Abstract: A telecommunications system, that after a communication is established by a first electronic communication device and a second electronic communication device, receives digital auditory data corresponding to an ongoing conversation between a first person using the first electronic communication device and a second person using the second electronic communication device, uses that digital auditory data to enable transformation of an information knowledge model, and utilizes the information knowledge model to suggest information for the ongoing conversation.

Abstract: An automatic audio transcription method comprises: sending an audio stream and an identifier of the audio stream from a microphone device to an audio support server and to at least one hearing aid system comprising a hearing aid and a portable device connected to the hearing aid; playing the audio stream with the hearing aid; registering the at least one hearing aid system at the audio support server by sending the identifier from the hearing aid system to the audio support server; transcribing the audio stream into a text stream; sending the text stream from the audio support server to the portable device associated with the identifier of the audio stream; and displaying the text stream with the portable device.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores therein a mail delivery program of a mail server. The mail server includes a processor. The mail delivery program to cause the processor to perform transmitting a mail with a transmission request being accepted after concealing, when the mail contains information indicating being already transmitted and information indicating concealment of a content of a description at a forwarding, the content of the description designated by the information indicating the concealment.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage device for sending a spoken message as a text message. The method includes receiving from a subscriber a spoken message and spoken disambiguating information indicating how to deliver the spoken message to a recipient. The method further includes converting the spoken message to text and communicating the text to the recipient address. The method can also include determining a recipient address for the recipient based on spoken disambiguating information.

Abstract: A writing instrument (e.g., a pen or stylus) is able to wirelessly receive a message, receive a responsive input from a user (either spoken or written using the writing instrument), convert the user input into text, and transmit the text in a first mode (if the responsive input is spoken) or in a second mode (if the responsive input is written). The first mode and the second modes may correspond, for example, to different recipient groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telephone accessible system that stores one or more messages for a subscriber. The subscriber is given a card with their subscriber number and an access code. In one embodiment, a first responder or other user needing to access the recorded messages, finds the card, calls the system and enters the subscriber number and access code to retrieve one or more of the messages. In one embodiment, the messages are digital audio recordings that contain medical information useful to a first responder before treating the subscriber. The messages can only be changed upon submission of a password that is unique to the subscriber. In one embodiment, the first responder can record an alert message that is transmitted to individuals or entities previously designed by a subscriber to receive an alert message.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for group messaging are disclosed. An exemplary method includes a group messaging system receiving a broadcast message from an originating user, imposing a limit on a number of text characters included in the broadcast message, identifying a group of intended recipients of the broadcast message, determining contact information for an intended recipient included in the group, determining at least one broadcast message sending method for the intended recipient, and sending the broadcast message to the intended recipient using the at least one broadcast message sending method.

Abstract: A method of managing content format conversion for transmission of converted content to a mobile device includes retrieving initial content, which includes video content, having a first format over a data communications network. The retrieved initial content is analyzed based on an identification of data delivery parameters relating to potential delivery of converted content and a determination is made as to whether or not the data delivery parameters meet predetermined criteria. The format of the initial content is converted to a second format only in response to a determination that the data delivery parameters meet the predetermined criteria. The converted content forms a message body of a message. A conversion management system configured to manage content format conversion for transmission of converted content to a mobile device, and a computer program for performing the method, are also provided.

Abstract: Audio processing systems and corresponding methods are disclosed, wherein the audio processing system comprises at least one of an analog portion and a digital portion.

Abstract: A device that enable users to send and receive a message in different formats may include a text message gateway, an audio message gateway, and a processor. The text message gateway may include a Short Message Service (SMS) gateway. The audio message gateway may include an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) unit and/or a client application interface that receives audio from a client application of a mobile communications device. The processor may be configured to convert text messages received at the text-message gateway into audio messages and then to send the audio messages via the audio message gateway. The processor may also be configured to convert audio messages received at the audio message gateway into text messages and then to send the text messages via the text message gateway.

Abstract: A mass-scale, user-independent, device-independent, voice messaging system that converts unstructured voice messages into text for display on a screen is disclosed. The system comprises (i) computer implemented sub-systems and also (ii) a network connection to human operators providing transcription and quality control; the system being adapted to optimise the effectiveness of the human operators by further comprising 3 core sub-systems, namely (i) a pre-processing front end that determines an appropriate conversion strategy; (ii) one or more conversion resources; and (iii) a quality control sub-system.

Abstract: The innovation supports the ability to map alpha characters entered directly into the dialer application of a smartphone. These alpha characters can be entered via a smartphone keyboard (e.g., QWERTY keyboard) and converted to the appropriate digits as mapped to a conventional telephone keypad. The resultant numerical digits can be used to prompt a network call. Additionally, the innovation can be used during an active call to respond to prompts that traditionally require 12-key mappings. This innovation allows a user to both dial a number directly via a smartphone keyboard, and filter contacts by name, in a non-modal manner.

Abstract: A system and method for recording and providing a written transcript of a portion of a media session (e.g., a video or audio conference) are provided. An exemplary system continuously records a media session, allowing one or more users to select segments of the session to store and have transcribed. A copy of the recording and the corresponding transcription may be provided to one or more users.

Abstract: A voicemail computer system transcribes a voicemail message into text that is presented to a calling party for approval. A calling party is able to approve, disapprove or edit a voicemail message prior to delivery to one or more called parties. The voicemail computer system may analyze a voicemail message to detect errors, omissions, or potentially offensive words. The voicemail computer may analyze a voicemail message to make suggestions as to tone, content or information contained within the voicemail message. The calling party can edit the voicemail message or approve it prior to providing a notification to one or more called parties that they have received the voicemail message.

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

Abstract: A method for automatically providing a plurality of additional database query terms comprising receiving a first query term from a user, receiving a plurality of characters from the user, wherein the plurality of characters is only a portion of a second query term, and selecting a set of records from a database based on the query term, wherein the database comprises records which comprise text translated from audio. The method also determines a plurality of additional query terms based on the plurality of characters, and, for at least one of the plurality of additional query terms, processes at least a portion of the set of records to determine a relevance of the additional query term. Finally, the method includes displaying at least one of the plurality of additional query terms to the user for selection based on the relevance of at least one of the plurality of additional query terms.

Abstract: A base station of a cordless telephone includes a transceiver, a control module, a connection handler, and a media handler. The transceiver wirelessly communicates with a handset. While the handset is operating in a standby mode, the transceiver transmits a signal to instruct the handset to exit the standby mode. The control module establishes a permanent virtual circuit with the handset that includes a predetermined user datagram protocol (UDP) port or a negotiated UDP port. The control module negotiates, with the handset to determine a feature subset of the handset and transmits packets to the handset via the permanent virtual circuit. The packets are selected based on the feature subset of the handset. The connection handler is configured to establish a switched virtual circuit with an endpoint device via a communications channel. The media handler is configured to convert media packets into first and second digital audio compression formats.

Abstract: A device that enable users to send and receive a message in different formats may include a text message gateway, an audio message gateway, and a processor. The text message gateway may include a Short Message Service (SMS) gateway. The audio message gateway may include an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) unit and/or a client application interface that receives audio from a client application of a mobile communications device. The processor may be configured to convert text messages received at the text-message gateway into audio messages and then to send the audio messages via the audio message gateway. The processor may also be configured to convert audio messages received at the audio message gateway into text messages and then to send the text messages via the text message gateway.

Abstract: A system for transporting public switched network (PSTN) terminated signaling across an Internet protocol (IP) network includes a gateway between the PSTN and the IP network. The gateway receives a telephony signaling message from the PSTN and determines if the telephony signaling message maps to an IP signaling message. If the telephony signaling message does not map to an IP signaling message, the gateway packages the telephony signaling message in a special IP signaling message for transport over the IP network. If the gateway receives a special IP signaling special message, the gateway unpackages the telephony signaling message from the special message for transport over the PSTN. If the gateway receives DTMF signals from the PSTN, the gateway translates the DTMF signals to digits and packages the digits in a special IP signaling message for transport over the IP network. The gateway also packages the DTMF signals in an IP media transport protocol message for transport over the IP network.

Abstract: The present solution includes a real-time automated communication method. In the method, a real-time communication session can be established between a text exchange client and a speech application. A translation table can be identified that includes multiple entries, each entry including a text exchange item and a corresponding conversational translation item. A text exchange message can be received that was entered into a text exchange client. Content in the text exchange message that matches a text exchange item in the translation table can be substituted with a corresponding conversational item. The translated text exchange message can be sent as input to a voice server. Output from the voice server can be used by the speech application, which performs an automatic programmatic action based upon the output.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrating electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail in a universal mailbox. Message receivers may access their messages with a telephone or a computer regardless of the communication medium used by the message sender. Using a telephone, message receivers may playback voice mail, redirect fax mail, and “listen” to e-mail through a text-to-speech conversion process. Using a computer and modem, message receivers may playback voice mail, view fax mail, and read e-mail by accessing the universal mailbox via connection software. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications via the universal mailbox. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.

Abstract: A browser enabled communication device capable of conducting conversations, including multiple media types, in either a real-time or a time-shifted mode, with the ability to seamlessly transition between the two modes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for call processing are described. A call from a caller intended for a first party is received at a call processing system, which stores call signaling information associated with the call. A greeting is played to the caller, and a voice communication is received and recorded. At least a first portion of the voice communication is transmitted in substantially real time to a terminal associated with the first person. At least a portion of the voice communication is converted to text and the text is stored and transmitted to a terminal associated with the first party. When a search query is received from the first party, the system searches the data store to determine if there is matching call having related matching call information. If there is a matching call, related information may be provided to the first party.

Abstract: A method of operating a captioned telephone call in which an assisted user is connected by a captioned telephone device which is connected both by one line to a remote user and a second line to a relay providing captioning for a conversation, the method comprising the steps of, when a call is received at the captioned telephone device on the first line, the captioned telephone device calling the relay on the second line to initiate captioning service set up prior to the call being answered, after the call is answered, the captioned telephone device passing spoken words received on the first telephone line to the second telephone line and the captioning service then providing captioning to the captioned telephone device of the spoken words transmitted on the second telephone line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for asynchronous communication by means of an internet platform (2), wherein registered users of the internet platform (2) can receive mail by means of the internet platform (2), wherein the mail is transmitted for at least part of the postal path thereof in electronic form by means of the internet and the internet platform (2), and further relates to an internet platform (2). In order to provide the users (N) expanded communication capabilities and a greater level of comfort, according to the invention, one of a plurality of presettable transmission paths is preset by the users (N) on the internet platform (2), said paths including the transmission of the mail as a letter, as a fax, and as electronic mail, and the transmission of the mail to the users (N) is performed or initiated by the internet platform (2) according to each preset transmission path.

Abstract: A sign language recognition system includes a menu generating module, an image processing module, and text processing module. The image processing module controls an image capturing unit to capture a gesture image of a target person when an image recognition icon is selected, extracts sign language data from the gesture image, and transmits the sign data packet to a server for analyzing the sign language data to generate sign recognition information. The text processing module packs text data to be sent to a reception device, and a reception language and a phone number of the reception device to generate a text data packet when a text recognition icon is selected, and sends the text data packet to the server for analyzing the text data to generate a sign recognition image recognizable by the reception device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for commencing a caption assisted telephone call using a combination of a first party telephone terminal and a first party Network appliance, the method comprising the steps of connecting the first party Network appliance to a relay, using the first party Network appliance to specify a first party call back telephone number, using the relay to dial the first party call back telephone number, specifying a confirmation activity that must be performed via the first party telephone terminal in order to continue a telephone call process, when the first party telephone terminal is answered, monitoring activities via the first party telephone terminal and when the confirming activity occurs, continuing the telephone call process.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer program product and service for directory dialer name recognition. The directory dialer has a directory of names and a first name grammar and a second name grammar representing phonetic baseforms of first names and second names respectively. The method includes: receiving voice data for a spoken name after requesting a user to speak the required name; extracting a set of phonetic baseforms for the voice data; and finding the best matches between the extracted set of phonetic baseforms voice data and any combination of the first name grammar and the second name grammar. The method can further include: checking the best match against the directory of names; if the best match does not exist in the directory, informing the user and prompting the next best match as an alternative; and if the best match does exist in the directory, forwarding the call to that best match.

Abstract: A method, system, and program provides for hands free contact database information entry at a communication device. A recording system at a communication device detects a user initiation to record. Responsive to detecting the user initiation to record, the recording system records the ongoing conversation supported between the communication device and a second remote communication device. The recording system converts the recording of the conversation into text. Next, the recording system extracts contact information from the text. Then, the recording system stores the extracted contact information in an entry of the contact database, such that contact information is added to the contact database of the communication device without manual entry of the contact information by the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for call processing are described. In an illustrative embodiment, a call processing system answers a call from a caller intended for a first party and records a message from the caller. The call processing system stores call information and the caller message. Some or all of the caller message is transmitted in substantially real time to a terminal associated with the first party. Further, at least a portion of the caller message is converted to text, which is transmitted to a terminal associated with the first party and is stored for later access. The first party can then submit a search query with respect to the stored information. When a search query is received from the first party, the system searches a data store to determine if there is matching call and provides the first party with information related to a matching call.

Abstract: An endpoint system for media communication comprises a resource-limited device and a base station. The resource-limited device at least one of receives and outputs at least one of audio and graphic information. The base station communicates media and control packets with the resource-limited device via a permanent virtual circuit, establishes a switched virtual circuit with an endpoint device via a communications channel, and translates media packets between the permanent virtual circuit and the switched virtual circuit.

Abstract: Communication apparatus having interfaces for exchanging data with first and second neighbors, a memory for storing codec information regarding the communication apparatus and a control entity operative to detect a message from the first neighbor, the first message being indicative of codec information regarding an originating entity. In response, the control entity assesses compatibility between the codec information regarding the originating entity and the codec information regarding the communication apparatus. If the assessment is positive, the control entity self-identifies the communication apparatus as a candidate for terminally supporting a subsequent codec-bypass negotiation with the originating entity. If the assessment is negative, the control entity self-identifies the communication apparatus as a candidate for non-terminally supporting such negotiation.

Abstract: Picture and speech communication between plural terminals connected to different networks, such as a circuit-switched network and IP network. A converting apparatus 400 for control information or media information for picture/speech communications is provided across first and second terminals 301, 302 connected to respective different types of networks. Converting apparatus 400 includes control information converter 420, transcoder 450 and ability information converter 460. In case the ability information extracted from the decoding information, received from the first terminal 301, is not coincident to the ability information extracted from the call control information received from the second terminal 302, it is further checked whether or not there is picture format size coincidence. If the picture format size coincidence persists in one direction, processing is carried out for converting part of the decoding information or the control information, without causing the operations of the transcoder.

Abstract: A remote conversation management device to manage conversations on a first communication device. The method includes maintaining a gateway node having a first interface to enable the gateway node to receive conversation control information from the remote conversation management device and a second interface to couple the gateway node to a communication network, where the communication network is configured to support a conversation between a first communication device and one or more other communication devices over the communication network. The method further includes storing in a message buffer the media of the conversation as the media is received through the second interface from the communication network and receiving conversation control information from the remote conversation management device through the first interface.

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system that facilitates automatic transmission of a variety of information packets to the communication devices of a calling party and parties called during a call. The information packets are comprised of actual files and or links to files or websites, and are automatically transmitted following the initiation of a call. Upon initiating a call, an indicator that may include metadata linked to information packets is processed to identify at least one database for locating information packets to which the metadata is linked. The interactive information distribution system also includes a verbal communication conversion engine that allows verbal telephone communications to be converted to text and filtered to generate keywords which are used in additional database searching to identify additional information packets.

Abstract: A method of and system for operating a captioned telephone service, the method comprising the steps of providing words spoken by a remote user to a relay, at the relay, a call assistant listening to the words spoken by the remote user and re-voicing the words into a computer with voice recognition software trained to the voice of the call assistant to create a text stream of the words spoken by the remote user and presenting the text stream to an assisted user via a display.

Abstract: The present solution includes a real-time automated communication method. In the method, a real-time communication session can be established between a text exchange client and a speech application. A translation table can be identified that includes multiple entries, each entry including a text exchange item and a corresponding conversational translation item. A text exchange message can be received that was entered into a text exchange client. Content in the text exchange message that matches a text exchange item in the translation table can be substituted with a corresponding conversational item. The translated text exchange message can be sent as input to a voice server. Output from the voice server can be used by the speech application, which performs an automatic programmatic action based upon the output.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a telecommunications device capable of text telephone, and voice carry over or hearing carry over operation where transition from text to voice operation, and vice versa, is accomplished without operator intervention. The system includes a text telephone signal detector that detects the presence of text telephone signals and an audio control manager coupled to the text telephone signal detector. The audio control manager comprises an audio stream manger that controls the processing of audio signals, and an audio profile manager that controls the routing of voice signals to the audio peripherals and the audio peripheral output sound loudness.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing interworking between various communication protocols are provided. The method comprises establishing a communication connection between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint communicates over a first communication protocol and wherein the second endpoint communicates over a second communication protocol; and monitoring communication between the first and second endpoints such that communication messages that are transmitted by the first endpoint over the first communication protocol can be mapped to counterpart messages to be received by the second endpoint over the second communication protocol, and communication messages that are transmitted by the second endpoint over the second communication protocol can be mapped to counterpart messages received by the first endpoint over the first communication protocol.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrated electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail messaging. A common message format is defined for use by an electronic mail service and a telecommunications service so electronic mail messages that may include voice and fax mail attachments may be exchanged between the services. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications and specify a preference for receiving messages at the electronic mail or telecommunications service. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.

Abstract: A method, system, and program provides for hands free contact database information entry at a communication device. A recording system at a communication device detects a user initiation to record. Responsive to detecting the user initiation to record, the recording system records the ongoing conversation supported between the communication device and a second remote communication device. The recording system converts the recording of the conversation into text. Next, the recording system extracts contact information from the text. Then, the recording system stores the extracted contact information in an entry of the contact database, such that contact information is added to the contact database of the communication device without manual entry of the contact information by the user.

Abstract: A messaging device may include a memory configured to store a first message from a first caller and intended for a called party and to store information identifying a group that includes a number of broadcast parties that include the first caller. The messaging device may include a processor configured to receive a reply message from the called party and to broadcast the reply message to at least a subset of the group.

Abstract: A system for generating and working with communities of interests is disclosed. In various forms, the present system allows multiple users sharing common interests to interact with each other seamlessly, seek out times when each is available, and other such convenience functions.

Abstract: A directory assistance system includes a directory database and a search engine. The search engine is configured to search the directory database for a first set of residential listings based on at least one first search term. A second search term is received that is related to a cohabitant of the listing to be found. At least one search result is selected that satisfies the second search term.

Abstract: A media application server, comprising a network interface and a processor adapted to establish voice connections with opposite end devices and to perform on the connections at least one media application task for signals of a plurality of different signal formats, the processor being adapted to establish the connection in a negotiation procedure in which it advertises itself as supporting fewer than the plurality of signal formats.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a method of making a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection to a remote network. The method includes detecting the presence of a powered-on network capable device that is connected to a DSL modem; establishing a network connection over a DSL line to the remote network after detecting the presence of the powered on network capable device; terminating the network connection over the DSL line after detecting an absence of network capable devices connected to the DSL modem; and releasing network resources supported by the remote network after the network connection is terminated.

Abstract: A cluster of computer system nodes connected by a storage area network transmit messages using a messaging protocol having multiple layers. The storage area network supports computer system nodes running different operating systems on different endian processors. A heartbeat signal is transmitted in a common wire format over the lowest level of the messaging protocol; however other messages between the nodes may be transmitted in a format different from the common wire format. The node receiving a message is responsible for converting the format as necessary in a layer just above the layer of the messaging protocol handling heartbeat signals. However, conversion may be performed by the sending node if the sending node knows the format used by the receiving node.

Abstract: A method and system for call initiation and the establishment of a communication session in a video relay service are described. A called party number of a voice phone is entered into a video phone and a first segment of a communication session is established between the video phone and a Video Relay Service (VRS) system according to a network address of the VRS system stored within the video phone. The called party number is forwarded to the VRS system over the first segment of the communication session. A second segment of the communication session is established between the VRS system and the voice phone without any additional interaction by a user of the video phone using the called party number of the voice phone.

Abstract: A method, system and device for relay call transfer services in hearing-impaired communications is described. A voice phone number of a relay service is entered into a voice phone and a first segment of a communication session is established between a hearing-capable user on a voice phone and a relay service. The hearing-capable caller provides the relay service with a contact number of a hearing-impaired user. The relay service accesses the user profile of the hearing-impaired user and determines the user's preferred communication devices listed from most preferred to least preferred. An interpreter or communications assistant attempts to establish a connection to the hearing-impaired user's most preferred communication device. If the relay service fails to establish a connection with the most preferred communication device, the relay service can then transfer the call to a subsequent call service system that corresponds to the hearing-impaired user's next most preferred communication device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a media signal at an interface device in communication with and disposed between an Internet Protocol private branch exchange (IP-PBX) and a first endpoint. The media signal is associated with the first endpoint and is associated with a session established between the first endpoint and a second endpoint within a session over internet protocol network. The session is established at least in part by the IP-PBX based on a session control signal received at the interface device from the first endpoint and sent from the interface device to the IP-PBX. The method also includes modifying the media signal at the interface device based on a per-device service associated with at least one of the first endpoint or the second endpoint.