Abstract: A system and method for interfacing with a personal telephony recorder is provided. Users can issue commands to the personal telephony recorder through a variety of means. A user using a device with video capabilities can use facial cues, such as a facial expression, that is recognized as a command and sent to the personal telephony recorder. Video-based users can also send commands using a Doppler shift created by moving away from or towards the video recorder or a portion of the recorder. Personal telephony recorder users that use a pervasive computing device, such as a handheld computer or personal digital assistant, can issue commands by using a thumb switch usually located on the side of the device, or by using a stylus to select portions of the device's screen, such as command buttons.

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: The invention provides a television meeting unit that is capable of displaying a picture smoothly on a middle participation terminal. To realize such television meeting unit, the multicast meeting unit is provided with a picture coding means for coding an input picture, a picture transmission means for transmitting the coded picture by mean of multicast, a picture receiving means for receiving the transmitted coded picture, a picture decoding means for decoding the received picture, a picture display means for displaying the decoded picture, a middle participation notice means for notifying middle participation in a meeting, and a middle participation terminal detection means for detecting the middle participation notice and for transmitting it to the picture coding means. The picture coding means, upon receiving the middle participation notice from the middle participation terminal detection means, changes the coding format to the in-frame coding format.

Abstract: A user may initiate a video conference session by dialing a predefined code on their telephone and thereafter dialing the telephone number of the party with whom it is desired to establish the video conference. An AIN network retrieves pre-stored information regarding the characteristics of the computing systems to be included in the video conference. Thereafter, the network automatically establishes communication between the computing devices.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing with a personal telephony recorder is provided. Users can issue commands to the personal telephony recorder through a variety of means. A user using a device with video capabilities can use facial cues, such as a facial expression, that is recognized as a command and sent to the personal telephony recorder. Video-based users can also send commands using a Doppler shift created by moving away from or towards the video recorder or a portion of the recorder. Personal telephony recorder users that use a pervasive computing device, such as a handheld computer or personal digital assistant, can issue commands by using a thumb switch usually located on the side of the device, or by using a stylus to select portions of the device's screen, such as command buttons.

Abstract: A method for coordinating a point-to-point data session includes generating messages to a party at a first end of an existing voice telephone call. The messages instruct the party of what to do with a telephone. Instructions are transmitted to a modem at the first end to allow the modem to support the point-to-point data session on the existing voice telephone call.

Abstract: An improved technique of managing a multiparty conference of a digital domain such as the Internet is disclosed. A party may invite other party(ies) to split the conference into two conferences. Parties invited establish communications with all other invited parties to create the second conference. Also, an improved technique for preventing collisions of messages in a multiparty conference of a digital domain such as the Internet is disclosed. A deference algorithm is provided that prioritizes messages.

Abstract: A telephone interface (110) that supports a first and a second conference call service is provided in a telephone-capable apparatus (102). An input device (122) is further provided, allowing a conference call conferee to provide participation status data to a controller (116, 118) of the apparatus. The controller provides a message to a switch (104), responsive to the participation status data, instructing the switch to provide the apparatus with communication resources commensurate with the participation status data. When the participation status data indicates that the conferee is a speaking and listening conferee, the message instructs the switch to provide resources sufficient to support the first conference call service and a send-only version of the second conference call service.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating calls via electronic calendar is disclosed. A call list is associated by a user to a particular time and day within the electronic calendar. When the particular day and time arrives, the call list is forwarded to a service which executes the call list, and subsequently contacts the members of the call list through a telephone network. Once a connection is established, the user and the members of the list are linked to a conference bridge.

Abstract: There is provided a method for providing ancillary information to a user of a telecommunications device. The ancillary information is received during a time period when the user of the telecommunications device is in a hold operating mode during a telecommunications device voice based teleconference. The ancillary information is at least one of audibly and visually reproduced for the user, wherein the category of ancillary information is preselected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention, which meets the needs identified above, is an apparatus and method of controlling a conference call using an improvement on the conference calling center's computer software. The control program allows the host of a conference call to selectively control the dissemination of information between conference call participants. The control program allows the host to designate other hosts, create private meetings among conference call participants, mute any number of participants in relation to each other, or completely exclude participants. The participants may also send messages to other participants or the host using the present invention. A control screen is disclosed that allows the user to direct the flow of information among participants. A connection screen is also disclosed to further assist the host in determining the appropriate flow of information between participants.

Abstract: An improved technique of managing a multiparty conference of a digital domain such as the Internet is disclosed. As parties are added to the conference, the original conference member adding such parties is kept apprised of the status of the addition. Moreover, a joining member attempts to establish communications with all of the present conference members identified in an original invite message from one of the conference members. If some of the conference members subsequently drop out of the conference, overhead is minimized by allowing each of those dropped-out conference members to advise the joining member of the same.

Abstract: A method and system configures video calls and schedules the calls for a video call network based on a query from a user to establish a video call between end points of the video call network. A configuration engine accepts video call information from a query engine based on the video call request and applies device data and rules to determine one or more possible call configurations. The configuration engine or an associated optimization engine determines a preferred video call configuration and schedules devices of the video call network without requiring the user to have any in depth understanding of the device limitations and capabilities. Automatic configuration and scheduling of video calls simplifies the use of a video call network to reduce the expense and complexity of efficiently using network resources.

Abstract: A method and system which utilize a graphical user interface to identify potential participants in a teleconference, specify a user-controlled dial-up/hang-up order, and monitor the status of participants to the teleconference. The method and system receive conference commands from a World Wide Web (WWW) browser and translate the conference commands into commands that control a telephone bridge.

Abstract: In a television meeting system, image data and voice data are transmitted and received among a plurality of terminal units. The terminal unit transmits and receives a video signal synthesized by combining desired background data selected by a user with taken-out image and voice. The terminal unit includes a recorder in which desired background data selected by the user is preliminarily recorded.

Abstract: A commercial interaction system improves the convenience and efficiency of conducting a verbal interaction over a communications network (via telephone or Internet, with or without visual supplement). The interaction is conducted because one party (a “host”) is willing to provide and another party (a “guest) is interested in obtaining the value of the content communicated during the interaction. The present invention facilitates the scheduling, connecting, privacy management and convenient settlement of financial accounts necessary for the execution of said interaction.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.

Abstract: An IP telephony client initiates and manages multimedia sessions. The client includes a user interface, an application interface, and a protocol stack. The application interface provides an interface between the protocol stack and the user interface and helper applications. The protocol stack packages messages received from the application interface and parses messages received from other parties or prospective parties. The application interface converts incoming messages to appropriate application programming interfaces (APIs) and sends incoming payloads to the appropriate helper application.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for selectively controlling the interconnectivity of two or more active telephone lines and/or one or more audio characteristics of each of the active telephone liens during a multi-line call. A bridge or a call connection control may be implemented to provide selective call connection for each active telephone call. The user may thereby control the interconnectivity of each party to the user and to the other parties to the conference or multi-line call. An audio controller may also be implemented within a multi-line telephone or at a telephony switch. The call connection control or the volume control may be implemented within the telephone network such as a switch or locally at the telephone unit. The user may provide the desired interconnectivity or volume parameters for the multi party call using a user interface.

Abstract: A method and computer program product which allows both phone-based and IP-based clients to participate in a single audio conference. The method enables at least two multi-point control units (MCUs) (i.e., conferencing servers) to connect via a standard data linkage (i.e., full-duplex dial-up or IP link). The method and computer program product enables the phone-based MCU to handle the phone clients and the IP-based MCU to handle the IP-based clients, while connecting the two to allow each participating client to hear all other participating clients.

Abstract: In a communication system wherein a communication connection is established between a communication apparatus of a first subscriber and a communication apparatus of a second subscriber, a method of terminating the communication connection by a subscriber placed on hold comprises the steps of displaying to the on hold subscriber a prompt to leave a message; in response to selection of the prompt, recording the message left by the on hold subscriber; transmitting the message to the other subscriber; terminating the communication connection; and providing a visual indication to the other subscriber that the communication connection has been terminated by the on hold subscriber and that the on hold subscriber has sent a message. A method of signifying one of the subscriber's desire to return to a communication connection when the communication connection has been placed on hold is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic mail pop-up control system in a dealing system for lightening a burden on a dealer handling a large amount of information at the same time by reducing the number of operations to be done on a dealing talk terminal, said control system lightening a burden on a dealer by displaying an electronic mail which is one of means for exchanging information between talking terminals 1 on a display 1-26 of a called side talking terminal 1 without any operation performed by a dealer at the called side.

Abstract: A network that establishes a telephone call between a calling party and a called party and alters speech signals generated by the calling party during the telephone call. The network includes a network node that is coupled to the transmit channel of the calling party and the receive channel of the called party. The network node is programmed to receive a request to establish the telephone call from the calling party and receive a selection of a speech signal alteration from the calling party. The network node initiates the telephone call to the called party. Further, the network node alters the speech signal of the calling party based on the speech signal alteration selection.

Abstract: A multipurpose communication device for use with a video display device and an input device to transmit data to a remote multipurpose communication device of another user through a telephone line, or to receive data from a remote multipurpose communication device. The multipurpose communication device is capable of determining if the remote multipurpose communication device of the remote party is of the same type, and capable of calling a corresponding application program when receiving a communication from the remote party, so that the transmitting data can be dispatched and received by different application programs.

Abstract: A telephone line status notification system including at least one telephone line having a status, a communications network, at least one communications terminal which is connectable to the communications network and which is employable by a seeking user to communicate via the communications network a status request concerning the status of the at least one telephone line, apparatus for processing the status request the apparatus for processing is connectable to the communications network for receiving the status request from the seeking user therethrough and communicating the request, and apparatus for acquiring the status of the at least one telephone line, the apparatus for acquiring is in communication with the apparatus for processing for receiving the status request therefrom, and the apparatus for acquiring is connectable to the communications network for communicating the status via the communications network.

Abstract: A video conferencing arrangement that includes paired and configurable one-way translators. Each one-way translator is configurable to translate encoded video data from a first format to a second format, and are inter-coupled with a switch arrangement. Because each translator is configurable, a one-way translator can translate encoded video data from one of various formats to another format. Because each translator only translates from a first format to a second format, and not from the second format to the first format, conventional hardware and software can be used to save costs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing a remote user with a virtual presence to an office. The method allows a user operating a remote computer system to receive a fax on a first communication line while simultaneously performing voice communications on the first communication line. The first communication line has an associated first telephone number. The remote computer system includes a user telephony communication device coupled to the first communication line. The method includes establishing a connection between the user telephony communication device and a virtual presence server. The user telephony communication device connects through the first communication line to the virtual presence server. The virtual presence server is located remotely from the user telephone communication device. A fax transmission is made to a second telephone number. The fax transmission is forwarded to the virtual presence server.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.

Abstract: In a teleconference terminal equipment; a picture codec for simultaneously displaying a still picture and video on a single screen, comprising an analog-to-digital converter which converts a picture signal into digital picture data, a picture-in-picture processor which is supplied with the digital picture data as self-picture data of the terminal equipment, a video decoder or a still picture decoder which decodes input picture data and delivers the decoded data to the P-in-P processor, and a digital-to-analog converter which is supplied with picture data for forming a P-in-P frame, having been produced from the self-picture data and the decoded data by the P-in-P processor, and which converts the supplied picture data into an analog signal and delivers the analog signal as an output.

Abstract: An integrated video conference terminal is disclosed which comprises a monitor for displaying video images from other conferees, lights and a video camera for transmitting the conferees image to a server, speakers for emitting audio, and an optional coin/credit card input for allowing for public operation similar to a pay phone.

Abstract: In a teleconference terminal equipment; a picture codec for simultaneously displaying a still picture and video on a single screen, comprising an analog-to-digital converter which converts a picture signal into digital picture data, a picture-in-picture processor which is supplied with the digital picture data as self-picture data of the terminal equipment, a video decoder or a still picture decoder which decodes input picture data and delivers the decoded data to the P-in-P processor, and a digital-to-analog converter which is supplied with picture data for forming a P-in-P frame, having been produced from the self-picture data and the decoded data by the P-in-P processor, and which converts the supplied picture data into an analog signal and delivers the analog signal as an output.

Abstract: A videophone apparatus with an on-screen telephone keypad user-interface. The videophone communicates video and audio data over a plain old telephone service (POTS) line and includes a video source and a communication channel interface circuit coupled to a programmable processor. The programmable processor is configured and arranged to execute a user interface program for user controlled operation of the videophone apparatus, display a first menu on the display, the first menu referencing a first plurality of options for operating the videophone apparatus and having associated therewith respective indicators of telephone keypad buttons, receive from the telephone keypad a first selection signal indicative of a pressed button, and initiate an operation to control the videophone apparatus in response to the first selection signal.

Abstract: A collaborative application system initiates a communication session over a network. The collaborative application system receives an identity of a called party and an identity of a collaborative application from a calling party. The calling party participates in the communication session at a first endpoint and the called party participates in the communication session at a second endpoint. Further, the collaborative application system determines a first endpoint type and a second endpoint type and selects a first version of the collaborative application based on the first endpoint type and a second version of the collaborative application based on the second endpoint type. The collaborative application system then retrieves and makes available the first version of the application to the calling party and second version of the application to the called party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling participant input in a conferencing environment supporting at least first and second end points which can operate in at least two different modes. While in the first operating mode, the end points can make changes to the conference data at will. The conference remains in the first operating mode until a request is received from a participant to change the conference to a second operating mode. Once this request is received, the conference switches to the second operating mode. While in the second operating mode, only one of the first and second end points can make changes at any particular time.

Abstract: A global information network protocol videophone adapter system that provides telephony for residential users with high bandwidth data access. The system has the features of a conventional video telephone that uses regular telephone lines, but offers an improved video quality due to the availability of higher bandwidth data. Only a television set, a video camera and a microphone are necessary as adjunct devices to the adapter device. The adapter device should be connected to a cable modem or an Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line modem for a high bandwidth network access.

Abstract: A video conference system includes terminals where each terminal extracts only an object image from a picture that includes an object and a background. The extracted object image signal is transmitted to a controller to be synthesized on a background image, and a synthesized image is simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of terminals. Each of the plurality of terminals encodes only an object image signal corresponding to a conference participant out of a photographed video signal to output an encoded object signal. Each terminal receives and decodes a compression-encoded image signal to display a compressed image. A multi-point controller receives and decodes the encoded object signals from the plurality of terminals to restore object images, adjusts the size of the object images, synthesizes a background image with the size-adjusted object images, and compression-encodes the synthesized image to output the compression-encoded image signal to the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: A video conference reservation system enables reservation of a video conference to be implemented without using a special purpose terminal for video conference reservation, and enables a distributed conference notification to be referred to without using the special purpose terminal while distributing the conference notification automatically. There is reserved a video conference to a conference control device from the first to the n-th conference member terminals through the first circuit network. The conference control device prepares a conference notification using a conference establishment information, subsequently establishing distribution destination of the prepared conference notification, thus distributing the conference notification to the established distribution destination through an electronic mail.

Abstract: A pointing cursor is moved to a position on a file icon to be transferred in a file list using a position input unit. Thereafter, a button of the position input unit is depressed to select the file icon. The position input unit is moved while depressing its button so as to move the pointing cursor into a display area of a received image, and thereafter, the button of the position input unit is released. At this time, a drag & drop event is generated by a basic software program. Therefore, by only dragging the icon of the file to be transferred by operating the position input unit, an instruction input for a series of file transfer processes can be attained, and the operability for the file transfer function can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention enables a user, logged on to a data network over a traditional telephone line, to place additional outgoing calls over that same line without interruption of the data session. The user is also able to provide communication between the outgoing call and the data session such that, voice over the data session can be conferenced into voice over the newly outgoing telephone session.

Abstract: A method using an Internet or similar connection to provide network users with information about and control over a communications service feature. A communications switch routes communications in the network to and from the user and a feature control process provides the communications service feature to the user. A processor in communication with the feature control process and a user terminal provides the user with information about and control over the communications service feature at the user terminal. The process can be a dedicated Internet server and the user can manage the communications service feature from a home page displayed on the user terminal.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.

Abstract: A system and method for providing anonymous voice communications using the telephone network under the direction of an on-line data network. A call broker receives call setup information from on-line session participants, such as chat room participants, after providing callback telephone numbers and, as appropriate, billing information. In one illustrative embodiment, a user (the call initiator) present in a chat room session establishes a data connection to a telephone company site using, e.g., an Internet web browser to establish a Call Broker session. The Call Broker then provides session information (such as a telephone company URL) and a Participant Authorization Code (PAC), which information is passed to a selected chat participant in the current chat room.