dependent control codes designating callers for whom answer messages are switched depending on a time zone in which the call is made. There is thus provided a capability of selecting an answer message for a caller based on the caller number included in the incoming call signal and switching between answer messages based on the time of call incoming detected by the timer.