Abstract: Wireless telecommunications systems, methods and devices for processing voice data in connection with a wireless telecommunications system that includes a wireless remote device and a wireless recording device that are configured for communication with a network server. In connection with transmission of voice data from the remote device to the recording device, the recording device obtains information concerning the geographic location of the recording device or the remote device. The recording device accesses recording rules that cross-reference the geographic location of the recording device or the remote device with a corresponding recording statute. The recording device records the conversation if the recording statute indicates that such recording is lawful.

Abstract: A messaging system includes a messaging platform storing a message from a calling party, a switching mechanism for receiving a call from a subscriber to access the stored message, and a routing application at a server. The subscriber accesses the message at the messaging platform and signals for a callback connection with the calling party. In response, the messaging platform sends bookmark information to the routing application describing a current state of the messaging platform with regard to the subscriber. The routing application directs the switching mechanism to disconnect the subscriber from the messaging platform and connect the subscriber to the calling party. When the callback connection is completed, the routing application directs that the subscriber be re-connected with the messaging platform and sends the stored bookmark information back to same. The messaging platform employs such bookmark information to re-establish the current state.

Abstract: A system for configuring and implementing changes to a voice application system has a first software component and host node for configuring one or more changes; a second software component and host node for receiving and implementing the configured change or changes; and a data network connecting the host nodes. In a preferred embodiment, a pre-configured change-order resulting from the first software component and host node is deployed after pre-configuration, deployment and execution thereof requiring only one action.

Abstract: Upon receiving a service code from a calling party, a list of parties previously called by the calling party is retrieved. An audio message is generated based on the list, and communicated to the calling party. A dialed input indicating a selected party from the list is received from the calling party. Based on the dialed input, a call between the calling party and the selected party is initiated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a voice mail system (VMS), and more particularly, to a system and method for unifying multiple connection ports of a voice mail system. A system according to the present invention includes an external input/output controller (EIOC) provided between a VMS having a plurality of boards that perform the same function and a plurality of external servers. The EIOC is adapted to provide an unified network connection point between the plurality of boards and the plurality of external servers by routing a message transferred from any one of the plurality of boards to any one of the external servers. The EIOC is also configured to route a message transferred from any one of the plurality of external servers to a corresponding board of the VMS. The stability of such a system is increased by making external servers (IP networks) regard the VMS as a single network connection point.

Abstract: Tiresome entry of numerous letters of the alphabet into a hand-held device for assembling a short text message for transmission via a short message service (SMS) to a second terminal is avoided by the sending of a short voice message (SVM). The SVM is recorded in the sending terminal and sent to a SVM service center (SVMSC). The SVMSC may notify the intended recipient of the arrival of the SVM and await acceptance before sending it, or send it immediately if the presence of the intended recipient is detected. The second terminal may then commence a bidirectional communication so that an instant voice message session can be established. Alternatively, the problem can be overcome by converting the spoken SVM to text in the user terminal by means of voice recognition software and sending the converted text to the recipient by means of the traditional SMS infrastructure for display as text or for playback as text converted to voice.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for accessing messages in one communication system by another communication system. In some embodiments, a request to access data is received from a second communication system. The data is located at a first communication system. The first communication system is configured to communicate using a first standard communication protocol, while the second communication system is configured to communicate using a second standard communication protocol. The received request is converted to a command of the first standard communication protocol. Using the command, the data at the first communication system is accessed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for creating, scheduling and delivering messages. A message having a first audio component is generated in response to input from a user. The input includes words entered by the user. The first audio component is operable to facilitate audible playback of the words. Delivery of the message at a future time to a communication device is scheduled in response to specification of the future time by the user. A connection to the communication device is established at the future time via a communications network. The message is transmitted over the connection such that the words associated with the first audio component of the message are audible via the communication device.

Abstract: A service module is provided for use in a mobile communications system. The service module provides services to a calling user such as an answering service comprising several individual mailboxes. In various situations, the service module can automatically forward an incoming call to the desired mailbox by using an identification code to allow the user to retrieve or deposit messages. In other situations, the service module is responsive to an indicator during the call by which the user can indicate that the service module did not receive a correct identification code and is therefore required to prompt the user to enter the correct identification code. In other situations, the service module is responsive to an indicator during the call by which the user can indicate whether he/she desires to retrieve a message from his/her mailbox or to deposit a message in another user's mailbox.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing a calling party to transmit a message for scheduled delivery from a network-enabled device. The apparatus includes a server for receiving a message request in response to a command from the network-enabled device, for generating one or more message addresses from the message request, and for transmitting the message request to one or more telecommunication networks corresponding to the one or more message addresses.

Abstract: A method and networking architecture for implementing service voice dynamic loading on an intelligent network is provided, wherein a voice file and a configuration file are scanned by a voice equipment to perform the voice dynamic loading based on voice requirement of the configuration file at any time. Service voice dynamic loading can be implemented automatically through setting loading conditions and the configuration file. A service voice can be managed by a Service Management System (SMS), rather than only by a switching system. During the service voice loading, the operation will not be affected. The hardware operation is not necessary for loading of the service voice. Furthermore, the voice processing can be performed in a “multiple-to-multiple” mode.

Abstract: A system and method by which individuals can send and receive audio messages using telephone devices and/or computer devices. Upon receiving an audio message on behalf of an intended recipient, the system accesses a user profile to determine how the intended recipient should be contacted. The system then contacts the intended recipient in accordance with his or her user profile and notifies the intended recipient of the received audio message. The audio message is then delivered to the intended recipient in audio form through either a computer device or a telephone device. A person may thus send a voice or other audio message to an intended recipient using either a computer device or a telephone device, at the sender's option, and the audio message may be promptly delivered to the intended recipient in audio form via either a computer device or a telephone device, at the recipient's option.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing advertising information to a caller of a telecommunications call. The advertiser provides data for the advertising message to a database and the message is transmitted prior or during the application of a ringing signal to a called telecommunications station. Advantageously, the telecommunications carrier can receive revenue from the advertising announcements.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for establishing and maintaining communication among a community of interest, comprising a plurality of communication devices for voice communication between users of the community of interest, each of the communication devices including a display for indicating communication availability of the users, a plurality of device agents for controlling respective ones of the communication devices in establishing the voice communication and updating each the display. A plurality of user agents is provided for maintaining user preferences. The user preferences include a list of the users of the community of interest. A tuple space is provided for exchanging tuples and anti-tuples between the user agents to monitor the communication availability, in response to which respective ones of the device agents update each respective display.

Abstract: In a method and voice mail system for providing a call answering service between a source telephone and a target telephone, a voice mail system receives an unanswered call directed to the target telephone. If the target telephone is not busy, the voice mail system establishes an outgoing call to the target telephone and conveys to the source telephone a response having embedded media parameters identifying media ports of the voice mail system. In response to an accept call instruction received from the target telephone, the voice mail system terminates the response and bridges all media between the source telephone and the target telephone.

Abstract: An interface (52) is provided between a satellite telephone system (4) and a cellular telephone system (5) for allowing calls to a user's cellular telephone to be diverted to a satellite telephone (25) when the user is unable to use his cellular telephone, for example when on board an aeroplane (2) fitted with a satellite telephone system (20). The user inserts a card (which may be the SIM of his mobile phone, or a card compatible with existing satellite telephone equipment) into a suitable reader in the satellite telephone (20), which causes the satellite ground station's card verification system (42) to connect to a host cellular network (50). The host cellular network has an interface unit (52) which emulates the operation of a normal base station, so that the host cellular system (50) acts as if the mobile user's terminal is roaming on the host network, but is currently “busy”.

Abstract: A messaging system (300) capable of handling threaded messages. Older messages (400, 402) in a thread may be identified as having already been read or opened, and handled in the same way as later messages (404) in the thread. If a user opens an intermediate message (402) in a thread, he is informed of the presence of a more recent message (404) on the same topic and is offered the chance to open that message instead.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a system that uses a migration server to access voicemail of a source system through a front-end switch via a telephony interface, obtain voice messages stored on the source system and store them on a destination system via a data interface. A host processor initiates a migration based on a mailbox migration status stored in a host database and controls the switch to provide a path from the migration server to the source system. The host processor also controls call flow and initiates pass code (PIN) digit capture of a subscriber's pass code by the switch for mailboxes to be migrated. Call flow control includes determining to which system to route an arriving call based on migration status and determining whether to output a message-waiting indicator for newly stored messages. A migration server controls call tree navigation aspects of call flow during migration.

Abstract: One or more voicemail system components of an apparatus in one example employ an internet protocol network to store or access one or more voicemail messages on one or more storage devices. The one or more voicemail system components are coupled with the one or more storage devices through the internet protocol network.

Abstract: A method and system for interfacing a legacy e-mail, voice mail and facsimile system into a unified messaging system. The system includes visual message notification for notifying a user of incoming messages. Visual notification may include a flashing light emitting diode and/or text messages. The text messages may include various characteristics of the waiting messages, such as identification of the sender, subject header, message type, time and date received and a like.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for on-demand recording of a voice session by a telephone recording device in a telecommunication network. After establishing a voice session between the telephone recording device and at least one communication device, a user of the telephone recording device may instruct it to store voice data during the voice session so long as the voice session has not been terminated. During the voice session, the telephone recording device processes and transmits the voice data to and saved at a storage server without going through a centrally located exchange device, wherein the saved voice data is available for on-demand replay.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an answering machine for a new voice message delivery method and system. The invention detects the presence of an existing answering machine or voicemail system of a Recipient by listening for talk-over during playback of the message or initial prompts. The method and system will also restart playback of the prompts and/or message if talk-over is detected to ensure that the message is properly recorded on the answering machine.

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.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for recording a telephone call upon demand by a party to the telephone call. The method includes the steps of receiving a request from a first party to record a telephone call between the first party and a second party, establishing a third-party connection with the first party and the second party, receiving the telephone call, and storing the content of the telephone call in memory for subsequent delivery or retrieval.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an inventory of and access to recorded announcement data, the method involving collecting switch data from one or more central office switches of a telecommunications network, extracting recorded announcement data from the switch data, storing the recorded announcement data in a database, and providing one or more users with access to the database through a computer network. The one or more central office switches could be non-incorporated switches or incorporated switches, depending on their ability to store switch data. For non-incorporated switches, which do not store a significant amount of information, the switch data is collected by hand from paper or electronic records and is entered into the database. For incorporated switches, which do store a significant amount of information, the switch data is downloaded from the switch as, for example, translation tables.

Abstract: A method for operating a telephone server includes receiving an incoming call from a first user for a second user at a telephone extension, prompting the first user to speak a message, receiving a spoken message from the first user, receiving a spoken telephone call-back number from the first user, recognizing a numeric telephone call-back number in response to the spoken telephone call-back number, associating the numeric telephone call-back number with the spoken message, and storing the spoken message and the numeric telephone call-back number in a memory.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for providing a status notification and reply for a message in a communications network. An embodiment of this invention is a voicemail system, which provides a caller in a telecommunications network with the option of requesting a status notification and reply for a voicemail message when the recording of the message is complete. By requesting status notification and reply, the caller is indicating that the voicemail system should track any actions related to the message that occur within the voicemail system. The caller also specifies a destination identifier, which includes formatting and addressing information that the voicemail system uses for subsequent notification and for communicating any reply to the message. As actions are taken in relation to the message, the voicemail system creates disposition identifiers and associates these identifiers with the message.

Abstract: A common phone number which is used only among a specific group consisting of members registered in a network is ensured to enable transmitting/receiving a message file at an arbitrary point of time. A management terminal in a network sends identification names of prescribed communication terminals corresponding to an issued common phone number to a phone number management center so as to register the communication terminals in correspondence with common phone number. A message file sent from an arbitrary one of the communication terminals to the common phone number is sent to all the other registered communication terminals or left in a message center, and the arrival of the message file is notified to all the other registered communication terminals.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing voice messaging support includes a voice messaging system coupled to a wireless network and wireline network. A given mailbox in the system can be shared between telephones on multiple ones of the networks in question. Once a message is received at the VMS, a message waiting indicator can be sent to the subscriber over both of the networks to which the subscriber subscribes.

Abstract: Authentication of voice message recipient network addresses employs generating (102) and storing (104) a “network file” that includes “voice clips” and associated network addresses that are extracted from voice messages received across a network (10) from voice message systems (16, 18). A voice clip is the first one to three seconds of voice extracted from each received voice message. Over time, the network file will grow to contain multiple voice clips and associated network voice message addresses. When a voice message originator subsequently enters a recipient's network address (106), the originating voice message system searches (114) the network file for the network address, retrieves the associated voice clip (116), and plays it for the voice message originator to authenticate the recipient's network address.

Abstract: A voice messaging platform utilizes resources from remote intelligent peripherals within the network system. The voice messaging platform preferably includes a voice mail module, an internal controller, and an internal storage device. Preferably, the voice mail module allows the voice messaging platform to provide a full feature voice mail system for the users wherein the voice mail module is configured to store incoming messages, play stored messages, play outgoing messages, place outgoing calls, and the like. The internal controller preferably directs the voice messaging platform to detect different types of resources available to the voice messaging platform from the remote intelligent peripherals. Further, the internal controller also directs the voice messaging platform to find addresses corresponding to each of the remote intelligent peripherals within the network system.

Abstract: A method (20) and system (50) is provided that permits a telephone caller to leave a message for a called party that does not have a conventional answering service, such as voice mail, an answering machine, a third-party operator-assisted answering service, or the like. A configurable blocking mechanism is also provided, permitting parties to prevent the message delivery service from being offered to callers attempting to reach them. The method (20) and system (50) can be implemented using an advanced intelligent network (AIN). In an AIN environment, the blocking mechanism can include a switch control point (SCP) (58) configured to access a termination blocking list (60). The termination blocking list (60) can be an SCP database file containing entries representing called parties who have blocked the message delivery service.

Abstract: A method and system of facilitating service delivery to a first user (A) registered with a home network (home PLMN) for a particular service having an associated announcement accessible to a service subsystem (4,9) of the home network in a communications system while the user is roaming in a visited network (visited PLMN) of the communications system. The user is identified for the home network and a connection is initiated from the first user (A) to a second user (B) registered any network of the communications system. The initiated connection is routed to the service subsystem (9) of the home network, the service subsystem (9) of the home network delivers the announcement to the first user, and the service subsystem (9) of the home network establishes a connection between the first and second user (A and B).

Abstract: A software based algorithm and associated method for generating and delivering to a caller or a recipient, or both, a message generated over a telephone link during a normal telephone ringing signal period. The software based algorithm and method is operable with hardware designed to accomplish this purpose, and is also effective for use with hard wire based telephone systems and cellular telephone systems. The algorithm and method operate on the basis of identifying a caller, introducing and playing a message and terminating the play of the message when a recipient answers a recipient telephone.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. Thus, a message may be directed to a single recipient via multiple modes, such as e-mail and fax, in order to ensure the earliest possible receipt of the message; or may be directed to multiple recipients by a single mode or by different modes. In the case of multiple-mode delivery, “escalation” rules may specify conditions under which different delivery modes may be sequentially employed. Automatic follow-up to determine whether a message has been received, as well as automatic sender notification upon confirmation of receipt, may be employed. The system is capable of sending messages having embedded questions, and facilitating multi-question surveys.

Abstract: A method and device for receiving a voice mail from a cellular phone service provider utilizing a satellite radio. When the cellular phone service provider determines that a called party's cellular phone is unable to receive a call because the called cellular phone is not within a live cell, the calling party is prompted to leave a voice mail message. The voice mail message is uplinked to a space satellite, which transponds the message to a one-way satellite radio receiver. The radio receiver sends the voice mail message to a coupled recorder. A repeater, coupled to the recorder, then transmits the voice mail message to the called cellular phone to a highly limited zone. The called party's cellular phone then receives the voice mail message as if it were one-way cellular phone call.

Abstract: A communication method allows members of an affinity group to obtain up-to-date information concerning the status of other members of the affinity group. Each member of the affinity group is provided with a communication device for communicating with other members. The communication device includes a memory for storing member status information. When the status of one member in the affinity group changes, a status update message is sent from the member whose status has changed to other members of the affinity group. When a status update message is receiving from other members, the status information data contained in the message is used to update the member status information stored in memory.

Abstract: Tiresome entry of numerous letters of the alphabet into a hand-held device for assembling a short text message for transmission via a short message service (SMS) to a second terminal is avoided by the sending of a short voice message (SVM). The SVM is recorded in the sending terminal and sent to a SVM service center (SVMSC). The SVMSC may notify the intended recipient of the arrival of the SVM and await acceptance before sending it. The second terminal may then commence a bidirectional communication so that an instant voice message session can be established. Alternatively, the problem can be overcome by converting the spoken SVM to text in the user terminal by means of voice recognition software and sending the converted text to the recipient by means of the traditional SMS infrastructure for display as text or for playback as text converted to voice.

Abstract: An integrated message management system that allows a subscriber to retrieve voice mail messages using a voice mail or email server, and that also updates the status of messages on both servers upon retrieval of the message from either server. The voice mail server is accessed via a local exchange carrier, whereas the email server is accessed via the Internet. The email server also notifies the subscriber of the presence of a new message. When the subscriber retrieves a voice mail message, the email server updates the status of the corresponding email message. Similarly, when a subscriber retrieves an email message, the voice mail server updates the status of the corresponding voice mail message. This eliminates the need for a subscriber to manually change the status of corresponding messages to “clean out” a voice mail or email box when the other is accessed.

Abstract: A two way wireless hand held PDA device that allows remote mobile creation of messages and sending of those messages to recipients via different delivery modes. The recipients can be formed into groups by different criteria, the messages can be created or imported and edited from the remote device, and the messages can be delivered via more than one mode. Status of messages sent and in process is maintained as is account information related to the message and the user. Also messages can be formatted, and can be conditionally sent and receivers can perform automatic actions when specific messages are received. (And actions can be carried out in remote systems based on the responses to messages sent).

Abstract: A system and method for voice interaction for location-relevant mobile resource management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network server transmits a voice message to a voice device at a mobile unit upon detection that the mobile unit is within a predetermined distance of a certain location. Pursuant to another embodiment, the network server receives a voice request for location-relevant information from a user at a mobile unit and transmits responsive location-relevant information to the user as a voice message. The network server may also conduct certain actions responsive to voice requests received from users at mobile units. Users may receive information from the server via voice devices even when not located at a mobile unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording/reproducing voice messages using an internet gateway without separately procuring a VMS (Voice Mailing System). Upon receiving the voice message from a subscriber, the voice message is compressed in a data compressor of a digital signal processor (DSP) and stored in a flash memory. Then, the voice message is stored in a buffer of the DSP at a predetermined time interval, and subsequently read and decompressed by a data decompressor, and thereafter reproduced to a calling subscriber.

Abstract: A wireless initiated messaging system includes a personalized message database storing therein messages predefined by or on behalf of a subscriber and in association with the subscriber and a message identifier. The system also includes a call control center coupled to the personalized message database. In response to receiving a signal containing predefined message initiation code, a message identifier identifying one of the predefined messages, and an identifier of a receiving station, the call control center retrieves the predefined message from the personalized message database and sends the retrieved predefined message to the receiving station.

Abstract: An IP telephony gateway and a voice mail resource enable a voice mail subscriber to place an outgoing call to a destination party from a voice mail session according to the voice over IP (H.323) protocol, and resume the voice mail session upon completion of the outgoing call with the destination party. The IP telephony gateway establishes a voice mail session for the voice mail subscriber with the voice mail resource across a first Real Time Protocol (RTP) data stream. The voice mail resource initiates a second RTP data stream to a destination party in response to reception of a prescribed command from the voice mail subscriber. Although an RTP bridge connecting the first and second RTP data streams can be maintained by the voice mail resource, the voice mail resource may also use the Empty Capability Set feature in the H.323 standard to cause the IP telephony gateway to close the first and second RTP data streams to the voice mail resource.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for communicating by receiving data and instructions from a sender, the instructions including at least a delivery time of a scheduled voicemail message intended for a recipient and contact information associated with the recipient; generating a scheduled voicemail message according to the data and instructions received from the sender; storing the scheduled voicemail message; and processing the scheduled voicemail message according to the data and instructions received from the sender.

Abstract: A unified messaging system is configured to store and retrieve email, facsimile, pager, and voicemail messages. A telephone operated by a person is operatively coupled over a public switched telephone network to the unified messaging system. The system receives over the public switch telephone network a signal from the telephone corresponding to an administer multiple messages command for multiple messages having a common trait. In one form, the multiple messages having the common trait are then deleted from the database in response to this command. In another form, the multiple messages are filed into a folder specified by the person.

Abstract: A connection controller suitable for use in a PBX. The connection controller can set up a media path to allow a user at a known terminal to receive audio information from an audio source. The connection controller has a directory of audio sources and a processing unit for searching the directory to select an audio source suitable to provide the audio information desired by the user. When the selection is made the processing unit generates and directs control signals to one or more components operative to establish the media path between the selected audio source and the known terminal.

Abstract: A calling party calls a called party and leaves a message on a voice messaging system after receiving a busy status if the calling party is willing to pay to leave a message and if the calling party has given permission to send messages. The calling party is connected with the voice messaging system responsive to a trigger in the telephone system. The voice messaging system receives and stores the message for future retrieval by the called party. The called party can then dial the messaging system to play the message. However, the called party does not establish the voice messaging system for his associated number, rather the calling party provides permission to send the message. An indicator may be provided to the called party alerting the called party to the waiting message. The called party then dials the voice messaging system and retrieves the stored message. Prompts may be provided to the calling party for message options.