Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method that involves receiving an indication that communications with a subscriber have been interrupted while engaged in voicemail processing, and recording a pointer to a last state of voicemail processing. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An audio message recording and playback system including a recorder-imprinter device, a self-contained voice module for playback of an audio message and a number of input devices for initially recording the audio message to the recorder-imprinter device. An internet web site is established for taking orders from customers, where customer data such as billing and shipping information is obtained. The web site further includes software that permits a user to create a voice recording to be delivered along with an accompanying product such as a greeting card, gift, flowers, or an ornament. The voice recording is accessed by a proprietor who confirms the billing and delivery information, and then transfers the voice recording to a recorder-imprinter that creates a transferable voice module for incorporation into the intended delivery.

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: Described is a communication mechanism that provides push-to-talk functionality for mobile and desktop computing environments. Mobile and desktop computers are configured as client computers in a client/server architecture. Some of the client computers are configured to handle multiple push-to-talk sessions simultaneously. If multiple streams from different sessions are active at the same time, the client computer may determine which of these overlapped streams to record and then record them for later playback. A server handles the registration of the client computers, manages the multiple sessions for each of the client computers, and performs a floor control process so that each push-to-talk session operates in a half-duplex mode.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, computer program products, and data structures for maintaining multiple versions of electronic bodies in a common database. A computer system maintains an association between an electronic message and a plurality of versions of a corresponding message body in a database that is accessible to a plurality of messaging applications. Versions of the corresponding message body can be stored in different formats that vary in fidelity. A messaging application submits a request to access an electronic message. An operating system receives the request and identifies data formats supported by the messaging application. The operating system provides the messaging application with an appropriate version of the message body from the database based on the supported data formats. The messaging application receives the version of the message body and utilizes the version of the message body to perform a message related operation.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a system for providing data access between an information source and a mobile communication device includes a transcoding system and a first network device. The transcoding system includes a plurality of transcoders, and each transcoder is operable to transcode information content from a respective first content type into a respective second content type. The first network device is in communication with the transcoding system and includes a connection handler system. The connection handler system is operable to receive connection data for a connection between the information source and the mobile communication device and to select a corresponding connection handler. The connection handler is operable to select one or more transcoders from the plurality of transcoders to transcode the information content.

Abstract: An integrated VoIP phone that seamlessly integrates POTS phones and IP phones is provided. In an embodiment, the integrated VoIP phone includes a Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) registrar, a SIP session border control (“SBC”), a SIP proxy, a SIP feature server, a SIP-PSTN gateway, a user interface and VoIP telephony functionality found in traditional VoIP phones. In an embodiment, the integrated VoIP phone includes one or more analog telephone adaptors. Other VoIP entities, such as FXS adaptors, register themselves with the integrated VoIP phone through the SIP SBC. These other entities appear as extensions on the integrated VoIP phone and the outside network will only directly communicated with the integrated VoIP phone.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for communicating data to a mobile device. A system receives a request for data from a mobile device. The system identifies filter criteria associated with the mobile device. The filter criteria is applied to a set of data to identify particular data elements that satisfy the filter criteria. The identified data elements are then transmitted to the mobile device.

Abstract: A multimedia terminal adapter for a “data over cable” system includes a host processor. A network interface may be coupled to a cable modem termination system via a cable transceiver. The adapter includes a plurality of device ports. An applications platform is executed on the host processor for providing standardized application program interfaces for allowing compliant application programs to access network services via the network interface to provide multimedia content to at least one of the device ports. A SIP proxy is provided for responding to interconnection of a SIP-compatible device to one of the device ports and for intermediating access to SIP-based services via the network interface.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Unified Messaging System having a controller element to submit to a Calling Card Server (CCS) over a primary call leg a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) SUBSCRIBE message requesting outdial event notification for a call placed on a secondary call leg responsive to a reply of a voicemail message, and receive over the primary call leg a SIP NOTIFY message from the CCS indicating outdial events associated with placing the call over the secondary call leg. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises establishing communications between a web server and a voicemail system, and thereafter, controlling processing of content stored within the voicemail system by a computing device. The computing device is remotely located from the voicemail system and in communication with the web server.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for the management of an audio environment with multiple audio sources. According to various embodiments described herein, real-time audio from multiple sources is received. A speaker is identified for each of the audio sources. Upon detecting a change from a first audio source to a second audio source, an identification of the speaker associated with the second audio source is provided. According to various embodiments, a recording of the real-time audio may be made and descriptors inserted to identify each speaker as the audio source changes. Real-time feedback from the speakers regarding characteristics of the audio may be received and corresponding adjustments to the audio made.

Abstract: A method for improving user satisfaction with automated response computer driven systems is provided. In one embodiment the automated computer system utilizes a Web browser accessing at least a Web site. In another embodiment, the automated computer system is a telephonic response system with voice recognition and generation capability. In each embodiment the user is first prompted to provide indications of user language usage preferences which are then analyzed and stored in a user profile. Thereafter, subsequent information from the automated system is modified in accordance with the stored user profile before presentation to the user.

Abstract: A method of connecting a telephone call through one of a plurality of networks where one of the plurality of networks is an internet protocol network is provided. A first factor for an acceptable quality of service level is received from a user. A second factor responsive to the quality of service for the internet protocol network is determined. The telephone call is connected through the internet protocol network if the second factor is greater than the first factor, otherwise, the telephone call is connected through one of the plurality of networks other than the internet protocol network.

Abstract: A message protocol on a communication network between an originating and terminating communication device transmits the cost and quality of service impact of selecting a CODEC standard where no single CODEC is supported in the end-to-end packet transmission. Each call agent server on the communication generates and submits a session initiation protocol (SIP) message containing a data element for the additional cost and a data element for the additional total quality of service degradation, calculating the additions considering all prior calculated data elements. The data elements are part of the session description protocol message. Either the final server prior to the terminating communication device or the terminating communication device operates an algorithm to make an optimal selection and avoid unnecessary high cost or degraded quality of service. The selected CODEC standard is communicated back to the servers in an SIP response message.

Abstract: The invention provides a modification to the operation of the intelligent network instruction set whereby on transmitting an Initiate Call Attempt message between the SCP 7 and an SSP 4 an instruction is included which forces the SSP 4 to send a response message whereby the identity assigned to the actions requested is known to the SCP 7 prior to the occurrence of a BCSM event at the SSP.

Abstract: A stream manager provides a way of redirecting and managing messaging and information access in a packet network environment. The stream manager is linked to a packet network, such as the Internet. The stream manager receives over the packet network a message from a user's host server initiated by a user and intended for a destination site. The message bears an address for the stream manager which is provided to the host server by the address server for the packet network, such as a server utilized as part of the domain name system. The stream manager determines the availability of at least one destination server at the destination site to receive and process the message. If a destination server at the destination site is available to receive and process the message, the stream manager selects a destination server from those available.

Abstract: A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message adapted for use by a multi-media services provider system to form a multi-media communication path between at least a calling communication device adapted to operate using a first protocol (e.g. SIP) and at least a destination communication device adapted to operate using a second protocol, such as Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISUP). The SIP message includes a header region having a number of header fields, a first body region having Session Description Protocol (SDP) information related to the calling communication device and a second body region having ISUP related addressing information associated with the destination communication device.

Abstract: A multi-modal system providing for a single point of contact that can allow users to manage their personal contact information and contact lists, and connect to other users and businesses in a personalized, efficient, location-sensitive and organized manner. By accessing the system using any type of telephony-based device, a user can manage all of their personal and business contacts as well as perform generalized searches in public databases, such as white page and/or yellow page listings, or more personalized searches through databases of their business or personal contacts. A user may also, during a generalized search, go to a personalized search, and vice-versa. The system may also provide users with the opportunity to select certain businesses from their contact lists and allow these businesses to provide them with personalized data, either on demand or based on user-controlled permissions or areas of interest through various technologies including presence technologies.

Abstract: A computerized method for diagnosing deployed voice-enabled application issues within a maintenance environment. The method can identify a recognition log file that includes details of previously occurring interactions of a voice-enabled application executing programmatic actions in an operational environment. The voice-enabled application can utilize a speech recognition service to convert utterances to text. Previously occurring interactions of the operational environment can be simulated in a maintenance environment. The maintenance environment can include a maintenance voice-enabled application component used in place of the voice-enabled application and can include a text-based speech recognition service used in place of the speech recognition service.

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

Abstract: In a meter rate fees charging apparatus and method for charging a meter rate fee to a sender by amount of use of a network, it is designed such that charging processing means charges the sender based on zone information contained in transmission information communicated between the sender and the recipient. And, in a meter rate fees charging apparatus and method to charge each user a meter rate fee by amount of use of a network, it is designed such that charging means charges the recipient a meter rate fee obtained based on communication information only in the case where the sender is not prohibited from using the network.

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: Methods and computer-readable media provide presenting a customized message to an incoming calling party and for allowing the calling party to save or forward the customized message. A called party desiring to leave a customized message for certain incoming calling parties submits a customized message to an intelligent network component of her telecommunications service provider along with identifiers for specified incoming callers who are to receive the customized message upon calling the called party. After the customized message is prepared, incoming callers who have been associated with the customized message are presented with the customized message before being connected to the called party. After an incoming caller receives the customized message, the calling party may store or send the customized message for later retrieval. If the incoming call is not from a telephone directory number associated with the customized message, the incoming call is processed according to normal call processing methods.

Abstract: Associating related messages of different types at a client device includes receiving user input via a user interface of a client device. The user input is for associating a first message of a first type with at least one other message of a different type. A common session ID is associated with the first message and the at least one message of a different type. The first message is sent with the associating common session ID according to a first messaging protocol corresponding to the first message type. The at least one message of a different type is sent with the associating common session ID according to a messaging protocol different than the first messaging protocol and corresponding to the at least one message of a different type. The message types consist of voice, email, SMS, MMS, FTP, and HTTP.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network element having a controller to obtain network information associated with establishing a network among a group of communication devices, and provide the network information to a plurality of network set-up devices removably connected to the network element, where each of the plurality of network set-up devices is connectable with a communication device of the group of communication devices to provide at least a portion of the network information to the communication device, and where the network is established based at least in part on the at least a portion of the network information. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a telephone comprising two telephone handsets, the telephone to establish a conference call between the two telephone handsets, and a computing device coupled to the telephone, the computing device to define the conference call.

Abstract: Structured hierarchies for communicating contextual information relating to a VoIP conversation are provided. The structured hierarchies are utilized for efficient communications of various amounts and types of contextual information over a VoIP conversation channel. Information identifying at least one structured hierarchy, which will be used to carry the contextual information, is transmitted during establishment of a conversation between two VoIP enhanced devices and prior to the exchange of contextual information. The structural hierarchy is selected from a set of predefined and declared structured hierarchies. Subsequently transmitted contextual information exchanged between two VoIP enhanced devices is represented in accordance with the identified structural hierarchy. Additionally, the structural hierarchies can be extensible by the addition of more definitions to the current structural hierarchies.

Abstract: An exemplary method provides access to call origination features contained in an internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) for a subscriber of the IMS who originates a call request from customer premises equipment (CPE) outside of the IMS. The call request is received at a public service identity (PSI) server in the IMS with a phone number to which the call request is routed. An IMS internal desk number is retrieved based on the number of the outside CPE. A first modified call request is transmitted from the PSI server to a telephony application server (TAS) identifying the IMS internal desk number as a request universal resource identity (RURI). Call origination treatment as specified by the subscriber is performed by the TAS.

Abstract: A system or method for automatic telephone notification using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) includes a data portal having a web interface or portal software to connect to a master server. The data portal accesses a client's database and generates a customer list that includes customer records. A master server receives recorded messages from a remote location through an Interactive Voice Response (IVR). The master server also communicates instructions for placing alert message telephone calls to customers on the list. A call server array has multiple servers in communication with the master server and a VoIP network. The call server array receives instructions from the master server, and places alert message telephone calls according to the instructions communicated from the master server. The server array broadcasts calls over a VoIP network to customers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for on-demand recording of telephone, computer, or video signals. Once a connection is established, the communication signals are sent through an intermediary device, which duplicates the signals. The signals are then stored in memory until a triggering event occurs during the connection. If the triggering event occurs, then the signals in memory are stored for playback. If the triggering event does not occur prior to the termination of the connection, the signals in memory are erased.

Abstract: In a system and a method for storing and reading answers and records of telephone voice via Internet, the system is built among a local telephone, a network device, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an Internet, a server and a database. The network device is connected to the local telephone, PSTN and Internet. The server is connected to the network device via the Internet. If the local telephone and the PSTN establish a telephone connection, the network device will read a phone content and transmit and save the phone content to the server. If an incoming call is not picked up by the local telephone within a predetermined time or a predetermined number of rings, the network device will read a response content pre-stored in the server and reply the call via the PSTN, and transmit and store the message content transmitted from the PSTN to the server.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a system includes a messaging system configured to provide a messaging service. The messaging system includes a centralized Internet Protocol switching network, an Internet access subsystem, a voice access subsystem, a mail subsystem and a storage subsystem. One or more of the subsystems may be coupled to the centralized Internet Protocol switching network via one or more communication links integrated with and internal to the messaging system.

Abstract: An integrated voice and data application delivery system that can deliver converged voice/data application services to at least one user device over at least one communications network, and optimize the delivery of voice/data content during a current voice/data session based on the bandwidth of the network and/or the capacity of the user device. The integrated application delivery system allows users to switch from one voice/data session to another in response to a predetermined event, as required to avoid a loss of information or a permanent interruption of service. The integrated voice and data application delivery system includes a unified XML-based integrated voice and data media converging switch, a controller coupled to the switch, and a data storage device coupled to the controller. The switch transfers voice/data content between voice/data applications on a first network and one or more user devices on a second network.

Abstract: A method of maintaining communications between a mobile, wireless terminal and a base station of a wireless local area network is performed by determining at the base station, that communications between the base station and the terminal over a first channel on the wireless local area network has been impeded; and placing a telephone call to the terminal over a separate, distinct, second channel on a public switched telephone network. The caller ID of the incoming call is then used to verify the authenticity of the base station. Further communications continue over the second channel on the telephone network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method for transferring voice messages. The system includes a voice message server. When a voice message and called terminal information are transmitted from a calling terminal, the voice message server stores the voice message, searches for a connection route to the called terminal with reference to the called terminal information, and transmits a reception request signal to the called terminal. Furthermore, when the called terminal responds to the reception request signal, the voice message server reproduces the voice message. Furthermore, when the called terminal does not respond to the reception request signal and the reception request signal is forwarded to a different receiving object, the voice message server checks whether the route of the reception request signal has been changed and interrupts the transmission of the voice message. Accordingly, an additional communication charge may be avoided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method is illustrated as including creating a visual script containing a component that includes at least one of a function component, a decisional component, a speak component, and a capture component, and converting the visual script to a computer script. Further, this system and method may include retrieving a computer script from a pre-populated database, the computer script containing at least one component and being formatted using a language including at least one of an IVR-XML and a character delimited flat file, and generating training data using the computer script, the training data formatted as a linear computer script.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method is illustrated as including generating log information relating to a telephone call, the log information including a number called and a value representing the duration of the telephone call, retrieving script information relating a computer script from a database, the script information including an identifier for the computer script, and an identifier for a component contained in the script, and storing the log information and script information into an On Line Analytic Processing (OLAP) database.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates routing an incoming data communication in connection with unified communications. A unified communications component can employ unified communications for a data communication with an email data communication mode, a voice data communication mode, an instant messaging data communication mode, and a voicemail data communication mode. A distribution component can automatically route the data communication to an entity utilizing a distribution group, the distribution group includes at least one entity with a public switched telephone network (PSTN) number and a session initiation protocol (SIP) uniform resource identifier (URI).

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network element operating in a communication system having a controller element to receive from an initiating party a message directed to a subscriber of the communication system, receive from the subscriber a request to present the message, identify the initiating party supplying the message, transmit the identity of the initiating party to a telephone number mapping (ENUM) system with a request for a communication ID of a presence system that monitors the initiating party, transmit to the presence system according to the communication ID a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) SUBSCRIBE message requesting presence information of the initiating party, and present the subscriber one or more options to communicate with the initiating party according to the presence information received in a SIP NOTIFY message supplied by the presence system. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method for controlling disposition of a call comprises detecting an incoming call to a network station; checking for an active instant messaging session for the network station; and if the active instant messaging session exists, sending an instant message to the network station with call disposition choices with regard to the incoming call. Other methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Establishing voice calls in an IP based VPN includes determining the relative location of a terminating point with respect to an originating point of a new communication containing the voice data, determining one or more IP addresses to egress the communication from the originating point to the terminating point, creating a VPN identifier in the new communication, passing the new communication to the terminating point and removing the VPN identifier from the new communication. The VPN identifier can be an extra field added to an encapsulation coding scheme of the voice data.

Abstract: A method and system for telephone-based service utilization and control in conjunction with interactive, real-time, voice transmission of information to a user is disclosed. A voice service system provides 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. In conjunction with such services, a user may use a telephone to control such services. For example, the user may subscribe and unsubscribe to a service using the telephone, be notified of new services via the telephone, and retrieve sound files via the telephone.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for origin device initiated callee identification are provided. At an origin device, a voice utterance of a callee is detected from a destination device. A callee identity associated with the voice utterance is identified at the origin device, such that the callee identity is transmittable as an authenticated identity of the callee for a call. A caller may select whether to continue a call dependent upon whether the callee identity is preferable. In addition, an intermediary device may receive the callee identity and specify services available during the call according to the callee identity.

Abstract: A real-time interface between the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and an Internet Protocol (IP) network provides voice to data and data to voice conversion between the PSTN and the IP network in a seamless process. The interface, a central communication network, performs Class 5 switching between the PSTN and the IP network, besides providing enhanced services. Receiving a call, the central communication network simultaneously routes the call to a plurality of preprogrammed numbers on the PSTN and on the IP network. The central communication network provides call screening, takes voice messages and converts them to e-mail messages, takes e-mail or facsimile messages and converts them to voice messages.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that use resources more efficiently for calls originating and terminating in a first address space that use services in an IP address space. A call is established from an originator in a first address space to an IP device within an IP address space. The IP device sends a message to a switch in the first address space indicating a new destination in the first address space. The established call is released and a second call is established from the originator in the first address space to the new destination in the first address space. In another implementation, a first leg of a call is established to an IP device from a first address space. The IP device establishes a second leg of a call to a destination in the first address space. The calls are bridged and resources released.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for allowing an packet-based call made to a first identifier to dial a phone number within a telephone network. The method comprises sending a data packet from the packet-based call to a gateway device that can communicate with the telephone network. The data packet comprises the first identifier. The gateway device finds the phone number corresponding to the first identifier using a lookup table accessible to the gateway device. The gateway device then dials the phone number and transfers the data packet to the phone number.

Abstract: A switched telephone network is arranged in a manner to enable packet voice communication between telephone terminals via multiple redundant packet switched networks. The packet switched networks may utilize different protocols, be operated by different entities, and have primary functions other than voice communication. One example of such a network may be internetworked networks, such as the Internet. One example of an alternate packet switched network may be a network whose primary function is control of a circuit switched telephone network. The common channel interoffice switching system (CCIS) of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) is a preferred example. A voice communication link may be established from telephone terminal to telephone terminal via the Internet, the quality of voice communication may be monitored, and the link may be transferred to the common channel interoffice signaling network if and when the quality of voice communication deteriorates beneath a pre-established norm.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for Internet Protocol Television message waiting indication. Exemplary embodiments include a method for providing messages to an Internet-Protocol-enabled device, the method including receiving a communication that a message to a recipient party has been deposited in a message infrastructure, mapping a recipient party message address to an Internet Protocol-enabled device address of the recipient party, retrieving sending party identification information and sending a message waiting indication to the Internet Protocol-enabled device address.

Abstract: A method of providing anonymous web based calling, the method comprising the steps of: providing a web page having an embedded call icon associated with a destination phone number; providing an initiating user, wherein the initiating user clicks on the embedded call icon; calling the initiating user; playing an advertisement to the initiating user; and calling the destination phone number to provide an anonymous phone connection between the initiating user and the destination phone number.