Presentation Format Conversion Patents (Class 379/88.14)
  • Patent number: 8565389
    Abstract: Voicemail messages are transcribed to text in accordance with a subscriber preference. When a new voicemail message is detected or a request to retrieve a voicemail message is detected, a voicemail to text device may alter its behavior based on the voicemail to text subscriber preference and a mobile device status. Subscriber preferences can comprise location (e.g., GPS, AGPS, roaming, international, or national boundaries), date, time, and network resources. Voicemail to text can automatically be re-enabled/disabled based on subscriber preferences set by a subscriber or network provider. A subscriber or network provider can initiate a state change (enable/disable) of voicemail to text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Venson Shaw
  • Patent number: 8558865
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a transmission method in communication of a video phone, which utilize a user input indication messages to include a text message during communication of telephone call, and displays the text message on the calling interface of the terminal, thereby providing transmission of text messages during communication of the video phone. The present invention has improved message interaction between the mobile phones and is suitable for sending and receiving a text message during a telephone call of video mobile phones in the 3G network. The user can directly input words on the calling interface and send them to the other party, and the inputted text message can be directly displayed on the user's calling interface after choosing to send the text message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Xiaofeng Gu
  • Patent number: 8553855
    Abstract: A conference support apparatus for supporting a conference held between at least two terminals, includes: a delay unit configured to delay first voice data obtained by one of the terminals, in accordance with a delay caused by an information extraction processing performed on the first voice data; and a delay information video generation unit configured to generate a delay information video obtained by visualizing information about the delay of the first voice data that is delayed by the delay unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kouji Ueno, Nobuhiro Shimogori, Tomoo Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8548129
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Simon James Richardson, Mark Steven Wuthnow
  • Publication number: 20130251122
    Abstract: A computerized message transaction system has an incubation function and a storage repository. In this system a transaction or a version of the transaction may be stored for a pre-specified period of time, and may be revived at the end of the specified time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Filippos Nikiforou
  • Patent number: 8543406
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for interacting with an IVR system. In one aspect, a computing device receives a user request to connect to an IVR system to perform an action. A request for information (e.g., a request to select from a plurality of menu options) is obtained from the IVR system. In response to the request, the computing device automatically supplies an answer to the request for information to the IVR system. In one embodiment, the answer is a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signal. The obtaining and supplying steps are repeated until the action has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Lin Wu, Kostas Tsioutsiouliklis, Arkady Borkovsky
  • Patent number: 8537987
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Business Global LLC
    Inventor: David J. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8537983
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a tool for reviewing the content of communications conducted between parties. A communication is analyzed between a first and second party to determine the words present. A set of keywords are developed that represent a subset of the words determined to be present in the communication. Occurrences of the keywords in the communication are mapped to times at which they occur. An interface is provided to a user that displays a representation of the communication comprising an identifier, such as an icon, representing a particular occurrence of a keyword with respect to a timeline. The user can search, locate and review a corresponding portion of audio containing the occurrence of the keyword. This may involve playing the corresponding portion of the audio containing the occurrence of the keyword and/or displaying the corresponding portion of a transcript of the audio portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Noble Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher S. Haggerty, Karl H. Koster
  • Patent number: 8526582
    Abstract: Methods and systems for call processing are described. A call from a caller intended for a first party is received at a call processing system, which stores call signaling information associated with the call. A greeting is played to the caller, and a voice communication is received and recorded. At least a first portion of the voice communication is transmitted in substantially real time to a terminal associated with the first person. At least a portion of the voice communication is converted to text and the text is stored and transmitted to a terminal associated with the first party. When a search query is received from the first party, the system searches the data store to determine if there is matching call having related matching call information. If there is a matching call, related information may be provided to the first party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Callwave Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Leland W. Kirchhoff, David S. Trandal, David F. Hofstatter
  • Patent number: 8526580
    Abstract: A stream of voicemail audio data is received. A text-based representation of a portion of the stream of voicemail audio data is generated. One or more identification tags from the stream of voicemail audio data and/or the text-based representation of the portion of the stream of voicemail audio data are obtained from a first user. The text-based representation of the portion of the stream of voicemail audio data and the one or more identification tags are provided to a second user through a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly Hale, Jes Thyssen
  • Patent number: 8526581
    Abstract: IP text relay or phone captioning is described herein, to facilitate communication through the use of traditional phone or VOIP or internet telephone system between people of hearing impaired and those who can hear. This service and device will enable users to communicate with users of hearing via assistance of an operator who will transcribe the call, while also receiving the Caller ID of the calling party and not the relay center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: C21 Patents, LLC
    Inventor: Kent Charugundla
  • Patent number: 8515028
    Abstract: An interactive voice response mapping system (IVRMS) is used in a transaction between a waiting party and a queuing party, with the queuing party having a queuing calling system (QCS), and the IVRMS adapted to communicate with the QCS and to build an IVR map of the QCS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: FonCloud, Inc.
    Inventors: Shai Berger, Jason P. Bigue
  • Patent number: 8515024
    Abstract: A method of operating a captioned telephone call in which an assisted user is connected by a captioned telephone device which is connected both by one line to a remote user and a second line to a relay providing captioning for a conversation, the method comprising the steps of, when a call is received at the captioned telephone device on the first line, the captioned telephone device calling the relay on the second line to initiate captioning service set up prior to the call being answered, after the call is answered, the captioned telephone device passing spoken words received on the first telephone line to the second telephone line and the captioning service then providing captioning to the captioned telephone device of the spoken words transmitted on the second telephone line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ultratec, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Engelke, Kevin R. Colwell, Troy D. Vitek
  • Patent number: 8515029
    Abstract: A method for delivery of a voice mail message to a recipient. The method includes identifying the recipient of the voice mail message, receiving a notification indicative of one of the subscriber's availability, the subscriber's presence and the subscriber's location, recording the voice mail message, selectively converting the voice mail message to a text message based on the notification, and delivering either the text message or the voice mail message to a device of the recipient based on the notification. The method may further include receiving an alternative destination device for delivery of the text message or the voice message and delivering the text message or the voice message to the alternative destination device using internet protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Venson M. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8515030
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for processing a communications session is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device can have a controller element to establish a voice communication session with a second communication device, and initiate an action to record the voice communication session for translation into a text memo that is analyzed to identify one or more actionable fields. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Janette A. Johnston, Mostafa Tofighbakhsh, Kaveh Hushyar
  • Patent number: 8509397
    Abstract: The invention comprises music and information delivery systems and methods. One system comprises a portable communication device configured to receive a piece of music from an audio source and transmit the piece of music via a first communication medium to a host computer. The host computer is configured to receive the piece of music from the portable communication device and search a storage medium to identify and access the piece of music from the storage medium. The host computer is configured to transmit the piece of music via a second communication medium to one or more reception units that are configured to receive the piece of music from the host computer via the second communication medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Woodside Crest NY, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander C. Chen, Sanjivpal S. Gill
  • Publication number: 20130195260
    Abstract: A method can include conducting a plurality of related conference calls and generating a visualization for each conference call. The visualizations can be sent to computing devices of participants of the plurality of conference calls concurrently with the plurality of conference calls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: FERNANDO BARSOBA, DAVID T. BRITT, ANDREW J. SIMMERING
  • Publication number: 20130195259
    Abstract: A method can include conducting a plurality of related conference calls and generating a visualization for each conference call. The visualizations can be sent to computing devices of participants of the plurality of conference calls concurrently with the plurality of conference calls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: FERNANDO BARSOBA, DAVID T. BRITT, ANDREW J. SIMMERING
  • Patent number: 8498624
    Abstract: An apparatus (100, 200) and method are disclosed for managing voicemail messages. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a voicemail system (100) having a communications interface (110) and a controller (102) for managing operations of the communications interface. The controller is programmed to store (310) voicemail messages corresponding to a communication device (102), transmit (316) a log of the voicemail messages to the communication device, and receive (318) from the communication device a request to delete a voicemail message selectively chosen from a user interface corresponding to the voicemail log. The present disclosure further describes embodiments for the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Dinesh Nadarajah, David Wolter, Adam Klein, Rias Muhamed
  • Patent number: 8494140
    Abstract: A system and method for provisioning communications services. A remote device controlled by a user is linked with a provisioning system. A verbal selection of a menu associated with a library is received for performing one or more actions within the provisioning system. One or more verbal commands associated with the menu are received. A determination is made of an action within the library associated with the one or more verbal commands. The action associated with the one or more verbal commands is performed in the provisioning system to provision the communications services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Keith Younger, Shane M. Smith, Kendra Dwyer
  • Patent number: 8494125
    Abstract: A network method for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which a caller may leave a voice-message that includes the identification of an attachment, which may include, as examples only, audio, video, text, programs, spreadsheets and graphic attachments. A video, text, spreadsheet or graphic attachment may be converted to an audible attachment to the voice-mail at the caller's or the voice-mail subscriber's request. Such entries may be made, after receiving an automated prompt for leaving an attachment identifier or conversion request, audibly or by using a keypad entry. A network method is also provided for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which the voice-mail service may detect an attachment to a voice-mail message and provide access to the attachment to the voice-mail message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Frederick Murray Burg, John F. Lucas, Vivian A. Pressley-Harris
  • Patent number: 8489075
    Abstract: A method for delivery of a voice mail message to a recipient. The method includes determining content of the voice mail message, identifying a recipient of the voice mail message based on the determining step, converting the voice mail message to a format for delivery based on the identifying step, and delivering the converted voice mail message to the recipient. The method further includes identifying a voice mail box of the recipient and caching voice mail box information at a voice mail server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Venson M. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20130177143
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer readable media, and apparatuses for voice data transcription are provided. Packets that include voice data may be received and for each time that a threshold amount of voice data is received, a segment of voice data may be created and transcribed to text. A message that includes the transcribed text may then be transmitted to an intended recipient of the voice data, to allow the intended recipient to view the message prior to transcription of the remaining segments of the voice data. Additionally, subsequent to transmission of the message, another message may be transmitted that includes text transcribed from a different segment of the voice data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Tong Zhou, Matthew Sirawsky
  • Publication number: 20130156167
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Mohit Talwar, Miladin Pavlicic, Siddharth Murlidhar
  • Patent number: 8467506
    Abstract: A voice channel connection and a data channel connection are established with a structured voice interaction system. Navigation information for and provided by the structured voice interaction system is received over the data channel connection. The data channel navigation information is coordinated with navigation information provided by the structured voice interaction system over the voice channel connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Robert W. Lord, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8467508
    Abstract: A particular voice management method includes invoking an updatable call completion rule in a memory of an answering machine module in customer premises equipment. The answering machine module receives an incoming call signal for a session initiation protocol user agent. The session initiation protocol user agent has a first address and the answering machine module has a second address different from the first address. The method further includes saving a message received from a calling party associated with the incoming call signal to the memory via the answering machine module. The method also includes sending a graphical user interface from the answering machine module to a display of the customer premises equipment to present information about the incoming call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Goangshiuan Shawn Ying, Eugene L. Edmon
  • Patent number: 8457284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for asynchronous communication by means of an internet platform (2), wherein registered users of the internet platform (2) can receive mail by means of the internet platform (2), wherein the mail is transmitted for at least part of the postal path thereof in electronic form by means of the internet and the internet platform (2), and further relates to an internet platform (2). In order to provide the users (N) expanded communication capabilities and a greater level of comfort, according to the invention, one of a plurality of presettable transmission paths is preset by the users (N) on the internet platform (2), said paths including the transmission of the mail as a letter, as a fax, and as electronic mail, and the transmission of the mail to the users (N) is performed or initiated by the internet platform (2) according to each preset transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Quabb GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Giersch, Thomas Dohmke, Julian Joswig, Stefan Haubold
  • Publication number: 20130121481
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer-readable storage media for integrating visual voicemail within a threaded communication environment are presented herein. A method can include: displaying, via an interface, a thread of messaging content; receiving a visual voicemail; and integrating a display of the visual voicemail within the thread of messaging content. The method can further include generating sound based on a communication included in the visual voicemail, in response to receiving an input via the interface. Further, the method can include integrating the display of the visual voicemail within a multi-modal conversation thread. Furthermore, the thread of messaging can be included in an instant messaging window including SMS and/or MMS messages. Moreover, the display of the visual voicemail can be embedded within a social media based interface. The method can further include receiving a transcription of the visual voicemail; and displaying the transcription within the thread of messaging content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: JEFFREY MIKAN, CHERYL LOCKETT, JUSTIN MCNAMARA, SIMON RICHARDSON, MARCO SCHNEIDER
  • Patent number: 8442189
    Abstract: A unified communications appliance provides integration of various types of information, regardless of the modality, in a common, centralized interface where the various types of information are grouped based on what they are related to. For example, as is common with most modalities of information exchange, there exists a “subject” that is present in one of the fields of communication. The ability to associate all of the types of communication with a common “subject” (or conversation) and provide an interface that allows access to the various types of information, regardless of the modality is provided by the unified communications interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Roller Michaelis, Jason H. Vick
  • Publication number: 20130108032
    Abstract: A method for delivery of a voice mail message to a recipient. The method includes identifying the recipient of the voice mail message, receiving a notification indicative of one of the subscriber's availability, the subscriber's presence and the subscriber's location, recording the voice mail message, selectively converting the voice mail message to a text message based on the notification, and delivering either the text message or the voice mail message to a device of the recipient based on the notification. The method may further include receiving an alternative destination device for delivery of the text message or the voice message and delivering the text message or the voice message to the alternative destination device using internet protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I L.P.
    Inventor: Venson M. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8433042
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for routing communications to an output of a communications device, such as a mobile telephone, based on the format of an incoming communication and an output mode of the communications device is disclosed. An incoming speech communication can be delivered to a speaker output or forwarded to a format converter to create a text communication that can be delivered to a display output. An incoming text communication can be delivered to a display output or forwarded to a format converter to create a speech communication for delivery to a speaker output. The output mode of the communication device can be set according to device settings, application settings, or location of the device, or a combination thereof. The invention provides new delivery options for communications which can be inure appropriate for a location or current use of the communication device than those previously available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Mikan, Anastasios Kefalas, Kenneth W. Evans
  • Publication number: 20130101097
    Abstract: A method of selecting a distribution list for a voice mail message. The steps include identifying a group of recipients with whom to share the voice mail message, creating a user profile which includes voice mail preferences of a subscriber and the group of recipients, the preferences including an indication as whether to share the voice mail message with the group of recipients and distributing the voice mail message based on the preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Venson M. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8428228
    Abstract: Unified communication system for consolidating different message sources (e.g. emails, SMS, voice message, fax, etc.) into a single accessible location with the ability to incorporate phone calls, VoIP calls, voice commands, etc. This is achieved through integration of a Speech-ready IVR system with an E-mail client to act as the Unified Communication System. Furthermore, the IVR flexibility allows the user to access messages when internet access is not available or read messages such as SMS and emails when not physically convenient e.g. when user is driving. A computer based server receives a message in the format of SMS, fax, e-mail, or phone message. The server identifies what format the message is in and displays a notification on a graphical user interface. Through integration with a speech ready IVR system user may select to listen to the message or read the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Weerawan Wongmanee
    Inventor: John Francis Baxter, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130089189
    Abstract: Intelligent call transcript systems and methods are disclosed. An intelligent call transcript system can create a transcript of a telephonic communication and supplement the transcript with additional information automatically or upon request. Additional information may be added when key words are detected, such as adding acronym expansion when an acronym is detected or adding identifying information to an important task when mention of the task is detected. Portions of the transcript may also be sent as messages, text-based or audio, upon detection of key words or at the instruction of a user or device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventor: AT&T Mobility II LLC
  • Patent number: 8416927
    Abstract: Methods and systems for limiting voicemail transcription. The methods include answering a forwarded call from a caller to a subscriber of the voicemail transcription service, outputting an audio message to the caller prompting for the caller to leave a voicemail message, recording the voicemail message from audio of the forwarded call, and transcribing the audio of the forwarded call into text. The step of transcribing may be limited according to one or more of the following criteria: the duration of the recording, the number of characters transcribed, the number of text messages generated and filled from transcribed text, the caller ID of the call, the time the call is received, and the duration of the transcription. The systems include a call handler and a transcriber. At least one of the methods may be embodied by a software product including instructions for executing the steps of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ditech Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: James Siminoff
  • Patent number: 8411826
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiying Jin, Wei Xia, Gerald Honma, Jo Ann Kagawa, Jianxiu Hao
  • Patent number: 8411830
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing targeted messages to a person using telephony services by generating user profile information from telephony data and using the user profile information to retrieve targeted messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: iCall, Inc.
    Inventors: Arlo Christopher Gilbert, Andrew Muldowney
  • Patent number: 8406791
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for receiving, categorically storing, and supplying different types of location-specific audio information to either fixed or mobile users. The audio information is categorically stored by geographical location. As users travel through different environments (i.e., cities, freeway systems, airports) they can access audio information that is specific to their geographical location. Users may also annotate locations with real-time audio information. This audio information is accessible to mobile users using cellular phones, or other transceivers, and by fixed users using phones or computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Daily, Kevin Martin, Timothy Hirzel
  • Patent number: 8402499
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
    Inventors: William E. Vallier, Joseph R. Schlesier, Andrew J. Bodart, Matthew J. Wylie
  • Patent number: 8385517
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a display and a processor connected to the display. The processor being configured to transmit at least one reply communication in response to an incoming communication, the at least one reply communication being formatted by the processor for a communication protocol that is different from a communication protocol of the incoming communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Atte Lahtiranta, Jari P. Hamalainen, Ilpo Karjalainen
  • Patent number: 8374316
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for employing speech recognition technology to recognize a number spoken during a telephone call and a voicemail message. A speech recognition and transcription (SRT) utility within a communication device (e.g., a telephone) detects spoken numbers (and spoken phrases which may be associated with telephone numbers), and transcribes the numbers into text. The SRT utility then determines whether a sequence of the transcribed spoken numbers is a telephone number. If the transcribed sequence of numbers is a telephone number, the SRT utility records the telephone number in a pre-specified “events” list (in the telephone) of the intended listener. Consequently, the recipient has the option of retrieving the recorded events (numbers) and communicating with other parties via the retrieved numbers. For example, these phone numbers may then be dialed, saved as contacts, and text messaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J. Burckart, Travis M. Grigsby, Andrew Ivory, Aaron K. Shook
  • Patent number: 8369843
    Abstract: A method for replying to an incoming communication received by a handheld electronic device comprises detecting an incoming communication, detecting a selection of one of a number of predetermined responses to the incoming communication and, responsive to detecting a selection, providing the one of said number of predetermined responses. An improved handheld electronic device implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Denis Fedotenko
  • Patent number: 8370141
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for converting analog data to digital data or digital data to analog data for enabling speech recognition processing on a portable data device are provided. The system includes at least one portable data device including an input module configured to receive analog audio signals; a processing module configured to convert the analog audio signals to digital audio data; a communication module configured to transmit the digital audio data to a remote processor and to receive digital text data from the remote processor; and a display module for displaying the received digital text data; the remote processor configured for receiving digital audio data, converting the digital audio data to digital text data and transmitting the converted digital text data to the at least one portable data device; and a communications network for coupling the remote processor to the at least one portable data device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Reagan Inventions, LLC
    Inventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 8363796
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for selecting IVR script and initiating that IVR script are provided. More specifically, playback of an IVR script to a user of a client endpoint can be initiated by an agent at a content sharing endpoint selecting, dragging, and dropping a representation of that IVR script onto a representation of the voice communication session. After initiation of the IVR script, the agent can drop off of the call, leaving the IVR system to interact with the client endpoint without requiring further agent involvement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Adkar, Amey Kulkarni, Paul Roller Michaelis, Anand Paithankar
  • Patent number: 8358752
    Abstract: Messages in a message system are converted from one format to another format in accordance with preferred message formats and/or conditions. Message formats can include text messages, multimedia messages, visual voicemail messages, and/or other audio/visual messages. Based on conditions such as recipient device location or velocity and a preferred message format a message can be converted into an appropriate transmission format and transmitted and/or communicated to the recipient in its appropriate format (e.g., text, multimedia, audio, etc. . . . ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Venson Shaw, Robert Z. Evora
  • Patent number: 8355484
    Abstract: A technique for masking latency in an automatic dialog system is provided. A communication is received from a user at the automatic dialog system. The communication is processed in the automatic dialog system to provide a response. At least one transitional message is provided to the user from the automatic dialog system while processing the communication. A response is provided to the user from the automatic dialog system in accordance with the received communication from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen Marie Eide, Wael Mohamed Hamza
  • Patent number: 8351581
    Abstract: Intelligent call transcript systems and methods are disclosed. An intelligent call transcript system can create a transcript of a telephonic communication and supplement the transcript with additional information automatically or upon request. Additional information may be added when key words are detected, such as adding acronym expansion when an acronym is detected or adding identifying information to an important task when mention of the task is detected. Portions of the transcript may also be sent as messages, text-based or audio, upon detection of key words or at the instruction of a user or device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Mikan, Justin McNamara, John Lewis, Fulvio Cenciarelli
  • Publication number: 20130003948
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at obtaining contextual information with a voicemail message. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that obtains additional contextual information that is not obtained automatically when a voicemail message is received. More specifically, the method includes automatically obtaining a first set of contextual information from a client associated with the caller when the caller is transferred to a voicemail system. Then a determination is made regarding whether the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained. If the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained, the requested information is obtained from a third-party service or by prompting the caller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Milstein, David A. Howell, Linda Criddle, Philip A. Chou, Timothy M. Moore
  • Patent number: 8345665
    Abstract: A method includes providing a user interface, at a mobile communication device, that includes a first area to receive text input and a second area to receive an identifier associated with an addressee device. The text input and the identifier are received via the user interface. A short message service (SMS) message including the text input is transmitted to a Text to Speech (TTS) server for conversion into an audio message and for transmission of the audio message to the addressee device associated with the identifier. An acknowledge message transmitted from the TTS server permits the addressee device to allow delivery of the audio message or to decline delivery of the audio message. The TTS server transmits the audio message in response to the addressee device allowing delivery of the audio message. A confirmation message is received from the TTS server that indicates that a reply voice message has been received from the addressee device in response to the audio message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Riccardo Vieri, Flavio Vieri
  • Patent number: 8345832
    Abstract: Textual preview of a voicemail is generated and provided through email or similar media to users along with the audio version. Transcription of the textual version, as well as additional capabilities such as actionable terms, playback-jump, switching between text and audio versions, direct or metadata based searchability, and enhanced response capabilities are provided based on contextual data obtained from voicemail metadata and user associated data stores such as contact list, email history.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Hamaker, Keith Herold, Michael Wilson, David Notario, Tom Millet