Abstract: A teleconferencing system for voice and data provides interconnections among user sites via a central station. User stations at user sites each alternate operation between a data mode connecting a user computer and modem to a user telephone communication path and a voice mode connecting a telephony circuit to the communication path. The teleconferencing system is adapted for conducting a voice conference over standard telephone lines while allowing simultaneous viewing of data objects such as slides, graphs, or text. A host computer connected to the central station serves as a central repository for storage and retrieval of data objects for use in teleconferences.

Abstract: A splitter circuit (19) serves to combine on the transmission side signals which are to be transmitted in different frequency bands (A-C), as well as to separate on the reception side these signals which are transmitted in different frequency bands. For this purpose, the splitter circuit (19) has a circuit section (13) designed as purely passive, for the rough signal and impedance separation, as well as the filters (3, 4; 9, 10) allocated to the individual transmission and reception sections, for the exact filtering out of the individual signal in each case. These separate filters (3, 4; 9, 10) are arranged in the transmission direction upstream of a corresponding four-wire/two-wire conversion, and in the reception direction downstream of a corresponding two-wire/four-wire conversion, so that the signal stream takes place via these filters in one direction only, and the filters can be designed as purely active filters or digital filters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing connectivity to portable electronic devices, such as a cordless telephone, for the purpose of upgrading software features. In a preferred embodiment, portable electronic devices can receive incoming data at the PSTN jack from a personal computer that is also connected to the PSTN via a PSTN modem. In this manner, upgrades can be accomplished without requiring users to disconnect the telephone or to connect additional cables or components. The telephone is temporarily disabled from service only during the downloading of the upgrade software from the personal computer to the telephone. Upgrade software can be received at the personal computer from downloads or from other sources.

Abstract: An Integrated Communication System (ICS) with fail-over serial data connectivity is disclosed. In one aspect, an ICS may comprise a chassis including a System Switch Processor (SSP) for providing connectivity to a plurality of slots. A Serial Alarm Processor (SAP) may be operatively coupled to the ICS through one of the slots, an include at least one serial port for providing serial data connectivity. A Primary Single Board Computer (SBC) and at least one secondary SBC may be disposed in the slots. The ICS may be configured to pass control of serial data connectivity from the Primary SBC to a secondary SBC in the event of the failure of the Primary SBC. Various methods for fail-over serial data connectivity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for integrating a contact center, an agent station, and a customer relation management server for communication includes a network adapter node having port connection to the contact center, the agent station, and the customer relation management server; and one or more dynamic states running on the network adapter mode wherein the one or more states described represent current agent activity and presence attributes according to model. In preferred application the customer relation management server is adapted to deliver data and or services or notification of availability thereof to the agent station based on the current state information for one or more events active or in queue for the agent station.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving voice data and non-voice data, and supporting a plurality of lines includes a main section including a plurality of modem units to individually control each of the plurality of modem units, and a line section including a plurality of line connecting units to connect a plurality of General Switched Telephone Networks (GSTNs) with the plurality of modem units, respectively. Accordingly, a plurality of lines can be used via one telephone circuit.

Abstract: Various embodiments directed to performing speech recognition over a data channel are described. One or more embodiments may comprise encoding voice information to be communicated over a voice channel using a voice compression algorithm, switching from said voice channel to a data channel, encoding voice information to be communicated over said data channel using said voice compression algorithm used for said voice channel, and communicating encoded voice information over said data channel. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided that communicate interactive event reminder messages across various communications platforms. According to one or more aspects of the present invention, an intended recipient for an event reminder message is defined by, for example, manual entry or interaction with a contacts list. The event reminder message content (e.g., text message, voice message, etc.) is defined. A date and time for transmitting the event reminder message is selected by, for example, manual entry or interaction with a calendar or scheduling application. A delivery method, e.g., telephony message, e-mail, SMS message, is selected for delivery of the event reminder message. The message is then transmitted to the intended recipient using the selected delivery method. Other aspects of the present invention provide for event reminder message receipt verification, and for the recipient to perform certain predefined actions in response to receipt of the event reminder message.

Abstract: A type of multi-network integration and interaction system includes a “VLink” network server and a CTI communication controller, and the “VLink” network server and the CTI communication controller may communicate in real-time and two-way via Internet. The “VLink” network server notifies the CTI communication controller of the service request initiated by the client Internet terminal; it deals with the obtained telephone communication states and enables the client and the service provider to achieve multiple types of communications. And it judges the needed actions to be taken by the service provider based on the signals sent by the service provider's telephone terminal via CTI communication controller.

Abstract: A color facsimile device capable of transmitting color image information through multiple communication methods, such as G3, G4, T.37, and T.38, which can convert color image information into that represented in appropriate color space for each communication methods.

Abstract: Multi-modal applications are capable of interacting with a user in a voice mode, a visual mode, and/or other modes of communication. Mode swapping refers to the process of changing from one mode of communication (or one combination of modes) to another. Mode swapping may be initiated by a user, by an application, or by another entity. Mode swapping may be performed “adaptively,” in that an entity monitors the effectiveness of a communication mode and initiates a mode swap if communication is proceeding non-optimally in the current mode. Mode swapping may be performed by dropping a call to a telephone terminal in the currently-open mode and placing a call to that same device in another mode. In one embodiment, logic for mode swapping resides on a gateway proxy that mediates communication between an application and a telephone terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a uniform interface on heterogeneous access devices, that are capable of requesting specified classes of information from a server. Access devices, such as those that access Internet content, are often of different hardware and software configurations. Each access device displays a similar interface, for example, an interface similar to the touchpad of a telephone. The interfaces are configured so that similar keys included in the interfaces of different access devices request a similar specified classes of information. Then, when similar keys on different access devices are selected by a user, the selection causes the access devices to request a similar specified class of information. Thus, users of access devices with differing configurations become accustomed to similar keys requesting similar specified classes of information. This makes the interface easier to learn and less confusing for users.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved communications over a subscriber loop that is loaded with at least one and potentially a plurality of load coils. The preferred embodiments of the present invention will support digital subscriber line service over loaded subscriber loops that also support a native POTS interface and offer various techniques for advantageously arbitrating use of the 0-4 KHz baseband between POTS and DSL. Furthermore, the rapid start and stop DSL modulation techniques as well as various mechanisms such as protocol spoofing allow DSL service to appear to be always-on for many end user applications even though DSL communication may cease for POTS signaling messages and completed POTS telephone calls.

Abstract: A communication system includes a criteria matrix for calculating a dialogue score in response to a request for a dialogue model from a dialogue node within a communication action. The criteria matrix also incorporates a dialogue selection table for selecting an appropriate dialogue type, based on the calculated score.

Abstract: An image transfer apparatus includes a history information storage unit configure to store a history information by associating a mail address designated as a destination in a previously performed image transfer with type information indicating a type of the terminal of the image transfer destination. The apparatus allows a first transfer unit to execute the image transfer, when the history information stored in the history information storage unit is designated as the image transfer destination and the type information included in the designated history information indicates a first type in conformity with a Internet system, and allows a second transfer unit to execute the image transfer, when the type information included in the history information designated as the image transfer destination indicates a second type in a predetermined system not to related to the Internet system.

Abstract: Conventional modems coupled in parallel to a coupling need a sharing apparatus, which can be avoided by providing each modem with a detector for detecting upstream/downstream signals to be transceived by other modems coupled in parallel. The detector has a distinguisher for distinguishing upstream signals and downstream signals. An additional filter between the coupling and detector prevents the modem from interfering with the other modems coupled in parallel. The modem may have an active/passive state corresponding with a lower/higher impedance.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system for voice and data provides interconnections among user sites via a central station. User stations at user sites each alternate operation between a data mode connecting a user computer and modem to a user telephone communication path and a voice mode connecting a telephony circuit to the communication path. The teleconferencing system is adapted for conducting a voice conference over standard telephone lines while allowing simultaneous viewing of data objects such as slides, graphs, or text. A host computer connected to the central station serves as a central repository for storage and retrieval of data objects for use in teleconferences.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method of assigning identifications for unified messaging system subscribers is provided. The method includes assigning a unique temporary identity to a subscriber of a unified messaging service and upon the subscriber's first access to the unified messaging service, receiving a second identity selected by the subscriber.

Abstract: A telecommunication terminal device includes a network connection unit having at least a first pin and a second pin to which a public telephone network is connected, and a third pin and a fourth pin through which a first external terminal device of a first type is connected to the first and the second pins; a first switching unit for selectively connecting the public telephone network with the first external terminal device and a second external terminal device of a second type; a first external terminal connection unit having a fifth pin and a sixth pin through which the second external terminal device is connected to the first and the second pins; and a feeding circuit connected to the first and the second pins to keep flow of currents provided from the public telephone network. The telecommunication terminal device is capable of exchanging telecommunication signals regardless of serial or parallel connection to additional external terminal devices.

Abstract: A system which allows modular expansion to provide additional services to high speed data. A high speed data line such as DSL or cable is input to a broadband expandable modem device. The modem device produces an output indicative of the data within the data stream. An expansion output is indicative of voice within the data stream which is separated from the data. The expansion output is coupled to one of a plurality of voice adapters. Each of the voice adapters is expandable so daisy chain communication is possible to add additional layers of voice by simply acquiring additional voice adapters. The system preferably uses USB for the expansion capability.

Abstract: An arrangement is employed where a switching unit that conferences a remote telephone with other telephones pursuant to requests that originate via a digital connection from a site that includes the remote telephone. In one illustrative embodiment, the switching unit is an ISDN telephone coupled to a PBX. The remote telephone is connected to a conference point within the PBX via the PSTN. The requests from the remote site originate from a computer, and the digital connection comprises a packet network. Advantageously, the communication through the packet network is encrypted. Conferencing is initiated and controlled by the computer at the remote site, by communicating with the PBX via the ISDN telephone. In another embodiment the switching unit is adapted to create and maintain a plurality of conference calls, pursuant to control signals arriving at a port of the arrangement that is part of the digital connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an automatic called party locator service by intelligently managing lists of contacts. The apparatus includes a contact list manager (10) where lists of contacts are stored, and a locator (60) capable of sending out location request messages and receiving and handling responses. In some embodiments, the current invention may be integrated with call messaging systems, fax and or e-mail systems. In some cases, advanced features such as message delivery method selection, message customization, contact message retrieval or expiration and automatic call dialing may be enabled. In embodiments which support caller identification capabilities, the invention may be configured to have different behaviors based on the identification of the caller.

Abstract: An internet facsimile communication system capable, in the internet facsimile based on the Recommendation T.38, of receiving an incoming call for a facsimile communication regardless of the setting of receiving mode in the facsimile apparatus thereby avoiding a drawback that a person responds to a facsimile communication. The internet facsimile communication system comprises an adaptor for connection with an IP network and a G3 facsimile apparatus, in which the adaptor changes the format of a call signal for calling the G3 facsimile apparatus, between an incoming call for a facsimile communication and other incoming call, thereby informing the G3 facsimile apparatus of an incoming call for the facsimile communication.

Abstract: A dual phone, and method of telecommunicating by using the same, have an ISDN phone and IP phone. The dual phone recognizes one of ISDN mode, IP mode, and external connection mode from a user input, and connects or releases a voice path between an ISDN phone and the IP phone based on the recognized mode, thereby enabling calling between an external ISDN phone and an IP phone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of transmitting a modulated data over a digital voice network that includes voice compression. The method and apparatus determine whether a voice signal to be transmitted over the network includes a modulated data signal and then encodes or demodulates the modulated data signal and bypasses voice compression when a modulated data signal is detected. The method and apparatus may detect a modulated data signal by detecting the presence of an answer tone and then searching for a plurality of phase reversals having a particular time distance from each other in the voice signal. Once the encoded or demodulated signal is transmitted over the digital voice network, the method and apparatus of the present invention may detect whether the received signal is an encoded data signal or a demodulated data signal. Then the coded data signal may be decoded back into a modulated data signal. Likewise, the demodulated data signal may be modulated back into a modulated data signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to perform speech recognition over a data channel is described. The method may include communicating voice information encoded using a voice compression algorithm over a voice channel, receiving a request for voice information for a speech recognition system, and communicating the requested voice information encoded using the voice compression algorithm over a data channel. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A computer telephony interface (CTI) applications computer interfaces to a Internet telephony system which utilizes, preferably, the session initiation protocol (SIP). In one preferred technique, an additional pass through server is added to connect end users to their associated SIP proxy server, and to connect a CTI applications computer to the system.

Abstract: There is obtained a telephone set capable of preventing a noise generated by an operation of application software during voice communication from being sent to a speech counterpart. In a mobile telephone set, if a user operates activated application software other than voice communication related application software when the mobile telephone set is in voice communication with another telephone set via a communication network, the mobile telephone set requests hold of the voice communication from the communication network. This causes the voice communication to be held, thereby preventing a noise generated by the above operation from being sent to the another telephone set.

Abstract: A system for providing lifeline telecommunication service includes a gateway, an analog signal service module, and an integrated access device. The gateway receives telecommunication information from a telecommunication switch and generates data packets for communicating the telecommunication information. The analog signal service module is remotely coupled to the gateway. The analog signal service module may receive the data packets from the gateway and generate a first analog telephone signal for communicating the telecommunication information over a local loop circuit. Coupled to the local loop circuit, the integrated access device may receive the first analog telephone signal from the analog signal service module and communicate the first analog telephone signal to a subscriber line in a first mode of operation.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including a network control unit for interfacing with a telephone line. The network control unit comprises a direct current circuit in which a loop state direct current can flow, and a direct current limiting device for limiting the loop state direct current to a prescribed value when communication with a foreign country that has adopted a different communication standard is performed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present information relate to a method and apparatus for providing interactive text messages to a user's device during a voice call. In one embodiment, information is received from a client and at least a portion of the received information is converted into a text format. Non-converted information is transmitted to the user's device on a voice portion of a communications channel and the converted information is transmitted to the user's device on a data control portion of the communications channel. Accordingly, interactive text messages are presented to a user's device during a voice call.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating analog voice service and derived POTS voice service in a DSL environment are provided. One embodiment is a system comprising: a first communication path for carrying plain old telephone service (POTS) voice signals between a telephone-type device and a subscriber line of a telephone network; a second communication path for carrying derived POTS voice signals between the telephone-type device and the subscriber line; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the telephone-type device between the first communication path and the second communication path.

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

Abstract: An improved telecommunication device for simultaneous and independent communication of analog signals and digital data is disclosed. Processing of analog signals enables functions including, for example, message saver, speaker phone, caller identification and fax. Processing of digital data enables functions, including, for example, DSL modem communications, digital voice communications, video communications, and voice-over-data communications. The disclosed system may operate independently or coupled to one or more computers.

Abstract: A system for use in connecting broadband voice and data signals to communications systems such as the telephone system. Due to the low pass filtering characteristics of a standard twisted pair used in conventional telephone access loops data band signals are attenuated more than voice band signals. The present invention provides apparatus and methods for interfacing data and voice band signals to a common communications medium, such as a twisted pair, while significantly reducing the influence of one frequency band on the other.

Abstract: A method for handling an off-hook event can include the step of detecting an off-hook event with a modem communicatively linked to a circuit loop in which the off-hook event occurs. The detection can be based upon audible information conveyed within the circuit loop. At least one programmatic action can be initiated with a computing device communicatively linked to the modem. An off-hook notification can be conveyed as a result of the programmatic action.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communication apparatus connected to an analog public line, which can be actualized at low costs and can save its space. This communication apparatus includes a first communication means connected to a telephone line, for performing communications, and a connecting means for connecting a second communication means connected to the telephone line via the first communication means and thus performing communications.

Abstract: A communication system includes a selection module for selecting appropriate user interface types for nodes within a task. The selection module interacts with a selection criteria library and a user interface dialogue model library to determine an appropriate user interface. Selection criteria library and user interface dialogue model library may be selectively and dynamically adapted to reflect environmental, customer and organization changes.

Abstract: An information handling system comprises a TCP/IP network connecting a hub to a multimedia server and the hub to a data server, and the hub to an IP telephony device that is then coupled to a network device. Data sent from the network device is addressed for transmission to the data server and is transmitted through the IP telephony device to the TCP/IP network. The IP telephony device monitors when an amount of data being received over the network falls below a predetermined threshold. If this occurs, the IP telephony device will send a signal to the multimedia server, which will then generate a congestion signal to send to all or selected IP telephony devices in the network to throttle data being received by the IP telephony devices from their respective connected network devices.

Abstract: According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, a method for externally interrupting a telephony communication session includes establishing the telephony communication session with a remote user using a telephony interface. The method further includes loading a web page specifying one or more event handlers and media for presentation and presenting the media through a voice portion of the telephony communication session using the telephony interface. The method also includes handling input received by the telephony interface through the telephony communication session and receiving an interrupt at an interrupt handler, the interrupt specifying a session identifier for the telephony communication session. The method further includes identifying and communicating an event based on the interrupt and handling the event using a matching one of the event handlers of the web page.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to mitigate the interference on DSL due to high frequency components associated with a change in a POTS condition, such as POTS ringing. In response to detecting that a potentially disruptive POTS condition is to about to occur, downstream DSL traffic can be temporarily stopped. The stoppage can include downstream traffic of voice and/or data.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for providing a telephone service. An analog signal is received from a telephone and the analog signal is converted into a digital signal in a first format. A modem is provided for receiving the digital signal in the first format. A digitizer is also provided for receiving the analog signal from the telephone. The system, in a first mode of operation, couples the digital signal in the first format to the modem, and in a second mode of operation, couples the analog signal from the telephone to the digitizer. The second mode of operation may be, for example, a power failure mode of operation.

Abstract: An Integrated Communication System (ICS) with fail-over serial data connectivity is disclosed. In one aspect, an ICS may comprise a chassis including a System Switch Processor (SSP) for providing connectivity to a plurality of slots. A Serial Alarm Processor (SAP) may be operatively coupled to the ICS through one of the slots, an include at least one serial port for providing serial data connectivity. A Primary Single Board Computer (SBC) and at least one secondary SBC may be disposed in the slots. The ICS may be configured to pass control of serial data connectivity from the Primary SBC to a secondary SBC in the event of the failure of the Primary SBC. Various methods for fail-over serial data connectivity are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously providing multiple telephone-type services to any/all POTS-type devices on a single wire pair at a user premises. The present invention provides for the ability to add separately addressable POTS devices on a single service loop. This can be accomplished in at least two ways: first by the use of a multipoint protocol or second by Frequency Division Multiplexing.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for delivering information, preferably electronic television program guide information, to a user over a telecommunications network. The network includes the capability of determining whether the user's connection to the network is in an on-hook or off-hook condition, and the information is received and stored at a user site when the user's connection to the network is in an on-hook condition. Information is delivered from a guide provider to a phone company switch point over a land-based or wireless dedicated line. When the user's phone is on-hook, the guide data is sent to the user site through a splitter. The line splitter provides the signal to a data decoder circuit, the output of which is connected to a data input terminal in communication with a television receiver, VCR, cable box, or other piece of equipment for displaying the program guide data on a screen.

Abstract: When voice communications are to be established using the telephone having the telephone number displayed on the application during the data communications, a temporary line disconnection unit disconnects a line being used for the data communications. The application is not notified of this, and the line is connected between the terminal and the telephone. The user on the mobile computer side can voice-communicate with the user of the telephone using the terminal. When the voice communications terminate, the temporary line disconnection unit connects the line between the fixed computer side and the mobile computer side to resume the data communications. Since the application is not notified of the temporary disconnection of the line, the session is set active and the data communications are not started from the very beginning.

Abstract: An Electronic Document Answering Machine is adapted to connect to remote information sources and to download digital documents including e-mail and WEB pages, and to store the documents for later review by a user. The Answering machine has an alert device for alerting a user that new documents are available for review, and an initializing device for a user to cause documents to be communicated for review one-at-a-time. In a preferred embodiment documents are communicated over a speaker via voice synthesis. In an alternative preferred embodiment a small display is provided wherein documents may be displayed in alphanumeric characters. The answering machine can be implemented as a stand-alone device or can be connected via a serial port to a host PC for transferring documents to the PC for processing and review. In other embodiments the Answering Machine is implemented as a system in a PC, with alert and selective input added as an interface.

Abstract: An intelligent FAX machine monitors a shared telephone line after another telephone has taken it off-hook. If preliminary signals from a sending FAX machine to another telephone on the same line are detected, then the FAX machine also goes off-hook and tries to establish a link with the sending FAX machine. Presumably the other telephone will hang up. E.g., a telephone answering device (TAD) automatically detects a parallel set going off-hook, causing the TAD to go on-hook. If the parallel telephone is an ordinary telephone, then that user may merely hang up after hearing FAX signals. In another aspect, the FAX machine picks up incoming calls from known FAX machines before a second ring (or before a third ring), based on Caller ID information, so that other pre-configured ring-count telephonic devices such as a telephone answering machine can be operated in an automatic mode with a higher pre-configured ring count.

Abstract: In a communicating apparatus, telephone or directory application software can be automatically initiated in a personal computer. An off-hook detecting unit of the apparatus continuously makes a check to determine whether or not an external telephone is set to an off-hook state. If this is the case, the off-hook detecting unit sends off-hook information via a serial interface to the computer. An application initiation request unit of the computer monitors the serial interface. Having recognized an off-hook state of telephone in accordance with the off-hook information, the request unit automatically initiates the directory application software.

Abstract: An interworking unit (14) for providing an interface between a digital communication network (12) and a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (16) includes a de-vocoder (30), a protocol termination unit (32), and a signal combiner (34) for processing signals being transferred from the digital network (12) to the PSTN (16). A digital communication signal received by the interworking unit (14) from the digital network (12) is processed by both the de-vocoder (30) and the protocol termination unit (32). The outputs of the de-vocoder (30) and the protocol termination unit (32) are then combined into a uniquely formatted signal that is then delivered into the PSTN (12). Similar functionality is also provided for processing signals in the reverse direction. The interworking unit 14 is capable of processing signals traversing the interface between the networks (12, 16) without a priori knowledge of the signal type being processed.