Abstract: A presence aware communications system, comprising a messaging system configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) provide a subscriber's communication device with information regarding an incoming contact during a messaging session between the subscriber's communication device and the messaging system; (b) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message containing information regarding one or more messages when a notification is received that the subscriber's communication device is available; (c) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message relating to a voice message from a different first party received by the messaging system; (d) in response to the subscriber's communication device requesting a connection with at least one of an inputted telephone number and address, provide the subscriber's communication device with a notification respecting at least one eligible message from a second party associated with the at least one of an inputted tel

Abstract: A messaging device may include a memory configured to store a first message from a first caller and intended for a called party and to store information identifying a group that includes a number of broadcast parties that include the first caller. The messaging device may include a processor configured to receive a reply message from the called party and to broadcast the reply message to at least a subset of the group.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for intelligently notifying first parties via automated telephone calls regarding an absence by second parties at an event with minimal burden on a third party who manages attendance issues for the event. In a preferred embodiment, the event is a school session, the second parties are students who are supposed to attend the school session, the first parties are guardians for the students, and the third party is a school employee who handles attendance issues. Differentiated notifications are provided to first parties based on whether the first parties receive the notifications in person or in absentia. The first parties are also provided with opportunities for responding to the notifications while avoiding direct interactions with the third party.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products provide voicemail notifications. A first notification is received that indicates a caller has recorded a voicemail. In response to the first notification, the caller's communication log is updated to indicate that the voicemail was recorded. A second notification is received that indicates the recipient retrieved the voicemail. In response to the second notification, the caller's communication log is updated to indicate that the voicemail has been played. When the recipient listens to the voicemail, the communication log thus informs the caller.

Abstract: A computer program product, method and a terminal for receiving and processing a notification message for notifying a second terminal of an arrival of a multimedia message addressed to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) of a first terminal installed in the second terminal and storing the received notification message in the SIM card.

Abstract: A system for broadcasting a notification. In response to receiving a new telephone number for a communication device from a service provider, a telephone number change notification is automatically broadcast to a plurality of contact telephone numbers within a contact list. Each of the plurality of contact telephone numbers within the contact list is tracked to determine whether each of the plurality of contact telephone numbers received the telephone number change notification. In response to a contact telephone number within the plurality of contact telephone numbers not receiving the telephone number change notification, a configurable indicator is displayed in a display when a user inputs the contact telephone number into the communication device.

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: A method includes receiving a forwarded call. The forwarded call corresponds to a call forwarded from a first redirecting telephone device to a second redirecting telephone device. The forwarded call has an associated data message that includes a calling number of an originating telephone device and a first redirecting number of the first redirecting telephone device. The method also includes selecting a destination voice mailbox. The destination voice mailbox is selected from a plurality of voice mailboxes associated with a user. The destination voice mailbox is selected based on an evaluation of the first redirecting number and a second redirecting number of the second redirecting telephone device.

Abstract: Methods and systems to examine, in one embodiment, content of a voicemail to determine whether the voicemail is message-less. An indicator that indicates the voicemail is message-less can be presented in response to determining that the voicemail is message-less. A method in an embodiment can be performed on either a client system or on a voicemail server. In another embodiment, a method can determine whether a length of the content of a voicemail is less than a period of time and can display an indicator that the voicemail has either no content or is very short.

Abstract: An alerting system is disclosed including in one embodiment: (1) a detection system configured to identify an initiated emergency call, identify a calling device initiating the emergency call and generate a detection message that identifies the calling device, the detection system implemented at central office equipment of a telephone company, (2) a determining system configured to receive the detection message, confirm if the calling device is registered with an alerting service and generate a confirmation message when the calling device is registered, the determining system configured to uniquely correspond with the telephone company and (3) a notification system configured to receive the confirmation message, determine parties associated with the calling device and contact the parties with a notification message, the notification message limited to information obtained concurrent with or before occurrence of the emergency call, the determining system and the notification system independent of the telephone

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamically generated information to a caller during the ringing state of a telephone call. In one example, color ringback tones may be used in conjunction with text-to-speech technology and caller ID services to provide personalized audio messages. These messages may be generated in real time and may include information that may be useful to the caller, such as up-to-date status information (e.g., the status of the caller's voicemail inbox), news or other information.

Abstract: A presence aware communications system, comprising a messaging system configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) provide a subscriber's communication device with information regarding an incoming contact during a messaging session between the subscriber's communication device and the messaging system; (b) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message containing information regarding one or more messages when a notification is received that the subscriber's communication device is available; (c) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message relating to a voice message from a different first party received by the messaging system; (d) in response to the subscriber's communication device requesting a connection with at least one of an inputted telephone number and address, provide the subscriber's communication device with a notification respecting at least one eligible message from a second party associated with the at least one of an inputted

Abstract: Voicemail notification messaging for mobile communication devices is disclosed. Voicemail notification messages corresponding to voicemail messages are received through a wireless receiver of the mobile device and voicemail message header lines corresponding to them are displayed in a message list. The mobile device receives the voicemail notification messages from several different voicemail systems for consolidating voicemail message processing using a single common user interface. Preferably, the mobile device provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for the end-user with visual objects corresponding to PLAY, REWIND, FAST FORWARD, SKIP BACK, SKIP FORWARD, as examples, which provides for transparency of voicemail system-specific commands. Advantageously, each voicemail notification message includes voicemail message summary information, such as a calling party identifier, a message time stamp, and message length, for use in providing voicemail message header information in the message list.

Abstract: An answering machine tool is described which, when a message is received, accesses caller identification data associated with the message and from this data identifies an image for the message. Data is then output to cause an icon comprising this image to be displayed. This icon, in turn, may be manipulated and interacted with by a user, by touching the icon on a touch sensitive screen or by other means, such as mouse pointer or stylus. This causes the message to be replayed, moved, deleted or be subject to any other course of action that the visual rendering of the message affords the user.

Abstract: Techniques for notifying a customer of a financial institution about an alert message over a communication device are disclosed. Upon contacting an alert message center of the financial institution, the customer is presented with a notification of alert messages and may choose what action to take with respect to each alert message. The customer may respond to those issues that the customer deems important enough to warrant immediate attention without having to also sort through numerous other issues that the customer does not wish to address at the time. The alert message center collects and sorts alert messages for presentation to the customer according to various customer preferences that are updated and stored by the alert message center.

Abstract: A communications system exchanges messages between users. A messaging store stores the messages. A messaging server accesses and manages messages of the message store. A plurality of servers interface between the messaging server and different networks of the users. Processes employing dynamic mailboxes and for selectively retrieving messages are also provided.

Abstract: Included are embodiments of methods for providing voicemail conversion. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a message waiting indicator signal in a first protocol, the message waiting indicator signal being received from a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) based voicemail server, the message waiting indicator signal being configured to indicate that a message for a called party has been received by the PSTN based voicemail server. Some embodiment of a method include receiving a PSTN based identifier for an Internet Protocol (IP) based communications device associated with the called party and converting the received message waiting indicator signal from the first protocol to a second protocol, the second protocol being configured for communication to the IP based communications device.

Abstract: A method for effecting delivery of a message from an originator in an original message format to a plurality of authorized receivers in a respective reception message format includes: (a) composing the message; (b) characterizing the message for addressing to indicate at least one feature of the message; (c) addressing the message according to the characterizing pursuant to information provided in a data base that identifies particulars relating to each respective authorized receiver; the addressing establishing selected receivers of the plurality of authorized receivers as permitted receivers; the particulars including the appropriate respective reception message format for each respective permitted receiver; and (d) transmitting the message to each respective permitted receiver via a communication network that includes respective communication media configured for delivering the message in the appropriate respective reception message format to each respective permitted receiver.

Abstract: A hands-free apparatus determines whether there is an incoming call, and then determines whether the incoming call is to be answered by switching from a current call or to be rejected. When the incoming call is determined to be answered, the current call in a hands-free communication is put on hold for switching to the incoming call, and call partner information of the current call is spared from being displayed on a display unit to represent that the incoming call is now being established.

Abstract: The invention relates to remote access systems and methods using automatic speech recognition to access a computer system. The invention also relates to an intelligent agent resident on the computer system for facilitating remote access to, and receipt of, information on the computer system through speech recognition or text-to-speech read-back. The remote access systems and methods can be used by a user of the computer system while traveling. The user can dial into a server system which is configured to interact with the user by automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech conversion. The server system establishes a connection to an intelligent agent running on the user's remotely located computer system by packet communication over a public network. The intelligent agent sources information on the user's computer system or a network accessible to the computer system, processes the information and transmits it to the server system over the public network.

Abstract: An automated IVR apparatus for notifying entities of customer-specific information. An automated IVR application that enables subscribers to check the status of their DSL line and to report problems in real time. A “Service Restoration Callback” application enables a service provider to automatically contact a customer via telephone when service is restored after an outage. The customer can configure parameters concerning the received callback. An outage detection module checks all available systems for the status of a customer's service on a real-time, customer-by-customer, call-for-call basis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for using a presence-based network to provide call notification information. According to one embodiment, a method of providing information related to a communication can comprise receiving a publication of one or more presence attributes. The one or more presence attributes can comprise at least one attribute indicating call notification information. A presence profile can be associated with an entity. For example, the entity can comprises a recipient of the communication. The presence profile can be updated based on the received presence attributes. The attribute indicating call notification information can be provided to one or more subscribers to the presence information such as the entity associated with the presence profile, another party to the communication, another authorized principal, etc.

Abstract: A set of servers connect to a group of voicemail systems and to a group of client access points. The set of servers may receive a request to perform a transaction relating to a voicemail mailbox of a particular voicemail system; cause the transaction to be performed with regard to the voicemail mailbox of the particular voicemail system; and receive a notification that the transaction was performed with regard to the voicemail mailbox of the particular voicemail system. The set of servers may perform synchronization processes to synchronize the client access points with regard to the transaction that was performed with regard to the voicemail mailbox of the particular voicemail system, where each of the client access points contains a same view of the voicemail mailbox as a result of the synchronization processes.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and user interface for displaying an inquiry indication related to an inquiring user's inquiry are described. An inquiring user prepares and submits an inquiry in an inquiry application. Upon preparing and submitting an inquiry, a notice of the inquiry is generated and routed to the inquiring user's network contacts. An inquiry indication is generated to notify network contacts that an inquiry has been submitted by the inquiring user. A network contact may select the inquiry indication to display an inquiry feature and may select an inquiry feature to view the inquiry and respond to the inquiry.

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: A method for multi-media message transfer transmits a message to multiple recipients. The method includes receiving a message addressed to multiple recipients. The method also includes determining an indication of a state of each recipient. The method also includes transmitting an acknowledgement. The acknowledgment includes at least one message identifying at least one recipient and the associated state of the at least one recipient.

Abstract: Detecting an identifier change of an endpoint includes dialing an identifier associated with an endpoint to initiate a call to the endpoint. A network indicator indicating a change of the identifier is detected. A new identifier associated with the endpoint is determined, and a record is updated to reflect the new identifier associated with the endpoint.

Abstract: A voicemail header is modified to provide caller ID information in connection with the delivery of voice mail. The header may include an audible alert signal as is used in call waiting to alert a caller ID box in the customer's premises that caller ID information follows. The caller ID information is then delivered as FSK signaling information for display on the caller ID display.

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: Methods of receiving audio transmissions over a telecommunication connection, extracting information about the transmissions, and publishing the information to an RSS feed are described and claimed. Systems and software using the methods are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods of providing messages for a user can include accepting entry of a message for the user, and accepting entry of a location criteria associated with the message. Physical location information for a wireless communications device associated with the user can be obtained, and the message for the user can be transmitted when the physical location information for the wireless communications device matches the location criteria associated with the message. Related systems and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A presence aware communications system, comprising a messaging system configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) provide a subscriber's communication device with information regarding an incoming contact during a messaging session between the subscriber's communication device and the messaging system; (b) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message containing information regarding one or more messages when a notification is received that the subscriber's communication device is available; (c) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message relating to a voice message from a different first party received by the messaging system; (d) in response to the subscriber's communication device requesting a connection with at least one of an inputted telephone number and address, provide the subscriber's communication device with a notification respecting at least one eligible message from a second party associated with the at least one of an inputted

Abstract: Displaying an IP call status is disclosed. An IP call status notification is received from an IP telephony device. A display update is caused by transmitting a display notification to an IP telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for acknowledging receipt of a voice mail message sent by a first user to a second user and accessed by the second user. The first and second users are respectively connected to a first and second server. Responsive to receiving a request from the first user for an acknowledgment message indicating that the second user has accessed the voice mail message, the second server places an indication of the request in a voice mail box of the second user. After the second user accesses the voice mail message, the second server sends the acknowledgment message to the first server, after which the first server informs the first user that the second user has accessed the voice mail message.

Abstract: Audibly identifying an event includes enabling selection of a first sound based upon an identifier. The identifier enables identification of an entity related to the event. A notification of an occurrence of the event is received. The notification includes the identifier. An intended recipient is alerted of the event by playing, in response to the notification, at least a portion of the first sound and at least a portion of a second sound that is related to the event.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing a call in real-time are disclosed. Methods and systems consistent with the present invention manage a call in real-time based on input from a user. A service center receives information pertaining to a call to the user from a service control point and sends a notification of the call to a device associated with the user. The service center receives a response to the notification from the user. Thereafter, the service center instructs the service control point to connect the call based on the response.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating enhanced call awareness. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include an interface that receives a signal associated with a call to a telephone number. A call information engine may be coupled to the interface and may recognize that a party to the call subscribes to an enhanced call activity service. In some cases, the party may be a called party or a calling party, and the activity may include an incoming call to the telephone number, an outgoing call, a missed call, or a waiting voicemail message. A memory may maintain a data network address for the party, and a messaging engine may initiate sending of a message containing call information to the data network address. The message may be sent in response to a trigger signal output by a notification engine without consideration for whether or not a telephone line associated with the telephone number is busy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retrieving and providing voice mail messages from a server are described. In accordance with the invention voice mail messages may be retrieved via requests made via a set top box. Voice mail messages are retrieved in response to the request from a voice mail server which is also accessible via the telephone network. Retrieved voice mail is transcoded and included in a video on demand (VOD) file. Text, call ID information and/or other information as, e.g., an automatically generated transcript of the voice mail message, may be included in the VOD file. The VOD file is supplied to a VOD server which provides the file including the message to the set top box for display. A user can view the messages and switch from viewing one message to the next by using video play back commands.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for managing incoming transmissions. A response to an incoming transmission is generated as a function of recipient availability and information relating to the incoming transmission, such as a medium of the transmission. An indication, representative of the incoming transmission and the response, is provided to one or more recipient devices. A method and system are also provided for managing one or more transmission events, represented by notification signals, where the notification signals are processed as a function of schedule data relating to a user. Indication data is generated as a function of the notification signals and provided to one or more user-specified devices, wherein the indication data includes an identification of a type of transmission event and a representation of a response to at least one of the transmission events.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for voice mail notification is disclosed. When a voice mail server receives a voice mail message left by a first party for a second party, the voice mail server stores the voice mail message and generates and sends to the second party a pictorial voice mail notification message that includes (i) an image associated with the first party and (ii) a link to the stored voice mail message at the voice mail server. The pictorial voice mail notification message may be structured such that, when a user invokes the link, an active session will be established between the user's device and the voice mail server, and the voice mail server will automatically play the stored voice mail message to the user and then offer the user one or more normal voice mail management options, such as options to delete, replay, save, or forward the message.

Abstract: A network switch. The network switch includes a processor configured to execute a set of instructions to access a recorded announcement with attendant text and to transmit the recorded announcement with the attendant text to a telecommunications device.

Abstract: Telecommunications systems for providing third party service support and call control in using a packet network are disclosed. The telecommunications systems for providing a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) are based interface for third party service call control and communication connections and support via an external application gateway in communication with a call control element of a packet network. The external application gateway signals a third party application server that controls the call via the SIP interface. The systems include border elements located between the call control elements of the packet network and the media servers of communication systems for providing SIP and media interfaces for the third party media servers or endpoints, which can be located inside or outside of the packet network. The systems include the reuse of existing network architectural elements to provide third party communications support and call control.

Abstract: A first voicemail notification message corresponding to a voicemail message associated with a voicemail system is received at a mobile device. The first voicemail notification message includes a first voicemail message time expiration value which is stored in memory. If an expiration of the first expiration value occurs prior to a predetermined event (e.g. an earlier saving or deleting of the voicemail message), a voicemail message deletion indication is produced at a user interface. If the voicemail message is saved at the voicemail system after retrieval of the voicemail message, a second voicemail notification message is received. The second voicemail notification message includes a second voicemail message time expiration value which is saved in the memory. If an expiration of the second expiration value occurs prior to another predetermined event, the voicemail message deletion indication is produced at the user interface.

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: The present invention provides a mechanism for categorizing telephone calls and for providing special information about calls that appear on call lists maintained in a telephone. The invention provides for both providing an indication and for providing an action. When an entry on a call list is highlighted (in a conventional manner), pressing one key adds a flag to the entry on the call list to indicate that follow up action is required. Pressing a second key initiates an action such as attaching a reminder so that the user will be reminded to take action later. Pressing a third key will provide a text message balloon indicating information about the call. The flags and text messages can be added by either the called party or the calling party.

Abstract: A sender-specified courtesy notification scheme to delay notification by a receiving device of the receipt of a data message is disclosed. A sender may specify a notification parameter defining a delay and send the parameter in association with the data message to a recipient. The recipient's receiving device evaluates the parameter and notifies in response. Local notification data defined by the recipient may also be evaluated. Received data messages subject to delayed notification may be hidden by the receiving device or quietly displayed (e.g. as per other received messages) until the expiry of the delay. Notification parameters and data can be formulated as one or more rules which may take into account the current location of the receiving device. A notification delay may be ignored in certain situations depending on recent use of the receiving device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering voicemail messages to multiple recipients are disclosed. A system is provided that allows users of voicemail systems to record a voicemail or video message and select multiple recipients to receive the message. The sender may designate a delivery method though a paradigm similar to email systems where recipients may be copied or blind-copied. Recipients of the voicemail message may be made aware of other recipients of the voicemail message, and are made aware of the expectations of the sender.

Abstract: A network-based text-to-speech (TTS) TagToe alert system is configured to take a user's textual and/or multimedia input to a TagToe user interface to schedule delivery of text-to-speech-converted TagToe information to one or more telephone call recipients. The text-to-speech converted TagToe information optionally includes e-commerce specific, location-specific, and/or product-specific information which may be presented to the one or more call recipients as additional voice information or interactive voice response (IVR) information. The TagToe alert system can be configured to provide an advanced level of integration between IP telephony and electronic transactions and online services for optimized efficiency and improved revenue to e-commerce.

Abstract: The invention relates to remote access systems and methods using automatic speech recognition to access a computer system. The invention also relates to an intelligent agent resident on the computer system for facilitating remote access to, and receipt of, information on the computer system through speech recognition or text-to-speech read-back. The remote access systems and methods can be used by a user of the computer system while traveling. The user can dial into a server system which is configured to interact with the user by automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech conversion. The server system establishes a connection to an intelligent agent running on the user's remotely located computer system by packet communication over a public network. The intelligent agent sources information on the user's computer system or a network accessible to the computer system, processes the information and transmits it to the server system over the public network.

Abstract: A power management system for a plurality of rechargeable vehicles comprising an administrator interface for transmitting messages to a rechargeable station network using a processor in communication with data storage; a dynamic information database comprising a classification for at least one user, a rechargeable station identification, a user contact device information, discretionary power consumption information, and at least one dispatchable or non-dispatchable power source; and computer instructions in the data storage for instructing the processor to provide at least one message to the rechargeable station network. An administrator initiates distribution of the at least one message, which is transmitted through at least one industry standard protocol, and the administrator manages distribution and usage of the dispatchable power and non-dispatchable power to the rechargeable station network.