Abstract: Image data communication equivalent to facsimile communication using a public network is realized on e-mail communication. When a communication apparatus for transmitting/receiving e-mail data by connecting to the Internet is to communicate e-mail data having facsimile-format image data attached, communication concerning functional information is performed in addition to the communication of the e-mail data. The functional information can be exchanged by an optimum method matching the form of connection to the Internet. This allows maximum utilization of the capability of each apparatus function in facsimile image communication using e-mail.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products provide remote access to call logs upon request. An incoming call is processed and an address is retrieved that is associated with a called number. An electronic message is sent to the address to identify a calling number of the incoming call. A log of calls is updated with the incoming call. A reply electronic message is received from the address, and the log of calls is sent to the address.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for selectively transcribing messages. Five general approaches are disclosed herein. The first approach is directed to checking for a transcription capable client, which transcribes messages when a client device is capable of receiving transcriptions. The second and third approaches are platform-controlled and user-controlled predefined selective transcription. One aspect of this approach is driven by transcription rules. The fourth approach is user-controlled on-demand selective transcription before the message is stored or deposited for transcription. An example of this is a user transferring an incoming caller to voicemail and indicating that the voicemail be transcribed. The fifth approach is user-controlled on-demand selective transcription after the message is stored. In one embodiment of this approach, a user must specifically request that a stored message be transcribed.

Abstract: Digital process for authentication of a user of a database for access to protected data or a service reserved for a defined circle of users or for the use of data currently entered by the user, wherein a voice sample currently enunciated during an access attempt by the user is routed to a voice analysis unit and, herein, a current voice profile is computed and this is compared in a voice profile comparison unit against a previously stored initial voice profile and, in response to a positive comparison result, the user is authenticated and a first control signal enabling access, but in response to a negative comparison result a second control signal disabling access or triggering a substitute authentication procedure is generated.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffick-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: There is provided a method of notifying a caller of confirmation of a voice or text message in a wireless communication system. A calling mobile station transmits a voice or text message to a called mobile station. If the called mobile station senses confirmation of the received voice or text message, it notifies a calling mobile station of the message confirmation via a confirmation message. Upon receipt of the confirmation message, the calling mobile station alerts a caller to receipt of the confirmation message.

Abstract: A system notifies a computing device of an incoming message. In the system, a message server is coupled to a data communications network for receiving the incoming message, and a communications system is coupled to the message server so that the message server can communicate to the communications system that the incoming message awaits retrieval by the computing device. A communications line is coupled to the communications system and to the computing device so that the communications system can signal the computing device over the communications line that the incoming message awaits retrieval by such computing device. The computing device is for receiving the aforementioned notification and retrieving the incoming message from the message server, and includes a communications device for coupling with the aforementioned communications line.

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

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a voice mail apparatus and a communication terminal which is connected to the voice mail apparatus through a data transmission path, wherein the communication terminal includes a creator which creates e-mail data including the voice files and configuration files necessary to set the voice files to the arbitrary mail boxes as attached files, and a transmitter which transmits the e-mail data to the data transmission path toward the voice mail apparatus, and the voice mail apparatus includes, an analyzer which receives the e-mail data transmitted from the communication terminal to analyze contents of the configuration files, when the voice files and the configuration files are attached to the e-mail data, and a controller which sets the voice files to mail boxes specified by the configuration files based on analysis results.

Abstract: A method and system to maintain lists of IP addresses for detection of email spam are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving email messages from senders associated with Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, filtering the email messages to identify spam, and sending statistics pertaining to the email messages and the identified spam to a server. The method further includes receiving, from the server, IP address lists generated based on the statistics, and filtering new email messages using the IP address lists. The IP address lists received from the server may include a list of safe IP addresses, a list of suspect IP addresses and a list of open proxy IP addresses.

Abstract: An enhanced services system for a telecommunications network includes operator equipment accessible by an operator, and a routing system for routing a call from a caller to the operator equipment. The caller may access e-mail creation and service and/or interpreter services. A method of sending an electronic message includes routing a call from a caller to operator equipment using a routing system, inputting information provided by the caller into the operator equipment to create an electronic message, and sending the electronic message to at least one recipient. A method of translating a telephone conversation includes providing a routing system to connect to operator equipment a call from a caller, routing the call to the operator equipment using the routing system to enable communications between at least the caller and a bilingual operator, and translating at least a portion of the conversation between the caller and a third party.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a methodology enabling a first provider party to provide to a second recipient party software and services to enable the recipient party to embed in an Internet e-mail of the recipient party directed to an addressee, an HTML hyperlink file which includes a telecommunication initiating trigger, sending the e-mail to the addressee via the Internet, the addressee upon receiving the e-mail actuating the hyperlink via its trigger and, responsive to the trigger actuation, connecting the addressee via the Internet to a web page located on an Internet server, wherein the web page includes a request for a telephone number of the addressee.

Abstract: A computer readable medium encoded with computer executable instructions thereon for execution by a processor of a mobile communication device (116) comprises a code segment (216) for message processing, which may include a code segment for rule comparison, a code segment for message routing and a code segment for default message handling. The message processing code segment (216) processes an incoming message received via a data service network (400). The message processing code segment (216) subsequently compares a portion of each incoming message to at least one criterion contained in at least one message routing rule having a message database object (418, 420) associated with it, stores each incoming message meeting each criterion for a message routing rule in the message database object (418, 420) associated with that message routing rule, and stores all messages not routed to a message database object (418, 420) according to a message routing rule into a default message database object (422).

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing privacy protection to network users includes receiving a subscription request from a first end user. The subscription request identifies a second end user for whom the first end user would like to become a registered presence watcher. A cost to be assessed to become the registered presence watcher of the second end user is determined, and the first user is registered as the registered presence watcher of the second end user.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for routing T-37 E-mail over an H 323 (VOIP) network. The methods and systems facilitate the obtaining and utilization of data from Gatekeepers with respect to the utilization of Gateways to be utilized to transmit the E-mail from the network over a conventional telephone network to the recipient. They thereby facilitate the choice of a Gateway which is less heavily utilized.

Abstract: To provide a personalized voice email service, data pertaining to one or more of a user's email accounts, e.g., email addresses and account access data, is maintained in a folder by an information assistance service, which is unaffiliated with the email service providers (e.g., AOL, Hotmail, etc.) maintaining the user's email accounts. When the user calls the information assistance service, the user's folder is retrieved. The user's email accounts may be accessed on behalf of the user based on the email addresses and account access data in the user's folder. An information assistance provider including, e.g., an operator and/or a voice server, may present information concerning the email messages received in the user's email accounts in different manners. For example, the information assistance provider may report to the user selected email messages that satisfy one or more predetermined criteria, e.g.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a voicemail messaging system provides a user with the ability to record a voicemail message that includes at least one static portion and a dynamic content portion. When the voicemail message is accessed for listening by a recipient the dynamic content portion is filled with information retrieved via a URL link. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for managing a whitelist. Upon receipt of an electronic message from an approved sender, the message is reviewed for references to other potential sender that may be added to the whitelist. For example, the potential sender may be copied on the electronic message. Based on this reference, the potential sender is deemed trustworthy and placed on the recipient's whitelist.

Abstract: An apparatus for forwarding data sent to a wireless device having a first address to a second address. The apparatus includes a server in communication with a wireless network and an external network. The server includes a processor. The processor includes a data forwarding module for forwarding the data to the second address via the external network when the wireless device is not in communication with the wireless network.

Abstract: A communication device and a communication method capable of transmitting data after confirming a destination device in one SMTP communication. A transmitter communication device carries out a communication request to a recipient communication device and SMTP communication is started. The recipient communication device transmits information of a recipient stored in a storage unit to the transmitter communication device under a prescribed procedure. Before receiving the data, the recipient communication device suspends the communication protocol with a communication channel maintained. The transmitter communication device displays the received information of the recipient on a display unit, and suspends the communication protocol with the communication channel maintained. Accordingly, a user can confirm a transmission destination from the display. After confirming the transmission destination, the user instructs to transmit the data.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a subscriber having a first telephone number that is out-of-service comprises providing a database that is accessible at least through a second telephone number, and allowing the subscriber to access the database to post a message. The message is made available to an interested party. A system for a subscriber to communicate with an interested party is also provided.

Abstract: In a communication device (20) comprising a message function (SMS, Short Message Service) a certain short message (7) or other reply message is sent in response to an incoming call in a situation where the user can't answer the call him/herself. The reply message can be sent immediately (9) or after a short delay (10, 11), whereby during the delay, the user can choose, whether he/she answers him/herself. The calling party (5) is identified from the CLI information (Caller Line Identity), whereby the reply message can be chosen according to the calling party. Time information can be included in the reply message in order to express at which time by the clock or after a how long time the receiving party is reachable. After that time the automatic reply function based on the reply message is automatically disconnected.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are presented for handling calls. In one embodiment, an emergency call handling system capable of receiving visual information from callers and correlating the visual information to particular incidents is disclosed. To obtain visual information, a call handler may generate and send an electronic mail message to the caller. The caller may reply to the electronic mail message and attach an image captured with, for example, a camera phone. The visual information may then be correlated to the call between the caller and call handler. In addition, unsolicited visual information received by the emergency call handling system may be prioritized, triaged and delivered to the call handler. The visual information may be used to assess an emergency situation. The visual information may be forwarded to emergency service providers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing email notification for called and/or calling parties of a call placement are disclosed. The method enables a packet network service provider, e.g., a VoIP or SoIP service provider, to register customers for email notification service, to obtain the disposition of calls from Call Detail Records (CDRs), call control elements or application servers that have access to call signaling information in real time, to identify calls that resulted in ringing without an answer or busy disposition, and to determine whether or not the called and/or calling party subscribed to the email notification service. If the calling and/or called party subscribe to the notification service, the service provider sends an email notification to the calling and/or called party containing the caller and called party information, the time of the call, the disposition of the call and the like.

Abstract: IMS networks, text message systems, and methods are disclosed for delivering text messages to IMS wireline phones. A text message system of an IMS network receives a text message intended for the IMS wireline phone. The text message system identifies capability data for an IMS wireline phone that indicates the capability of the IMS wireline phone for handling text messages. The text message system processes the capability data for the IMS wireline phone to determine if the IMS wireline phone is capable of handling text messages. If the IMS wireline phone is not capable of handling text messages, then the text message system appends the text message to a caller ID header of an IMS signaling message, and forwards the IMS signaling message to the IMS wireline phone to display the text message on a caller ID unit associated with the IMS wireline phone.

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: A mobile communication device (MCD) receives at least a portion of a message redirected from a messaging system over a wireless network, with the message containing a notification of an attachment. The MCD queries local attachment displayers regarding their location, electronic address and the types of attachment files that can be processed. The MCD then generates a request for the attachment, with the request containing information regarding at least one local attachment displayer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing electronic notifications are described. A server is configured to serve an interface, such as a Web page, to a terminal that requests from a user a first set of user contacts to be used to provide notifications to the user by a telephonic notification system in response to a notification process initiated by an organization associated with the user. The interface further requests a first set of priorities corresponding to the first set of user contacts, wherein the notification system will attempt to provide notifications to the first set user contracts in an order based at least in part on the first set of priorities. A database is configured to store the first set of user contacts and the first set of priorities. A voice interface circuit is configured to transmit a voice notification to at least one of the first set of user contacts.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method for translating a message can be broadly summarized by the following steps: generating an electronic message in an understood language of an originating party; receiving instructions to translate contents of the electronic message to another language; converting the electronic message to the another language in accordance with the instructions; and delivering the converted electronic message to the receiving party. Other methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: Publishing messages over a network includes receiving a message from a sender in a first format, identifying the sender of the message as an authorized sender based on information associated with the message in comparison to data in a sender account using software executing in a central processor, wherein the identifying step is dependent on the first format of the message, receiving a request for at least the portion of the message from a requester, and publishing at least the portion of the message to the requestor over the network only if the software has identified the sender as an authorized sender. The requester can subscribe to receive new messages from one or more senders including the identified sender, and a copy of any new messages from the identified sender can be sent to one or more notification devices associated with the subscribed requestor.

Abstract: Automatic conversation techniques are described. An apparatus may comprise a computing device having an incoming message module operative to receive an incoming message, a conversation identification module communicatively coupled to the incoming message module, the conversation identification module operative to determine the incoming message is part of a conversation thread, and associate the incoming message with the conversation thread by setting a conversation identifier property of the incoming message to a conversation identifier for the conversation thread, and a conversation manager module communicatively coupled to the conversation identification module, the conversation manager module operative to determine a conversation rule is associated with the conversation thread, and apply the conversation rule to the incoming message. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A communication system provides integrated email, telephone and instant messenger communication including a common address book, a common log of communication history and shared presence information. A user can respond to a communication according to any format, email, telephone or instant messenger, with a response using the same format or any other format. The response may be initiated by a single command.

Abstract: Call logs are generated based upon calls from a subscriber line and calls to a subscriber line. The call logs are formatted from Generic Data Interface (GDI) messages into an email format (e.g., SMTP) within a call log gateway. The formatted email is then emailed to an email recipient, which can include a messaging service provider or the subscriber himself. The email address to the recipient is determined by the call log gateway based upon the subscriber's identity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for remote viewing of selected messages at a subscriber remote receiving location, the apparatus including at least one messaging server (such as, but not limited to, a unified messaging system, voice-mail system, fax server system, or any other message store and management system) and a television set as an output device for messages stored or displayed by the messaging server, and a television messaging gateway coupling the messaging server to the television set.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method, devices, a computer program product and a computer program element for changing the appearance of an item displayed to a user. A first set of electronic messages related to at least one first sender are received and the frequency at which said messages are received is determined. The appearance of at least one item (22, 26, 30) displayed in a view showing items related to received messages is then changed in dependence of said frequency. In this way a user can instantly and directly receive an indication of the messaging frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for accepting a recipient identifier, wherein the recipient identifier can be used to identify an electronic mail (email) recipient; generating a petition based on the recipient identifier and at least one petition rule, wherein the at least one petition rule includes at least one of: 1) a sender identification method; and 2) a recipient; and wherein the petition can be used by a email provider to allow a recipient to receive email from a sender.

Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises: in response to a request from an original sender, transmitting tracing notifications to the original sender, and providing limits for the tracing notifications. The tracing notifications operate when an e-mail message is forwarded to at least one non-original recipient.

Abstract: Recipient information is allocated to a transmission box in the image processing apparatus based on the header information in the e-mail sent from the external terminal. Scanned image data is stored and linked to the same transmission box. Subsequently, based on the recipient information, the image data is sent to the recipient as an attachment to an e-mail addressed to the recipient. Because the recipient information and the image data are linked via the transmission box, it is not necessary to simultaneously designate the recipient and input the image data. Therefore, the operation panel of the image processing apparatus need not be occupied for a long period of time.

Abstract: A sender of a message uses a sender's portable telephone device to register, by way of a communication network, to a service agent: user's information, communication partner information, sending conditions, and a message. The service agent monitors whether the sending conditions are met, and when the sending conditions have been satisfied, executes processing to send the entered message to the receiver's portable telephone device of the communication partner that has been registered. The sending conditions include conditions relating to presence information that the communication partner can always access by way of a communication network through the communication partner's own communication terminal.

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

Abstract: Presented is a method for selectively retrieving voice messages. The method includes accessing a list of received calls, and accessing a subset of the list of received calls. Each of the calls in the subset has an associated stored message. The method further includes selectively accessing information associated with a particular call in the subset of received calls, and retrieving the message associated with the particular call. Also presented is an internet protocol (IP) phone that includes a screen configured to display a list of received calls, a soft key configured to display a subset of the list of received calls when pressed. Each of the calls in the subset has an associated stored message. The phone further includes soft keys configured to selectively display information associated with a particular call in the subset of received calls when pressed, and retrieve the message associated with the particular call when pressed.

Abstract: A trading and auction system (10), and a method for the authentication of buyers and sellers and for the transmission of trading instructions in a trading and auction system (10) is disclosed. To register with the trading and auction system (10), a user must provide a unique identifier of a messaging-capable wireless device (22) belonging to the user. After assigning a password to the user, the trading and auction system (10) communicates the password to the user and receives a confirmation of said password from said user, with at least one of the steps of communicating the password and receiving a confirmation of the password being performed using the wireless device's messaging capability (22). The user's account or trading instruction is activated if the password is correct. The trading and auction system (10) assigns a unique identification number to each product or service for sale or auction.

Abstract: A method of providing computer users with fax services. A user activates a fax system on the user's computer. The fax system then activates a fax service by establishing communication with the fax service across a network and transmitting information about the user to the fax service. The fax system then uses the fax service to participate in any fax transactions as desired by the user. When the system is deactivated, communication between the fax system and the fax service is terminated.

Abstract: A private branch exchange (PBX) capable of transmitting and receiving an E-mail over a network is provided. The PBX includes an interface for communicating with the network, an E-mail server for receiving and storing the E-mail; an extension interface for exchanging a communication signal including an audio signal and control signal with an extension telephone, a database for storing a destination address of an E-mail and an extension number corresponding to the address, an examining unit for examining whether or not an mailing address contained in an E-mail received at the E-mail server from the network is registered in the database, and a controller for sending a notice of the reception of the E-mail the extension telephone of the extension number allocated to the mailing address of the E-mail when the examining unit judges that the mailing address of the E-mail is registered in the database.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for filtering incoming electronic messages based on user objectives is disclosed. For example, automated assistance can be provided in realizing a user objective of filtering electronic mail (e-mail) messages associated with a “conversation” thread. The electronic message filtering system can receive an e-mail message, examine attributes or characteristics of the e-mail message, determine if a rule has been established for messages with the characteristics of the incoming message, and if there has been a rule set up, automatically implement an action in accordance with the rule. For example, when electronic messages with particular information in the header (e.g., a particular subject) are received, the messages are automatically moved to a designated trash folder. Additionally, finer granularity of message management can be achieved (e.g., an action is automatically implemented to display a message from a particular sender at the top of a list).

Abstract: A global communication internet telephone system is a new software Web Call structure, in which the system user only requires a computer with Windows 98® or above, a duplex sound card, a display interface and internet access, and logging directly into a GTD Web 800 web page thereafter, receiving a automatic number dispensing function and GTD automatic number skipping function. The characteristics of the system lies in that a signature which can be linked to the GTD Web 800 web pages for browsing is added into an e-mail of a user computer. As long as an e-mail receiver clicks on the signature file of the e-mail, he can be linked to the web pages and conduct a VoIP dialog with the e-mail sender. If a computer at a sending side is not powered on the sending side can freely choose whether to forward incoming calls to a designated cellular phone or local phone by automatically appointing a number.

Abstract: A home office communication system (10) has a control and display system (16). A modem (12) is controlled by the control and display system (16) and connected to a telephone line (14). A multiplexer (18) is connected to the modem (12) and multiplexes a plurality of outgoing data streams in a predefined format and demultiplexes an incoming data stream from the modem (12). A speech encoding system (20) generates a plurality of speech packets to form one of the plurality of outgoing data streams. A telephone line control system (22) venerates a plurality of control packets forming one of the plurality of outgoing data streams and an information channel (24) forms one of the plurality of outgoing data streams.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided a system, method and program storage device for establishing a connection for an endpoint to a scheduled audiovisual conference between a plurality of participants, the plurality of participants connecting to the audiovisual conference from a plurality of endpoints, connections for the plurality of endpoints to the audiovisual conference being maintained by a multipoint control unit, comprising: receiving a request at a conference control server from a participant to connect an endpoint associated with the participant to the scheduled audiovisual conference; obtaining an IP address or a telephone number for the endpoint; writing the IP address or the telephone number for the endpoint to the multipoint control unit; and communicating audiovisual conference data from the multipoint control unit to the endpoint via the IP address or the telephone number, thereby enabling the endpoint to be connected to the audiovisual conference.