Abstract: Personalized agent services are provided in a personal messaging device, such as a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant, through services of a speech recognizer that converts speech into text and a text-to-speech synthesizer that converts text to speech. Both recognizer and synthesizer may be server-based or locally deployed within the device. The user dictates an e-mail message which is converted to text and stored. The stored text is sent back to the user as text or as synthesized speech, to allow the user to edit the message and correct transcription errors before sending as e-mail. The system includes a summarization module that prepares short summaries of incoming e-mail and voice mail. The user may access these summaries, and retrieve and organize email and voice mail using speech commands.

Abstract: A system and method for generating revenue from providing pages of voice content when users input a voice code corresponding to that content. Voice codes (“VCodes”) have content stored corresponding thereto and when users view publicly displayed VCodes in proximity to an object, attraction or subject, the users may selectively access the stored content via telephone by calling a central number and entering the VCode or verbally describing the object, attraction or subject, in which case the verbal description is associated with a VCode or collection of VCodes. A fee is collected based on the information retrieved and may be distributed between participants within the voice network access provider system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in connection with supplementary services provided by different vendors, especially the interaction thereof, which supplementary services comprise appropriate standards and protocols, and for the purpose of giving the user a larger ability to influence the supplementary services in question, as well as improving the possibility for vendors to arrive at general standards which are more easy to interpret and which will reduce or eliminate the need of long interoperability tests, it is according to the present invention suggested to use Java as a new media channel, meaning that the arrangement further comprises means for the user to publish service information, advertisements and options to the remote user.

Abstract: A method and implementing processing system are provided in which, in addition to normal playback modes, users of voice mail devices are enabled to select a vignette playback mode in which shortened versions of received messages are played back to the user. In one embodiment, a user is able to have the shortened versions or vignettes played back sequentially without interruption. In another embodiment, the user may select to pause after each playback in order to manage or otherwise dispose of the played message. In yet another embodiment, the user is enabled to select vignette mode playback default values including, but not limited to, selecting which portion of received messages are to be played back, and the duration of each vignette message playback. The user is also enabled to input new vignette playback values in place of the default values for each received message or group of received messages.

Abstract: A personal Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system includes a plurality of IVR servers communicating personal IVR service node information in a network and a plurality of personal IVR service node clients coupled to the plurality of IVR servers communicating the personal IVR service node information. The plurality of personal IVR service node clients have a client-server relationship with the plurality of IVR servers. The personal IVR system further includes facilities for managing transmission of the personal IVR service node information using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

Abstract: A telephone-based information announcement system provides a mouse-like selection means for user browsing, selection, and editing of audio information messages, for reducing user dependence on guidance regarding the use of the keypad, and for general purpose system control. The user presses any number on the right side of the keypad to go forward through an ordered list of messages, and any number on the left side of the keypad to go back. To link to a message in another list, the user presses 2.

Abstract: A system and method for performing independent third party verification utilizes an automated system for posing questions to a customer and for recording and analyzing the customer's responses to those questions. The system could include a voice synthesizer or an audio player for posing oral questions to a customer. The system could also include voice recognition capabilities to analyze a customer's oral responses to questions. The system could also be provided with the capability to analyze a series of customer responses and to create an automated score to confirm or deny the verification process. The system could further include a live operator interface to allow a live operator to quickly review only the customer's responses to a series of verification questions. The live operator's analysis of the customer responses could be compared to the automated analysis as a further check on the verification process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for 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 relates to a system and method that enable personalized delivery of information in real-time, via natural language voice communication with a voice-enabled terminal device. The system and method combines personalized information broadcast technology with an active voice page. An active voice page is created by the system, stored in a call database and used to generate dynamic voice menus. A call server retrieves the AVP from the call database and delivers the content of the service by dialing a subscriber's telephone number, speaking message text to the subscriber and recording the subscriber's input in response to the call menus. A unique AVP is generated for each subscriber scheduled to receive voice service content.

Abstract: A personal Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system includes a plurality of IVR servers communicating personal IVR service node information in a network and a plurality of personal IVR service node clients coupled to the plurality of IVR servers communicating the personal IVR service node information. The plurality of personal IVR service node clients have a client-server relationship with the plurality of IVR servers. The personal IVR system further includes facilities for managing transmission of the personal IVR service node information using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

Abstract: An electronic record is stored of an agreement between first and second parties for provision of voice mailboxes. An electronic voice mailbox configuration message for configuration of a voice mailbox for a third party is then received. The voice mailbox is automatically configured responsive to the received voice mailbox configuration message based on the stored electronic record of the agreement. For example, the voice mailbox may be configured to control access to the voice mailbox by the third party and/or configure a voice mailbox feature, such as a mailbox type, a pager notification feature, an operator zero out feature, a child mailbox feature, or a line sharing feature. The voice mailbox configuration message may be a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) message that is received over a data communications network.

Abstract: A call center system for enabling communication between callers and subscribers. The call center system includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a virtual call center operable to receive calls from callers via the PSTN. The virtual call center performs Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Automated Call Distributor (ACD) functions to the callers on behalf of subscribers of the virtual call center for enabling communication between the callers and the subscribers. The virtual call center performs IVR and ACD functions to callers on behalf of each subscriber based on a service level agreement between each subscriber and the virtual call center. The virtual call center performs IVR functions associated with a subscriber for a caller to access information from the subscriber and for a caller to provide information to the subscriber. The virtual call center performs ACD functions associated with the subscriber to connect the caller with an agent of the subscriber.

Abstract: In providing an information assistance service in a call by a user, the context of the call is ascertained. Context information is derived from information exchanges during the call. Inferences as to types of advertisement pertinent to the user location, event, etc. are drawn based on the context information. Pertinent advertisements, which may be further individualized based on personal preferences, are provided to the user at the conclusion of the call, or otherwise transmitted to the user via voicemail, SMS, email, WAP, paging, facsimile, instant messaging, text messaging, picture phone, video phone, etc.

Abstract: A telephone message system accessible to a calling party attempting to reach a called party is disclosed. The system includes a carrier switch configured to route telephone calls via a public switched telephone network, and a message server associated with the calling party and independent of the called party, wherein the message server is configured to record a message from the calling party and to deliver the message to the called party, and wherein the carrier switch is configured to selectively route the calling party to the message server.

Abstract: A method provides customized voice mail settings feature information to a telecommunications service subscriber. The method includes customizing a list of persistent settings features to include multiple persistent settings features that relate to telecommunications services subscribed to by the telecommunications service subscriber. The persistent settings features are maintained in a defined state through more than one subscriber session. The subscriber is sequentially prompted to select a persistent settings feature from the customized list by sequentially playing each of the persistent settings features to the subscriber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method according to which, in a speech-based service, a link is established between a user of said service and a speech service network server. According to the inventive method, the user of the service uses a short call number and a designation of the service to utilize said service. Using said short call number, the user establishes a link with the speech service network server and utilizes the designation of the service in the speech service network server to identify and start the service. The inventive system is particularly flexible when call numbers or services are changed, for the marketing of services and for the use of mnemonically obvious service designations.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing an interface system. The method includes receiving a call from a customer at a call center, and logging a reason the customer is calling the call center. Subsequently, reasons from multiple customers are collected and categorized into task categories to be performed by the interface system. Menu options can then be designed based upon the task categories. The menu options include some of the language the customers used to express the reason for calling the call center. Performance of the interface system is evaluated by using cumulative response time (CRT), which is a total time a user interfaces with the system, and routing accuracy. The routing accuracy accounts for whether the user successfully navigated the interface system to a correct destination, whether the user navigated to an incorrect destination, and whether the user did not navigate to any destination.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and structures are discussed that enhance media processing. One aspect of the present invention includes a data structure to enhance media processing. The data structure includes a terminal data structure to instantiate terminal objects and a speech recognition terminal data structure that extends the terminal data structure. Another aspect of the present invention includes a data structure to enhance media processing. This data structure includes a terminal data structure to instantiate terminal objects and a speech generation terminal data structure that extends the terminal data structure. These data structures may be used to implement an internet protocol interactive voice response system, an internet protocol unified message system, and speech-enabled Web applications.

Abstract: A method and operation for a call announcement service which answers incoming phone calls. The system retrieves identifying information about the calling party and provides that information to the called party. The called party can choose from several options for answering the call, such as completing the call with the calling party, sending the calling party to voice mail or terminating the call. In an alternative embodiment, the calling party can be notified that they have dialed a cellular phone customer, and can be provided the option of accepting the called party's cellular phone charges.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer program product and service are described for a voice operated directory dialler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the one-time only call preventing device of a portable telephone set, and it particularly aims to provide a device preventing one-time only calls without answering to an unpleasant call by charging its originator for a one-time only call. For example, if a one-time only call arrives, a telephone directory database is retrieved. If the originating number of the one-time only call is not registered in the telephone directory database, or if the number is for a call set to a zero-calling time even though it is registered in the telephone directory database, the one-time only coping process of the present invention is performed. By adopting such a configuration, one-time only calls can be prevented and also answering to such unpleasant calls can be done without.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive telephony interface for a user via a telephony terminal. Upon initiating an interaction with the telephony terminal, a session is provided between the telephony terminal and an interactive control system (ICS), which is capable of responding to commands for requested services from the user and initiating those services. The services can range from initiating a telephone call from the telephony terminal to requesting retrieval of information or triggering any number of actions. The provision of such services may be initiated by accessing service logic from within the ICS or within remote servers accessible by the ICS. The user may request multiple services at any given time, and the ICS will respond by initiating the services during a single telephony interaction. The ICS is also capable of providing unsolicited information, such as advertisements, to the user while waiting for the requested services to be provided.

Abstract: A method for delivering voice messages comprising receiving at least one recipient name from a user, locating at least one recipient phone number correlated to the recipient name, receiving at least one message from the user, linking the message to the recipient phone number, receiving a termination code from the user, initiating a telecommunication connection with the recipient responsive to the termination code and transmitting the message upon establishment of the telecommunication connection.

Abstract: A wireless communications system providing interactive voice response is disclosed. The system is menu driven, and can accept information as well as deliver information to the customer in the form of prompts or prompt information. The system includes provisions that permit customers to vary the prompt information. In prompt information can be varied in a number ways, including the method of delivery, the content, pre or post-call prompts, and the frequency in which the prompt information is delivered.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive message communication, including the steps of receiving a marked up e-mail by an interactive voice response system, the marked up e-mail containing a menu, converting the menu from text speech, producing a speech menu, reading the speech menu from the interactive voice response system to a telephone unit, and transmitting a response to the marked up e-mail based on the speech menu.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic calling system which analyzes the contents of detected voice on a called line and controls the operation of the calling system dependent upon the analyzed context. In one embodiment, the content is analyzed based on typically expected grammars, at least some of which may be unique to the called party. In another embodiment, upon answer detection, the called party is probed, for example by playing one or more messages, and action is taken dependent upon analyzed responses from the called line.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conversational computing and, in particular, to systems and methods for building distributed conversational applications using a Web services-based model wherein speech engines (e.g., speech recognition) and audio I/O systems are programmable services that can be asynchronously programmed by an application using a standard, extensible SERCP (speech engine remote control protocol), to thereby provide scalable and flexible IP-based architectures that enable deployment of the same application or application development environment across a wide range of voice processing platforms and networks/gateways (e.g., PSTN (public switched telephone network), Wireless, Internet, and VoIP (voice over IP)). Systems and methods are further provided for dynamically allocating, assigning, configuring and controlling speech resources such as speech engines, speech pre/post processing systems, audio subsystems, and exchanges between speech engines using SERCP in a web service-based framework.

Abstract: A computerized call logger using a computer having a sound conversion card, which may be a voice modem or a Sound Blaster® compatible card, is used as an input device for receiving voice recordings, such as telephone calls, in digital form. The voice recordings are subsequently compressed and uploaded to a central server where the recordings may be automatically assigned filenames, which are maintained in a database such that a number of computers may be used for logging while a single database may be used to retain information about all logged calls. The server allows authorized remote users to search, retrieve, copy and play recorded calls, from any Internet enabled device, while ensuring that unauthorized users are not granted access to calls. Further, the present invention includes means and apparatus for sending individual calls to recipients via electronic mail and exchanging voice messages over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A voice processing complex has a plurality of host machines, each host machine supporting one or more voice applications, at least one host in the complex including telephony hardware for providing access to a plurality of telephone lines. Such a host provides telephony functions to the complex. This is achieved by maintaining a mapping of voice applications to telephone lines, and creating a call object in response to an incoming call on one of the lines. It is then determined which voice application to associate with the incoming call on the basis of this mapping, and an identifier to the call object is then passed to the determined voice application. Thereafter the call object is responsive to requests from this voice application for providing telephony functions for the call. This includes receiving a media object from the voice processing application which represents desired output over a telephone line.

Abstract: A system and method is described for entering a voice messaging system when a telephone set goes off-hook. If no voice message is waiting, a dial tone is provided to the telephone set. If a message is waiting, a prompt is activated by a telephone system indicating that such message is waiting, and the subscriber is then prompted to listen to the waiting message. If the subscriber does not wish to listen to the waiting message, he can place a conventional telephone call. If the subscriber chooses to listen to the waiting message (e.g., by entering “*” or saying “yes”), control is passed to the voice messaging system and the message is delivered to the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and system for accomplishing real-time queries in conjunction with interactive, real-time, voice transmission of information to a user is disclosed. A voice-based communication between a user and a first system is established and a report is transmitted to the user. The report might comprise information and at least one request for user input based on said information. In response to the report, the user can request that additional queries be run against database or other data repository. The requested is drawn from the database automatically, in real-time by connecting to the database.

Abstract: A communications terminal equipment according to the invention is a communications terminal equipment connected to a single communication circuit for use by a plurality of users, comprising an extension number database which is a first database, provided in a memory, a processor, and a speech output unit. Respective names of cataloged users of the communications terminal equipment and numbers corresponding to the respective names of the cataloged users are stored (cataloged) in the extension number database as cataloged extension numbers. The processor receives a designated cataloged extension number, as designated and inputted by a caller, and identify the name of a target call receiver by referring the designated cataloged extension number to the cataloged extension numbers in the extension number database.

Abstract: A dynamic voice user interface system is provided. The dynamic voice user interface system interacts with a user at a first level of formality. The voice user interface system then monitors history of user interaction and adjusts the voice user interface to interact with the user with a second level of formality based on the history of user interaction.

Abstract: Predictive dialing system (100) and method is disclosed. Telephone numbers from a call list (FIG. 2) are automatically dialed and response received is analyzed. Message content in the response is detected using a speech recognizer and one or more follow-up actions based on the message content are performed. The follow-up actions may include rescheduling the call if the telephone number dialed is busy, not answering, or otherwise not working. Another follow-up action may include dynamically updating the list of telephone numbers in the call list, for example, if an operator message indicating that the phone number is no longer in service or that phone number has changed to a new number. Yet another follow-up action may include transferring the call to a live agent, for example, if a live greeting is received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telephone system and method for use by a residential user. A residential telephone system is electrically coupled to an external telephone service facility and electrically coupled to a user telephone. The system comprises a telephone service facility interface for receiving an incoming call signal from the external telephone service facility and a user telephone interface for transmitting the incoming call signal to the user telephone and for receiving an administrative signal from the user telephone. The system also comprises a memory and a messaging module for storing in the memory a calling party message received from a calling party in the incoming call signal.

Abstract: A network device has a voice mail module adapted to provide voice mail functionality for calls of a first type directed to the network device. The calls of the first type are originally intended for the network device. The voice mail module also provides voice mail functionality for calls of a second type directed to the network device. The calls of the second type are originally intended for one or more other network devices in respect of which the network device has been designated as a backup. In a system having such network devices, voice mail functionality may be provided locally at the network devices. The network devices may be implemented as telephones. In the event that a network device is no longer available on the network, another network device designated as a backup network device takes voice mail messages for the network device that is unavailable. This significantly improves overall system reliability and availability.

Abstract: A technique for processing telephone calls from a plurality of telephone sources in a vehicle audio system suitably includes providing a first call using a first one of the telephone sources to a user via the vehicle audio system, notifying the user of a second call received via a second one of the telephone sources while the first call is active, and processing an instruction from the user to either suspend the first call and accept the second call or to continue providing the first call. The technique may be implemented in a vehicle audio system that includes an onboard telephone, and may be adapted to work with wireless or other portable telephones carried by drivers and passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract: A communications terminal equipment according to the invention is a communications terminal equipment connected to a single communication circuit for use by a plurality of users, comprising an extension number database which is a first database, provided in a memory, a processor, and a speech output unit. Respective names of cataloged users of the communications terminal equipment and numbers corresponding to the respective names of the cataloged users are stored (cataloged) in the extension number database as cataloged extension numbers. The processor receives a designated cataloged extension number, as designated and inputted by a caller, and identify the name of a target call receiver by referring the designated cataloged extension number to the cataloged extension numbers in the extension number database.

Abstract: A network element, such as a service control point, in a telecommunication network controls the playing of promotional announcements to subscribers and provides for the collection of input from subscribers, such as a DTMF tone, in response to the announcements and action based on subscriber input. Stored subscriber records allow the selection and periodicity of announcements to be customized.

Abstract: In an audible message subscription service, a method includes identifying recipients who have elected to subscribe to audible messages pertaining to one or more predefined subject matters; creating such an audible message; and providing the audile message to the identified recipients. A related method of providing audible messages that pertain to one or more particular subject matters to subscribers who have elected to receive the audible messages includes maintaining subscriber specific records. Each record includes distribution indicators of a respective subscriber, with each distribution indicator corresponding to a particular subject matter for which the respective subscriber has elected to receive audible messages.

Abstract: A method and system that enable mass direct delivery of personalized voice messages to electronic voice storage devices or systems, such as voice mail systems, is disclosed. A single voice service is created and executed and used to generate personalized sound files for a number of users of a voice storage system. A specialized interface is then used to directly deposit the personalized sound files in the voice mail boxes of the appropriate users.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the efficient mapping of connectivity of telecommunications circuits where large numbers of such circuits are terminated at one end in concentrated bulk terminations. The apparatus regenerates multiple speech signals in a bulk termination adapter identifying both the bulk connector and the individual circuits terminating in the connector. A selectable group identity code allows many such units to be employed simultaneously to effect efficient mapping of hundreds of telecommunications circuits in one step even if concentration points occur in disparate locations. Speech reproduction is accomplished through a serial bit stream where the ratio of one bits to zero bits, varying with time, re-establishes a voice frequency signal with the aid of a simple filter circuit.

Abstract: A computer-based virtual assistant the behavior of which can be changed by the user, comprising a voice user interface for inputting information into and receiving information from the virtual assistant by speech, a communications network, a virtual assistant application running on a remote computer, the remote computer being electronically coupled to the user interface via the communications network, wherein the behavior of the virtual assistant changes responsive to user input.

Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunications network (10) for providing a voice-activated telephone directory is disclosed. The directory is toll-free to the caller and accessible via a heavily advertised, easily remembered access number wherein the caller is quickly and automatically connected to the selected business.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for using a localized voice mail system that allows voice mail messages on a cellular telephone network to be stored on a remote server or other computer. These messages can be stored on a server of the cellular network or of the cellular telephone service subscriber. The method further entails downloading copies of the stored messages into another computer or a cellular telephone's memory. In this embodiment, a cellular telephone can retrieve voice mail messages even when the cellular telephone is roaming or cannot pick up a carrier signal. In another embodiment, a method is described for organizing voice mail messages stored in a cellular telephone's memory into convenient groups, directories or folders formatted to be compatible with the computer and cellular telephone.

Abstract: A voice processing system for connection to a telephone line for providing telephony support to voice processing applications having a voice processing application and a media object, the media object having an output element for outputting a set of output components in accordance with one or more presentation criteria such as locale and style; a receiving element for receiving the media object from the voice processing application, the media object representing desired output over a telephone line; and the outputting element outputting the output components over the telephone line.

Abstract: A relay is described to facilitate communication through the telephone system between deaf people and hearing people. To overcome the speed limitations inherent in typing, the call assistant at the relay does not type most words but, instead, re-voices the words spoken by the hearing person into a computer operating a voice recognition software package trained to the voice of that call assistant. The conversation-type flow of communications achieved by this type of relay enables the design of a new class of interpreters for the deaf.

Abstract: A central station is provided to which the pharmacy can forward calls at the convenience of the pharmacy. A caller will call in to the pharmacy to request a refill and the call will be automatically routed to the central facility unbeknownst to the caller. The central station will obtain the refill information required, preferably by means of an automated computer system as is known in the art. This information can then be transferred to the pharmacist in a number of ways, such as by periodically faxing the information to the pharmacy. Voice messages could be flagged and the pharmacist would have to call into the central facility to obtain the voice mail message. Alternatively, a PC could be installed in the pharmacy having a reduced version of a complete, stand-alone program. The refill information can then be sent to the pharmacy by modem and the pharmacist could see a computer display of the refill orders and could hear voice messages. Alternatively, the information could be e-mailed to the pharmacy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing speech recognition capability to callers in a cost efficient manner as part of one or more telephone services are described. Multiple speech recognition units with differing capabilities and therefore implementation costs are provided. Calls are assigned to speech recognition circuits throughout a call based on a signal such as a service type identifier indicating the type of service to be provided to the caller. During different phases of a call different speech recognition units may be used. In addition, different amounts of speech recognition processing capability may be allocated to service a call at different points during a call. In this manner efficient use of available speech recognition resources can be achieved.

Abstract: A voice processing system 10 is connected to the telephone network 110, and runs one or more applications 220 for controlling interaction with calls to or from the telephone network. The system records audio segments by first and second speakers, and extracts the vocal characteristics of each speaker. Then, when an audio segment recorded by the first speaker is played back, the system can apply to it the vocal characteristics of the second speaker, thereby making it sound as if the second speaker had recorded the segment.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of a telephone exchange having a memory for storing a telephone number and a personal data corresponding to the telephone number; a telephone set stored in the telephone exchange; and a portable information terminal having a memory for storing the telephone number and personal data corresponding to the telephone number, wherein when the portable information terminal is installed in the telephone set, the content in the memory in the telephone exchange is collated with the content in the memory in the portable information terminal and the contents in both memories are coincided to each other.