Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database, the system comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory comprising a list of telephone numbers associated with one or more destinations implementing IVR menus, wherein the one or more destinations are grouped based on a plurality of categories of the IVR menus. Further the memory includes instructions executable by said processor for automatically communicating with the one of more destinations, and receiving at least one customization record from said at least one destination to store in the IVR database.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for voice print tagging for interactive voice response (IVR) session management. In an embodiment of the invention, a method of voiceprint tagging for IVR session management is provided. The method includes establishing an IVR session for a caller from over a network and presenting a portion of the IVR session to the caller over the network. The method also includes storing a voiceprint tag in memory associating a voiceprint of the caller with a portion of the IVR session. Finally, the method includes responding to a premature termination of the IVR session by re-establishing the prematurely terminated IVR session with the caller at the portion of the IVR session indicated by the voiceprint tag of the caller.

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

Abstract: An improved system and method to provide important information either, as voice, text, picture, holographic image or video from the called party to a calling party before the called party answers a telephone. The information may be a recorded voice, text, image or video message. The called party may send a voice message, for example, and send it along with a call alerting message. The voice message may be recorded beforehand. Instead of the calling party's telephone playing a ringback signal, the recorded voice message is played or a data/bearer stream is heard. The calling party hears the voice message instead of the ringback tone normally heard when there is an incoming telephone call. If the calling and called party have telephones, such as mobile phones, IP phones, IP softphones, PDA with telephony capabilities, etc., which allow for multimedia messages such as text, images and video messages, the called party's recorded voice message may include text, images or video.

Abstract: A system and method for voice messaging the enables the modification of recorded voice messages and caller-specific conveniences. More particularly, the present invention pertains to identifying a caller and, thereby, enabling the caller to modify recorded voice messages and enabling a recipient to designate how calls from a particular caller should be handled, for example, by specifying a greeting message for a particular caller or by specifying the order in which voice messages are presented based upon the associated caller.

Abstract: A voicemail message management system and method are provided. A list of voicemail messages is displayed on a screen such as a cellular telephone screen. Indicators specify whether messages are new, urgent, saved, not yet heard, and the like. Other attributes can also be displayed, including for example indications as to source of a message, message duration, date/time, caller, urgent or private, and the like. These indicators provide guidance to the user for selecting which messages he or she would like to hear at a given time. The user can listen to messages, delete them, move them, categorize them, and perform other operations in any order the user chooses.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling legacy communication devices to engage in conversations in either a near real-time or a time-shifted mode. The apparatus includes a gateway node having a first interface to enable the gateway node to receive conversation control information from a remote conversation management device and a second interface to couple the gateway node to a communication network. The communication network is configured to support a conversation between a first communication device and one or more other communication devices over the communication network. The gateway node further includes a message buffer configured to receive over the second interface media of the conversation and to store the media of the conversation as the media is received from the communication network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for implementing a CLIP service, which includes: a resource storage entity used for storing multimedia resources subscribed by a calling terminal; a resource playing entity used for downloading the multimedia resources from the resource storage entity and playing the multimedia resources; a CLIP service management entity used for obtaining a storage address of the multimedia resources and sending the storage address of the multimedia resources to the resource playing entity. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a method and apparatus for implementing the CLIP service. The system, method and apparatus for implementing the CLIP service in the embodiments of the present invention enable the calling terminal to subscribe to the multimedia resources for a called terminal.

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.

Abstract: A method for accessing and interacting with an interactive telecommunications service system according to one embodiment can include activating a programming mode, and entering a plurality of keystrokes to create a keyed sequence where the keyed sequence can include a telephone number and a menu response sequence. The menu response sequence can control the menu driven portion of the telecom service system after the device is connected via a telecommunications network. The keyed sequence can include delays between each of the plurality of keystrokes. The delays can be recorded and a session identifier can also be recorded. The keyed sequence can be associated with the delays and the session identifier in response to the activated programming mode. Access to the service and results from a service request can be automated.

Abstract: A caller may initiate a phone call to a device. A call preview system may send a preview message in conjunction with the phone call. The preview message may contain preview information that identifies the caller. The call preview system may use a text or media messaging service to send the preview message. Callers can manage their own preview information relieving each user from continuously updating contact information in personal contact directories. The call preview system may use different schemes for initiating phone calls. In one example, the call preview system may initiate or forward phone calls in conjunction with sending the preview message. In another example, the call preview system may delay calling a phone number or delay forwarding the phone call until a message is received acknowledging the preview message or accepting the phone call.

Abstract: A method for retrieving information may include receiving a telephone call from a caller and identifying a telephone number from which the telephone call was made. The method may also include retrieving information from a database based on the identified telephone number. The method may further include providing an audible message to the caller to verify whether the retrieved information is correct.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for implementing do-not-disturb feature during media content. For example, in one embodiment, a determination is made on whether to implement the do-not-disturb feature is implemented on at least one of a plurality of devices associated with a user during the playback of the media content based on user preferences, wherein the user preferences specify a type of media content that triggers the do-not-disturb feature. In response to the do-not-disturb feature being implemented, notification of an incoming communication is suspended during playback of the media content.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a response with different language options for a data communication protocol, such as Session Initiation Protocol, are disclosed. For example, data communication is controlled between at least two endpoints. A response code indicative of a condition of the data communication is transmitted to one of the at least two endpoints. The response code is associated with a reason phrase operable to be displayed at the one of the at least two endpoints in a language selected from an option of a plurality of languages.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for identifying a caller after receiving a missed call from a calling device that is not associated with the caller. An exemplary method involves obtaining an audio message from the caller, recognizing the caller as being a first contact of the called individual by matching an audio sample associated with the first contact to at least a portion of the audio message, and graphically indicating an association between the first contact and the missed call after recognizing the first contact as the caller.

Abstract: A method of altering a caller line identification in a phone service is disclosed. The method includes receiving, via a user interface, a phone number from a user of the phone number. A to-be called phone number is then selected from a pool of phone numbers. The to-be called phone number is temporarily associated with the phone service for a selected period of time. The to-be called phone number is displayed on the user interface. Via the user interface, the user is requested to call back the displayed to-be called phone number within the selected period of time.

Abstract: When a first user is leaving a voicemail while a second user is attempting to call the first user back, the first user is given the option to ignore the second caller, delete the voicemail and connect with the second user, or hold while the second user reviews the voicemail. The voicemail may or may not be complete. This may avoid the need for the first user to repeat the information contained in the voicemail. In one embodiment, the voicemail message is played on the second user's device as a ring-back tone.

Abstract: A system and method for acknowledging an incoming communication. An incoming communication request destined for a first communication device from a second communication device is received. The incoming communication request is forwarded to the first communication device. An acknowledgment indication is received from the first communications device that the incoming communication request has been received by a user of the first communication device. An acknowledgment communication associated with the acknowledgment indication is sent from the media server to the second communications device in response to receiving the acknowledgment indication. The acknowledgment communication is selectable from a number of acknowledgment communications including at least default communications and user entered communications.

Abstract: In a method for processing information using a communication device, a plurality of specific events of the communication device sets a receiver number of a receiver device. A specific message comprising predetermined characters and state information of the communication device is compiled, upon the condition that one of the specific events is triggered. The specific message is sent to the receiver device according to the receiver number.

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.

Abstract: A method and a system for completing an incomplete call made by a calling party to a called party, provide a call completion application on a calling party device. The call completion application detects an incomplete call, which is a call that is not connected to a called party device or a short duration call that does not enable an intended communication to occur between the calling party and the called party. The call completion application determines one or more call completion actions, for example, setting a reminder, transmitting media data, etc., to be performed to complete the incomplete call, for example, based on user selections, a duration of the incomplete call, user configuration of the call completion application on the calling party device, etc. The call completion application triggers execution of the determined call completion actions based on one or more action execution criteria for completing the incomplete call.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, one or more methods and/or systems described can transform an inbound call into one or more call streams and/or call states that can include at least one of a contextualized or personalized message, a promotion, a coupon, an offer, a voucher, an advertisement, and an opt-in program, among others. For example, the one or more methods and/or systems described can perform: receiving identification information associated with a telephony device; determining, based on the identification information, a message for the user; and sending the message to the telephony device. For instance, the message can include a coupon or discount for a good or service. In one example, the coupon or discount can be sent via a short message service text message. In another example, the coupon or discount can include a computer-readable image that can be sent via a multimedia messaging service message.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle telematics unit includes storing a conference call access code; initiating a conference call from a vehicle based on verbal commands received from a vehicle occupant; receiving a request for the conference call access code from an automated telephone attendant (ATA) while initiating the conference call; determining that the ATA has requested the conference call access code using a speech recognition function at the vehicle; and sending the stored conference call access code to the ATA based on the determination of the speech recognition function.

Abstract: The present invention provides flexible, user-definable call screening processes. The user can optionally define to which telecommunication terminals a screened call is to be broadcast to and under what conditions. An incoming call is forwarded to a call management system that asks the caller to leave a voice message. The call management system selectively couples the call to a POTS line or a VoIP-capable device so that the user can listen to the incoming message and thereby screen the incoming call. Based on the screening, the user can instruct the call management system to connect the caller to the user.

Abstract: Prior to connecting a voice call between an end user and a system user, an automated customer interaction system configured by the system user can determine whether the end user's communications device is a recognized or registered device. Responsive to the determination that the end user's device is recognized or registered, the automated customer interaction system can initiate an interactive graphical session via a network data link to provide an interactive graphical session to the end user. Responsive to the determination that the end user's device is not recognized or registered or responsive to receipt of an input indicative of an end user's desire to initiate a voice call, the automated customer interaction system can initiate a voice call using a voice telephone network.

Abstract: Methods and products are described for facilitating a method of controlling participation in a teleconference call. One embodiment of the method includes connection to a teleconference call so that a user of a communications device is capable of participating in the call. Any real-time inbound audio and real-time outbound audio is recorded and stored. At some point during the call, a pause command is received that indicates a desire to suspend real-time participation in the teleconference call and that starts a pause process. One embodiment of the pause process includes continuing to record the real-time inbound audio but preventing it from being presented via the communications device until a resume request is received, preventing the real-time outbound audio from being sent to other call participants until a resume request is received, and enabling a resume option that allows the user to re-engage in real-time participation in the teleconference call.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling users to listen to outgoing voice mail messages are provided. These systems and methods record an audio file corresponding to a voice message being left by a user during an outgoing telephone call to a recipient, link the audio file to contact information associated with the recipient, and provide the user access to the audio file through, for example, playback of the audio included in the file. These systems and methods may be implemented through individual communications devices, such as an iPhone, through a telephone communications provider, or a combination of the same.

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

Abstract: One embodiment of a method for translating a message can be broadly summarized by the following steps: generating an electronic message in an understood language of an originating party; receiving instructions to translate contents of the electronic message to another language; converting the electronic message to the another language in accordance with the instructions; and delivering the converted electronic message to the receiving party. Other methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing certified voice and/or multimedia mail messages in a broadband signed communication system which uses packetized digital information. Cryptography is used to authenticate a message that has been compiled from streaming voice or multimedia packets. A certificate of the originator's identity and electronic signature authenticates the message. A broadband communication system user may be provisioned for certified voice and/or multimedia mail by registering with a certified mail service provider and thereby receiving certification. The called system user's CPE electronically signs the bits in received communication packets and returns the message with an electronic signature of the called system user to the calling party, along with the system user's certificate obtained from the service provider/certifying authority during registration. The electronic signature is a cryptographic key of the called party.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing do-not-disturb during media content. Do-not-disturb is implemented during playback of the media content in response to a selection of media content. An incoming communication is received. The incoming communications is sent directly to voice mail during the playback.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer-readable storage media for integrating visual voicemail within a threaded communication environment are presented herein. A method can include: displaying, via an interface, a thread of messaging content; receiving a visual voicemail; and integrating a display of the visual voicemail within the thread of messaging content. The method can further include generating sound based on a communication included in the visual voicemail, in response to receiving an input via the interface. Further, the method can include integrating the display of the visual voicemail within a multi-modal conversation thread. Furthermore, the thread of messaging can be included in an instant messaging window including SMS and/or MMS messages. Moreover, the display of the visual voicemail can be embedded within a social media based interface. The method can further include receiving a transcription of the visual voicemail; and displaying the transcription within the thread of messaging content.

Abstract: A system and method of updating automatic speech recognition parameters on a mobile device are disclosed. The method comprises storing user account-specific adaptation data associated with ASR on a computing device associated with a wireless network, generating new ASR adaptation parameters based on transmitted information from the mobile device when a communication channel between the computing device and the mobile device becomes available and transmitting the new ASR adaptation data to the mobile device when a communication channel between the computing device and the mobile device becomes available. The new ASR adaptation data on the mobile device more accurately recognizes user utterances.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, and methods of doing business by providing bookmarks for voice mail messages in order to facilitate improved navigation thereof. A bookmark is preferably conveyed by the caller leaving a voice mail message to indicate information such as a change in the topic of the message, or a particular important passage within the message, or perhaps to identify some information for special treatment (such as a telephone number and time of day at which the call can be returned). Once the message has been bookmarked, the listener can navigate the message more efficiently (for example, by listening to a few seconds of each topic and then skipping to the next topic, or by listening only to the special information) and can also perform actions on parts of the voice mail message (such as forwarding only a selected segment to a third party, while keeping the remainder of the message confidential).

Abstract: A voice-activated command interface module for interacting with a plurality of home-based electronic devices so as to allow for a remotely-located home owner to communicate with, command and control various ones of the electronic devices. The module includes a plurality of communication ports, each communication port associated with a different type of communication interface for providing communications to and from the plurality of electronic devices. The module also includes a voice network communication port for receiving the voice commands from the home owner and a data network communication port for transmitting monitoring and control information between the plurality of electronic devices and the home owner. In operation, the command interface module is responsive to voice commands received from a remote user via an incoming telephone line (either data or voice).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for recording an interaction including, a telephone call between a caller and a digital processing system placed over an interjurisdictional boundary, and may include a telephone call placed to at least one called recipient. For example, a caller may place a telephone call over an interjurisdictional boundary to a remote computer server. The server may use an interactive voice response (IVR) unit to obtain caller identification information, provide recording identification information to the caller, and receive authorization from the caller to record an interaction between the caller and a call recipient. The server can also obtain testamentary intent information. A telephone call may then be placed by the server to the recipient, and a two-party digital voice recording can be made on the remote server of a three-way telephone call, in which the server is one of the parties.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for knowledge generation and deployment in a distributed network. In one embodiment, a method for processing messages in a social network includes receiving a new message from a first node in the network, the new message including a query, providing the first node with an answer to the query, if the answer is located in a repository, and initiating generation of the answer, if the answer is not located in the repository.

Abstract: Voice data from speech start till mute are transmitted as a section voice file to the opposite side voice data transmitting and receiving system, thus permitting voice data transmission free from voice interruption. By transmitting voice data from the speech start till the mute it is possible to eliminate packet losses in the data transmission channel and perform voice communication in the same voice quality as in the transmitting side. Besides, because of the use of HTTP communication port it is possible to obtain voice communication exceeding the rooter without any special setting.

Abstract: A conference system is provided with enhanced settings capabilities. A controller can poll for settings at each endpoint in a conference system and be able via the video stream to selectively display and compare settings among the endpoints. One location can push its settings to one or more locations to overcome failures or degradation in the conference. The settings between different controllers may be rationalized via a common denominator method or tabular method to build a knowledge of how to configure conferences and to automate responses to problems.

Abstract: In system and method of prioritizing a voice mail message, a voice mail message is received comprising caller information and chronological information, a voice mail priority is associated with the first voice mail message based on at least one of a matching criteria, a call history criteria, a chronological criteria, a frequency metric, and a missed call value, and a voice mail list is ordered according to the voice mail priority.

Abstract: A programmable in-the-skin or intelligently connected message on hold delivery system is disclosed which comprises a message storage system and a processor for generating prompts which are transmitted to a control device. The prompts are received at the control device and allow an operator to select from a number of options in order to select, among other things, certain ones of the messages stored on said message storage system for playback, as well as the sequence in which said messages are to be played back. The message playback devices are each provided with one or more libraries of messages, and comprise at least one or more audio and/or visual advertising messages. Said system enables the user to start a pre-recorded audio or visual message at the beginning each time a caller is placed on hold in the telephone system.

Abstract: A network component in communication with a call message system is disclosed. The network component includes a configurable communications portion and a configurable processor portion. The communications portion is configured to detect a call indicative of a call to a mobile device. The processor portion is configured to determine an originator of the call. The processor portion is also configured to determine a genre of the call. The determination of the genre of the call is based at least in part on the originator of the call. The genre of the call is compared to a predetermined genre. The processor portion is configured to terminate the call or to provide the call to the call message system based on the comparison of the genre of the call to the predetermined genre.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for sending instant messages having audio recordings. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, includes a communications client of a user that is configured to generate an instant message having an audio recording and send the instant message having an audio recording to another user. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for routing a call to a landline communication unit or a wireless communication unit based on the availability of the wireless communication unit. A call placed to a landline communication unit is routed to the wireless communication unit if the wireless communication unit is determined available. Otherwise, the call is routed to the landline communication unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an enhanced telephone system. The telephone system comprises a database that comprises phone numbers and menus corresponding to the phone numbers. Further, the menus comprise options for selection. The telephone system comprises means for comparing a dialed number to the phone numbers in the database, displaying a menu based on a result of the comparison, enabling selection of the options from the displayed menu, and establishing a connection with a destination of the dialed number based on the selection of the options.

Abstract: At one of the timings: during a period between the moment when one of terminals which performs transmission calls out a communication partner and the moment of response and at the timing after the communication between the terminals is complete; content data is read out from a database and the read out content data is transmitted to the terminal.

Abstract: Improved methods of presenting speech prompts to a user as part of an automated system that employs speech recognition or other voice input are described. The invention improves the user interface by providing in combination with at least one user prompt seeking a voice response, an enhanced user keyword prompt intended to facilitate the user selecting a keyword to speak in response to the user prompt. The enhanced keyword prompts may be the same words as those a user can speak as a reply to the user prompt but presented using a different audio presentation method, e.g., speech rate, audio level, or speaker voice, than used for the user prompt. In some cases, the user keyword prompts are different words from the expected user response keywords, or portions of words, e.g., truncated versions of keywords.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect a message; detect a message term within the message; search for a match between the message term and a stored term; and display a description based on the match wherein the description is utilized for describing the message term and the description corresponds with the stored term.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for interacting with an IVR system. In one aspect, a computing device receives a user request to connect to an IVR system to perform an action. A request for information (e.g., a request to select from a plurality of menu options) is obtained from the IVR system. In response to the request, the computing device automatically supplies an answer to the request for information to the IVR system. In one embodiment, the answer is a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signal. The obtaining and supplying steps are repeated until the action has been performed.

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.