Abstract: An image storage system includes: an image storage apparatus; and a supporting apparatus.

Abstract: A data transaction processing system in which transaction data is entered by the user in response to prompts in a template which is tailored to each user application. The template and entered data are accumulated into data transactions which are immediately transmitted upon completion to an external database server for processing and storage. The data transactions are not locally stored for processing, and no conventional operating system is necessary. No local processing needs to be provided, and the only local storage is a flash PROM which stored the control firmware, a flash memory which stores the data streams making up the forms and menus, and a small RAM which operates as an input/output transaction buffer for storing the data streams of the template and the user replies to the prompts during assembly of a data transaction.

Abstract: One embodiment of a representative system for web integrated interactive voice response includes an interactive voice response system adapted to provide a plurality of voice menus to a user over a telephone and a graphical user interface system adapted to provide a plurality of menus in a graphical format to the user over a network connection. Information provided in the voice menus corresponds to information provided in the menus in the graphical format and is responsive to commands received by the graphical user interface system from the user. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A wireless telephone device comprises: a unit for identifying a telephone number of a received call; a timer for measuring a time period from a time instant of receiving the call; a memory for storing a predetermined message and a predetermined time period both of which correspond to a predetermined telephone number and a display device is provided. The wireless telephone device displays the message on the display device when the wireless telephone device receives a call from the predetermined telephone number and then the call is cut off within the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating voice and data operations into a single mobile device capable of simultaneously performing data and voice actions. The mobile device working in a network capable of exchanging both cell phone calls and data items to the mobile device. By wearing an earphone or an ear-bud device the user is capable of dealing with voice conversations while working with data centric information related to the current caller. By providing a data-centric device with voice capabilities there is a new range of features that allow incoming data events to trigger outgoing voice events.

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 sending conversant uses a sending communication device to transmit voice and body state information over a communication network to a receiving communication device used by a receiving conversant. Model based rendering is used such that the model is transferred from the sending conversant to the receiving conversant along with the transmitted data. The sending device includes means for sensing the body state of the sending conversant, collected as body state measurements. The sending communication device also includes means for detecting speech uttered by the sending conversant, such as an audio microphone. The detected speech and body state measurements are encoded in a temporally synchronized manner and multiplexed into a communication signal which is transmitted to the receiving device.

Abstract: An enhanced caller-id service providing multi-media based caller information to subscribers via a server system. The server system can combine user-provided profile information with other data to provide more detailed reports for the subscriber. The server can also be used to maintain long-term calling records for subscribers. The caller information can be accessed remotely by the subscriber and can be downloaded from the server to another computer for use with other applications.

Abstract: First and second voice interactive response systems operate in tandem. The first voice response system receives a call from a caller and interacts with the caller to provide information to the caller and/or obtain information from the caller. To make additional media services (e.g., automatic speech recognition or text-to-speech conversion) available for the interaction with the caller, the first voice response system extends the call to a second voice response system that is able to provide the additional media services.

Abstract: In a communication device, user activation of a speed-dial button causes a context-sensitive menu to be displayed. The menu lists available options, or communication modes, for contacting the party associated with the speed-dial button. The user can select an item from the menu in order to initiate communication with the selected party using the communication mode associated with the menu item. In various aspects, the invention provides additional functionality for redialing previously called contact numbers, assigning speed-dial buttons to other commands and functions, and displaying presence information for contacts.

Abstract: A service management system and/or method allows call distribution using a call plan to be executed using several service execution platforms from different manufacturers, which may be associated with different network types.

Abstract: A configurable PSTN call-handling (CPC) service enables monitoring and custom responses to calls received over multiple subscriber lines associated with a user. A CPC Client Program runs on a computer and presents a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the user to associate call-handling options with call characteristics, such as caller, date, or time. The GUI also allows the user to customize the notification signals provided and to provide custom responses to certain callers, by associating call characteristics with various GUI appearances, sound files, or images. The CPC relieves the communications network of performing certain call-handling functions, such as call forwarding, by moving decision-making processes to the user's PC. The user can remotely monitor any subscriber line associated with the user from any browser, because the communications network sends notifications directly to an IP address specified by the user, rather than to the IP address associated with the subscriber line.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for displaying, on a telephone display, actions that are appropriate for a particular context when accessing a voice mail system (VMS). These actions may vary depending on the context of a user's access to the VMS. The actions are identified by text adjacent to buttons (softkeys) on the user's telephone, and are initiated when the user pushes the softkey associated with a particular action. The softkey text corresponding to a particular state of the user's access to the VMS is identified herein as a VMS softkey template. When the VMS and a telephone switch are first initialized, template information is downloaded from the VMS to the switch, and thereafter, when the VMS is accessed by a user via a telephone, runtime instructions passed between the VMS and the switch will direct the switch to display softkey templates corresponding to a particular context within the VMS.

Abstract: An interface device that enables a severely handicapped individual to control a telephone to place and terminate calls and to carry on a conversation regardless of whether the individual can speak or use his or her hands. A personal computer is programmed to display a menu for the handicapped individual to read wherein a selectable area of the menu is active for a period of time. After the period of time, the next selectable area of the menu is active for another period of time. The program makes each menu selection active in a predetermined order. A sensor that detects voluntary motion of the handicapped individual is connected to a transducer that converts the motion detected into a computer input, such as a mouse “click,” which selects the active area on the menu. Advantageously, the process may begin again or may move to another menu, depending upon the item selected.

Abstract: A facsimile machine in which multiple items of account information can be registered in an internal memory with the machine being capable of sending and receiving E-mail is disclosed. If the facsimile machine has been instructed to perform an E-mail operation and multiple items of account information has been registered, one of these items of account information is selected and authentication processing is executed. If only one item of account information has been registered, then this account information is used but the authentication processing is omitted. Thus, depending upon the account registration circumstances, an E-mail operation can be performed without performing an account selection operation and/or personal authentication. The result is improved operability.

Abstract: A communication system includes various terminals that are capable of establishing call sessions over a data network. Each of the terminals includes a display in which hyperlinks can be presented. User selection of the hyperlinks is communicated to one or more application routines, which generates requests based on information (e.g., uniform resource locators) associated with the selected hyperlinks. The requests cause generation of call requests over the data network to establish call sessions between terminals.

Abstract: When a telephone unit communicates with a communication party using a television telephone function, a receiving portion of the telephone unit receives compressed moving picture data from the communication party having a moving picture encoder through a communication network. While the received moving picture compressed data is successively decoded by a moving picture decoder and displayed on a displaying device or the like, when the user of the telephone unit performs an inputting operation equivalent to a shutter operation, one frame of decoded picture data at the timing is supplied to a still picture encoder and encoded as still picture compressed data. In addition, a communication party telephone number detecting portion detects the telephone number of the communication party and stores it to a telephone directory along with the compressed still picture data.

Abstract: This invention is a message crating apparatus and message writing method for mobile phone. The above message (SMS or LMS) of mobile phone is including an attribute information(letter color, background color, background scene, letter blink, etc.). Therefore, message creating apparatus and message writing method of the present invention add an attribute information that can select freely that letter color, background color, background scene, letter blink, etc., and use non-print code of ASCII code to keep compatibility with a short message service (SMS) function of existing mobile phone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for serving character message transmission during a telephone call over PSTN connected to the central office to which information terminals having displays are connected for telephone calls and for data communication, the method including the steps of: based on SMS message writing and transmission request for use of character message transmission service of the first information telephone subscriber during a telephone call between a first and a second information telephone subscribers among the information telephones, if the customer premise equipment (CPE) alerting signal (CAS) is transmitted from the first information telephone in order to secure data transmitting/receiving reliability, muting, at the first information telephone, a handset of the first information telephone, transferring the CAS to the second information telephone through the central office in order to data transmitting/receiving reliability, and receiving a first acknowledge (ACK) message in respons

Abstract: A system and method for searching, accessing updating database records on a plurality of geographically dispersed databases is provided. Update databases consisting of a plurality of update records having at least one field capable of being set to at least one particular value are used to update records in target databases. When a database search is conducted on one or more target databases, a search is also conducted on update databases associated with the target databases. The results of the searches are processed. If the at least one field in an update record is set to a predefined value, then all returned records equivalent to the update record are discarded. Otherwise, the update record is added to the search result.

Abstract: A communication terminal having a user interface, and comprising a controller unit controlling said user interface, a first and a second operation key whose operation is controlled by the controller unit, and a display. The communication terminal being capable of assuming a plurality of states in which the groups of predetermined operations that may be performed by pressing said operation key are defined by the controller unit in said plurality of states. The first operation key is dedicated by the controller unit to perform one operation from said group of operations as a default function in dependence of the state assumed by the communication terminal, and the display has a first area solely dedicated for displaying the present operation performed when pressing said first operation key. The second operation key being dedicated by the controller unit to give access to said group of operations being available in the state assumed by the communication terminal.

Abstract: An information apparatus includes, a data forming section that forms a combination of streaming data and one of i) still picture data and ii) a code used to obtain still picture data, and a data transferring section that transfers the formed combination of the streaming data and the one of the still picture data and the code to another apparatus for display on the other apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the flexible definition of graphic information on a communication terminal, said communication terminal being stationary and controlled by a communication device. The data representing the graphic information is stored in the communication device and is transmitted to the stationary communication terminal. Representation of the graphic information, especially a company logo, occurs on an output unit associated with the communication terminal.

Abstract: A method of encoding and decoding computer video signals for transmission over a twisted pair cable is disclosed. Vertical and horizontal sync components of a video signal are converted into narrow vertical and horizontal sync components having the pulse width of 20 nanoseconds. Narrow vertical and horizontal sync components are then combined with red and green components. After transmission via a twisted pair cable, narrow vertical and horizontal sync components are extracted from red and green components and converted back into vertical and horizontal sync components. Even though the red and green components also comprise narrow sync signals, the narrow sync signals will not be detected by the detection circuits and presence of such narrow sync components in the red and green components will not interfere with the quality of the picture displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A method for managing communication requests includes receiving tag information from a user of a communication device, and associating the tag with a communication device. The tag information includes criteria for determining whether the tag applies to an incoming communication request and one or more actions to be taken in response to the communication request after determining that the tag applies. The method further includes receiving a request from a caller for a communication session with the communication device, determining whether criteria for the tag have been met by the communication request, and if the criteria for the tag have been met, taking the specified actions in response to the communication request.

Abstract: A mechanism for placing a telephone call while at the same time communicating context (e.g., subject, importance and/or nature) of the telephone call. The caller uses a mechanism on a user interface to instruct a caller computing system to place a telephone call to a callee computing system. Using the same user interface, the caller also identifies some contextual information for the telephone call such as, for example, the subject, importance and/or nature of the telephone call. The caller computing system then constructs a call invitation data structure that includes both an invitation to the callee to engage in a telephone conversation and the user-entered identification of the context of the telephone call. Upon receiving the call invitation data structure, the callee computing system reads the identification of the context of the telephone call, and then takes appropriate action based on the context for the telephone call.

Abstract: An electronic terminal having an emergency message function which can be easily used little inducing erroneous operation or operation out of fun. The electronic terminal comprises a predetermined breakable portion that can be intentionally broken by a user, break detector means for detecting the breakage of the breakable portion, first storage means storing predetermined data related to a place to be accessed, second storage means storing predetermined emergency data, radio communication means for connection to a network in a wireless manner, and emergency message means in which the break detector means detects the breakage when the breakable portion is intentionally broken by the user, the data related to a place to be accessed is read out from the first storage means, the emergency data is read out from the second storage means, and the emergency data is transmitted by the radio communication means to the place to be accessed.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing captioned telephone service is provided which permits persons who are hard of hearing to receive captioning of their telephone communications as they need it. A personal interpreter/captioned telephone device can dial a relay on a second telephone line while the assisted user if conversing with a hearing user over a first telephone line. The second telephone line connects to a relay which provides voice to text translation service and returns a text stream to the captioned telephone device.

Abstract: A method for using alphanumeric characters for a call number to establish a phone connection and for internal signaling in and between telecommunication networks. An alternative additional dialing method on an alphanumeric basis by using the complete character set of the ASCII character set with its national embodiments (alphanumeric subscriber call number ATR) with any length of the ATR freely set by the subscriber as an optional alternative that coexists with the current dialing method with a decimal number system (NTR). The ATR is sent from the terminal to the switching center and used preferably to establish a connection or converted to an NTR that is used to establish the connection with the target subscriber. The method may be introduced as an overlay process for the existing dialing method within existing networks.

Abstract: A method of transmitting one text message to a plurality of receivers is disclosed. The method includes inputting numbers of the receivers and a text message to be transmitted, determining a type of a transmission speed of the inputted text message, and transmitting the inputted text message of the determined type to numbers of the respective receivers. If the text message transmission succeeds, the method further includes confirming whether any further receivers of the text message exist and, if so, inputting new numbers of the further receivers and re-transmitting the corresponding text message to the new numbers of the further receivers. In inputting the phone numbers of the receivers, the sender can transmit the text message more rapidly and conveniently using the phonebook function and one-touch dial function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telecommunications installation (1) for transmitting video and/or audio signals. The telecommunications installation can be connected to at least one telecommunications terminal (3) provided with an image display device, especially a conventional videophone (3). According to the invention, a video signal generator (10) is provided which generates a video signal in a data format and data protocol that correspond to the telecommunications terminal (3). The video signal generator (10) also generates at least one additional video signal and transmits this at least one additional video signal alternatively to or in combination with the first video signal to the telecommunications terminal (3).

Abstract: An approach for providing multi-user access to a packet switched network via a shared Ethernet-based local area network (LAN) is disclosed. Multiple end user stations are connected to the LAN, in which each of end user stations executes a communication software. The communication software is based upon a communication protocol (e.g., Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)) that establishes a point-to-point communication session. The end user stations generate packets based upon the communication protocol. In addition, each of the end user stations selectively encapsulates the communication protocol packets using the Ethernet-based LAN protocol. Further, attached to the LAN is a customer premise equipment (CPE), which transmits the encapsulated packets to a line terminating equipment, which according to one embodiment is a digital subscriber line (DSL) access multiplexer that is located in a central office.

Abstract: Web integrated interactive voice response systems include a server adapted to check for accessibility of a network connection associated with a calling party, and a graphical user interface system adapted to provide a plurality of menus in a graphical format to the calling party over a network connection.

Abstract: A telephone system includes a data distributor between the outputs of a public exchange switch and customer lines. The data distributor provides a controllable, simultaneous and direct connection between a source of data and a plurality of the customers' telephones to facilitate direct delivery of data to a large number of customers. Telephones for use with the system provide processors for receiving and displaying data and for transmitting responses by the customers.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for recognizing and accessing telephone numbers from a Web page. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an HTML code of an accessed Web page is parsed and converted. A parsing algorithm applied to the text in the HTML document pattern-recognizes telephone numbers. Coding is added to iconify the recognized telephone numbers. The user's Internet-capable telephone displays the iconified telephone numbers. All previously-active links and graphical displays supported by the Internet-capable telephone are maintained in this display. To call a phone number, the user selects the icon, and the Internet-capable phone determines how to initiate the call. For a two-line phone, the Internet-capable telephone initiates a telephone call to the selected number. For a one-line phone, the Internet-capable telephone determines whether the line is available for a call. If the line is not currently being used, the Internet-capable telephone initiates a voice call to the selected number.

Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a connection between a telephone agent and a computer user. A request is received from the user requesting a return call by an agent. The request is received through a web server and includes an identifier associated with the web page is transmitted to an agent that will contact the user. This allows the agent to view the web page that was being viewed by the user when the request was entered. A telephone connection is then established between the user and the agent. An agent can be selected based on the content of the web page being viewed by the user at the time the request for agent contact is entered. Additionally, for an incoming call, a web page can be generated that contains information about the incoming call. An identifier associated with the generated web page is transmitted to an agent that will answer the call. The agent then accesses the web page using the received identifier.

Abstract: A terminal device stores in a nonvolatile memory a video encoding method, a size expressed by pixels, a frame rate, a bit rate, and a key frame insertion interval suitable for reception. A receiving side terminal device notifies information to a sending side terminal. According to the information, the sending side terminal device encodes video data obtained by shooting an object and transmits encoded video data. Also, the sending side terminal device cuts, from the video data, video data of a size not exceeding a least size among a size of the video data obtained by the sending side terminal device, a size expressed by pixels suitable for transmission in the sending side terminal device, and a size expressed by pixels suitable for reception in the reception side terminal device. The sending side terminal device encodes and transmits the video data.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing telephone calls made to special service numbers. Information extracted from incoming telephone calls can be received by a system server and cross-referenced with a database to obtain cross-referenced caller information pertaining to previous customer telephone calls and/or in person customer meetings. The cross-referenced caller information can be passed to a client workstation and displayed to the user in the form of an industry-specific template formatted in accordance with the business needs of the user. The template can be automatically populated with the cross-referenced caller information. During the telephone call, the user can view and update the caller information, thereby maintaining a retrievable record of the telephone call. With regard to the multi-housing industry in particular, caller information can be displayed in the form of a guest card template and/or a service card template.

Abstract: Monitoring of any conventional telephone conference in which a requisite set of conference attendees respectively at a corresponding set of telephone stations are connected into a telephone conference. In association with the telephone conference, a communication network with user access via a plurality of data processor controlled interactive display stations for displaying received network documents available from sources on the network in which there is an interactive display station associated with each of said set of telephone stations with a displayed document including an indicator representing each attendee having means for indicating whether the attendee's telephone station is connected into the conference, and means for indicating whether the attendee is speaking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a system and a network element for controlling data transmission in a network environment comprising a first control function I-CSCF 206 and a second control function S-CSCF 203. In order to optimise the network resource usage the second control function S-CSCF 203 is allocated by said first control function I-CSCF 206 dynamically when a network transaction is processed. Thus, network resources are saved as a permanent allocation of the second control function S-CSCF 203 is avoided.

Abstract: A method of encoding and decoding computer video signals for transmission over a twisted pair cable is disclosed. Vertical and horizontal sync components of a video signal are converted into narrow vertical and horizontal sync components having the pulse width of 20 nanoseconds. Narrow vertical and horizontal sync components are then combined with red and green components. After transmission via a twisted pair cable, narrow vertical and horizontal sync components are extracted from red and green components and converted back into vertical and horizontal sync components.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to appropriately inform the user of reception of an incoming call in accordance with the operation mode of a video camera upon arrival of call. To achieve this object, an apparatus has a telephone and video camera in a single housing, and comprises a device for muting a ringing tone during image sensing by the video camera.

Abstract: The collect call party identification service disclosed enables a service provider to identify a person who makes an assistance-free collect call and to transmit the caller's identity on the called phone regardless of the phone number from which the call is made and before any charges are incurred. The service provider, in a database controlled by the service provider, lists and identifies each person in a defined group with a personal identification number such as his/her phone number, social security number or the like. The Collect Calling Party Identification service is invoked by using a prefix such as *99. A person listed in the service provider's database and having been assigned a personal identification number can make a collect call without the assistance of an operator by dialing *99 plus his/her personal identification number. Upon confirmation from the database that the caller is listed in the database, the caller making the collect call then inputs the number that he/she is attempting to reach.

Abstract: An method and system for providing automatic alternative media address information. The method is adapted for use in a communication network including a plurality of subscribers, each having at least one communication device for sending and/or receiving communications such as voice or data (facsimile, e-mail, video, optical, etc.). A network element receives an incoming communication from a calling party for a subscriber and an alternative media address signal is generated for receipt by the subscriber.

Abstract: A caller information display system and recording medium in a communication system in which voice communication and data communication can be done between multiple terminals over a network following an Internet protocol, includes a caller information storage unit in which caller information of each local terminal is stored in advance in each terminal, and an input unit that inputs caller information. A display unit displays caller information, and a call circuit unit controls voice communication. The display system also has a caller information transmission and reception control unit which controls transmission and reception of caller information when a call is made or received.

Abstract: A telephone annunciator is disclosed which includes a voice ROM with a prerecorded message which is played back in response to a call received from an unwanted caller. A line current modulator is coupled with the voice ROM and the telephone line. A DTMF tone decoder circuit is coupled with the telephone line for decoding at least one DTMF code signal for producing a trigger signal. An on/off control circuit is responsive to the trigger signal for turning on the voice ROM whereby the telephone line current is modulated by the modulator in accordance with the audio signal from the voice ROM. A start-up power supply includes a storage capacitor and stores a charge in response to a ring signal on the telephone line. A main power supply is connected with the telephone line to receive power therefrom when an off-hook signal is detected.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for visual notification of the status of a user's messaging unit characterised in that it comprises means (1) monitoring the messaging unit connected to various means (5, 6, 7) for receiving messages addressed to the user; means (8) for analysing said messages and their characteristics; means (11) for generating a pictogram with modifiable attributes under the control of the analysing means, based on the result of the analysis of the messages or of their characteristics; and means for controlling (14) means displaying (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) said generated pictogram to the user to notify him of the status of the messaging unit.

Abstract: A method or apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention allows for entry of multi-stroke characters via a natural drawing interface and without requiring an expensive stylus-drawing surface combination.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and methods for relaying a message over a telephone line to a first user. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others includes, can be implemented as follows. A communication server forwards a message to a communication gateway. The communication gateway directs the message to caller-ID display via the telephone line. Methods and other systems are also provided.