Message Management Patents (Class 379/88.22)
  • Publication number: 20140301538
    Abstract: System and method to administer an outbound automated call from a call center, including: starting playback of an automated message during a call from a caller to a callee, wherein the message comprises a first portion having a first level of importance and a second portion having a second level of importance, wherein the second level of importance is greater than the first level of importance; detecting that the caller has disconnected the call; stopping playback of the message; and determining whether the second portion of the message has been played. Embodiments may further include rescheduling the call if the second portion of the message has not been played.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Avaya Inc.
    Inventor: Shriwallabh Aghor
  • Patent number: 8855275
    Abstract: The described systems regulate the transmission and playback of multiple streams of audio data, e.g., for a multiplayer game, and provide sequential playback of audio, buffered while the listener is listening to a different stream, time-compressed if necessary. The systems thus solve a problem of users “talking over each other” by: (1) regulating access to audio channels; and (2) treating the spoken audio as distinct blocks so as to play the messages, e.g., from multiple channels, sequentially to users. The messages may be played back at a later time at time-compressed rates or aborted as directed by the user or by a separate automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Online Entertainment LLC
    Inventor: Eric Harvard Cosky
  • Patent number: 8855271
    Abstract: When a communication is directed to an intended recipient, a determination may be made by an intelligent communication disposition manager as to whether one or more available communication devices of the intended recipient are available for routing the incoming communication either based on device availability or routing previously defined by the intended recipient. The intelligent communication disposition manager may utilize presence data of the intended recipient for sending a notification of the incoming communication to one or more of the intended recipient's available communication devices. The intended recipient may select a preferred call routing option for the incoming call/message to be sent. Based on the real-time response from the intended recipient, the call/message may be routed to his/her preferred communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Brock, Brandon Hall Goode, Robert C. Whitten
  • Patent number: 8849321
    Abstract: Techniques for filtering broadcast SMS messages at a mobile station based on network configuration, user configuration, and/or user preferences. In one method, a broadcast message is initially received, and one or more filtering criteria are applied to the received broadcast message. The filtering criteria are defined by settings stored in a removable module (e.g., the R-UIM) coupled to the receiver. The received broadcast message is then processed if it is not filtered out by the one or more filtering criteria. The one or more filtering criteria may include (1) those imposed by a service provider and defined in a network configuration setting, (2) those determined by the mobile user and defined in a user configuration setting, (3) those selected by the mobile user based on user preferences, which allow for filtering of broadcast messages based on service category, language, and priority, or (4) any combination of the above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hai Qu, Nobuyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 8848883
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a first customer premises equipment device, an indication of an incoming call. The indication is received in response to a call signal of the incoming call being received at a second customer premises equipment device from a session initiation protocol agent associated with the second customer premises equipment. The call signal is received when the second customer premises equipment device is engaged in a call. The call is distinct from the incoming call. The method includes, in response to receiving the indication, storing, at the first customer premises equipment device, a voice message from a calling party. The voice message is associated with the call signal of the incoming call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Goangshiuan Shawn Ying, Eugene L. Edmon
  • Publication number: 20140270110
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cloud voicemail and two way communication. In some embodiments a method for providing answering service via an answering device comprises associating an answering service for a telephone number of a user with the answering device; enabling the answering device to receive at least one call targeted to the telephone number originating from a caller device; starting a call secession between the caller device and the answering device; responding to the call by sending to the caller device through the call session an answering message; detecting information related to an alternative communication channel different from the call session; and sending or receiving information via the alternative communication channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: APPFOREST LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Strunk, Urchie Bertram Ellis, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140270120
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for allowing a calling party to provide a provisional message for a called party. In one aspect, when the calling party places a call to the called party and does not receive an answer, the calling party may choose to have the provisional message delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Carl Klatsky
  • Patent number: 8837692
    Abstract: A selection identifying a voice mailbox associated with an endpoint in a call diversion chain in which to store a voice message is received. In response to receiving a call from an endpoint and the call not being answered, a header field is generated in signaling data for the call that identifies the selected voice mailbox to store a voice message associated with the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vamsi Mohan Tirunagari, Rajasheela T. Sundarabai, Ravikumar R
  • Patent number: 8837693
    Abstract: A method for minimizing message collision in a device is presented. Two or more overlapping real-time streaming simplex audio messages are received. One of the audio messages is forwarded to be reproduced while the other is stored. Forwarding of the delayed audio message is delayed such that overlapping reproduction of the audio messages is minimized. Reproduction is delayed until a predetermined clock time expires or is dependent on one or more of: the length of the second audio message or the amount of overlap of the first and second audio messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Erik Jorgensen, Michael Christoffersen
  • Patent number: 8837707
    Abstract: A user is identified based at least in part on a user identification designation associated with an incoming communication. A message recipient is then determined based at least in part on the identified user and one or more address books associated with message recipients by comparing the user identification designation to one or more entries in the one or more recipient databases. The incoming communication is routed to the determined message recipient. Escalation procedures are implemented up to a configured level in the recipient organization based on various criteria. As messages are escalated and deposited in mailboxes associated with the determined message recipients, the determined message recipients are notified of the deposited messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Mehrad Yasrebi, James Jackson
  • Patent number: 8837691
    Abstract: There is described herein a message forwarding system that is easily adaptable to evolving technologies. In one embodiment, a first user attempts to place a telephone call to a second user, and caller identification (CID) data are encoded into the outgoing call. The call is directed into a public switched telephone network (PSTN) servicing the second user. The PSTN may operate on a modern telephony protocol such as Signaling System #7 and may be equipped with an Advanced Intelligent Network. If the call is not completed, a message including CID information is sent via means such as short messaging service. Because the equipment resides in the PSTN, it is independent of the technology used to receive the transmitted data. Furthermore, the information may be provided even in times of emergency, such as when telephone service to the second user has been disrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Marachel L. Knight
  • Patent number: 8837690
    Abstract: An architecture and method of voicemail based on session initiated protocol presence and location information of a callee is disclosed. A method of providing voicemail includes determining a location and a presence of a callee, and playing a customized voicemail greeting to a caller based on preferences defined by the callee and also based on at least one of the location and the presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Pramodh D. Narayan, Sri Ramanathan, Matthew A. Terry, Matthew B. Trevathan
  • Patent number: 8824645
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes a video messaging system 1) providing an asynchronous video messaging service, 2) maintaining communication thread data representative of a video communication thread that includes a plurality of video messages exchanged between users of the asynchronous video messaging service, 3) providing a user interface configured to facilitate user interaction with the video communication thread, 4) receiving, by way of the user interface, a user input command to process multiple video messages included in the video communication thread, and 5) stitching together the multiple video messages for use in processing the multiple video messages in response to the user input command. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Brian F. Roberts, Anthony M. Lemus, Japan A. Mehta, Kishore Tallapaneni, Donald H. Relyea, Sudhanshu Sharma
  • Patent number: 8811575
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system, method, and computer readable medium for providing information to a receiving party in a communications network. The method includes receiving a message from a sending party and performing a lookup of information relating to the sending party in a database via an Internet Protocol connection. The lookup is based on an identifier of at least one of the sending party and the receiving party. Subsequently, the information is provided to the receiving party based on the availability of the information in the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: I D You, LLC
    Inventors: Monica Rose Martino, Kevin V Nguyen, M. Gregory Smith
  • Patent number: 8811961
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for machine-type communication (MTC) in a wireless communication system. An MTC device receives, from a base station, a notification message which notifies of the reception of an MTC message, and transmits a reception confirmation message indicating whether or not the MTC message is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Dae Lee, Seung June Yi, Sung Jun Park, Sung Hoon Jung, Sung Duck Chun
  • Patent number: 8804922
    Abstract: A first electronic device makes a phone call to a second electronic device. The second electronic device issues an incoming call notification to a third electronic device. The third electronic device sends a response to the second electronic device. The second electronic device answers the phone call. The first electronic device sends first voice to the second electronic device. The second electronic device transfers the first voice to the third electronic device. The third electronic device plays the first voice. The third electronic device transfers second voice to the second electronic device. The second electronic device sends the second voice to the first electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: ArcSoft (Hangzhou) Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Yang Lin, Yan Long Sun, HongYan Zhao
  • Patent number: 8798242
    Abstract: An instruction including one or more criteria is received. It is determined, based at least in part on the criteria, at least voice-related information in storage to which the instruction applies; the voice-related information includes call audio data, a call transcript, and call metadata associated with a call. The instruction is performed at least on the determined voice-related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventor: Hari Bhaskar Sankaranarayanan
  • Patent number: 8798239
    Abstract: Information associated with messages and/or missed calls is provided to a subscriber. Calls received but not answered by the subscriber may be monitored. Each monitored call is classified as one of a missed call and a message. The monitored calls may be summarized based on a customizable rule set to create a summary. The summary is provided to the subscriber via, for example, a voice notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa J. Stifelman, Karen M. Cross, Sarah A. Caplener, Rajeev Khurana, Anne K. Sullivan, Rao Surapaneni, Justin B. Ward, Angus Davis
  • Patent number: 8798241
    Abstract: A method (200) for managing voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system (102) can include establishing a secure data session (212) between a voicemail system (102) and a mobile device (118). The voicemail system (102) can receive a voicemail message (202) that is directed to a voicemail account associated with a voicemail subscriber. The voicemail system (102) can generate a notification message and can send the notification message (208) to the mobile device (118) that is associated with the voicemail account that received the voicemail message. In response to the notification message, the mobile device (102) can generate and send a first request for voicemail message header information (234). The voicemail system (118) can send the requested voicemail message header information (236) to the mobile device (102) and, in response, receive a second request for at least one voicemail message (238).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8787538
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing an autoresponder that allows subscribers to opt-in to one or more autoresponder campaigns using their spoken voice. Voice input is received from a subscriber and converted to text. The subscriber is added to at least one campaign. A contact communication identifier is stored in a subscriber contact record from the text that was converted from the voice input. One or more messages are sent to the subscriber using the contact communication identifier, and according to a schedule specified in the campaign. A virtual seminar playback system is described that simulates a live virtual seminar and allows subscribers to access a playback of a media recording over a communication connection at a specified time. An autoresponder system is described that delivers messages to subscribers in multiple available formats, based upon selections received by the subscribers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: You Everywhere Now, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Koenigs
  • Patent number: 8787537
    Abstract: A method may include receiving, by a computing device, a communication session invitation from a user device and determining, by the computing device, whether a communication session, corresponding to the communication session invitation, is to be recorded. The method may also include, when the communication session is to be recorded, identifying, by the computing device, a record mode, corresponding to the communication session, from a group of record modes. The method may further include establishing, by the computing device, recording services corresponding to the record mode, and establishing, by the computing device, the communication session with the user device. The method may also include, when the communication session is not to be recorded, establishing, by the computing device, the communication session with the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Phelps, Brian S. Badger, John Macedo, Gregory J. Bjornberg, John Rivera
  • Patent number: 8781081
    Abstract: The present invention provides presence management to a multimodal communication network. A unified messaging system, providing the ability to deliver messages across multiple modes of communication, is integrated with a presence managing system. The presence management system provides an ability to locate a recipient of a message according to a stored schedule. The unified messaging system retrieves contact information from a presence management system. Upon received the message, the recipient can respond along the established line of communication. Multiple modes of communication comprises telephone, wireless telephone, electronic mail, pager, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), video, audio, picture, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Edward Walter
  • Patent number: 8781083
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and system embodiments are provided for call routing in communication networks. One method embodiment includes initiating a call processing process by receiving a call for a called party, sending a message to a home location register to initiate a call termination, arming a trigger for transferring the call processing process to a set of executable instructions that can use a variable delay to pause the call processing process to allow a color ringback tone server to provide an initial play of a ringback tone, initiating an initial play of the ringback tone for receipt by the calling party, sending a message transferring the call processing process to the home location register, and setting a variable delay that allows the initial play of the ringback tone to the calling party to play for a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rob W. Heldenbrand, Anders H. Askerup
  • Patent number: 8774381
    Abstract: A subscriber who seeks to block access to contact information may receive identifying information for people attempting to access the subscriber's contact information. The subscriber also may be provided interfaces to enable the attempting person to contact the subscriber, in a variety of escalating forms, without revealing the subscriber's contact information. In a particular implementation, a request is received from an information seeker for contact information for a subscriber. A data structure is accessed that includes an indication that the subscriber should be provided with information relating to requests received for the subscriber's contact information. A message address for the subscriber is accessed, and a message is sent to the subscriber indicating the request for the subscriber's contact information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: AOL Inc.
    Inventors: John Ernest Keeling, Barry Appelman
  • Patent number: 8775177
    Abstract: A speech recognition process may perform the following operations: performing a preliminary recognition process on first audio to identify candidates for the first audio; generating first templates corresponding to the first audio, where each first template includes a number of elements; selecting second templates corresponding to the candidates, where the second templates represent second audio, and where each second template includes elements that correspond to the elements in the first templates; comparing the first templates to the second templates, where comparing comprises includes similarity metrics between the first templates and corresponding second templates; applying weights to the similarity metrics to produce weighted similarity metrics, where the weights are associated with corresponding second templates; and using the weighted similarity metrics to determine whether the first audio corresponds to the second audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Heigold, Patrick An Phu Nguyen, Mitchel Weintraub, Vincent O. Vanhoucke
  • Patent number: 8774395
    Abstract: A computing device may receive a record order from a client device. The record order may include recording instructions for a communication session involving an interactive voice response recording system. The computing device may provide the record order to the interactive voice response recording system and, in response to providing the record order to the interactive voice response recording system, receive record metadata corresponding to the communication session and store the record metadata locally. The record metadata may include a storage location of record data corresponding to the communication session, and the record data may include a recording of the communication session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Phelps, Brian S. Badger, John Macedo, Gregory J. Bjornberg, John Rivera
  • Patent number: 8768308
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for schedule management includes storing at least one schedule for a user. The current activity of the user is determined. At a remind time for each schedule, the user is reminded of the schedule according to a reminder method. The reminder method selection is based on at least the determined current activity of the user. Some of the reminder methods selected between may include, for example, voice, ring, vibration, light, and/or text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AG
    Inventors: Kyu-Han Kim, Nischal Piratla
  • Patent number: 8767928
    Abstract: A call from a caller to an interactive voice response (IVR) system may be serviced based on behavior by the caller in one or more prior calls to the IVR system. The call may be serviced by predicting information to be used in servicing the call. Predicting such information may include analyzing data reflecting behavior by the caller in one or more prior calls to the IVR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Springer
  • Patent number: 8767927
    Abstract: A call from a caller to an interactive voice response (IVR) system may be serviced based on behavior by the caller in one or more prior calls to the IVR system. The call may be serviced by predicting information to be used in servicing the call. Predicting such information may include analyzing data reflecting behavior by the caller in one or more prior calls to the IVR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Springer
  • Patent number: 8755497
    Abstract: A system for managing telephone messages played by a telephone includes an integrated telephone answering device configured to playback a plurality of outgoing messages. The system further includes a first memory section to store a default outgoing message and a second memory section to store one or more custom outgoing messages. The system further includes a handset operable to send outgoing messages for storage in the base unit and to send information related to outgoing messages for storage in a database of the base unit, the information including an outgoing message identifier associated with each outgoing message and a list of calling numbers associated with each outgoing message identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: VTech Telecommunications Ltd.
    Inventor: James Dury
  • Patent number: 8750465
    Abstract: A system is disclosed which provides communication of recorded voice messages over a network among a plurality of users having voice communication devices. The system has a voice message server connected to the network, which includes a receiver which receives from a sending user's communication device a voice message signal including a header component and a recorded voice message component is stored at the server in association with the corresponding header. The header component identifies the sending user and an intended recipient user, and it is transmitted to the communication device of the intended recipient identified in the header component. The corresponding voice message component is transmitted to the recipient user's communication device in response to the recipient user's communication device requesting it. The recipient user may send a responsive voice message to the server addressed to the sending user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Private Group Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai Y. Eng, Pramod Pancha
  • Patent number: 8750837
    Abstract: A first network device is configured to receive a message that identifies a relationship between a wireless user device and a client device. The relationship allows voice mail information, associated with voice mail messages for the wireless user device, to be sent to the client device. The first network device is configured to receive voice mail information associated with a voice mail message for the wireless user device, determine to send the voice mail information to the client device, based on the information identifying the relationship between the wireless user device and the client device; and send the voice mail information to the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Cellco Partnership, Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish R. Gandhi, Rodney D. Regan
  • Patent number: 8750463
    Abstract: A mass-scale, user-independent, device-independent, voice messaging system that converts unstructured voice messages into text for display on a screen is disclosed. The system comprises (i) computer implemented sub-systems and also (ii) a network connection to human operators providing transcription and quality control; the system being adapted to optimise the effectiveness of the human operators by further comprising 3 core sub-systems, namely (i) a pre-processing front end that determines an appropriate conversion strategy; (ii) one or more conversion resources; and (iii) a quality control sub-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Michael Doulton
  • Patent number: 8744499
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a mobile terminal (10), which comprises: a storage module (101), configured to store a linked list that includes a service ID and a reception time of a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) notification message, and a maximum length of the linked list; an inquiry module (102), configured to inquire whether there is a service ID identical with a service ID of a received MMS notification message in the linked list when the MMS notification message is received; a length determination module (103), configured to determine whether a length of the linked list is smaller than the maximum length when there is no service ID of the received MMS notification message in the linked list; a time difference determination module (104), configured to determine whether the time difference between the reception time and the last node in the linked list is greater than the time difference between the first node and the last node in the linked list when the length of the linked list is smaller than the maximu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Gang Cao
  • Patent number: 8737580
    Abstract: A method for toggling voicemail class of service (CoS) including receiving a subscriber-initiated CoS change request at a billing system, wherein the CoS change request includes a request to change from a first CoS associated with a first voicemail system (VMS) to a second CoS associated with a second VMS. The method further includes validating the CoS change request at the billing system, sending a CoS delete request to the first VMS to at least temporarily disable a first voicemail account, and sending a provisioning request to the second VMS to provision a second voicemail account. A system for toggling voicemail CoS and a computer-readable medium for toggling CoS from a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8737579
    Abstract: A method of routing messages may include providing a listener registry of a plurality of listeners and associated namespaces so that at least one namespace is associated with each of the plurality of listeners. A message may be received from an originating application, and the message may include a message namespace. The message may be stored in a message queue, and a determination may be made to determine if a listener from the listener registry is associated with the message namespace. If no listener from the listener registry is associated with the message namespace, the message may be stored in a parked message queue separate from the message queue. After the message has been in the parked message queue for a predetermined period of time, the message may be deleted from the parked message queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Brett Dennis Johnson, Larry Kent, Jr., Charles Frederick Hart, Matthew Campbell, Donald H. Fair, Thomas Hackbarth, Bruce Peterson
  • Patent number: 8731149
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: TP Lab, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Shin Cheung Simon Chiu
  • Patent number: 8731146
    Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, a universal messaging adapter provides hands-free operation of a communications device. The adapter communicates with the communications device, and in some embodiments, with a peripheral device such as another communications device, a headset, and other devices. The universal messaging adapter allows a user to use voice commands so that the user does not have to handle the communications device. The universal messaging adapter receives voice commands from a user interface and translates the voice commands to commands recognized by the communications device. The universal messaging adapter also monitors the communications device to detect communications device events and provides notice of the events to the user. Still further, the universal messaging adapter presents customized voice messaging tools that enable a portable voice messaging service that the user may use with a plurality of communications devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Darryl Cynthia Moore
  • Patent number: 8719369
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a method comprising generating a plurality of prompts, each of the plurality of prompts related to one of a plurality of elements, generating an indexed prompt file (IPF) comprising one or more of the plurality of prompts and index information about the one or more of the plurality of prompts, and generating an IPF map file relating one or more of the elements to one or more of the plurality of prompts using the index information. The method further comprises mapping a target phone number to the one or more of the plurality of elements, the target phone number being associated with a target on a target list, generating a call to the target phone number, and playing the one or more of the plurality of prompts based on the index information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Brown, Chris Silveri, Herman Lee
  • Patent number: 8712384
    Abstract: Methods and systems for triggering the delivery of a message waiting indicator (MWI) are introduced. In a wireless communication network, a radio access network (RAN) determines that a wireless communication device (WCD), such as a mobile phone, has missed an incoming call, and responsively: (i) routes the incoming call to a message storage system to enable an originator of the call to leave a message for a user of the WCD, (ii) waits a period of time after routing the incoming call to the message storage system, and (iii) then generates and transmits a message waiting query to the message storage system without prompting from the WCD. In response to the message waiting query, the message storage system may transmit a signal indicative of the message to the RAN. Responsively, the RAN may then transmit to the WCD a message waiting indication (MWI) indicative of the message, for presentation of the MWI to the user of the WCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Anoop K. Goyal, Bhagwan Khanka, Hemanth Balaji Pawar, Shilpa Kowdley Srinivas
  • Publication number: 20140112457
    Abstract: A method implemented to provide voice calls in a network. The method comprises receiving a voice call initiation request at a caller agent, wherein the voice call initiation request is triggered by a caller initiating a voice call via a caller equipment, wherein the voice call is destined to a callee equipment communicatively coupled with the network to reach a caller, and wherein the caller agent and a callee agent interact with the caller equipment and the callee equipment respectively. The method further comprise sending a call connection message to the caller equipment, receiving an acknowledgment message from the caller equipment, and opening a voice channel between the caller and the caller agent without waiting for a callee agent response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: BO XING, YI-PIN ERIC WANG
  • Patent number: 8705712
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Anexas, Inc.
    Inventor: Vinod Anupam
  • Patent number: 8705714
    Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8693647
    Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8693645
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for receiving a voice message, selecting from multiple destinations, transmitting the voice message to a destination and subsequently playing back the voice message after it has been received by the destination. The system has a plurality of access devices which are coupled to each other over a network such as the Internet. These access devices may include computers, workstations, and the like. Access devices may include a voice conversion board for converting a voice message received over a network into a voice signal for playback to a telephone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Stage Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Taka Migimatsu
  • Patent number: 8693669
    Abstract: A custom call flow is implemented by receiving a sequence of user inputs provided as part of an interactive call between a caller requesting a service and a service provider that provides the service. The sequence of user inputs includes data path inputs, security inputs, and a termination input. The custom call flow is further implemented by identifying placement of the security inputs in the sequence, removing the security inputs from the sequence, and creating a custom sequence that includes the data path inputs, a placeholder representing the placement of the security inputs, and the termination input. The custom sequence utilizes the placeholder to prompt the caller to enter the security inputs at a location specified in the placeholder of the custom sequence. The custom call flow is invoked from the custom sequence received from the caller each time the caller initiates a request for the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward M. Silver, Nicholas S. Huslak
  • Patent number: 8693377
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is provided for exchanging voice messages between a sender and a recipient. A client component that allows the sender to create, address, and render the voice messages to the recipient using a graphical user interface is provided. A messaging server that enables interaction between the sender and the recipient is also provided. The sender records one or more voice messages and addresses the recorded voice messages on the client component by entering a recipient address or an arbitrary address. The client component transmits the recorded voice messages, the recipient address or the arbitrary address, and a client identifier to the messaging server. The messaging server resolves a recipient delivery address based on the arbitrary address. The messaging server transmits a delivery message comprising the recorded voice messages to the resolved recipient delivery address. The recipient responds to the recorded voice messages with response messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Hazy
  • Patent number: 8688082
    Abstract: Voicemail systems can include a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system, forwarded to another voicemail system, provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system and/or a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8688092
    Abstract: Systems and methods that can be utilized to convert a voice communication received over a telecommunication network to text are described. In an illustrative embodiment, a call processing system coupled to a telecommunications network receives a call from a caller intended for a first party, wherein the call is associated with call signaling information. At least a portion of the call signaling information is stored in a computer readable medium. A greeting is played the caller, and a voice communication from the caller is recorded. At least a portion of the voice communication is converted to text, which is analyzed to identify portions that are inferred to be relatively more important to communicate to the first party. A text communication is generated including at least some of the identified portions and including fewer words than the recorded voice communication. At least a portion of the text communication is made available to the first party over a data network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Callwave Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Bladon, David Giannini, David Frank Hofstatter, Colin Kelley, David C. McClintock, Robert F. Smith, David S. Trandal, Leland W. Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: RE45096
    Abstract: With interactive voice response services, it can be frustrating for a user to become stuck in a dialogue where the same question is asked repetitively. Here the wording of questions used by the system are varied throughout the dialogue depending upon how many times a user has visited a particular dialogue state during the call history. Furthermore the wording of the question is also varied in dependence upon the way in which the question was asked the last time the user was in a particular dialogue state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Harrison, Paul Ian Popay, Neil Lewis Watton