Abstract: To offer clients the unique ability to send a message from their favorite celebrity to their friends, family, and loved ones that is completely custom and personalized to sound as if that celebrity was actually calling them. Provisioned caller ID feature so the celebrities name will appear on the handset when the call is being delivered.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises call processing logic comprising a voice mail subsystem, or a call management subsystem configured to process voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls, or both a voice mail subsystem and a call management subsystem; service advertisement logic coupled to the call processing logic and operable to send one or more service advertisement messages by unicast to a remote peer data processing system that is also configured with compatible service advertisement logic, wherein the remote peer data processing system is located in a different LAN segment than the data processing system; and each service advertisement message comprises one or more network addresses associated with the call processing logic, and one or more data sets each comprising an identifier value, a first value that indicates that the identifier value is associated with a telephone extension, and a second value that indicates that the identifier value is associated with a voice mailbox.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing remote access to an IP communications network is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for allowing access to an IP network comprises: sending a first message addressed to a first port of an IP communications network component, the first message comprising a command requesting the performance of a selected telecommunications function; a selected IP endpoint performing, in response to the first message, the selected telecommunications function; sending a second message addressed to a different second port of the IP communications network component, the second message comprising a request for information associated with the IP endpoint; and tunneling, in response to receiving the second message at the second port, the second message to the IP endpoint.

Abstract: Storing a voicemail message in a communication environment includes receiving a voicemail message at a first endpoint. The voicemail message is separated into a plurality of segments. The segments of the voicemail message, which comprise media bits, are distributed to a plurality of second endpoints.

Abstract: Generating a series of digits corresponding to a personal identification number (PIN) of a user for unified messaging access to personal information management (PIM) data. Data involved in the generation of the series of digits along with the series of digits are stored for subsequent use during authentication of the user and PIN updates.

Abstract: A computer/telephony integrated single-point-of-contact system (CISS) enabling a user to contact another using multiple devices with a single contact attempt is disclosed. A plurality of computer programs residing in a computer use a subscriber database, authorization database, priority list database, and device attributes database to determine how to respond to a request to contact a subscriber. If the request is an emergency, the computer repeatedly contacts all of the subscriber's devices until a response is received. Otherwise, the computer contacts the subscriber's devices in a sequential order determined by the subscriber. The computer can also delete redundant un-received messages from a subscriber's devices and create a real-time connection between the requester and the subscriber, if it is technically possible, at the subscriber's request.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing run-time control over voice application behavior. The method includes identifying a plurality of control point locations within a given voice application and a plurality of corresponding required responses to the control points. A design-for-control methodology is used to instrument the control points of voice application. A control agent is configured with web-based controls to manage the control points. The control points are used to alter the voice application's behavior during run-time.

Abstract: A method for providing content via a computer network and computing device, which may include: storing data associated with and indicative of a plurality of presentations; receiving a request to host an audio presentation; receiving and storing data associated with the requested audio presentation; initiating and recording one or more telephone calls; and, presenting at least a portion of the stored data for selection by the computing device; wherein, selection causes the stored data indicative of the selected audio/visual or audio presentation to be provided to the computing device for playback thereby via the computer network. The method may include storing data associated with and indicative of a first plurality of presentations; storing data associated with a plurality of second presentation feeds: automatically and periodically accessing each of the feeds; and aggregating each of the presentations for delivery via the computer network.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to a communication in an Advanced Intelligent Network from a caller to a subscriber's directory number where the communication has been terminated to a voice mail system (VMS) instead having been terminated to the subscriber's directory number. The methods and systems transfer the communication from the VMS so the VMS is no longer involved in the communication. A message indicating a release of the communication by the VMS is generated. The message also indicates an action to be taken regarding the communication such as a transfer to a different number. The action and related information may be provided in a remote operations parameter of a GR-1129 message. In response, directions are provided to carry-out the action. As a result, the communication is released from the VMS, and is acted upon without further involvement of the VMS.

Abstract: A method for a service provider to provide telephone service between a first telephone and a second telephone includes connecting to the first telephone, receiving a request from the first telephone to make a call to the second telephone using a VoIP number, mapping the VoIP number to a PSTN number, determining a modem bank local to the second telephone, connecting to the modem bank, instructing the modem bank to connect to the second telephone using the PSTN number, and routing the call from the first telephone through the modem bank to the second telephone.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a plurality of requests for multi-media services received at a call control element (CCE) defined on the system from a calling communication device. The system includes a Network Routing Element, a Service Broker (SB), at least a primary media severs (MS) and at least a secondary MS, a plurality of application servers (ASs) and a plurality of border elements, all of which are coupled to the CCE. The SB is adapted to receive a plurality of requests including parameters for requesting multi-media services, via the CCE, and to selectively redirect the requests to one or more ASs for providing feature processing for the requests. The ASs can instruct either the primary MS or secondary MS, via the CCE, to form a preliminary interactive communication path with the calling communication device for collecting caller-entered data, which can be validated prior to providing the feature processing.

Abstract: Community Messaging Service (CMS) is a system and method for operators in developing countries to provide a messaging service to subscribers who cannot yet afford a wireless telephone or personal landline service or for which such infrastructure is not readily available, but have the basic requirement to communicate with each other. CMS makes it possible for callers to leave messages for people who would otherwise be unreachable and allow subscribers to reply back to those callers. More specifically, CMS involves the use of a pre-paid account to allow callers without telephones to have a non-gsm telephone number that can be used for communication via voicemail over a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Abstract: A system and method provides a natural language interface to world-wide web content. Either in advance or dynamically, webpage content is parsed using a parsing algorithm. A person using a telephone interface can provide speech information, which is converted to text and used to automatically fill in input fields on a webpage form. The form is then submitted to a database search and a response is generated. Information contained on the responsive webpage is extracted and converted to speech via a text-to-speech engine and communicated to the person.

Abstract: A packetised data network includes IP telephones (ITs) and a network intelligence (NI). All of the keys of each IT are “soft” keys (i.e., they have no fixed function). The NI associates a configuration data structure with the IT which correlates the keys with functions, and, based on this, may control the display of the IT to indicate the current function of certain of the soft keys. Some of the functions are requests for data services at the telephone (e.g., video or programmed audio over the internet). When a user requests such a service with a key press, the NI sets up the service between the data source and the telephone. This may require associating a new configuration data structure with the keys of the IT. The IT user may activate multiple data services through the NI.

Abstract: A method and system for using web services to notify a subscriber that an event has occurred at a voice mail switch and to retrieve the event is described. A notification server receives an event and an associated identifier from the voice mail switch. The identifier is correlated to a subscriber and an alert indicating that the event occurred is generated. The alert is sent to a destination selected by the subscriber. The alert includes an event reference that links the subscriber to the event through a network via a URL. The subscriber retrieves the event through a web portal view associated with the URL.

Abstract: A proactive repository stores authenticated information regarding Entities and their properties. A set of conditions and policies is associated with the information in the repository. These conditions govern the release of information to an authorized recipient. Release conditions include various forms of activation, such as activation of emergency services dispatch, a change in condition of a public utility, a change in geophysical or meteorological conditions, etc. At least one responsible third party can authenticate Entities, agents agencies and the like, validate associated credentials, and store received information in the repository. A first proactive repository can be stored within a second proactive repository. A proactive repository can provide the facilities of a multi-modal notification delivery system.

Abstract: A system and method for instant voice messaging in a telecommunication system. Users are able to compose, store, retrieve or listen to short messages. The instant voice messaging system provides two operating modes: auto mode and prompt mode. In auto mode, the instant voice message is played on the destination telephone set without user intervention. In prompt mode, the user at the destination telephone set controls playback of the instant voice message. According to another aspect, the instant voice messaging system provides a whisper mode of operation which allows voice messages to be sent and received when the user at the originating set and/or destination set is involved in another call.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a high speed, substantially constant circuit based data connection over a conventional telephone line is provided. The circuit based connection is non-switched, thereby eliminating the need to establish a connection through a dial-up process. The circuit based connection is established between a user's terminal device and a digitizer, such as a basic rate interface transmission exchange card. The user's terminal device may be a modified version of a conventional integrated services digital connection modem. A user's computer, telephone, or other device may be connected to the user's terminal device to access an external network. The connection established in accordance with the present invention can transmit data at a rate far exceeding that of traditional dial-up connections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to presentation of content to mobile users. In the method, data associated with presentation of content is transmitted from a communication system, the data including information regarding an event. The data is received at mobile user equipment and stored in a memory of the mobile user equipment. In response to the event, presentation of the content is triggered. The presentation is based on the data stored in the memory of the mobile user equipment.

Abstract: A distributed VoIP system includes a first switch coupled to a network and configured to provide voicemail features to a first group of one or more users. The system also includes a voicemail server coupled to the network. The voicemail server is configured to provide voicemail features to a second group of one or more users. The first switch is configured to store voicemail data associated with only the first group, and the voicemail server is configured to store voicemail data associated with both the first and second groups.

Abstract: An audio indication of a recipient for a message is received, the message to be sent by a user to the recipient. An electronic database is searched for the recipient. When the recipient is found in the electronic database, information is determined from the electronic database concerning the recipient. An audio prompt is formed including at least some of the information concerning the recipient that was obtained from the electronic database.

Abstract: Architecture for providing access to an IEEE 802.1x network. A trust relationship is created between a switch of the network and an access point of the network such that the access point is authorized to communicate over the network. The trust relationship is then extended from the access point to a wireless client requesting connection to the network such that access to the network by said wireless client is authorized.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a display device, a modem interface to communicate with a network, an input interface to receive data, and processing logic responsive to the input interface. The mobile device also includes a memory accessible to the processing logic. The memory includes a plurality of instructions executable by the processing logic to provide a user interface to the display device. The user interface includes a first area to receive a text message and a second area to receive an identifier associated with an addressee device. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processing logic to receive the text message and to submit the text message for conversion into an audio message and for transmission of the audio message to the addressee destination device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for addressing and broadcasting a message to recipients having both telephone network-based receiving devices and data network-based receiving devices. The apparatus includes a message router that translates the broadcast message into individual messages that are addressed to each message recipient in a format, e.g., voice, text, email, fax, pager, compatible with each message recipient's receiving device. The individual messages are transmitted by a data network server over a data network. Individual messages designated for recipients having receiving devices addressable by the data network are delivered directly over the data network to the receiving devices. Individual messages designated for recipients having receiving devices addressable by the telephone network are delivered over the data network first to a telephone network server.

Abstract: An audio playback apparatus includes a playback section for playing audio back, a buffer section (13) for temporarily storing voice data to be played back, a switch (14) for on/off switching transmission of the voice data from the buffer section (13) to the playback section, at least one threshold judgment section (18) for judging whether an amount of voice data buffered in the buffer section (13) is equal to or smaller than at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold judgment section (18) providing a true output when the buffered voice data amount is equal to or smaller than the at least one threshold value, a timer (19) triggered by an output from the at least one threshold judgment section to output a trigger pulse with a predetermined duration of time, and a first control section (191) for controlling on/off of the switch (14) to prevent transmission of the voice data in the buffer section (13) to the playback section for the predetermined duration of time of the trigger pulse when the true o

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a virtual collections call center system are described. A system may include a database server, a telephony server, an auto dialer system, a Web server, and call agent computer systems, each geographically separated from the database server, the telephony server, the auto dialer system, the Web server and other call agent computer systems. The database server may store debtor records, each including a debtor telephone number. The telephony server may retrieve a debtor record from the database server. The auto dialer system may initiate a communication session with a debtor based on the debtor telephone number of the retrieved debtor record, establish a connection with the call agent after the debtor has accepted the communication session, and alert the telephony server that the communication session has been established. The Web server may initiate a Web session with the call agent computer system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that allow for the exchange of voice mail messages between different VMSs of different service providers and/or in different networks by the transmission of such messages through a data network using a standard protocol of the data network. Methods and systems also are disclosed that validate message transactions among subscribers receiving regional messaging services over the PSTN. The subscribers are located in different geographic areas and may be provided their voice, facsimile or data messaging services by different companies. The present invention validates passing messages (data) among customers of potentially different companies located in different areas by assessing the validity of the transaction in light of a number of conditions, including applicable regulatory or business conditions.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for processing a service request received from a telephone communication device. The telephony system and method utilizes a call management server and a voice interpreter server. The call management server receives an incoming call from a user, and the voice interpreter server processes the service request contained in the incoming call. Data communication encapsulation is used to communicate data between the call management server and the voice interpreter platform in order to process the service request.

Abstract: Described are techniques and mechanisms for easily allowing a user to unsubscribe (“opt out”) from receiving subsequent messages in a particular message thread. Generally stated, a component maintains information about a message thread that a user has indicated a desire to opt out of. The information includes identifying information about the message thread and an indication that a particular user desires to receive no further messages in the thread. New messages that are identified as belonging to that thread are handled in some fashion that differs from ordinary messages. For example, the messages may simply be deleted, may be held at a message server, may be redirected to a special storage location, or the like. The user indicates the desire to opt out through a user interface mechanism that is available in connection with the user viewing a message in the particular thread. Optionally, the user may have the ability to re-subscribe (“opt in”) to the thread.

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 communication system includes a data base storing voice applications corresponding to programs executable by user equipment and user profiles. The voice applications are arranged to provide assistance in relation to the programs. A communication handler causes execution of a voice application from the data base responsive to user identification data.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, at least one telephony attribute associated with a voice call directed from a client communication subsystem to a voice network identifier is detected. Visual content that has been predefined as being associated with the at least one telephony attribute is identified. A request for the visual content is initiated in response to the detecting step. The visual content is received, in response to the initiating step, for display at the client communication subsystem.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of providing service data towards a set of two or more network elements (31 to 35) of a telecommunication network (1), as well as a service provisioning system (2) and a computer program product for executing this method. The service provisioning system (2) receives a plurality of change requests for said service data, the change request concerning one or more of the network elements of the telecommunication network (1). The service provisioning system (2) analyzes the dependencies of two or more received change requests and/or corresponding network elements specific update requests with respect to service data. Then, it aggregates independent change requests and/or update requests and transmits one or more concurrent update commands that force a parallel execution of the aggregated change requests and/or update requests to one or more network elements of the telecommunication network (1).

Abstract: A method and structure for the invention forwards a request for voice instructions from the XML browser to a call control protocol to CCXML/Voice XML converter. The invention converts the request for voice instructions to the call control protocol using the converter and forwards the request for voice instructions from the converter to the control point. The control point returns voice instructions to the converter, and the converter, in turn, converts the voice instructions from the call control protocol to CCXML/Voice XML. This process next returns voice instructions from the converter to the CCXML/Voice XML browser and the XML browser executes the voice instructions using the XML browser. Then, the invention runs an application on a CCXML application server connected to said CCXML/Voice XML browser.

Abstract: A presence device operable in a first mode and a second mode is associated with a communication device. In the first mode, a user using the presence device is biometrically authenticated and a presence confirmation input is received from the communication device. In the second mode, a user-entered log-in input is received from the communication device. A central presence database is updated to indicate that the communication device is active for the user. A received message which is to be routed to the user is sent to the active device indicated by the central presence database.

Abstract: A communication terminal unit has a system control section including a call destination specification information analysis section that analyzes a destination number which is assigned to a communications terminal unit at the other end and input at the time of origination of a call. On the basis of a result of analysis of the destination number performed by the call destination specification information analysis section, a call origination network determination section automatically determines to originate a call over an IP network or over a public network through use of the destination information that has been subjected to analysis and through use of selected network setting information stored in a selected network setting storage section. Selected network setting information required to automatically determine to originate a call over the IP network or over the public network is stored in the call origination network determination section.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Unified Messaging System (UMS) having a controller to receive one or more voicemail, video, or text messages directed to a subscriber of the UMS, present the subscriber one of a first option to convert one of the one or more voicemail messages received in a first media playback format to a second media playback format, and a second option to transfer at least a portion of one or more of the received voicemail, video or text messages received by the UMS to one of a set top box or digital video recorder. The controller is adapted to detect a selection of one of said options, and execute the selected option. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments are configured to provide information associated with a communication event to a communication party. In an embodiment, components of a communication system operate to provide a recorded call subject to a receiving party as part of a communication event. In one embodiment, a communication device can be used to record, package, and transmit subject matter as part of a communication event, wherein the recorded subject matter can be used to inform a receiving party of a communication subject.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a calling party to save information obtained from an information retrieval system. The caller may select options to save the information to a memory location, e.g., the caller's own network-based voice mail system or a temporary voice mailbox provided for the caller by the information provider, from which the caller can subsequently retrieve and review the information. The information may be saved to an Internet-based website from which the caller may subsequently retrieve the information. The information may be forwarded to a separate telephone directory number for receipt by a third person or for storing on a remote voice mail system. Additionally, the information may be electronically mailed to the caller's electronic mail address for subsequent retrieval. Discussions with a live attendant may be recorded and stored, as audio files or as converted to text, for access by or delivery to the caller.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of sending a voicemail, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first user having a first user ID associated with a first phone number; accepting an voicemail request from the first user containing at least one email address; receiving in a computer based system the voicemail request and the computer based system places a telephone call to the first phone number; playing an advertisement to the first user; recording a voicemail from the first user; and emailing an email containing at least one word of transcribed text from the voicemail to the email address.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating a custom ring in connection with a call. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an electronic device operable to support telephonic communication. The electronic device may have a housing component at least partially defining an enclosure. A memory may be located within the enclosure and may be storing ring tone information representing a custom ring tone. The device may also have a user interface capable of receiving user inputs that could indicate, for example, a desire to place a call to a called party. In some embodiments, the device may have an output engine capable of initiating communication of the ring tone information to the called party such that a telephonic device of the called party outputs the select ring tone as an indication of the call.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for reducing bandwidth usage in a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) network that uses holding sounds such as music or announcements. When a customer call enters the network through a gateway, the call is received by a media server (VMS) and a workflow is started. When the workflow determines that the customer call is to be put on hold, the VMS sends an instruction signal to the gateway, instructing the gateway to provide an on-hold music or announcement to the customer call. When the workflow determines that the customer call is to be taken off hold, the VMS sends a second instruction signal to the gateway and the gateway stops the music or announcements and proceeds to further process the call under the direction of the workflow.

Abstract: Subscriber calls in a communications network (10) are handled in accordance with the subscriber's routing plan for either originating and/or terminating calls irrespective of the manner in which such calls originate and terminate. Upon receipt of a call, a query is launched to a database (36) to obtain a called party routing number for the call destination in accordance with the subscriber's routing plan. Once the called party's routing number is obtained in response to the query, the called party's routing number is mapped a to physical port in the network when the routing number corresponds to a circuit-switched call destination or to an IP address when the called party's routing number corresponds to a packet-based call destination. The call is routed to the call destination in accordance with the mapping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that provide a technique for managing held calls. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a call-handling system receives a first indication of whether a messaging resource is available at or near a terminal for which the system is receiving incoming calls. Examples of messaging resources include instant messaging, email, short messaging service, and so forth. The system might also receive a second indication of whether a messaging resource is available at or near the originating terminal of an incoming call. If the first indication and second indication match, the system will prompt the caller of the originating terminal to use the available messaging resource. In some embodiments, the system will also assign the corresponding incoming call a lower priority relative to other calls because of the availability of the alternative form of communication to the caller.

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 improved telephony adapter compresses voice data, creates IP packets, and prioritizes the voice IP packets over the data IP packets. Preferably, the compression and packetization interval is such that the bandwidth occupied by the voice IP packets is approximately half of the minimum average available bandwidth in the upstream direction, thereby maintaining acceptable latency and voice quality of the speech. Further enhancement is achieved by causing the ISP to also give priority to voice packets that are destined to the telephony adapter, over the data packets that are destined to the telephony adapter.

Abstract: A web programmable telephone and a method for operating a web programmable telephone are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a voice module of a wireless household telephone is controlled by an internal web module that can retrieve and execute data operations from a remote portal or server thus adding data functionality to the conventional functions of a telephone. The programmable web module controls all functionality of the web programmable telephone so that every function of the telephone can be programmed and customized by a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telephony-accessed application system for providing a service, such as voicemail, in accordance with a switching interface such as in the ITU-T H.323 or IETF SIP recommendation. Queuing functionality is made possible in a system which employs a switch which does not support queuing. The queuing functionality is made possible by a queue means which is provided within an application means, i.e. the voicemail means itself. Consequently, the switch itself is relieved of the burden of having to keep track of the exact status of each of its ports at all times. The high-level queuing is performed at a logical level rather than at the physical level, and therefore affords a cleaner interface. Furthermore, the implementation of the queuing functions in the terminating application means allows for the use of a wider variety of intermediate switch means in a network.

Abstract: Sensor nodes (or addresses therefore), acting as real-time message decoys, are distributed across a real-time communications network to attract unsolicited real-time messages. Filtering rules are derived from the message characteristics (such as the source address) and messaging content of the traffic encountered at the sensor nodes. The filtering rules are distributed to filtering agents positioned in the communications network in such a way that they can filter traffic for legitimate users. The filtering agents may identify and control the disposition of real-time messaging traffic that is part of a mass communication campaign on behalf of legitimate users of the real-time messaging communication system. Disposition may include suppressing, diverting, or labeling.

Abstract: A system and method for central recording of telephone calls are provided. The method may include transferring a telephone call from a session border controller (SBC) to a contact center and to a central recording unit, transferring of CTI information from the contact center to the central recording unit, associating the CTI information to the telephone cal and determining by the central recording unit whether to record the call.