Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telephonic annotation services is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile telephone may be configured to include an annotation component used to record audio-based annotations for a telephone conversation. In another embodiment, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) enabled telephone is used. Annotation recordings may be created both during and after a telephone conversation. The annotation recordings may be stored in a database and indexed to a telephone number associated with the other participant in the conversation. Subsequently, prior to calling the same telephone number, or prior to placing a call to the same telephone number, annotations may be selectively played back, according to criteria specified in an annotation profile. Additionally, annotations templates may be used to structure an annotation recording according to a predefined format.

Abstract: An interactive media system for an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture includes a media resource function processor (MRFP) and a media resource function controller (MRFC). The MRFP includes media resources, such as automatic speech recognition (ASR) engines and text-to-speech (TTS) engines, and a voice browser. A caller places a call to a telephone number to reach an interactive media service, and the MRFC establishes a real-time packet media session between the media gateway and the MRFP. The voice browser queries a location server to determine the location of an interactive application associated with the called telephone number and then queries an application server corresponding to the location to obtain the interactive application as a voice extensible markup language (VXML) document. The browser interprets the VXML document and responsively invokes the media resources, via the MRFC, to provide the interactive media service to the caller.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for dynamically alerting calling parties of menu structure changes in a telephone prompting system. In a telephone prompting system, a menu structure change alert method can include determining whether a menu structure change has occurred for the telephone prompting system in response to the receipt of an incoming call from a calling party. Subsequently, the calling party can be selectively alerted of the menu structure change. In this regard, an alert message can be played to the calling party.

Abstract: The telemedicine system and method includes an ubiquitous telephone and interactive voice response (IVR) system configured to interface with a hub, and in some embodiments, with medical sensor devices directly. The system and method allows an interested party to interface with the hub using a telephone. The system and method eliminates a user interface from the hub, and optionally includes a separate server.

Abstract: A voice message system utilizes presence status information obtained from a presence server in playing inbox greeting to incoming callers. The presence status can indicate the actual presence or availability of the called user and is thus dynamic in nature. By using a voice message system to reflect and relay the presence status, the presence status information can be heard by those devices which do not have the capability to display presence information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a network based voice mail system that includes advantages of traditional answering machines. When a call comes in that is not answered, a Remote Answering Device may pick up after a preselected number of rings and play a prerecorded greeting that is stored locally and then prompt the caller to wait for the beep. The Remote Answering Device may use three-way calling service to conference the user's voice mail number into the call. When a conference call is established it plays the beep and then plays the message which is being recording live on the speaker. If a call is received by the network based voice mail system that did not first pass through the Remote Answering Device, the network based voice mail system may synchronize the Remote Answering Device with the network based voice mail system.

Abstract: A method and system of providing personally endorsed advertising content to a calling party in lieu of a ring back tone (RBT). The method and system is further adapted to apply rules selected by a subscriber in connection with the provision of personally endorsed advertising content to a calling party.

Abstract: An interactive voicemail selection system to refuse an incoming call is provided. A user indicates a specific voicemail message to be played to a calling party. A call is received in a recipient device, from a calling party. The call comprises an identification of a calling party. An identification of the calling party is displayed on a display of the recipient device. An indication is received from the recipient that identifies the specific prerecorded voicemail message, from a plurality of prerecorded voicemail messages, that is to be played to the calling party. An identifier associated with the specific prerecorded voicemail message is sent to a voicemail system in order for the specific prerecorded message associated with the selected identifier to be played to the calling party.

Abstract: A method for execution by an owner of a mailbox in a voice mail system. The method comprises using an access device to access a voicemail message contained in the mailbox and entering a command instrumental in causing the voicemail message to be forwarded over a telephone network to a conversion entity. At the conversion entity, an electronic representation of the voicemail message is created and then the electronic representation of the voicemail message is rendered accessible to the owner of the mailbox, e.g., by sending an email message to a predetermined address. In this way, electronic representations of voicemail messages in a mailbox can be accessed by the owner of the mailbox using a device of choice, not necessarily the access device used initially to enter the command. Also, this functionality is achieved while allowing the voice mail system to remain a legacy voice mail system.

Abstract: An exemplary system and associated method for a communications system allowing responses to messages in an electronic environment are disclosed. The communications need not be based on the same platform or carrier. The system comprises a processing center to couple to a telephony network where the processing center provides a sender, not subscribed to the system, with messaging capabilities. The processing center includes a voice mail server to record a message from the sender and retrieve the message for a recipient that is subscribed to the system. A call processing logic module is arranged to access a database to determine whether a telephony device used by the sender has non-voice capabilities. The call processing logic module can notify the recipient of the message and informs the recipient of the capabilities of the sender to allow various response modalities (e.g., by voice mail, e-mail, or text message).

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 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 method and apparatus provide access to a plurality of instant messaging systems via a multi-media messaging system by receiving an incoming communication by the multi-media messaging system for a user of the multi-media messaging system; determining a presence of the user on one of the plurality of instant messaging systems; and establishing instant messaging communication between an originator of the incoming communication and the user. The method and apparatus also provide communication for the user via a multi-media messaging system with a plurality of instant messaging systems by broadcasting a presence of the user on the multi-media messaging system to the plurality of instant messaging systems; and establishing instant messaging communication between a person using one of the plurality of instant messaging systems and the user via the multi-media messaging system.

Abstract: A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include, for example, voicemail services, facsimile messaging services, paging services, and outbound calling services. A guest caller may call the single phone number to speak to a subscriber, leave a voicemail message for a subscriber, leave a facsimile message for a subscriber, or place a page to a subscriber. A subscriber may call the phone number to place outbound calls. In addition, a subscriber may call the single phone number to retrieve or send facsimile messages and/or voicemail messages. A subscriber may also call the phone number to configure service options. For instance, a subscriber may select routing options and choose what services are available to guest callers.

Abstract: Outbound calling from a Voice eXtensible Markup Language (VXML) based voicemail system, which has distributed architecture, is disclosed. The voicemail system includes a media server, which is in communication with a telephone network. The media server includes multiple communication termination-link components, and the communication termination-link components are adapted to couple to trunks that extend to the telephone network. The media server also includes a network interface that is adapted to receive and provide communications to components of the telecommunications platform. The media server also includes a link-selector, a browser module, and a processor. The link-selector is adapted to select a given communication termination-link component from the plurality of communication termination-link components.

Abstract: A voicemail system includes a voicemail bookmarking procedure that permits users to bookmark voicemail messages during message playback. Upon receiving a bookmark request from a user, the procedure generates a bookmark pointer defining a starting point for subsequent playback of the message. The bookmark pointer can be based, in part, on a timing offset entered by the user while making the bookmark request. The timing offset value defines a user-selected playback starting point that occurs before the message time at which the bookmark request was made. The value of the timing offset can be user selected.

Abstract: A pharmacy Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system can identify a targeted message for playing to a caller using criteria that are based on a prescription number that is provided by the caller. The functionality of an IVR system can thereby be enhanced to provide targeted educational messages concerning the pharmaceutical prescription, targeted messages that indicate alternative medications that may substituted for the pharmaceutical prescription, targeted messages that identify other items that may be desired, targeted messages that solicit participation in a study related to the pharmaceutical prescription and/or other targeted messages. Related systems and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for sending audio greetings and messages to third parties. For example, a unique access code can be provided to a sender. In addition, a communication can be received from the sender. In particular, the communication can include the selection or generation of audio content to include in an audio greeting. The audio greeting can be associated with the access code. The audio content can also be delivered to a recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a call monitoring service for multiple telecommunications units. When an incoming communication directed to a subscriber's simultaneous ring number is received, outgoing communications are placed to each of the telecommunications units associated with the subscriber's simultaneous ring number. A determination is made as to whether the incoming communication should be routed to the voice mail system. If the incoming communication should be routed to the voice mail system and the call monitoring service is activated, a communication between the calling party and the voice mail system is established. A determination is made as to whether a user of one of the telecommunications units takes an action to connect to the communication between the calling party and the voice mail system. If an action is detected, then a communication between the calling party, the voice mail system, and the telecommunications unit is established.

Abstract: A voice channel connection and a data channel connection are established with a structured voice interaction system. Navigation information for and provided by the structured voice interaction system is received over the data channel connection. The data channel navigation information is coordinated with navigation information provided by the structured voice interaction system over the voice channel connection.

Abstract: A system and/or methodology that unifies a telephonic communication component and/or system with a data (e.g., messaging) server component and/or system. The system can facilitate telephonically accessing rich information in the server (e.g., messaging server). This rich information can include email content, calendar content, contacts information, or the like. Moreover, with access to an application programming interface, the invention can add functionality to initiate email communications as well as to accept or cancel meetings. Furthermore, the invention can synchronize messages of disparate formats. By way of example a user can set an “Out of Office” (OOF) status on both an email systems and telephone voicemail system from one location in one action. In another aspect, it will be appreciated that any message or data component can be analyzed, transformed, matched and/or communicated from one system to another (e.g., server to telephone) in accordance with the subject invention.

Abstract: A network device may include a memory to store a database including voicemail message information associated with a voicemail mailbox, a transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter may send a notification to each of a plurality of communication devices, the notification including an indication of a number of new voicemail messages in the voicemail mailbox, an indication of a total number of voicemail messages in the voicemail mailbox, and an identifier of a most recent voicemail message in the voicemail mailbox, where each of the plurality of communication devices uses the notification signal to determine whether to request a list of voicemail messages. The receiver may receive, from one of the communication devices in response to the notification, a request for the list of voicemail messages associated with voicemail message information stored in the database. The transmitter may sends, to the one of the plurality of communications devices, the list of voicemail messages.

Abstract: A network device may include a memory to store an aggregate database. The aggregate database may store aggregate voicemail message information, the aggregate voicemail message information including voicemail message information associated with a first device number and voicemail message information associated with a second device number. The network device may include a receiver to receive, over a network, updated voicemail message information associated with the first device number and stored in a first database different from the aggregate database, and to receive, over the network, updated voicemail message information associated with the second device number and stored in a second database different from the first database and the aggregate database.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for receiving, by a telephone device, data of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menu tree that is made available to the telephone device by a server of a remote database, or in the alternative, is made dynamically available to the telephone device. In an embodiment, an IVR menu tree may include menu tags according to a menu description protocol and may be delivered as the IVR menu tree is updated so that the telephone device receives an up-to-date menu tree automatically. The received IVR menu tree may be visually output to the display screen of the telephone device. Accordingly, the received IVR menu tree can be visual menu output rendered as a menu tree display and configured to be navigable on the display screen by a user input device, such as a joy stick or key pad.

Abstract: One solution for dealing with complex call flows employs a diagramming tool that allows a designer to graphically represent the customer experience during the call by connecting IVR actions and decision points with arrows. The resulting diagram is translated into a Finite State Machine (FSM).

Abstract: A method for operating a voice-based interactive entertainment program, the method including: a) receiving a voice communication from at least one user; b) selecting output in accordance with a voice-based interactive entertainment program, programmed with a plurality of interacting autonomous virtual performers; c) presenting the output to the user; d) prompting the user for input at a plot point of the voice-based interactive entertainment program; e) receiving the input from the user; f) selecting output at least partly in accordance with the voice-based interactive entertainment program and the input; and g) presenting to the user the output selected in step f).

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 system includes a first network device and a second network device. The first network device is configured to receive a voicemail message for a called party, determine whether a second network device is available, and transfer the voicemail message to the second network device when the second network device is determined to be available. The second network device is configured to store the voicemail message in a mailbox associated with the called party, and automatically provide a network device associated with the called party with access to the voicemail message in response to a network address associated with the network device matching a subscriber identifier in a list of subscriber identifiers.

Abstract: Wireless service providers use SMS to notify users of text messages from other wireless users using text-based communications. SMS is used in conjunction with an Interactive Voice Response system and a text-to-speech (TTS) translator to provide enhanced text messaging. Users access the SMS menu on their wireless phone. Instead of typing a text message on the wireless phone keypad, users select an IVR option that connects to the wireless service provider's IVR system. After entering or speaking the telephone number (name or nickname) for the “To:” field, the user speaks the message to be sent via SMS. The IVR reads back the spoken message for user confirmation. Once confirmed, the message is translated to text using a Text-to-Speech translator, or a speech recognition dictation feature, and forwarded to the SMS Messaging Gateway.

Abstract: A message tracker having a transfer monitor, a set of registers, and at least one arithmetic unit increases performance and reliability when transmitting or receiving messages within a computer system. A set of message parameters such as a current address, a remaining length, and a communicated length are stored within the set of registers. The transfer monitor observes data transfers on a multi-tenant bus in order to detect data transfers related to the message and provide an update signal. The message parameters within the registers are updated in response to the update signal. The process of detecting and updating is repeated until the entire message is transferred, and the message tracker then informs a control processor or process that communication of the message has occurred. To facilitate message coalescing, several message trackers may share a message queue that is configured to store message parameters corresponding to completed messages.

Abstract: A method for providing a service over a communications network includes interacting, by a first networked communications apparatus, with a second networked communications apparatus. The second networked communications apparatus interacts with the first networked communications apparatus according to a script based on information received from a remote requesting party. The remote requesting party interacts over the communications network with the second networked communications apparatus according to the script.

Abstract: A network method for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which a caller may leave a voice-message that includes the identification of an attachment, which may include, as examples only, audio, video, text, programs, spreadsheets and graphic attachments. A video, text, spreadsheet or graphic attachment may be converted to an audible attachment to the voice-mail at the caller's or the voice-mail subscriber's request. Such entries may be made, after receiving an automated prompt for leaving an attachment identifier or conversion request, audibly or by using a keypad entry. A network method is also provided for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which the voice-mail service may detect an attachment to a voice-mail message and provide access to the attachment to the voice-mail message.

Abstract: A method for initiating a session in a store and forward messaging system, such as a voice/video call answering (VCA) system, is provided. A data storage device stores capability information for subscribers of the messaging system, the capability information including data such as video codecs and audio codecs supported by the subscriber's device. When a session initiation request is received from a guest of the messaging system, the capability information of the device used by the guest is compared to the stored capability information of the device used by the subscriber for whom the guest wishes to deposit a message. If the capability information matches, the system presents to the guest only the matching capability information. The session continues using the matching capability information, thereby eliminating the need to transcode data when the message is retrieved by the subscriber.

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

Abstract: An Interactive Voice Response unit (IVR) is provided that includes a menu structure comprising a plurality of menus, each menu comprising a plurality of options that are selectable by a user, wherein the plurality of menus and each menu's respective plurality of options define a plurality of potential navigation paths for the user through the menu structure and a processor operable to receive, from the user, a request to change the menu structure; effect the requested change to the menu structure; and associate the changed menu structure with the requesting user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying and monitoring employees are provided. Employees call-in to the system at scheduled times. If an employee misses a scheduled call-in, an alert can be generated. An employer notification process can generate the alert, notifying a supervisor of the employee's missed call. The alert can include the employee's name, the location of the employee, and the time he/she was supposed to call. Such systems and methods can be used to verify that a worker is at the proper location at the proper time and awake and alert during the entire time period that he/she is supposed to be working.

Abstract: An integrated communication system and method for conducting surveys, and more particularly an at least partially automated and efficient system and method for collecting, processing, and displaying customer satisfaction survey information that enables a product or service provider to evaluate the quality of goods and/or services received based on ratings and reports obtained by performing surveys of customers, employees, and/or staff. The system utilizes survey scripts implementing drill-down questioning techniques to gain insights into the survey participants' reasons for their opinions. The system processes the raw survey data into useful survey information, such as graphs and charts, for presenting to consumers (i.e., customers) of the survey who may be remotely located. In this way the system and method can be utilized in a quality improvement program.

Abstract: A method and system for error prevention and recovery of voice activated navigation through a menu having plural nodes provides situation dependent utterance verification by relating confirmation to utterance determination confidence levels. In one embodiment, a high confidence level results in implicit confirmation, a medium confidence level results in explicit confirmation and a low confidence level results in a concise interrogative prompt of a single word that requests the user to repeat the utterance. In situations where voice recognition is difficult, dual modality with DTMF navigation is provided as an option for menu selections.

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: Systems and methods for voicemail avoidance are shown and described. The method can include issuing an invitation to an audio communications session to a first one of the end-points, receiving, in response to the invitation to a first one the end-points, an indication that the first end-point is available for the audio communication session and that the invitation to the first one of the end-points did not terminate with a voicemail service associated with the first one of the end-points, and issuing, in response to the indication, an invitation to join the audio communications session to a second one of the end-points.

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 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: Automatic access to a secondary or alternate voicemail box while operating or using a first or primary voicemail box is provided. One touch access to an alternate voicemail box from a wireless telephone device is further provided, and access to a given voicemail box from a number of trusted telephone devices is provided without requiring users of the trusted devices to authenticate into the voicemail box (e.g., provide a password).

Abstract: A method of presenting instructions to a user sending an incoming communication to a service center includes presenting a menu to the user. The menu includes a plurality of procedure descriptors to the user. The user is presented, according to a selection of one of the procedure descriptors by the user, a sequence of instructions which enable completion of a procedure described by the selected procedure descriptor. The incoming communication is transferred at a position in the sequence of instructions to a representative. The incoming communication is also transferred back to the same position in the sequence of instructions.

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: A presence aware communications system, comprising a messaging system configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) provide a subscriber's communication device with information regarding an incoming contact during a messaging session between the subscriber's communication device and the messaging system; (b) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message containing information regarding one or more messages when a notification is received that the subscriber's communication device is available; (c) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message relating to a voice message from a different first party received by the messaging system; (d) in response to the subscriber's communication device requesting a connection with at least one of an inputted telephone number and address, provide the subscriber's communication device with a notification respecting at least one eligible message from a second party associated with the at least one of an inputted

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for defending against telephone-based robotic attacks An interactive voice response method is provided for presenting a menu having one or more menu options to a caller. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a script to present to the caller, the script including the one or more menu options; permuting one or more characteristics of at least one of the one or more menu options; and presenting the permuted menu to the caller. The permutation may comprise, for example, adding one or more additional menu options to the menu; varying a selection number associated with the at least one menu option; varying an order of at least a plurality of the menu options; or varying a wording or pronunciation of one or more menu options.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided fox defending against telephone-based robotic attacks. An interactive voice response method is provided for presenting a menu having one or more menu options to a caller associated with a call. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a script to present to the caller, the script including the one or more menu options; combining at least one of the one or more menu options with a background audio signal, wherein the background audio signal is selected based on a context of the call; and presenting the combination of the at least one of the one or mole menu options and the background audio signal to the caller. The context of the call includes comprises one or more of an identity of a called party associated with the call and a time period of the call. The background audio signal can optionally be obtained from a library of background signals.