Abstract: In one aspect, a playback device includes a voice assistant service (VAS) wake-word engine and a command keyword engine. The playback device detects, via the command keyword engine, a first command keyword of in voice input of sound detected by one or more microphones of the playback device. The playback device determines an intent based on at least one keyword in the voice input via a local natural language unit (NLU). After detecting the first command keyword event and determining the intent, the playback device performs a first playback command corresponding to the first command keyword and according to the determined intent. When the playback device detects, via the wake-word engine, a wake-word in voice input, the playback device streams sound data corresponding to at least a portion of the voice input to one or more remote servers associated with the VAS.

Abstract: One example system for multiple host management of videoconferencing sub-meetings includes a processor and at least one memory device. The processor establishes a main videoconferencing meeting and establishes a host of the main videoconferencing meeting. The host participates using a first host client device. The processor can receive a selection of a participant to be a co-host. The co-host participates in the main videoconferencing meeting from a second host client device. The processor receives a first sub-meeting control input from the second host client device, wherein the first sub-meeting control input identifies an action to perform with respect to a sub-meeting. The system generates a second sub-meeting control input based on the first sub-meeting control input, executes the second sub-meeting control input, and discards the first sub-meeting control input so that the sub-meeting command is associated with the main host.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a video room system that can efficiently and flexibly generate and facilitate video rooms for video chatting between participant devices by prioritizing video streams to provide to participant devices based on performance parameters. For example, the video room system can provide different video room streams to different participant devices based on the performance parameters of the participant devices. In addition, the video room system can customize or tailor video room streams based on identifying dominant speaker devices, determining connections between participant devices as indicated by a social graph of a social networking system, and/or based on join methods utilized by participant devices to join a video room.

Abstract: A radio device includes a storage unit, a group call control unit, and a cipher key generation unit. The storage unit is configured to store therein a plurality of primary cipher keys, a plurality of pieces of device information, and a plurality of pieces of group information. The group call control unit is configured to perform a group call with radio devices belonging to a first group using a primary cipher key. The cipher key generation unit is configured to generate a secondary cipher key that is different from the primary cipher key when one or more radio devices belonging to the first group are selected during the group call. The group call control unit performs a temporary group call with the selected radio devices by switching the primary cipher key to the secondary cipher key.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of sharing a screen amongst at least two users participating in a real-time communication and collaboration session via a communication network can be configured so that a screen displaying a first content can be shared by a user of a first client so as to be displayed at at least a second client used by a second user. Embodiments of the method can include receiving, at a control unit for controlling the communication and collaboration session, coordinates specifying the position of an intended item of the first content of the shared screen and receiving, at the control unit, a screenshot of the intended item and a predetermined surrounding area as a sample picture or as sample pixels.

Abstract: One example method includes facilitating communications between a plurality of participants in a main meeting of a video conference, the communications encrypted using a first encryption key, the video conference provider lacking access to the first encryption key and a first decryption key; in response to receiving a command from a host to establish one or more sub-meetings, establishing the sub-meetings; for each sub-meeting, selecting a sub-meeting host; transmitting an indication that the selected sub-meeting host is a sub-meeting host; in response to receiving a request from a first participant to join a first sub-meeting, joining the first participant to the first sub-meeting; and facilitating sub-meeting communications between the sub-meeting host and the first participant, the sub-meeting communications encrypted using second encryption and decryption keys, the second encryption and decryption keys different than the first encryption and decryption keys, the video conference provider lacking access to

Abstract: One example system for multiple host management of videoconferencing sub-meetings includes a processor and at least one memory device. The processor establishes a main videoconferencing meeting and establishes a host of the main videoconferencing meeting. The host participates using a first host client device. The processor can receive a selection of a participant to be a co-host. The co-host participates in the main videoconferencing meeting from a second host client device. The processor receives a first sub-meeting control input from the second host client device, wherein the first sub-meeting control input identifies an action to perform with respect to a sub-meeting. The system generates a second sub-meeting control input based on the first sub-meeting control input, executes the second sub-meeting control input, and discards the first sub-meeting control input so that the sub-meeting command is associated with the main host.

Abstract: A graph database is described for use in connection with a contact center. The graph database includes a plurality of nodes and relationships that describe the operations, entities, personnel, and attributes in the contact center. Also described is the operation of a work assignment engine that leverages the graph database to make intelligent and flexible work assignment decisions.

Abstract: A graph database is described for use in connection with a contact center. The graph database includes a plurality of nodes and relationships that describe the operations, entities, personnel, and attributes in the contact center. Also described is the operation of a work assignment engine that leverages the graph database to make intelligent and flexible work assignment decisions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a User Interface (UI) of a conference call terminal are provided. The method includes operating a first camera and a second camera when a conference call is initiated, outputting an output image of a conference call screen comprising a first image and a second image collected from the first camera and the second camera, the first image and the second image being arranged not to overlap, and distinguishing a speaking person's image from another person's image, when the speaking person's image is detected in the output image of the conference call screen.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to retaining content of a conference call for accelerated replay. The content of the conference call can be recorded. Further, establishment of a connection of a participant to the conference call can be detected. For instance, the connection can be established with a computing device of the participant. Moreover, the establishment of the connection of the participant to the conference call can be detected subsequent to initiation of the recording of the content of the conference call. Responsive to detection of the establishment of the connection of the participant to the conference call, at least a portion of recorded content of the conference call can be transmitted to the computing device for playback at a playback speed that is greater than a speed at which the content is recorded.

Abstract: The location of a sound within a given spatial volume may be used in applications such as augmented reality environments. An artificial neural network processes time-difference-of-arrival data (TDOA) from a known microphone array to determine a spatial location of the sound. The neural network may be located locally or available as a cloud service. The artificial neural network is trained with perturbed and non-perturbed TDOA data.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for linking a computer device to a session that is being conducted on another computing device are disclosed. A content-generation session may be conducted by a user on a particular computing device. As part of the content-generation session, the user may request to add other content, which may be located on a different computing device, to content being authored during the content-generation session. Information to allow the different computing device to establish a link to the content-generation session may be generated. Using that information, a link may be automatically established between the different computing device and the content-generation session, such that the other content residing on the different computing device can be associated with the content-generation session.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing an integrative interactive space are described. In implementations, video cameras that are positioned to capture video at different locations are synchronized such that aspects of the different locations can be used to generate an integrated interactive space. The integrated interactive space can enable users at the different locations to interact, such as via video interaction, audio interaction, and so on. In at least some embodiments, techniques can be implemented to adjust an image of a participant during a video session such that the participant appears to maintain eye contact with other video session participants at other locations. Techniques can also be implemented to provide a virtual shared space that can enable users to interact with the space, and can also enable users to interact with one another and/or objects that are displayed in the virtual shared space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a computer method, computer program product, and computer system for automatically updating a conference invitation with contact information corresponding to a user's geographical location. A user on a client device accepts an invitation to a conference. The geographical location of the client device is determined and stored in a database. Using the location of the client device, a conference information database is accessed, and location specific conference contact information is determined. The location specific conference contact information is then input into the conference invitation so that the user has location specific conference contact information. In another embodiment, when the user accesses the conference invitation, the location of the client device is determined, and if the location has changed from when the invitation was accepted, a new location is determined.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for providing moderator control in a heterogeneous conference including acquiring a merge control to merge a first conference with a second conference to create a single heterogeneous conference, wherein the first conference and the second conference utilize different types of conference hosting systems. The system sends the merge control to a server, wherein the server is configured to establish conference connections with the first conference and the second conference. The system then merges the first conference with the second conference to create the heterogeneous conference and determines a moderator for the heterogeneous conference. The system automatically transfers one or more moderator controls to the moderator of the heterogeneous conference.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for communicating with a plurality of endpoints participating in a conference session. A signal representing audio from each of the endpoints is received at a control unit. The control unit adjusts one or more target power levels for purposes of automatic gain control of the audio from one or more of the endpoints based on information derived in real-time from the audio of the plurality of endpoints during the conference session and predetermined information pertaining to a source of the audio from at least one of the endpoints.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for creating a transcription of a conference call. The system joins an audio conference call with a device associated with a participant, of a plurality of participants joined to the conference through one or more associated devices. The system then creates a speech audio file corresponding to a portion of the participant's speech during the conference and converting contemporaneously, at the device, the speech audio file to a local partial transcript. The system then acquires a plurality of partial transcripts from at least one of the associated devices, so that the device can provide a complete transcript.

Abstract: Operations included may provide receiving event registration messages from at least a portion of end users to register the end users for an event and storing the event registration messages in a registration list file. Establishing a connection for each of the portion of the plurality of end users via an interactive voice response (IVR) application may also occur. The IVR application is then dropped and the connection is maintained via a port on a network element to transfer the event data from the network element to the portion of the registered end users.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for monitoring a conference. A first bridging function is established that bridges together signals received from all conference participants. A second bridging function is established that bridges together signals received from i) a subset of the conference participants, ii) an output of the first bridging function, and iii) a monitor of the conference. The second bridging function isolates the monitor's signals from the conference such that only the subset of the conference participants may communicate with the monitor during the conference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed of transmitting live event notification information to a user device. One example method may include retrieving event user preference information from an event user database based on prestored user preferences. The method may also include transmitting an initial event notification message to an end user communication device based on the event user preference information to notify the end user of an upcoming event and receiving a response message from the end user communication device indicating a current availability of the end user. The user device may receive notification information via more than one communication channel and respond in a number of different ways.

Abstract: A method, client application and user terminal, the method including providing a packet-based communication system for conducting voice or video calls over a packet-based network and providing an instance of a client application enabling a first user terminal to access the packet-based communication system. The client application is configured so as when executed on the first terminal to receive an input from multiple different audio and/or video input transducers of the first terminal, to analyze those inputs in relation to one another, and based on that analysis to select at least one audio and/or video input transducer and/or output transducer of the first terminal for use in conducting a voice or video call with a remote user terminal via the packet-based communication system.

Abstract: A system and method of routing a conference call participant to a conference call is disclosed. Participant location data is requested from an electronic device of the conference call participant. The participant location data is received on a system server from the electronic device of the conference call participant. A least cost connection conference call access phone number is determined from an access number group of one or more available conference call access phone numbers based on the location data from the electronic device of the conference call participant. The conference call participant is provided with the least cost connection conference call access phone number.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and techniques for providing presence and location information from available media resources to participants in a media conference so that the participants can use then use such available resources in the conferencing interaction. When participating in such rich media conferences with presence and location capabilities, apparatus and techniques are provided for determining the device(s) being used and their capabilities and determining available resources presently connected to a network that is available to the participants and presenting such presence information to the conference participants. Additionally, apparatus and techniques are provided for obtaining presence and location knowledge of potential resources that are accessible but not connected to the network or shutdown and presenting such information to the participants.

Abstract: A method for controlling access, of a communication device, to a conference call, the method comprising determining contextual attributes related to the device, evaluating the contextual attributes against a set of access requirements and connecting the device to the conference call if one or more of the access requirements is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for facilitating an ad-hoc conference. More specifically, a “join-us” concept is employed that links functionality in non-real-time messaging systems with real-time ongoing state of calls information in a communications network. This combines the spontaneity and security of an ad-hoc conference call with the join-as-you-can nature of messaging and reservation of conference bridges.

Abstract: A method for controlling access by of communication devices to a conference call, the method comprising associating proximity settings with a conference call, the proximity settings indicating a acceptable proximity of other communication devices relative to a selected communication device; sensing by the selected communication device proximity of the other devices within its proximity of the communication device to obtain proximity information; and determining, by a processor, from the obtained proximity information and the proximity settings an action to be performed with reference to the conference call.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate the generation of calling lists for use in planning or setting up conference calls. The system may include a communications module and a contact database comprising a plurality of contact records, each contact record corresponding to a different contact. Each contact record may include at least one contact address and at least one descriptor. For example, the descriptor may include a job title and/or expertise for the contact. The system may also include a selection module configured to select at least one of the contacts and also configured to compare the at least one descriptor to at least one qualifier criteria.

Abstract: In a telephone conferencing system, a digital communication network such as the Internet is used to establish and control the telephone connections between multiple conferees with the telephone network being the means of exchanging verbal information. Each conferee may have a computer connected to the digital network, and each has an independent telephone instrument connected to the public switched telephone network. An in-charge conferee utilizes his computer containing appropriate software to initiate the conference and to control the participation of the conferees. The in-charge conferee sends digital control signals to a switch interface controlling a telephone switch as a gateway to the telephone network using SS7 control signals. These SS7 control signals include the commands by which the conferee telephones are rung up, brought on line, or dropped from the conference.

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: Disclosed is a two-way radio frequency (RF) communications system including a first device that receives, from a first subscriber unit, a virtual radio conferencing call (VRC) request identifying a plurality of other subscriber units to be partied to the VRC call and a conference time period during which to conduct the VRC call. The device reserves RF resources at one or more corresponding radio sites associated with the subscriber units partied to the VRC call for the conference time period. At a beginning of the conference time period, the device causes a virtual radio conference call start message to be transmitted to the subscriber units partied to the call instructing the subscriber units to join the VRC call via the reserved RF resources at their respective radio sites.

Abstract: A method includes receiving at a local conference coordinator a first indication of a scheduled conference that includes a plurality of conference details. The method also includes transmitting at least one of the plurality of conference details to a remote conference coordinator and receiving at least one additional conference detail regarding the scheduled conference from the remote conference coordinator. The method additionally includes determining conference scheduling information comprising at least one resource to be used for the scheduled conference based on the plurality of conference details and the at least one additional conference detail. The method also includes identifying a conference room supporting the at least one resource to be used for the scheduled conference.

Abstract: An approach is provided for chat-based crisis management services. A crisis situation is recognized based on one or more events. Individuals needed for crisis management are identified and a bridge communication channel for a plurality of the identified individuals is facilitated. Data is shared among the identified individuals that participate in a chat session on the bridged communication channel. Dated exchanged among the participants is stored during the chat session. Access to the stored chat data is provided to the participants.

Abstract: An improved solution for telephonic voice authentication and display is provided. A method of identifying conference call participants includes detecting a sound made by one of conference call participants; identifying this conference call participant based on the sound; and then displaying an attribute of the conference call participant to one of the other conference call participants. The attribute may include a picture, a name, and/or other information related to the identified conference call participant.

Abstract: Operations included may provide receiving event registration messages from at least a portion of end users to register the end users for an event and storing the event registration messages in a registration list file. Establishing a connection for each of the portion of the plurality of end users via an interactive voice response (IVR) application may also occur. The IVR application is then dropped and the connection is maintained via a port on a network element to transfer the event data from the network element to the portion of the registered end users.

Abstract: A method for providing conference information to attendees of a conference call near real time using a plurality of conference bridges includes receiving the conference information at a first conference bridge. The conference information may include at least one of video or web data generated in response to input from a participant in the conference call using a first device. The method also includes providing the conference information from the first conference bridge to a first group of attendees. The method also includes providing the conference information from the first conference bridge to a second conference bridge separate from the first conference bridge, and providing the conference information from the second conference bridge to a second group of attendees.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a network device attaches a header including an identifier for an original call to an outgoing refer message and may also modify a table entry for a consultative call to include the identifier. The network device then monitors incoming invite messages for a header containing the identifier and observes that an incoming invite message containing the header correlates to the original call. When a header is not included, the network device extracts information from the incoming invite messages and compares the extracted information to the modified table entry to correlate one of the incoming invite messages to the original call.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a mobile computing device is disclosed. A processor for the mobile computing device is configured to present a user interface for a core application of the mobile computing device. The user interface enables a user to select a third party communication application from the user interface of the core application. The selected third party communication application is executed to enable the user to initiate a communication session with another user using the services of the selected third party communication application.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selective content sharing with a communication target apparatus are provided. In various aspects, communication with a communication target apparatus may be established, and content indicated by content data may be reproduced, where the reproduced content may represent audio or audio and image content. A determination may be made whether or not to share the reproduced content indicated by the content data with the communication target apparatus and a process to share or not share the reproduced content indicated by the content data with the communication target apparatus may be selectively performed. When the reproduced content is determined not to be shared with the communication target apparatus, a generated speech audio signal may be shared with the communication target apparatus while the reproduced content indicated by the content data may not shared with the communication target apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed that provide disposable numbers for a conference service. A disposable number is assigned to a conference bridge that is only activated for a defined period of time, after which the disposable number is disposed and deactivated. A call is received to the disposable number, and the call is routed to the conference bridge. A database is queried that associates the disposable number to a subscriber's number. Subscriber information is retrieved that describes when a conference bridge subscription is active. If the conference bridge subscription is active, then a caller is connected to the conference bridge. If the conference bridge subscription is inactive, then the caller is prompted to pay for a conference service.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for providing an integrated call and chat conferencing system. A first participant joins in a conference, wherein the first participant communicates over a voice session. The voice session is converted into a text stream and stored. A second participant joins in the conference, wherein the second participant communicates over a chat session. The stored converted text stream is presented to second participant.

Abstract: A method for transferring data based on an event function is provided. The method includes receiving an event function from an event initiator. The event function is distributed to one or more destinations associated with event performers. A response message is received as a function of destination and time. It is determined whether the time is less than or equal to a limit time, and it is further determined whether an event parameter is greater than or equal to an event constant if the time is less than or equal to the limit time. Data is transferred from a data origination system accessible by the event initiator to a data destination system accessible by the event performer if the event parameter is greater than or equal to the event constant and if the time is less than or equal to the limit time.

Abstract: A system and machine-implemented method for providing access to one or more shared objects to a user participating in a collaboration session, including receiving a request from a user to receive access to one of one or more shared objects within a collaboration session, each shared object having a corresponding access control list including one or more authorized users having access to the shared object, determining whether the user has access to the one of the one or more shared objects by referencing the access control list in response to receiving the request and adding the user as an authorized user within the access control list for each of the one or more shared objects when it is determined that the user does not have access to the one of the one or more shared objects, such that the user is provided access to the one or more shared objects.

Abstract: In an online conference session involving a presenter at an endpoint device and a plurality of attendees at respective endpoint devices, screenshots of content displayed at the endpoint device of the presenter and content displayed at the endpoint devices of each of the attendees are captured on a periodic basis. First data is stored that represents screenshots of content displayed at the endpoint device of the presenter and of content displayed at the endpoint devices of each of the attendees for each screenshot capture instance. Second data is stored that represents captured screenshots at each of a plurality of screenshot capture instances at the endpoint device for each attendee during the conference session. An attention metric is generated for one or more attendees based on the first data and second data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for enhancing transmitted audio signals for a video conference call are disclosed. Facial recognition technology and audio processing techniques determine a position of a speaking member of a party on a video conference. Based on the determined position of the speaking member, the directionality of the received audio signals can be adjusted towards the speaking member. The video conference system can transmit the adjusted audio signals.

Abstract: The generation and delivery of key frames to clients of a video conference are performed in response to a need for a synchronization point. Instead of automatically sending a key frame periodically to each of the clients in the video conference, a key frame is sent to one or more clients upon the occurrence of an event in the video conference. For example, a key frame may be sent to a client when the client joins the video conference. A key frame may also be sent to a client that has packet loss, upon the request of a client, a speaker change within the video conference, when a new stream is added by the client, and the like. The clients in the video conference that are not affected by the event continue to receive predicted frames.

Abstract: Performing a videoconference. The videoconference may be established at a first videoconferencing location between at least three videoconferencing locations. The locations may include the first location, a second location, and a third location. The first location may maintain a plurality of videoconferencing units and the second and third locations may each maintain a single videoconferencing unit. A first videoconferencing unit of the first location acts as a multipoint control unit (MCU) of the videoconference. The MCU may receive respective videoconferencing information from each videoconferencing unit of the videoconference. The MCU may provide active videoconferencing information of an active participant to ones of the videoconferencing units at the second and third locations corresponding to non-active participants. The MCU may provide second and third videoconference information from the videoconferencing units of the second and third locations for presentation at the first location.

Abstract: Methods and systems for online counseling sessions conducted over the Internet are disclosed. In some configurations, a method for remotely conducting counseling sessions between a client and an expert using an IP-based network includes providing a website accessible to the network wherein the expert and a client both have access to the website. In such configurations, upon accessing and logging into the website, the client is permitted to search a database for online experts and select an appropriate expert for a counseling session. In some configurations, the client initially completes various intake and/or registration forms in a virtual waiting room, wherein such forms are customized per the relevant expert. The method continues as an expert remotely conducts a counseling session with the client via remote means, including video conferencing. Following the counseling session, the client is automatically returned to the virtual waiting room and provided with subsequent counseling based options.

Abstract: A communication manager establishes a call between two or more participants on two or more communication devices. The call can be an audio or video call. A call request is sent from one of the communication devices to conference an additional communication device to the call. For example, a participant in the call decides to conference an additional person to further discuss an idea. An information manager gets a roster of the participants. In addition to the call request, the roster of the participants is sent to the additional communication device. The additional communication device receives the call request and the roster. The roster is displayed to the user of the additional communication device. The user can then indicate to answer the call request. If answered, the additional communication device sends an indication that the call was answered and the additional communication device is conferenced into the call.

Abstract: A telecommunication system and method for seamlessly switching mobile devices during a conversation without placing the conversation on hold or otherwise parking the conversation.