Abstract: Managing voice messages across multiple voicemail systems. A server acts as a gateway and interacts with multiple voicemail systems and with multiple user devices. The server can retrieve voice messages from one voicemail system and transmit the retrieved voice messages to another separate voicemail system without user assistance. The voice messages are transcoded as necessary. The server also enables a recipient to generate a reply voice message that can be delivered to the original sender's device or delivered to the sender in another manner, such as a Vnote, SMS or an email.

Abstract: A device receives, from a management server, an optimal number of threads, generates a dynamic thread based on the optimal number of threads, and retrieves, from a message store, a message based on the dynamic thread and when the message store is not empty. The device receives a binding from a voicemail server associated with a voicemail user, generates a notification based on the retrieved message and based on the binding, and provides the notification to a user device associated with the voicemail user.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating heterogeneous phone message mailboxes in a common interface. A message record is created in a data structure of a local telephone device when a phone message received over a first telephone line is stored in a local answering device is completed. A message alert is received when a remote phone message is stored in a remote mailbox associated with a second telephone line linked to the local telephone device. The remote phone message is sent to the local telephone device for silent playback. The remote message is marked as old at the remote mailbox. A message record is created in the data structure corresponding to the remote message. A program operates to produce an ordered message record list in the data structure that includes, for example, an interleaved chronological list of all phone messages stored in the local and remote mailboxes.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for recording call sessions over a VoIP network using a distributed record server architecture are disclosed. An example recording device for recording segments of a call session includes a record server configured to receive an agent voice data stream and an external caller voice data stream from an agent telephone station, and a file repository configured to store voice data and call data associated with each recorded segment of the call session. The recording device is configured to tag recorded segments of each call session, which can be later used by a third-party application or database to check the status and/or integrity of the recorded call session.

Abstract: A computing device is configured to receive an incoming communication from another computing device. The incoming communication may be for purpose of initiating a voice-exchange session. In response to receiving the incoming call, the computing device may identify or determine a message identifier of the other computing device. The message identifier is determined based at least in part on data provided with the incoming communication. The computing device may programmatically address a message to the other computing device using the message identifier determined from the incoming communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is reply voice message transmission system and method thereof for transmitting a reply voice message showing whether a voice message from a sender is received by receiver's pressing a predetermined key in a mobile phone in the course of or after hearing the voice message from the sender, in case that a voice message from the sender is transmitted to a receiver. The method comprises the steps of: a) registering a voice message from a sender; b) discriminating whether the registered voice message is confirmed by a receiver, and then storing the message in a database sequentially, in case that the voice message is not confirmed by the receiver; c) recording a reply voice message from the receiver in the course of or after hearing the voice message from the sender, in case that the voice message is confirmed by the receiver in the step (b); and d) transmitting the recorded reply voice message to a sender's mobile phone.

Abstract: A method for providing voice telephony services can include the step of receiving a call via a telephone gateway. The telephone gateway can convey call identifying data to a resource connector. A media port can be responsively established within a media converter that is communicatively linked to the telephone gateway through a port associated with the call. A call description object can be constructed that includes the call identifying data and an identifier for the media port. The call description object can be conveyed to a telephony application server that provides at least one speech service for the call. The telephony application server can initiate at least one programmatic action of a communicatively linked speech engine. The speech engine can convey results of the programmatic action to the media converter through the media port. The media converter can stream speech signals for the call based upon the results.

Abstract: A method that enables the run-time behavior of a system to be analyzed is disclosed. By analyzing the totality of the messages in the log or logs system behavior can be better understood. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention detects patterns in message logs, clusters similar messages, and determines system behavior based on the clustering of messages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identifying phone numbers in a text string including multiple data types and multiple number formatting types. A device such as a mobile device receives text strings from, for example, a memory, a networked content provider, another mobile device, or a keypad. A parsing engine comprises a telephone number module to analyze the text string by applying a set of parsing rules from a parsing rules database that describe telephone number characteristics. The parsing engine also comprises a non-telephone number module to identify non-telephone numbers such as an IP address, an email, a social security number, or the like. The parsing engine outputs parsing information including identified telephone numbers to a display application. The display application renders a user interface that displays the text string other than the telephone number in a first format and the telephone number in a second format including an activatable link.

Abstract: A method for saving instant messages includes: determining a session saving policy; sending the session saving policy to a server; and saving, by the server, instant messages in a session in accordance with the session saving policy. A client, server and system are also provided.

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: Incoming phone calls are answered with playback of an audio feed. A listener can enter a phone number or other identifier to refer a friend. A message recommending the phonecast is then sent to the friend, possibly including a link or some other form of a ‘click-to-call’ facilitation. In some embodiments, the message is a text message sent via the short-message service (SMS) system. Email or voice mail messages may alternatively be employed. The referral identifier is captured along with identifying information of the caller and any message the caller wishes to provide. The system generates recommendation messages based on the captured information.

Abstract: A method for execution by a network entity to allow a calling party to leave a message for a called party, the calling party using a communication device to call the called party, the network entity being connected to the communication device via a communications network. The method may comprise: consulting at least one source of information in an attempt to obtain message destination information associated with the called party; if the attempt is successful, providing an opportunity for the calling party to leave a message for the called party; receiving a voice message provided by the calling party via the communication device; generating an electronic message representative of the voice message provided by the calling party; and causing transmission of the electronic message based on the message destination information. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of saving and delivering a voice memo or text memo to identify incoming calls is provided. A user of the system of the invention is given the option of recording a memo on the calls he or she has received through a prompt on a telecommunication device. The user can choose to record a voice memo or text memo after each call. The memos are saved in connection with caller id information pertaining to the number from which the call was placed. When a user of the system receives a call from a number that has a memo saved in relation thereto, the user will be prompted to hear, and may listen to, the voice memo before answering the call. If the memo is in text form, the user can configure the system to provide various processing options. In one processing option, a text to speech audio presentation of the text of the memo is made available to permit the message to be heard over a telephone or networked audio capable PDA device.

Abstract: A software interface is provided for managing audio resources used in one or more voice applications. The software interface includes a first portion thereof for mapping the audio resources from storage to use-case positions in the one or more voice applications, a portion thereof for accessing the audio resources according to the mapping information and for performing modifications thereof, a portion thereof for creating new audio resources; and a portion thereof for replication of modifications across distributed facilities. I a preferred application a developer can modify or replace existing audio resources and replicate links to the application code of the applications that use them.

Abstract: A method for delivering audio announcements, includes: receiving an announcement package, the announcement package including a package identity, a package update time, and one or more announcement items; and presenting the announcement package to an audio player. Each announcement item includes an item identity, and a summary part, where the summary part includes audio information. The audio information includes an audio data type and audio data. Updates for the announcement package can be received, where the announcement package is modified according to the update. A content of the announcement package can be replaced, deleted, or added. The announcement item can be presented to the audio player once, repeatedly, or periodically. In this manner, audio announcements are delivered in an effective and timely manner.

Abstract: A recording device provides conversation recording with real-time notification between users of communication terminals engaged in a conversation. The recording device provides a recording start notification to a second communication terminal in response to receiving an initiate recording request from a first communication terminal, and initiates recording of the conversation. The recording device terminates recording of the conversation in response to receiving a terminate recording request from the first communication terminal, provides a recording stop notification to the second communication terminal, and saves the recorded conversation to a file in a file storage medium. The recording start and recording stop notifications can be either audible or electronic notifications. The first communication terminal may be muted prior to providing a notification, and un-muted subsequent to the notification. The recording device may obtain permission from the second communication terminal to record the conversation.

Abstract: A mixed media reality (MMR) system includes an MMR user, a MMR computer, a user printer that produces a printed document, a networked media server, an office portal, a service provider server, an electronic display that is electrically connected to a set-top box, a document scanner, a network, a capture device, a cellular infrastructure, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, Bluetooth® technology, infrared (IR) technology, wired technology, and a geo location mechanism. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types, such as printed paper as a first medium and a digital photograph, digital movie, digital audio file, or web link as a second medium. Furthermore, the MMR system facilitates business methods that take advantage of the combination of a portable electronic device, voice mail or email, and a paper document.

Abstract: After the input of a subscriber (TLN1) of the first terminal (EG1), a connection to a temporarily available voice memory (SPS) is signalized by the same, and subsequently a voice message (spn) and at least one piece of retrieval information (ai) identifying the second terminal (EG2) is transmitted and stored at that location. Subsequently, the connection is terminated and the second terminal (EG2) is informed of the presence of a retrievable voice message (spn) in the voice memory (SPS) via the voice memory (SPS) by means of the at least one piece of retrieval information (ai), and the voice message (spn) can be retrieved from the second terminal (EG2) by means of the transmitted retrieval information (ai), or is transmitted to the second terminal (EG2) by the voice memory (SPS). In this manner voice messages (spn) can be stored for terminals (EG2) and retrieved by the same, regardless of whether one or no voice memories—such as an answering machine—is associated with these terminals (EG2).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sending and receiving a message between a nonresident and a resident of a controlled environment facility that associates an identifier to the message, wherein the resident does not associate the identifier to resident created messages. The identifier my take the form of a barcode printed directly onto the message form or printed onto a detachable sticker that is affixed to the message form. Embodiments may allow the searching of a message for prohibited words, phrases, or ideas and notifying a relevant authority to the existence of such prohibited content. Embodiments may also allow a nonresident to select a delivery medium that is incompatible with the format of a message created by a resident by converting the resident created message to a message format compatible with the delivery medium.

Abstract: Methods of processing a call initiated by a caller and received by a call processing system wherein, in at least one embodiment, information specific to the caller's identity is obtained, at least one message is selected automatically and based on the obtained information, and the at least one message is automatically presented to the caller, among other aspects. The obtained information upon which the at least one message is automatically selected may also be automatically obtained. Such automatically obtained information may also be obtained based on or employ previously obtained information, including previously obtained information that was also automatically obtained.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method for providing at least one audible message at a communication device in replacement of a pre-determined telephone tone. There is provided a tone detector interface for detecting the pre-determined telephone tone provided at the communication device; an audible messages database accessible to the tone detector interface and the communication device, the audible messages database storing the audible messages; and a tone replacement module in communication with the tone detector interface. The tone replacement module, in response to detecting the pre-determined telephone tone, may provide the audible message in replacement of the pre-determined telephone tone.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing information exchanged during an initiation phase (i.e., the “ringing” phase) of a conventional telephone connection request received from a telephony device, in order to identify and provide a user with content or enhanced services. In a convention telephone call the connection request includes information that identifies the user and/or telephony device that placed the phone call (the originating number) and the dialed phone number (the signaling number). The connection request is rejected and the call is terminated Prior to termination of the call the originating dumber and/or signaling number are extracted and used to identify a task that is desired by a user; content associated with the task is delivered to the user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for dynamically changing an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Responses to a menu of prompts are monitored. A presentation order of the menu of prompts is automatically updated according to a set of rules. The set of rules describe qualifications for dynamically changing the menu of prompts.

Abstract: A mail sending and receiving unit provided to a terminal for person in charge receives inquiry mails to which uniquely identifiable receipt numbers are added, and reply mails sent in response to the inquiry mails. An e-mail storage unit stores the incoming e-mails received by the mail sending and receiving unit, and the receipt numbers added to the incoming e-mails. The mail sending and receiving unit sends reply e-mails which are created in response to the incoming e-mails stored in the e-mail storage unit, and to which the receipt numbers of the corresponding incoming e-mails are added. A management screen generation unit displays the inquiry mails stored in the e-mail storage unit, and the reply mails, as being associated with each other by use of the receipt numbers of the respective inquiry mails.

Abstract: A telecommunications advertising means is disclosed. The telecommunication advertising means includes an advertisement database coupled to a processing means. The advertisement database stores subscriber specific or third party advertisements that are selectively associated with communications in a telecommunications network. The selective association is carried out by the processing means. In one embodiment, a router is coupled to the advertisement database. The router routes communications from source to destination within the telecommunications network. The router also routes advertisements that have been associated with the communications to the sources and destinations of the communications. A telecommunications system is also disclosed. The telecommunications system comprises a network subsystem, which includes a telecommunications advertising means. The telecommunications advertising means comprises an advertisement database and a processing means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that enable an interactive voice response (IVR) system to select, tailor, and deliver a “filler” content stream to a calling telecommunications terminal during a delay in a call (e.g., when performing automated speech recognition, retrieving other content, etc.). The delivery of the filler content can reduce the chance that the caller terminates the call prematurely, and can also be used to provide information to the caller, advertise new products, etc. The filler content can be based on one or more of the following: the date and time, the identity of the caller, a prior call to the IVR system, the type of the calling telecommunications terminal, and a content stream that the IVR system is in the process of retrieving.

Abstract: A method (200, 400) for toggling voicemail class of service (CoS) including receiving a subscriber-initiated CoS change request (202, 402) at a billing system (109), wherein the CoS change request includes a request to change from a first CoS associated with a first voicemail system (VMS) (102, 104) to a second CoS associated with a second VMS (102, 104). The method (200, 400) further includes validating the CoS change request (204, 404) at the billing system (109), sending a CoS delete request (206, 406) to the first VMS (102, 104) to at least temporarily disable a first voicemail account, and sending a provisioning request (208, 408) to the second VMS (102, 104) to provision a second voicemail account. A system (100) for toggling voicemail CoS and a computer-readable medium (506) for toggling CoS from a mobile device (118).

Abstract: A method for handling multiple call redirections in a voice messaging platform is provided that includes receiving a call at the voice messaging platform, wherein multiple, sequential redirecting numbers are associated with the call. The method also includes selecting a mailbox associated with a last number associated with the call when it is determined that the last number does not belong to a closed user group, and depositing a message in the selected mailbox. When the last number belongs to the closed user group, and if the closed user group does not allow individual call forwarding control, the method selects the mailbox based on a closed user group preference. An apparatus and a computer readable medium are provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide notification information of a telephone voicemail message over a computer and/or hybrid communications network. A table of updated voicemail subscriber message information is generated that includes voicemail subscriber identifier information and voice mailbox message status for each respective subscriber. Web-based requests (or alternate communications standards communicating the requests) are received from subscribers for voice mailbox status information. For each request from a subscriber, subscriber-specific data is retrieved from the table and a data communications notification that incorporates the retrieved information is communicated to a voice/data communications device to provide an updated voice mailbox message status.

Abstract: A system, method and device for managing messages. A caller dialing a particular line has a message managing device operatively connected to the line, that records a copy of the message to be recorded on the line, such as on a conventional answering machine. The MMD includes ring detection circuitry to detect an incoming call. The copy of the message recorded on the line can be communicated to the appropriate user by correlating the incoming call data with a contact list or other preferences selected by a user. The user/recipient of the message can also be manually selected by the caller. The MMD can also implement a virtual phone application for creating a plurality of distinct, unique rings for one line, based upon the caller information.

Abstract: A method, which comprises receiving an indication of an intent to communicate using a first communication client registered to a user account. A memory is then consulted in an attempt to identify a communication session previously established with a party that is a communication client registered to the user account, the communication session having been placed in a held state. If the attempt is successful, the first communication client is then engaged in the communication session.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system that allows a telephone user to send voice messages to multiple recipients. According to an embodiment, DTMF signals along with a voice message may be sent over a voice call to a network service platform. The voice message may then be delivered to contacts identified in the DTMF signal.

Abstract: An IP telephone system includes a source IP telephone apparatus, a destination telephone apparatus, a Web server and an ENUM server. The IP telephone apparatuses are connected to an IP network. The Web server stores control information for controlling an answering machine function. The control information corresponds to a telephone number assigned to the source or destination IP telephone apparatus. The ENUM server stores a NAPTR resource record in which a URI specifies link information related to the control information stored in the Web server. In the IP telephone system, the IP telephone apparatus that has received a call transmits, to the ENUM server, a query for a NAPTR record corresponding to an intended recipient's telephone number. The IP telephone apparatus then transmits, to the Web server, a request for the control information corresponding to the URI included in the obtained NAPTR resource record, and controls the answering machine function according to the obtained control information.

Abstract: A method of processing a call is disclosed. The method can transform speech input from a caller of a call into text and convert the text into an object and an action. The method determines a call destination based on the object and the action. The method can route the call to a destination when a caller is not in compliance with at least one business rule. The method can further route the call to the call destination when the caller is in compliance.

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 device and method provide a user with a template for a message having fields that can be pre-filled with data to reduce the manual entry of data into the message. The method includes, but is not limited to, executing an application at a device, wherein context data including context data items is associated with the executing application, selecting a messaging technology to send a message from the device, selecting a template for the message, wherein the template comprises one or more dynamic fields, selecting a context data item from the context data associated with the executing application, and inserting the selected context data item in the dynamic field to facilitate the creation of a message.

Abstract: Calendar-callback voicemail that provides proposed callback times is described herein. Calendar-callback voicemail includes a calendar callback service that access, among other things, calendar information and location information. The calendar callback service uses that information to provide a proposed callback time to the caller, which the caller may accept or reject. A recipient of the voicemail can access the calendar callback service to schedule times in which callback times are not to be proposed. Further, the calendar callback service may connect the caller and the recipient at the time of the proposed call.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improved user prompting. A system according to one aspect of the invention includes a central server hosting various modules providing services to users. The modules suitably employ voice recognition in order to interpret user inputs. Each module has access to user information that includes information indicating the user's experience with each function of each module. When a module needs to issue a prompt to the user, it retrieves and examines the user information to determine the user's experience with the module and function. Suitably, each module is operative to categorize a user as belonging to an experience category, such as novice, intermediate and expert based on the user's level of experience with the function. The module selects a prompt associated with the user's level of experience with the function and presents it to the user.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for managing voicemail in a communication session between a sending communication device and a receiving communication device are provided. It is determined at the receiving communication device that a voicemail is to be created. The voicemail based on content received via the sending communication device. The voicemail is recorded. The voicemail is caused to be stored at resources associated with the sending communication device.

Abstract: A method for exchanging voice messages that may be employed in an answering machine, in wired or wireless telephone, or in an voice messaging system. An incoming voice message from a message source is received and recorded, parsed into segments, and the parsed message is played back to a listener, pausing between each of the parsed segments to accept and record a spoken response from the listener. A reply message is returned to the original message source that includes each such spoken response along with a snippet extracted from the particular segment responded to in the original message. The listener may also interrupt the playback of the voice message at any time to record a response.

Abstract: A method for managing voice response services in a call center for interactive voice response (IVR) applications that provides full IVR call capacity during the installation and testing of new IVR application software. The call center includes web application servers, a network dispatcher, IVR clusters, databases and a network switch, which are reconfigured during the installation and testing of new IVR application software so that full IVR call capacity is maintained at all times. The call center further includes the ability to uninstall newly installed IVR application software and restore the call center to the original IVR application software configuration without reducing the call center IVR call capacity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing and analyzing integrated voice response systems are provided. Computer devices are used to simulate caller responses or inputs to components of the integrated voice response systems. The computer devices receive responses from the components. The responses may be in the form of VXML and grammar files that are used to implement call flow logic. The responses may to analyzed to evaluate the performance of the components and/or call flow logic.

Abstract: A system and method for forwarding calls to virtual phone numbers, the virtual phone numbers associated with landline and other discrete telephone units. A user cellular telephone can receive the calls for the virtual phone numbers, based on preferences specified by the user for when and/or where particular calls are forwarded to the device. The user cellular telephone can be interconnected by a network to a system server that employs a forwarding application to forwards calls to the user cellular telephone when desired, in accordance with the preferences specified by the user. If the call is not one desired to be received by the user cellular telephone, the call can be forwarded to a voicemail database where a voicemail message may be stored, as a distinct voicemail for the virtual number dialed by the calling party.

Abstract: In response to receiving a voice message, a telephony service creates an e-mail message directed to the intended recipient of the voice message. The e-mail message includes the voice message as an attachment and an embedded image file. Once the e-mail message has been created, a mail system is utilized to transmit the e-mail message to the intended recipient of the voice message. An e-mail client application program may be used to retrieve the e-mail message and to view the message content. In order to render the message content, the e-mail client application program will transmit a request for the image file. In response to receiving the request for the image file, an indication is transmitted to the telephony service indicating that the intended recipient has heard the voice message. In response to receiving the indication, the telephony service marks the voice message as heard.

Abstract: Processing data messages is disclosed. A mobile data message is received. It is determined whether the mobile data message requires communication policy compliance handling. The mobile data message or a copy thereof is sent to a communication policy compliance destination if it is determined that the mobile data message requires communication policy compliance handling.

Abstract: A method system, interface and server for establishing a communications call by selecting a B party (6) using an interactive device (16) connected to a public network (10,12), sending called address data for the B party (6) and calling address data for an A party (4) to a communications platform (18) of the public network (10,12), and establishing a call between the A and B parties (4,6) over the public network (10,12) using the communications platform (18) and the called and calling address data. The called address data can be accessed from the public network, and may reside on a server of a messaging network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A mobile telephone of an advertiser broadcasts an advertisement over a wireless short range piconet link to a mobile telephone of a consumer. The advertisement is broadcast with a predetermined set of classification tags. The consumer phone has a filter set to accept only certain advertisements. When an advertisement of interest is received by the consumer phone it requests further details automatically via the piconet link and the advertiser phone provides the further details automatically via the piconet link. The consumer phone replies to the advertisement by sending a reply message to a broker device that changes (i.e., modifies or augments the reply message text) and communicates the changed reply message to the advertiser.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a system to send text messages by the Internet and deliver messages in the form of speech directly on an addressee's phone. This system includes a central server where software is installed. The server receives a written text message, converts it into speech and processes it, so that the message can be sent in vocal form over a telephone line. The user receiving the message in vocal form can also answer it, sending a reply message to the sender using the telephone.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal includes timer for detecting the time of an incoming call, a caller number registration table for storing caller numbers, answer message ID numbers and time-dependent switching codes in relation to each other, the time-dependent control codes designating callers for whom answer messages are switched depending on a time zone in which the call is made. There is thus provided a capability of selecting an answer message for a caller based on the caller number included in the incoming call signal and switching between answer messages based on the time of call incoming detected by the timer.