Message Storage In Centralized Location (e.g., Central Office, Pbx, Etc.) Patents (Class 379/88.25)
  • Patent number: 7751538
    Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing a lifecycle of an auditory communication is disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises receiving an auditory communication with associated data representing identified keywords in the communication and call transport information. A data for a disposition of the communication is determined from a portion of the identified keywords, a portion of the call transport information, or a portion of the policies invoked. The communication is associated with the date(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher H. Claudatos, William D. Andruss, Bruce D. Leetch, Jeffrey K. Porter
  • Patent number: 7742586
    Abstract: Service levels for call-processing are enhanced based on the subscriber status of at least one of the calling party and the called party. In one example, a calling party (caller) places a call to a called party (recipient). At least one of the parties subscribes to a call-processing service and the call normally would be processed according to a predetermined service level. However, the service level is enhanced in response to a subscriber status for at least one of the parties, and the call is processed according to the enhanced service level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Callwave, Inc.
    Inventors: David S Trandal, David J Brahm, David F Hofstatter, Bob F Smith
  • Patent number: 7734023
    Abstract: A voice messaging system comprises a common message store, a local data store located remotely from the common message store, and a media server. The media server is operable to receive a call directed to a number serviced by the media server, prompt the user for a voice message, direct the voice message to the local data store for temporary storage, notify the common message store that the voice message is present in the local data store, respond to a request to transfer the voice message to the common message store, and direct the local data store to erase the message upon receipt of a communication from the common message store that the voice message was successfully saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Glenayre Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sonny R. Bettis, Jon S. Plotky, Ian M. Moraes, Philip L. Lowman, James H. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7729478
    Abstract: A messaging system is provided that includes: (a) an interface 206 for receiving a request to play a message audibly to a subscriber; and (b) a message retrieval agent 224 for determining whether the message comprises marked information. When the message comprises marked information, the agent 224 performs one or more of the following operations: (b1) display the marked information to the subscriber; (b2) alter an audio playback speed of the marked information to the subscriber, the playback speed of the marked information being different from a playback speed of unmarked information; and (b3) audibly play only one of the marked information and unmarked information to the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Marc William Joseph Coughlan, Alexander Quentin Forbes, Peter D. Runcie, Alexander Martin Scholte, Ralph Warta
  • Patent number: 7724880
    Abstract: An integrated messaging system for performing various types of messaging across different types of networks, including integrated user interfaces and administrator interfaces. Embodiments include a communication server that couples among networks of different types, and an interface module that couples to the communication server. The interface module may be hosted on a messaging server of a network. The interface module pulls various user information from the messaging server, including information relevant to at least the network that includes the messaging server. A cache couples to the communication server and to the interface module to hold information from the communication server and/or the user information pulled from messaging server. The interface module directs a message from the messaging server and/or the cache to at least one device on the networks using the user information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: David Forney, Jens Skakkebaek, Heine Frifeldt, Anthony Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20100104074
    Abstract: The invention discloses a call recording method, including the steps of: (a) setting a call recording extension in a first terminal; (b) dialing the first terminal via the call recording extension from the first terminal to communicate with a server when a phone call is established between the first terminal and a second terminal; (c) activating a three-way conference; and (d) recording the content of the phone call between the first terminal and the second terminal into the server by use of the three-way conference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Chun Yang
  • Patent number: 7706512
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for voice message editing, particularly a method and apparatus for splicing voicemails sections together. A system, method and computer program product are described for forming a voice message on an interactive voice response system (IVR) spoken by a user including recording a first voice message where the user speaks the first voice message but makes an error in a last portion of the first voice message. A second voice message is recorded where the user speaks the last portion again without the error. Splice points are determined in the first and second voice messages. The first and second voice messages are spliced at the splice points such that the spliced first and second voice message is a continuous voice message including the last portion but not including the error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Groeger, Stuart John Hayton, Jamie Lister, Timothy David Poultney
  • Patent number: 7702082
    Abstract: A method, system, and storage medium for providing comprehensive facsimile information within a voicemail system are disclosed. The method includes receiving a facsimile at a voicemail system, storing the facsimile in a recipient voice mailbox, and interpreting elements of the facsimile. The interpreting is performed by optical character recognition software. Upon receiving a request by a voicemail recipient to access the voice mailbox, and absent any pre-defined user preferences with respect to the handling of the facsimile, the method includes converting the interpreted elements of the facsimile into audible speech via a text-to-speech engine, formatting the converted elements resulting in a voicemail facsimile notification, presenting the voicemail facsimile notification and options to a communications device associated with the voicemail recipient, and implementing one of the options selected by the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P.
    Inventors: Karen S. Mullis, Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Patent number: 7697667
    Abstract: A voicemail apparatus comprises a voicemail database for storing messages awaiting retrieval by a subscriber, wherein each stored message comprises a message header and message data, the message header including a calling party phone number and calling party network information. A voicemail controller is coupled to the voicemail database for handling an incoming call from a calling party to the subscriber. The voicemail controller compares the calling party phone number of the incoming call with calling party phone numbers of each of the stored messages for the subscriber. If the calling party phone number of the incoming call matches at least one calling party phone number of the stored messages then the incoming call is authenticated by comparing the calling party network information for the incoming call with calling party network information stored for the calling party phone number matching messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Wageman, Mark R. Bales, Farni Weaver
  • Patent number: 7680260
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that enable a private branch exchange to determine that a voice mail system has answered a call, without some of the disadvantages in the prior art. The private branch exchange—or, generally-speaking, a data-processing system—infers that the voice mail system has answered a call by timing key events or by noting some of indications that are received from another system, or both. Subsequently, the private branch exchange drops the voice mail system from the call, thereby minimizing the non-enterprise voice mail system's handling of calls that are originated to an on-premises terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra R. Abramson, Stephen M. Milton
  • Publication number: 20100061530
    Abstract: A method and system for allowing a calling party to save information obtained from an information retrieval system. The caller may select options to save the information to a memory location, e.g., the caller's own network-based voice mail system or a temporary voice mailbox provided for the caller by the information provider, from which the caller can subsequently retrieve and review the information. The information may be saved to an Internet-based website from which the caller may subsequently retrieve the information. The information may be forwarded to a separate telephone directory number for receipt by a third person or for storing on a remote voice mail system. Additionally, the information may be electronically mailed to the caller's electronic mail address for subsequent retrieval. Discussions with a live attendant may be recorded and stored, as audio files or as converted to text, for access by or delivery to the caller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Jerry Liu, William A. Hartselle
  • Patent number: 7664236
    Abstract: A system for customizing a communications network, the system including a first communications station associated with a calling party, a second communication station associated with a called party, a storage device containing at least one announcement, and a communications device for initiating a forked or forwarded call to locate the called party at the second communications station. The forked or forwarded call is initiated by the calling party whereby at least a portion of a call signal is replaced with at least a portion of the announcement. The announcement is associated with the calling party and is chosen by the called party and played to the calling party after initiation of the call but prior to active communication with the called party. Also, the call signal is selected from one of ringback signals, busy signals, network redirect signals, call progress signals, network announcement signals, or dial tone signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Clifford J. Radziewicz, Mark R. Gregorek, Jeffrey C. Dillow
  • Patent number: 7657008
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for enabling a telecommunications network with data storage capability. A data connection is established to a storage device. The storage device is associated with a telecommunications network facility. Customer-defined electronic data is communicated to the storage device via the data connection. At least some of the electronic data may be managed according to a service level agreement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Zimba, Joseph L. Aultman, Sr., Stefan Olson, John Blake Slemmer, Chris Parsons, James A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7646856
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that allow for the exchange of voice mail messages between different VMSs of different service providers and/or in different networks by the transmission of such messages through a data network using a standard protocol of the data network. Methods and systems also are disclosed that validate message transactions among subscribers receiving regional messaging services over the PSTN. The subscribers are located in different geographic areas and may be provided their voice, facsimile or data messaging services by different companies. The present invention validates passing messages (data) among customers of potentially different companies located in different areas by assessing the validity of the transaction in light of a number of conditions, including applicable regulatory or business conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Carlton Bedingfield, Neil Gilmartin, Maria Adamczyk, Navneet Patel, N. Peter Hill, Gary J. Leonard, Alan R. Blackburn, Robert E. Braudes, Gary Lamothe, Ann V. McLaughlin, Donald H. Barstow, Doug Varney, Joel Brand
  • Patent number: 7627094
    Abstract: A telephone answering system and method for playing particular different greeting messages to different callers. When an incoming call is received, either caller-ID is decoded, or the caller's identification is determined some other way if possible, and if the particular caller's identification is on a list, a special message can be played for that caller if such a message as been stored and is active. Any other caller receives a different message, usually a default greeting message. Special messages can be date/time stamped to die or change after particular dates or times. Messages and caller identification can be loaded into the system remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: Margareth V. Kraft, Caroline M. Kraft, Clifford H. Kraft
  • Patent number: 7620160
    Abstract: A method and system for outputting a call announcement based on presence information of a callee as a ringback tone is provided. The announcement system is provided with presence information of users. When the telephone system receives an indication of an incoming call from a caller, the telephone system identifies the callee. After the callee is identified, the announcement system retrieves the presence information for the callee and generates an announcement based on that presence information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Tidwell, Timothy M. Moore, Warren Vincent Barkley
  • Patent number: 7620161
    Abstract: A method and system for allowing a calling party to save information obtained from an information retrieval system. The caller may select options to save the information to a memory location, e.g., the caller's own network-based voice mail system or a temporary voice mailbox provided for the caller by the information provider, from which the caller can subsequently retrieve and review the information. The information may be saved to an Internet-based website from which the caller may subsequently retrieve the information. The information may be forwarded to a separate telephone directory number for receipt by a third person or for storing on a remote voice mail system. Additionally, the information may be electronically mailed to the caller's electronic mail address for subsequent retrieval. Discussions with a live attendant may be recorded and stored, as audio files or as converted to text, for access by or delivery to the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Jerry Liu, William A. Hartselle
  • Patent number: 7613280
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that deliver critical communications to a plurality of recipients, on demand, at any time and nearly anywhere. A server receives input from a client interface that defines the communication, recipient information, and broadcast information. The system contacts pre-selected groups of recipients according to client-defined hunt group. One or more different media platforms may be used for client and recipient interfaces. Text-to-speech and speech recognition technologies further broaden the usability of the system and permit over-dial or web provisioning. Recipients may be selectively transferred to a contact center or a conference bridge with other recipients in response to the communication. Access levels and user permissions may be client defined to structure the system for a client's organizational needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: CSG Interactive Messaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Lunde, Debora E. Kottwitz
  • Patent number: 7609822
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling and retrieving messages from multiple voice mail systems used by a single individual are described. A voice messaging retrieval and forwarding (VMRAF) system checks a subscriber's voice message systems for messages, retrieves the messages and forwards them to the subscriber as attachments to E-mail files. E-mail replay messages are used to control deleting of the messages from the original systems. Prompt messages played to callers by different voice messaging systems before they leave a message can be updated automatically. This is done by indicating to the VMRAF system when one or more prompt messages are to be updated and which messages, from a set of prerecorded messages, are to be loaded into the voice message systems to replace the existing prompt messages. Accordingly, the VMRAF system facilities message retrieval and the updating of prompt messages, e.g., on a preselected schedule or at preselected times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Telesector Resources Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren Swingle, Craig L. Reding, John Reformato, Jayant M. Naik, Robert C. Baruch
  • Publication number: 20090262910
    Abstract: A system for processing voicemail is provided that includes a voicemail database processor establishing one ore more of an accounts table, a messages table, a distribution list table, a distribution lists members tables, and a delete request table. In operation a message navigation menu is provided to a user to allow the user to move back and forth a specified number of voicemails, change between urgent and normal priority voicemails, retrieve messages only from a specific mailbox or from outside the system, or initiate an improved deletion operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Philip M. Scopes
  • Patent number: 7593718
    Abstract: A WLAN communication system (10) and method employs mobile WLAN base stations (16) that include WLAN transceivers (26) and memory (30) for storing received messages from one or more mobile WLAN devices (12a-12n). The mobile WLAN base stations (16) serve as moving message carriers or message repeaters of messages for the mobile WLAN devices. In one embodiment, a mobile WLAN base station (16) receives messages transmitted by several mobile WLAN devices (12a-12n), temporarily stores the received messages, and delivers the stored messages to a fixed WLAN base station or another mobile WLAN base station when the mobile WLAN base station (16) moves to within communication range of the applicable fixed or other mobile WLAN base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Gorday, Robert M. Gorday, Salvador Sibecas
  • Patent number: 7590225
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for addressing billing in a multimedia messaging service (MMS) utilizing store-and-automatic forward transmission, in which method the message addressed to a B-subscriber is transmitted from a terminal (TA) of an A-subscriber to a server (MMSC) of the multimedia messaging service system, the arrival of said message to the server (MMSC) is reported to a wireless terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber, and in which method said message is transmitted from the server (MMSC) further to the wireless terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber. According to the invention, the message addressed to the B-subscriber is retrieved to the wireless terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber from the server (MMSC) by establishing a substantially toll-free data transmission connection between wireless terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber and the server (MMSC), said data transmission connection being opened by the terminal (MSB) of the B-subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Timo Sivula
  • Patent number: 7586902
    Abstract: A packet switched telephone system includes a packet switched routing apparatus. The packet switched routing apparatus selectively associates a local telephone number with a phone call based on a called telephone number, and routes the phone call based on the called telephone number. The local telephone number may be substituted for a calling telephone number when the called telephone number corresponds to a predefined number, such as an emergency number. When the called telephone number corresponds to an emergency number, the phone call may be routed with the substituted local telephone number to a Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) that services the local area of the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert Epley
  • Patent number: 7584094
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented for Automated Digital voice recorder to Personal information manager Synchronization (ADPS) message creation that allow a user to indicate that an ADPS message is to be created, select and ADPS type selection relating the ADPS message to be created to a type of Personal Information. Manager (PIM) application, record audio content for the ADPS message, and create an ADPS message by organizing the ADPS type selection and the audio content into the ADPS message and store the ADPS message in the memory. Apparatus and methods are presented for downloading ADPS messages directly to a target PIM application. Apparatus and methods are presented for uploading configuration modifications and informational lists to the DVR. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract without departing from certain embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Shai A. Laronne, Stephen Teplansky
  • Patent number: 7570746
    Abstract: A method comprising receiving a request to compose a message; outputting a first prompt requesting a recipient for the message; receiving a first audible response to the first prompt, the first audible response including a recipient of the message; outputting a second prompt requesting a body for the message; receiving a second audible response to the second prompt, the second audible response including a body of the message; and composing the message. An electronic device for voice messaging comprising an audible guide module for audibly prompting a user for recipient information and for audibly prompting a user for message information; a voice recognition module for interpreting received responses to the audible prompt for the recipient information and the audible prompt for the message information; and a message compiler module for creating a message from the responses to the audible prompt for the recipient information and the audible prompt for the message information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyoko Takeda, Theodore R. Booth, III, Jason Lee Clement
  • Patent number: 7570747
    Abstract: A PBX which accommodates an extension station and voice store equipment, the PBX comprising a controller for controlling interconnection between the extension or the voice store equipment and an outside line, the controller including: a destination extension number determination unit for determining the destination extension number for an incoming call from the outside line; a destination extension determination unit for determining whether the destination extension is the extension station or the voice store equipment based on the determined destination extension number; a voice store equipment termination processing unit for performing termination processing concerning the voice store equipment in case it is determined on the destination extension determination means that the destination extension is the voice store equipment; and an extension station termination processing unit for performing termination processing concerning the extension station in case it is determined on the destination extension deter
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Nakatsu
  • Patent number: 7571458
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for remote viewing of selected messages at a subscriber remote receiving location, the apparatus including at least one messaging server (such as, but not limited to, a unified messaging system, voice-mail system, fax server system, or any other message store and management system) and a television set as an output device for messages stored or displayed by the messaging server, and a television messaging gateway coupling the messaging server to the television set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Integra5 Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Bartfeld Eyal
  • Patent number: 7567554
    Abstract: A proxy service provides telephone conferencing services and personal telephony services. Users can participate in the conference by connecting through different types of networks using a device having one or more types of communication lines connected to the proxy service. A primary user can request the proxy to call each one of the users and establish the conference. The primary user may accomplish this through a data line using data requests or though a voice line using voice requests. Typically, the primary user provides a telephone number for each user. The primary user can also provide with specific times of when calls should be placed, identification information for each user, the type of conference, and other conference parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Joseph Herbert McIntyre, Victor S. Moore, Michael A. Paolini, Scott Lee Winters
  • Patent number: 7565159
    Abstract: An active call handover arrangement for managing a handover between a plurality of telecommunication devices associated with a public extension number is provided. The arrangement includes a mobility server configured to manage a telecommunication session between a telecommunication device of a third-party caller and a first telecommunication device of the plurality of telecommunication devices. The arrangement also includes a switch component configured to be associated with at least one telecommunication device of the plurality of telecommunication devices. At least one telecommunication device is configured to include mobility client software. The switch component is also configured to enable a user to perform the handover between the first telecommunication device and a second telecommunication device of the plurality of telecommunication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Divitas Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Snehal Karia, Atul Bhatnagar, Weijian Qian, Prashant Chauhan, Rajesh Palakkal, Joshua Marder, Rushika Panchal
  • Patent number: 7564956
    Abstract: A voicemail system includes a voicemail bookmarking procedure that permits users to bookmark voicemail messages during message playback. Upon receiving a bookmark request from a user, the procedure generates a bookmark pointer defining a starting point for subsequent playback of the message. The bookmark pointer can be based, in part, on a timing offset entered by the user while making the bookmark request. The timing offset value defines a user-selected playback starting point that occurs before the message time at which the bookmark request was made. The value of the timing offset can be user selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Southwestern Bell Communications Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurie Ann Holtzberg
  • Patent number: 7561680
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which allow a calling party to store messages for a called party even if the called party does not already have message storage facilities, provided the calling party and/or called party meet certain parameters. Delivery of the message is controlled by the called party and may require the called party to agree to pay for the message delivery service. In a further embodiment, a call processing system is operable to screen outgoing calls from various callers according to a first set of criteria and if a call is not completed to a called party a second set of criteria is used to determine if a message can be stored awaiting retrieval by the called party. If desired, a return message from a called party to a calling party can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Evercom Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Falcone, Randy Hoffman, John J. Viola, Michelle L. Mitchell, Robert Mudd
  • Patent number: 7555110
    Abstract: The present invention provides flexible call processing. For example, a call processor system can receive an inbound call intended for a called party and place an outbound call to the called party. The call processing system can provide the called party with a call transfer option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Callwave, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Dolan, David F. Hofstatter, Robert Smith, David S. Trandal
  • Patent number: 7551729
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing channel capacity in an Internet-based voice messaging system. Voice messages are stored in client mailboxes in the voice compression format they are received in a call answering session. During a message pickup session, the voice compression format of the retrieved message is compared to the voice compression formats or codecs supported by the user's terminal. If the voice compression format is not the same, re-negotiation is attempted, and if unsuccessful the voice message is transcoded prior to playback. If the voice compression format is the same, then the voice message is played back without transcoding. The voice message server also includes a voice prompt module which stores voice prompts in all the voice compression formats or codecs supported by the voice message server. The voice prompts are selected according to the supported voice compression format or codec and played back without the need for any transcoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Lin Lin, Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 7551727
    Abstract: A system and/or methodology that unifies a telephonic communication component and/or system with a data (e.g., messaging) server component and/or system. The system can facilitate telephonically accessing rich information in the server (e.g., messaging server). This rich information can include email content, calendar content, contacts information, or the like. Moreover, with access to an application programming interface, the invention can add functionality to initiate email communications as well as to accept or cancel meetings. Furthermore, the invention can synchronize messages of disparate formats. By way of example a user can set an “Out of Office” (OOF) status on both an email systems and telephone voicemail system from one location in one action. In another aspect, it will be appreciated that any message or data component can be analyzed, transformed, matched and/or communicated from one system to another (e.g., server to telephone) in accordance with the subject invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David A Howell, David T Fong
  • Publication number: 20090136010
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jonathan Strietzel
  • Patent number: 7535999
    Abstract: Communication systems and methods are disclosed that provide a voice mail bridging service. A communication network attempts to connect a call between a calling party and a called party. The called party has a plurality of telephone numbers corresponding with a plurality of voice mail systems. Responsive to the communication network determining that the called party has not answered the call attempt, the communication network prompts the calling party to record a voice message. The communication network receives a voice message from the calling party. The communication network identifies a plurality of telephone numbers for the called party, such as a home number, a mobile number, a business number, etc. The communication network then transmits the voice message to the voice mail systems corresponding with the identified telephone numbers for the called party. The called party can thus access any of the voice mail systems to retrieve the voice message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Frances Mu-Fen Chin, Peggy H. Hasan, Sandra L. True
  • Patent number: 7532710
    Abstract: A system includes a first network device and a second network device. The first network device is configured to receive a voicemail message for a called party, determine whether a second network device is available, and transfer the voicemail message to the second network device when the second network device is determined to be available. The second network device is configured to store the voicemail message in a mailbox associated with the called party, and automatically provide a network device associated with the called party with access to the voicemail message in response to a network address associated with the network device matching a subscriber identifier in a list of subscriber identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Verizon Business Global LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Caputo, Scott O. Sherman, Steven C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7529357
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that provide centralized or nodal inmate management and telephone call processing capabilities to controlled environment facilities. An inmate management and call processing system serves a plurality of facilities and includes an inmate information database. The database is shared across the facilities and contains inmate records that may be accessed and modified by each facility as the inmate is transferred among those facilities. Each inmate record may include, among other information, contact information of third parties whom may be notified of the inmate's arrest and/or subsequent transfers of the inmate to different facilities. The inmate management and telephone call processing system may use third party contact information to establish accounts used to charge calls or transactions made by an inmate while residing at the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Evercom Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Rae, Stuart Rosenfield
  • Patent number: 7522910
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for communicating data to a mobile device. A system receives a request for data from a mobile device. The system identifies filter criteria associated with the mobile device. The filter criteria is applied to a set of data to identify particular data elements that satisfy the filter criteria. The identified data elements are then transmitted to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Jia-Der Day
  • Patent number: 7502448
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording and managing conversation data occurring over a wireless network via a wireless communication device includes a data interface that transfers conversation data from the communication device to a storage location and a user interface that allows the user to edit and manage the conversation data. In one embodiment, the communication device includes on-board memory to provide temporary storage of the communication data before it is transferred to a playback device or long-term storage device. The inventive service may include playback and/or editing functions as well as an audio-to-text conversion option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Verizon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris S. Elman, Jesse Hefter
  • Patent number: 7499530
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for on-demand recording of telephone, computer, or video signals. Once a connection is established, the communication signals are sent through an intermediary device, which duplicates the signals. The signals are then stored in memory until a triggering event occurs during the connection. If the triggering event occurs, then the signals in memory are stored for playback. If the triggering event does not occur prior to the termination of the connection, the signals in memory are erased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Telstrat Int'l, Ltd
    Inventors: Robert Carroll, Darrell Roberts, Theodore Edwards
  • Patent number: 7499532
    Abstract: A method for communicating information to a caller on a telephone network is herein proposed. The method includes the steps of (a) generating a signal suitable for producing an audible dial tone, (b) transmitting the signal to the receiver of a telephone set, when the caller initially takes the receiver off-hook, to thereby produce the audible dial tone, and (c) superimposing an audible information message over the audible dial tone while the audible dial tone is produced. The audible information message may, for example, be a branding-type message that identifies a provider of local telephone service to a caller. The audible information message may be superimposed over the audible dial tone in a whisper-like or low-decibel manner to avoid interfering with modems that operate on a “wait for dial tone” (WFDT) basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Larry B. Pearson, John C. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7499531
    Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing a lifecycle of an auditory communication is disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises receiving an auditory communication with associated data representing identified keywords in the communication and call transport information. A date for a disposition of the communication is determined from a portion of the identified keywords, a portion of the call transport information, or a portion of the policies invoked. The communication is associated with the date(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hercules Claudatos, William Dale Andruss, Bruce David Leetch, Jeffrey Keith Porter
  • Patent number: 7492872
    Abstract: In a method for giving notification of a message to a subscriber who is registered with at least two message services, each message service indicates to a common notification server at least the presence of a new message for the subscriber on that respective message service. The notification server transmits to at least one terminal of the subscriber a notification which includes at least the fact that a new message is present and identifies the message service in which the message is present. It is thus possible for a subscriber who is registered with a plurality of message services to be informed of the presence of a new message in a very reliable, quick and problem-free way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Vincenzo Scotto Di Carlo, Egon Schulz
  • Patent number: 7489679
    Abstract: A system for a proxy service to provide telephone conferencing services and personal telephony services. Users can participate in the conference by connecting through different types of networks using a device having one or more types of communication lines connected to the proxy service. A primary user can request the proxy to call each one of the users and establish the conference. The primary user may accomplish this through a data line using data requests or though a voice line using voice requests. Typically, the primary user provides a telephone number for each user. The primary user can also provide with specific times of when calls should be placed, identification information for each user, the type of conference, and other conference parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Joseph Herbert McIntyre, Victor S. Moore, Michael A. Paolini, Scott Lee Winters
  • Patent number: 7480368
    Abstract: A voice message service provider enables users to access voice messages through a first access point for creating voice messages and a second access point for retrieving the created voice messages. In one implementation, a user calls the first access point to create a message, and the voice message provider indexes the created voice message with a message retrieval telephone number and one or more recipient identifiers. A notification message containing the message retrieval telephone number is sent to the intended recipient to provide notification of the voice message. The intended recipient may retrieve the voice message by calling the message retrieval number contained within the notification message and providing the recipient identifier. The voice message service provider identifies the voice message associated with the message retrieval number and recipient identifier and returns the voice message to the intended recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Pinger, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph K. Sipher
  • Patent number: 7477729
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for easily indicating to a user that a communication has been received for him or her. A portable message waiting indication device (MWID) includes a power source (e.g., battery), signal receiver and a visual and/or audible indicator. The indicator is activated in response to receipt of a first wireless signal at the receiver. In response to a second signal the indicator is deactivated. A MWID may also include a user-actuable switch or sensor to deactivate the indicator. In one method of using a MWID to inform a user that a communication has been received, the user registers the MWID and may identify when the MWID indicator should be activated (e.g., for certain types of messages (e.g., voice-mail, electronic mail), certain senders, a category of senders, time of day, message priority). Multiple MWIDs may be configured and employed by a user, and each may be configured similarly or differently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: AOL LLC
    Inventor: Ian Andrew Bell
  • Publication number: 20090003555
    Abstract: A system and method for sending an outbound greeting. User input is received specifying a recipient, a date, and a time for delivery of the outbound greeting. The outbound greeting is received. The outbound greeting is stored for future delivery. A call is initiated to the recipient in response to the date and the time specified by the user input being met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: David Emerson, David E. Rondeau, Gary Lafreniere
  • Patent number: 7466804
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for forwarding telephone calls, facsimile transmissions and electronic messages to a single forwarding telephone number. The telephone calls, fax transmissions and electronic messages are first forwarded to a central forwarding repository by the forwarding party where the fax transmissions, and messages are converted to audio formats. Forwarded telephone calls and audio formatted versions of the fax transmissions and electronic messages are then forwarded directly to a designated forwarding number. If the forwarding party answers at the forwarding number, she will receive forwarded calls, and the audio formatted versions of fax transmissions and electronic messages will be played to her over her telephone. If the forwarding party does not answer the forwarded call, she subsequently may retrieve saved telephone calls, saved telephone messages and saved audio versions of fax transmissions and electronic messages from the central forwarding repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Darryl Cynthia Moore, Sharon E. Carter, Kathryn D. King
  • Patent number: 7467188
    Abstract: A method for scheduling and transmitting messages is disclosed. The method comprises storing a plurality of audio files in an audio database, generating a schedule of queued messages via the plurality of audio files, transmitting the queued messages based on the schedule, reconfiguring the schedule based on a user interaction delivering the queued messages in accordance with the reconfigured schedule. Through the use of the method in accordance with the present invention, a scheduled plurality of messages can be transmitted in a clear and professional manner. Additionally, “ad hoc” messages can be incorporated into the schedule without significantly disrupting the other messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Robert S. Hoblit