Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing, maintaining and accessing recording announcements in a telecommunications system. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises at least one central office coupled to a telecommunication network. An announcement service node comprising a data schema and an application for accessing the data schema is coupled to the telecommunications network. The announcement service node is accessible by one or more central offices coupled to the telecommunications network. A storage mass is coupled to the announcement service node for storing recorded announcements.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering a personal interactive voice response service. A personalized greeting is retrieved that is associated with a calling party and with a called party. The calling party's response to the greeting is received, and stored information is retrieved that is associated with the calling party's response and with the called party. The stored information is presented to the calling party.

Abstract: The present invention enables service agents in a call center to monitor portions of calls that are especially error-prone (e.g., automated speech recognition of an address, etc.), while portions of calls that are not error-prone occur without any human monitoring. An interactive voice response (IVR) system script (e.g., a VXML script, etc.) is divided into a plurality of independent dialog sequences, each of which is assigned a human-monitoring requirement that indicates whether (and optionally, to what degree) the dialog sequence requires monitoring by a service agent. In the first illustrative embodiment, a partial ordering enables some dialog sequences to appear in a different order in that of the IVR script when it is advantageous to do so. In the second illustrative embodiment, each dialog sequence that requires human monitoring is recorded and packaged into an agent-review task that is subsequently sent to an available service agent for review.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture that improves the chance of getting an answer to a broadcast chat by sending the messages in subscribers in periodically delayed groups. If a group of subscribers does not produce enough suitable answers, the present invention will then rebroadcast the inquiry to another group of subscribers. This process will continue until enough suitable answers are received.

Abstract: A system and method for voice activated dialing (VAD) using an intelligent peripheral (IP), such as a service circuit node (SCN) in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). This invention preserves subscriber preferences for certain attributes including preferred interexchange carrier (PIC) and billing information, without the need for data replication within either the IP or the service switching point (SSP) hosting the IP. Additionally, call routing within the network is optimized and the need for double trunking is eliminated because the IP drops the call back to the originating SSP, from which the call is then routed.

Abstract: A system and method to enable instant collaboration between a user of an instant messaging network and a user of a communications network can include the steps of connecting the instant messaging network and the communications network via a data network; providing a processor in the data network for: receiving a text message having a designation for text-to-speech conversion via an instant messaging server of the instant messaging network, wherein the text message is intended for a phone coupled to a voicemail system of the communications network; recognizing the designation; converting the text message to a voice message; calling the phone; delivering the voice message to the voicemail system; enabling a scheduled delivery of the voice message to a user of the phone; and delivering the voice message to the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a geographic location of a called party based on a phone number of the called party, entered by a calling party, and prompting the calling party with at least one spoken language based on the geographic location of the called party.

Abstract: A system and method for a caller identification voice announce. The caller identification voice announce is associated with a calling party. An identifier of an incoming calls is translated to the associated caller identification voice announce. The caller identification voice announce associated with the calling party is played in response to receiving the incoming call from the calling party.

Abstract: Conference calls are handled using distributed processing. In one embodiment, the invention includes receiving sets of telephone audio signals from conference subnodes, the telephone audio signals corresponding to subscribers of the conference call, selecting an output set of telephone audio signals from all of the received telephone audio signals, and transmitting the output set to the conference subnodes. In another embodiment, the invention includes receiving a set of telephone audio signals, each signal being received from a subscriber node of a single conference call, selecting a subset of the set of signals, transmitting the selected subset of signals to a conference node, receiving a second set of telephone audio signals from the conference node, and transmitting the second set to the subscriber nodes.

Abstract: A recorded voice message having a first length and a background sound having a second length longer than the first length are received. The first length of the recorded voice message is determined. The level of a portion of the background sound is lowered, the lowered portion having a length that is substantially the same as the first length. The recorded voice message and the lowered portion of the background sound are interleaved. The length of the background sound is adjusted to the first length plus a third length.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an audio representation of a name includes providing a list of a plurality of users of a network and respective presence information regarding each of the plurality of users; receiving a request from an endpoint to receive an audio representation of a name of a particular user of the plurality of users, and providing the audio representation to the endpoint. Moreover, the audio representation of the name at least generally approximates a pronunciation of the name as pronounced by the particular user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described in which spoken voice prompts can be produced in a manner such that they will most likely have the desired effect, for example to indicate empathy, or produce a desired follow-up action from a call recipient. The prompts can be produced with specific optimized speech parameters, including duration, gender of speaker, and pitch, so as to encourage participation and promote comprehension among a wide range of patients or listeners. Upon hearing such voice prompts, patients/listeners can know immediately when they are being asked questions that they are expected to answer, and when they are being given information, as well as the information that considered sensitive.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating communication between a first user and a second user in which contact information is received for said second user at a presence query task, via an adjunct application server. The presence status of the second user is checked and sent to the adjunct application server. The presence status is then provided from the adjunct application server, through a telephony switch to the first user. The presence status is provided to the first user in the form of an audible indication.

Abstract: A method comprises recognizing, at a switch, tones generated by an originating telephone line, the tones representing a common number associated with a called party and assigned to two telephone lines, identifying, at the switch, the two telephone lines assigned to the common number, causing a first telephone line of the two telephone lines to ring, causing a second telephone line of the two telephone lines to ring substantially simultaneously with but slightly behind the first telephone line, and awaiting the called party to answer one of the two telephone lines.

Abstract: An operator network is capable of routing incoming customer care calls to specific customer care representatives based on a subscriber profile and customer service representative (CSR) skill set. The device profile is retrieved from the mobile handset while the incoming customer care call is in a queue waiting to be connected to a CSR. The retrieved device profile is also used to determine an appropriate CSR to handle an incoming customer care call.

Abstract: A communication system has a plurality of user terminals, operable by a corresponding pourality of users, connecting means, a “personal assistant” server and a “personal assistant” terminal. The “personal assistant” terminal is connected to the “personal assistant” server and operated by a human “personal assistant”. Any of the users, using his(her) user terminal, can contact (call) the human assistant, via the personal assistant terminal, to obtain information and/or other services. The server is connected to a user database which contains user data for all the users, with that data containing user-specific data and settings. The server, on detecting a call from any one of the user terminals to the personal assistant terminal, accesses the user data form the database and associated with the calling user. That data is provided to the personal assistant terminal.

Abstract: A voice based information system configurable to serve and facilitate efficient voice messaging, voice based parameters, voice based reporting, voice based calendaring, and voice retailing includes systems that use some voice capable device (1) that provides information to an interface (2) for additional processing by some or all of various elements (3) to (8) perhaps with an output generator (9) for delivery to a user or system (10). Configurations for different functions and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A conferencing system enables conference participants to control external party access to an ongoing conference call by providing a conference server that includes a conference client operable to manage a conference call between conference participants, an interface operable to receive an instruction during the conference call that defines a policy to control external party access to the conference call and a processor for executing the conference client to initiate the conference call and process the instruction.

Abstract: A communication architecture for delivery of grammar and speech related information such as text-to-speech (TTS) data to a speech recognition server operating with a wireless telecommunication system for use with automatic speech recognition and interactive voice-based applications. In the invention, a mobile client retrieves a Web page containing multi-modal content hosted on a origin server via WAP gateway. The content may include a grammar file and/or TTS strings embedded in the content or reference URL(s) pointing to their storage locations. The client then sends the grammar and/or TTS strings to a speech recognition server via a wireless packet streaming protocol channel. When URL(s) are received by the client and sent to the SRS, the grammar file and/or TTS strings are obtained via a high speed HTTP connection. The speech processing results and the synthesized speech are returned to the client over the established wireless UDP connection.

Abstract: A method and system for automating the creation of customer-centric interfaces includes a customer-centric interface system automatically creating a customer-centric interface, a collection engine, a customer language engine, a task frequency engine, a customer structure engine, and a customer performance engine. The collection engine collects a plurality of customer intention information. The customer language engine utilizes the customer intention information to create customer-centric menu prompts using the customers own terminology and action specific object words. The task frequency engine determines a frequency of occurrence for the tasks for which the customers contact the customer-centric interface and orders the tasks within the customer-centric interface. The customer structure engine determines how the customers relate the tasks together and groups the tasks according to task relationships.

Abstract: A method (10) and system (200) for personalized voice dialogue can include tracking (12) a user's use of voice dialogue states or transitions and progressively offering (16) a user more efficient voice dialogue transitions or states such as voice dialogue transition or states having fewer and fewer words. The tracking of dialog states or transitions can include tracking (14) of repeated use of the dialogue states or transitions. A user can be prompted to create a new transition or state. The prompting (18) and confirmation and verification (20) by the user of a new transition or state can be done using SCXML language. The method can further include instantiating (21) the new transition or state with voice tags or words and performing (22) speech recognition using the new transition or state. The method can again determine (23) if the new transition or state is a repeat transition or state.

Abstract: A method for an automated voice response system to present access numbers to dial-up Internet users. The automated voice response system can perform the step of establishing a telephony communication with a party responsive to a received telephone call from the party. An indicator a service region within which dial-up Internet access is requested can be received by the automated voice response system. At least one data store can be queried for access numbers associated with the service region. A response to the querying step can be dynamically generated. The generated response can be customized specifically for the telephony communication. When the response includes at least one access number, the included access number or numbers can be presented to the party across the telephone communication.

Abstract: A method of coordinating audiovisual content with contact list information includes recording an audio message in relationship with the audiovisual content. The audio message is matched with a contact list entry from a plurality of contact list entries and the audiovisual content is associated with the matched contact list entry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a computer and telecommunication network which can receive, send and manage information from or to a subscriber of the network, based on the subscriber's configuration. The network is made up of at least one cluster containing voice servers which allow for telephony, speech recognition, text-to-speech and conferencing functions, and is accessible by the subscriber through standard telephone connections or through internet connections. The network also utilizes a database and file server allowing the subscriber to maintain and manage certain contact lists and administrative information. A web server is also connected to the cluster thereby allowing access to all functions through internet connections.

Abstract: Message delivery system primarily for answering machines which provides a realistic sounding recorded message containing an individualized personal greeting which can be delivered onto one or more answering machines. This automated method of delivering a recorded personalized information message via an automated dialing system to automated recorders involves a series of steps of: forming a database of first names, determining frequency of occurrence of greatest number of the first names in the database; recording individual personal greetings to the first names having the greatest frequency of occurrence and, playing the individualized personally greeting without truncation onto answering machines associated with the first names having the greatest frequency of occurrence. This system provides a preliminary personalized greeting to the beginning of the generic message being delivered so that the recipient believes the message is coming from a real person.

Abstract: A setting window that is displayed when a mail tab is selected includes check boxes for selecting items to read when an electronic mail is read, and a check box and a drop-down list box for setting automatic checking of electronic mails. Contents corresponding to checked boxes among the check boxes are converted into speech data. Furthermore, the contents corresponding to the checked boxes among the check boxes, except for the body of the electronic mail, are used for generating a title to be added when the speech data is output to an external apparatus, etc. If none of the check boxes is checked, a predetermined character string is set as a title.

Abstract: A server or software program implemented on a third-party server to facilitate incoming and outgoing calls in a mobile communication system is provided. Users can access information in a corporate information system (“CIS”) through a plurality of speech terminals coupled to the server through a communications network. The information may be accessed using voice or digital signals. Conferencing with other users is also made available through the server. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method is provide for using a communication device which comprises a plurality of ports adapted to receive a plurality of communication sessions. The method comprises the steps of identifying subscribers having at least a first common characteristic, retrieving real time updated information applicable to the identified subscribers and broadcasting to these subscribers a message based on the real time updated information retrieved via designated ports connected to the communication device, wherein the number of designated ports is less than the number of ports utilized by these subscribers.

Abstract: Messages from a remote telephone set are automatically recorded as automatically recorded data by an answering function. An e-mail transmission/reception unit stores e-mail received from an e-mail server in a received mail file. An automatically recorded message and voice data obtained by converting the text data of received e-mail into voice data by a voice synthesizing unit are transferred to a transfer destination on the basis of information indicating whether or not to transfer the e-mail and automatically recorded message.

Abstract: A system to allow a conferee defined as a nuisance source to respond to an automatic nuisance decision of a Multipoint Control Unit is disclosed. For example, a conferee placing a conference on hold may generate on hold music, which may be identified by a nuisance detector. The nuisance detector sends an indication of the nuisance condition to a control unit in the MCU. The control unit mutes the signal coming from this conferee and sends an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) message to the conferee. The message may inform the conferee that he has been muted and requests the conferee for example to press one of a plurality of touch tone keys depending on his situation. For instance, the conferee can select particular keys if he is returning from the hold condition, if he is experiencing a noisy line/environment and needs to reduce the sensitivity of the nuisance detector algorithm, or if he wishes to disable the nuisance detector algorithm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing inbound and outbound voice services. The invention may be used in conjunction with a system for the creation and automatic deployment of personalized, dynamic and interactive voice services, including information derived from on-line analytical processing (OLAP) systems and other data repositories. More specifically, the invention enables personalized delivery of (outbound calling) and accessing of (inbound calling) information in real-time, via natural language voice communication with a voice-enabled terminal device.

Abstract: With interactive voice response services, it can be frustrating for a user to become stuck in a dialogue where the same question is asked repetitively. Here the wording of questions used by the system are varied throughout the dialogue depending upon how many times a user has visited a particular dialogue state during the call history. Furthermore the wording of the question is also varied in dependence upon the way in which the question was asked the last time the user was in a particular dialogue state.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for wireless transmission of messages between a vehicle-internal communication system and a vehicle-external central computer, the vehicle-internal communication system has acoustic output unit for the playback of a received message. In the vehicle-external central computer, the message, which is at first present in text form and is to be sent to the vehicle-internal communication system, is transformed into a phonetic transcription; the phonetic transcription, is then transmitted to the vehicle-internal communication system. In the vehicle internal communication system, the phonetic transcription is transformed to speech and is emitted via the acoustic output unit. Spoken messages from a vehicle occupant are recorded via an acoustic input unit, processed and transmitted to the central computer by reversal of the same process.

Abstract: A Voice Extensible Markup Language (VXML) based voicemail system that has a distributed architecture is disclosed. The VXML voicemail system includes a media server and an application server. The media server is in communication with a telephone network. The media server receives a telephone call through the telephone network and invokes a voicemail service of the voicemail system by sending a request to an application server. The application server is adapted to generate a Voice Extensible Markup Language (VXML) page in response to receiving the request and provide the media server with the VXML page to the media server, wherein the media server renders at least a portion of the VXML page. Methods for implementing VXML based voicemail systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing prioritized access to a messaging system includes receiving at an access controller for a messaging system a request for connection by a user to the messaging system. The access controller determines whether the messaging system is available. The access controller further queues the request if the messaging system is not available.

Abstract: Disclosed are data transmission-reception system and data transmission method, in which a communication system includes: a first communication device for transmitting outgoing data including content identification data, transmitting party identification data, receiving party identification data, and date and time data; a second communication device for receiving the outgoing data and for transmitting content data identified by the content identification data to a receiving party identified by the receiving party identification data at a date and time corresponding to the date and time data; and a third communication device for receiving and reproducing the content data transmitted from the second communication device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for creating and utilizing caller-specific memory locations or folders within a single voicemail box of a telecommunications network-based voicemail system. A subscriber to voicemail services sets up a plurality of caller-specific memory locations or folders within her voicemail box for directing incoming messages to particular folders. Preferably, the folders are specific to particular callers based on the caller directory number or caller ID. The subscriber assigns a given folder with directory numbers of callers known to be associated with that folder. When a call comes in to the voicemail system with a directory number associated with a given folder, the voice message from that call is directed to and saved in the associated folder. If desired, personal identification numbers (PIN) may be assigned to each folder to control access to messages saved therein.

Abstract: Upon receiving a service code from a calling party, a list of parties previously called by the calling party is retrieved. An audio message is generated based on the list, and communicated to the calling party. A dialed input indicating a selected party from the list is received from the calling party. Based on the dialed input, a call between the calling party and the selected party is initiated.

Abstract: A voice-mail platform in which a voice message can be combined with a sound sample such that the combined message contains background noise to enhance the persuasiveness of the message. The voice message and the sound sample may be stored either together or separately and can be forwarded from an original recipient to a third party recipient with or without the sound sample. The voice message can be recorded while the user is listening to the selected sound sample. Further, a user can store a personal audio stationary to select sound samples which accompany voice messages.

Abstract: A voice mail system that allows for the delivery of voice messages by chunks, thereby optimizing the delivery of the information. When a subscriber attempts to listen to his or her voice mail message, the header information for the first voice mail message is down loaded and played back to the subscriber. While the subscriber listens to the header information, the next two blocks of data of the voice message are downloaded. Upon the completion of the playback of the header information, the first two blocks of the voice mail message are available for playback and the first block is immediately available for playback. As the subscriber listens to the voice mail message subsequent blocks of the first voice mail message, and optionally header information and blocks of subsequent voice mail messages are simultaneously down loaded.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide ECTF S.100-like functionality for H.248/Megaco-controlled media gateways and/or media servers by defining extensions to several of the H.248/Megaco ARFs, which are permissible within that protocol, to allow terminations within a media gateway more advanced media processing capabilities.

Abstract: A user-requested command with both visual and hearing information is indicated. Additionally, with a user friendly method, the user understands what content to input. The user-requested command is expressed in the form of a template sentence. Template part in the template sentence is vocalized, and a slot area in the template sentence is expressed using a sound or voice. The user inputs his or her voice to be input to the slot area.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying whether a communicating party is a person or an automated device is provided. The identification system determines whether a person or an automated device is currently providing audio of the communication. When the identification is to be determined, the identification system outputs an audio signal to the party. The identification system monitors the input audio signal from the party to determine whether a person or an automated device is providing the input audio. The identification system makes this determination based on whether there is simultaneous sound on the input audio signal and the output audio signal. The greater the amount of simultaneous sound, the greater the likelihood that the party is an automated device.

Abstract: An enhanced Voice extensible Markup Language (VXML) based voicemail system that has a distributed architecture and methods for implementing enhanced VXML based voicemail systems are disclosed. The voicemail system includes a media server, which is in communication with a telephone network. The media server is adapted to invoke a voicemail service of the distributed voicemail system and adapted to render at least a first portion of a Voice extensible Markup Language (VXML) page. An application server, which is in communication with the media server, is adapted to generate a VXML page and provide the VXML page to the media server. The XVML page has a tag embedded therein, and the media server processes the tag. A voicemail-account monitorer, which monitors at least a portion of the voicemail system, is invoked by the media server processing the tag.

Abstract: A method of aggregating interactive voice response services from a plurality of interactive voice response systems can include, for at least one caller, storing service information for a plurality of services within an interactive voice response system. Each service can be accessible through a corresponding one of the plurality of interactive voice response systems. The method further can include receiving a call from the caller and receiving an input from the caller over the call, wherein the input identifies at least one of the plurality of services and corresponding interactive voice response systems. The method also can include accessing the interactive voice response system corresponding to the identified service on behalf of the caller, retrieving information from the interactive voice response system, and providing the retrieved information to the caller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for creating, scheduling and delivering messages. A message having a first audio component is generated in response to input from a user. The input includes words entered by the user. The first audio component is operable to facilitate audible playback of the words. Delivery of the message at a future time to a communication device is scheduled in response to specification of the future time by the user. A connection to the communication device is established at the future time via a communications network. The message is transmitted over the connection such that the words associated with the first audio component of the message are audible via the communication device.

Abstract: A system for providing voicemail services includes a network device that receives voicemail messages intended for subscribers. The subscribers may be associated with a number of different local telephone service providers. The network device also stores the voicemail messages for later retrieval by the subscribers.

Abstract: A method includes receiving signals comprising at least one of voice information and text teletype information. The method also includes determining whether at least some of the signals contain text teletype information. The method further includes coding any of the signals containing text teletype information using a text teletype coder. In addition, the method includes coding any of the signals containing voice information using a voice coder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for audible caller identification with nametag storage. A call signal is received, the call signal including an automatic number identification. A determination is made whether the automatic number identification matches a nametag-identified number on a nametag list stored in a telematics unit. An audible user action identification message is sent based on the determination. Monitoring for a user voice response to the audible user action identification message is performed. A determination is made whether to connect the call signal based on a received user voice response. The call signal is sent to a voice mail system or sent to a phone based on the received user voice response. An audible nametag storage message is sent. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for audible caller identification with nametag storage.

Abstract: Personalized media is generated by obtaining a master clip having predefined insert points, obtaining an insert clip, seamlessly merging the insert clip into the selected master clip to generate a personalized media clip with undetectable transitions between spliced clips. An insert clip is utilized for purposes of adding variables such as a name, place, time, gender, product name or any other desirable information to a master clip. Dynamic context data may be added and transmitted to a client playback device. This distribution process may be in real-time or asynchronous until requested. The playback device may use the clip for ring tone, ringback tone or voice message or any other purpose. Although the contents of the master clip and/or the insert clip may use any voice including the originator's voice, celebrity voices or the voices of celebrity impersonators may be utilized. The master clip and insert clip may be seamlessly merged using uncompressed or compressed data in given formats.