Abstract: To provide a technology indicating guidance for a usage method of information equipment and for solving an abnormality of the information equipment to not only users having knowledge about terminology of the information equipment but also users having none of the knowledge about the terminology of the information equipment. A guidance apparatus receives identifying information of information equipment from a device, reads an image from a database containing images about the information equipment with respect to the received identifying information, creates guidance information containing the read image, transmits the created guidance information to the device, receives information determined by a manipulation about the guidance information on the device, and controls so as to read the image used next for the guidance information from the received information.

Abstract: An IP based voice/video communication system and call pickup/forwarding method and a program storage device, readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the call pickup/forwarding method enables a subscriber can have voice/video communication irrespective of time or place by forwarding voice/video calls between voice/video communication terminals such as a TV, PDA and home pad, or by picking up a incoming call at a nearby terminal if it is difficult for the subscriber to answer the call at the originally called terminal from his/her location.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying information to a user of a telephone during a telephone call may include requesting information from a plurality of applications in response to receiving data indicative of a telecommunications device during a telephone call. The information may include information associated with a second user of the telecommunications device. The information received from the applications may be displayed for the first user to view during the telephone call.

Abstract: A method and a system for person/speaker verification via different communications systems. The system may include a control logic (SL) having access to a voice-controlled dialog system (DS) having verification dialogs stored for querying, a biometrics customer profile (BK), in which the personal biometric data of customers are stored and a provider database (PD), which contains information regarding protected database areas and services in conjunction with the biometric methods authorized for verification. The method for person/speaker verification is designed to ascertain, transmit, analyze and evaluate via telecommunications systems the different personal biometric data that are suitable to establish unequivocally the access authorization of a customer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a presence management system comprises a server unit and a plurality of terminal devices. The server unit controls a plurality of presentities and a plurality of watchers. The terminal devices may be set to any of the presentities and the watchers for other terminal devices. The server unit includes a database, a reading module and a notification processing module. The database stores a relationship table in which parameters showing relationships to each watcher for each presentity in a table form. The reading module reads each of the parameters of the watchers for presentities of their change sources from the database when changes in presence of the presentities working under the server unit. The notification processing module notifies the presences of the presentities to each watcher for the presentities of the change sources at timing in accordance with the read parameters.

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: Disclosed is a method and system for determining a telecommunications address of a location. A telephone call from a caller located at the location is received. Location data associated with the received telephone call is then obtained. The telecommunications address can then be determined from the location data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving call yields and reducing redundant calls while contacting patients who have not responded to reminders to schedule a return appointment, or who are due for a visit according to accepted standards of care or office policies, but have not scheduled an appointment. The patient reactivation system is queried for the next patient on the contact list, and queried again to find all patients sharing one or more phone numbers with this patient. Information required for contacting these patients to invite them to make an appointment is displayed. The user is presented one phone number at a time, and prompted to call this number and invite all listed patients to make an appointment. Results are collected, and when multiple patients are displayed, the program may prompt the user for clarification regarding which patients a given result applies to.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to initiate real time communications via capturing an image of a communication reference using a mobile device. One embodiment includes: an input device; a communication module; an image sensor; and a processor coupled with the input device, the image sensor and the communication module. In response to the input device receiving a user input, the image sensor is to capture an image, the processor to identify a telephonic reference from an image captured by the image sensor, and the communication module to initiate a telephonic connection using the telephonic reference identified from the captured image. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a mobile telephonic device, includes: capturing an image in response to an input from a user; identifying a telephonic reference from the image in response to the image being captured; and establishing a telephonic connection using the telephonic reference identified from the image.

Abstract: To simplify the acquisition and exchange of social information, a social information acquisition application could be triggered when the calling party initiates a call to a called party. The application adds a request to the called dialing sequence for a list of all available social information repositories associated to the called party. If multiple repositories exist, one of those repositories this selected either by the calling party or by applying selection rules. Information retrieved from the selected repository could be presented to the calling party and/or used to update social information repositories maintained on behalf of the calling party.

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

Abstract: A method and system for providing computer-network related information about a calling party. First, the called party receives a telephone number of a calling party. The called party's customer premises equipment (CPE) or elements in a telephone network then use the telephone number to index a database, which contains combinations of telephone numbers and computer-network addresses. Once the calling party's computer-network address is retrieved, calling-party-customized information present at the computer-network location specified by the computer-network address can be sent to and displayed on the called party's CPE. Also, the calling party's telephone number can be sent to an application in the computer network, causing the calling-party-customized information to be automatically displayed on the called party's CPE.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer system and method that manages connections between one or more data network interfaces and one or more phone interfaces. A manager process, running on a computer system having both data and phone network interfaces, receives one or more telephone calls from one or more users over one of the phone interfaces and than accesses one or more profiles associated with each of the users. These profiles have one or more service identifiers and one or more interactive response agent (IRA) identifiers associated with the respective user. A menu of the service identifiers is presented to the user. The system then looks up an agent address of one of the IRAs that is associated with the service identifier selected by the user from the menu and establishes a session with the associated IRA. Having done this a two-way communication with the associated IRA occurs during the session.

Abstract: A communication assistance system includes a first database having a plurality of listings, each listings has at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number. A means is provided for receiving communications from a user among a plurality of users desiring to access the listings. An operator terminal displays a search screen among a plurality of search screens, each of which maintain at least a partially different arrangement of content and search windows for receiving search terms to search for listings contained in the first database, where the displayed search screen is determined based on criteria contained in a search request from the user. The operator terminal is further configured to receive the communication from the user and retrieve a listing from the first database using the displayed search screen.

Abstract: A method includes identifying that the destination phone number of a call made by a communications device is to a vendor and playing a video clip associated with said vendor on said communications device during said call. Another method includes storing videos associated with a multiplicity of vendors, receiving a phone number associated with one of said vendors from a communications device, and providing a video associated with said vendor to said communications device. The invention also includes the device and server implementing the methods.

Abstract: A method, system and computer product for accessing, by means of a telephone, a database containing data arranged in at least one table including a plurality of table entries, each table entry including a plurality of information elements. The invention retrieves identifiers of the information elements from the table. Each of the retrieved identifiers of the information elements are associated with a choice key, wherein the choice keys are adapted to be input by a user through a telephone. The invention presents, through the telephone, the identifiers of the information elements together with the respective choice keys to a user. Once a choice key input by the user is received through the telephone, the invention retrieves data from the table using the input choice key, wherein said retrieved data includes the content of the information element in at least one table entry whose identifier corresponds to the input choice key. The retrieved data is presented to the user through the telephone.

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

Abstract: This invention provides a network access system that permits communication device users to access a network such as the Internet, a cable network, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network or a broadband network (which may include cable and DSL networks). A network access device receives commands from users and executes the commands such as send e-mail, search the network, log on to pages supported by other parties on the network, download information from the network, request information such as movies from the network, bidding in an auction, etc. A user profile saves preferences of a user for interacting with the network. The network access device may supply primitive commands for the user to use individually or to construct complex command macros so that by a single command, more complex functions may be performed using the network.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) are provided permitting cookie files to be used with telephonic customer premises equipment (CPE) (12). The caller CPE (12) can be an intelligent telephone adapted to generate, store, transmit and receive cookie files. The cookie files can include information tokens describing a caller profile. The CPE (12) can provide a template cookie file upon request from a called party during a conversation between the caller and called party. The template file can then be transmitted to the called party and modified. The modified cookie file can then be returned to the caller CPE (12) for future use during subsequent calls to the called party. The cookie file can reduce the processing time of calls placed to automated dial-up service centers and also reduces its computer resources required by the service system.

Abstract: A voice server for hosting telephony services can include a stack interface configured to exchange telephony signaling information with a circuit-switched to packet-switched interface and a plurality of core clients, each having a call model stored therein. Each core client can be configured to select and execute at least one voice service associated with a call. The voice server further can include a speech processing system configured to convert speech to text and to convert text to speech for processing the call as well as a core processor. The core processor can be configured to distribute the telephony signaling information to the core clients and coordinate operation of the core clients and the speech processing system. The core processor also can exchange telephony signaling information with the circuit-switched to packet-switched interface via the stack interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indexing digital video and audio signals using a digital database. A user may index the digital images by content within the images, through annotation, and the like. The database can contain high resolution and low resolution versions of the audio-video content. The indexed video can be used to create web pages that enable a viewer to access the video clips. The indexed video may also be used to author digital video disks (DVDs). The video may be enhanced to achieve DVD quality or be accessed to enhancing the digital signals and indexing the digital signals. The user may choose to enhance the digital signals by combining frames into a panorama, enhancing the resolution of the frames, filtering the images, and the like.

Abstract: A telecommunication system and method are disclosed for employing a directory service or voicemail retrieval service over a telecommunication network. The telecommunication system includes a telecommunication device having a display for viewing textual information, the telecommunication device being connected to a digital subscriber line (DSL) telephone network. A database application includes directory information, and the database application is remotely disposed relative to the telecommunication device. A mechanism is coupled to the telecommunication device such that when the mechanism is activated, a user is provided with access, through the DSL network, to directory information on the data base application. The directory information is provided to the display of the telecommunication device in response to user entered information.

Abstract: A multi-modal address book for a customer associated with at least one account in an electronic communications environment is provided. The multi-modal address book is associated with a customized profile of the customer and has multiple entries. Each entry of the multi-modal address book is associated with a communications partner and includes at least one address. Information of a centrally stored copy of the address book is automatically synchronized with a copy of the address book provided at a remote communications device when information of an entry is altered at either the centrally stored address book or the copy of the address book. An indicator can be stored in association with at least one of the entries of the address book. The indicator indicates that an address book of a communications partner corresponding to an entry is to be automatically updated when the profile of the customer is altered. The updating occurs without regard to the modality used to communicate with the stored address.

Abstract: The network facsimile apparatus is able to communicate using both a public switched telephone network and a computer network, and has a facsimile section which transmits and receives an image via the public switched telephone network, a mail section which transmits and receives an e-mail via the computer network, a web server which transmits a reply to a client in response to a request from the client that is connected to said network apparatus via said computer network, a storage which is to store received, and a list generating section which generates a structured document of reception list. When the web server receives an operation request concerning a reception list from a client, the web server provides the received operation request to the list generating section.

Abstract: A telephone service method and apparatus for providing a business advertisement to a caller of a telephone, comprising receiving a request for line connection from a phone of a caller, determining an identifier of the phone of a called party for which line connection is requested, judging whether the identifier of the called party is registered in a management table linking called party identifiers and business advertisements, and, when judging that the identifier of the called party is registered, sending a business advertisement linked with that identifier from business advertisements stored in a content database to the phone of the caller.

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

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) are provided permitting cookie files to be used with telephonic customer premises equipment (CPE) (12). The caller CPE (12) can be an intelligent telephone adapted to generate, store, transmit and receive cookie files. The cookie files can include information tokens describing a caller profile. The CPE (12) can provide a template cookie file upon request from a called party during a conversation between the caller and called party. The template file can then be transmitted to the called party and modified. The modified cookie file can then be returned to the caller CPE (12) for future use during subsequent calls to the called party. The cookie file can reduce the processing time of calls placed to automated dial-up service centers and also reduces its computer resources required by the service system.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for generating a single record reflecting multiple services for accounting purposes. First, a plurality of services carried out over a network are identified. Such services may include an hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) session, an electronic mail session, and/or a voice over Internet Protocol (IP) session. Further, data is collected describing the plurality of services. A single record is subsequently generated using the collected data to represent each of the services.

Abstract: An information retrieval system which can search for requested information by an easy operation. Together with a plurality of information servers, a search assisting server having list data constructed by a list of identifiers to access each of the information servers is connected to an information network. In response to a designation of a requested item by an information retrieval terminal, the identifier corresponding to the requested item is searched for from the list data held in the search assisting server. An access to the information network is made by the searched identifier, thereby obtaining the requested information page.

Abstract: A user while traveling may call an operator in an information/call center to request directions to a desired destination. In response, the operator obtains a directions file containing the requested directions. To facilitate the user receiving directions in installments in accordance with the invention, the directions file has an indicator associated therewith. The requested directions are read from the directions file to the user by an interactive voice response (IVR) unit via synthesized voice. The indicator is used to indicate in the file which direction is to be read to the user. The user may terminate the call after hearing a desired quantity of directions. When the user subsequently needs another installment of directions, the user may call back the IVR unit which then continues to read directions in the directions file from where the associated indicator indicates. The above process can be repeated, thereby enabling the user to controllably receive the directions in installments.

Abstract: A system for and method of updating a database over a telephone network wherein a caller enters a number and the database is searched for that number. If the entered number is found as an entry in the database, that entry is deleted from the database. If the entered number is not found to be an entry in the database, the entered number is then added to the database as a new entry. The caller is given an opportunity to confirm whether the entered number should be deleted or added, as the case may be. Interactive voice response may be implemented to aid a caller through the simplified database updating process.

Abstract: Data communication between a data sender and at least one data recipient is facilitated when the data recipient is associated with a telephone number that can not be used to access the user with a telephone call. An invention receives the telephone number associated with the data destination (data recipient) and receives an indication that data is to be communicated. The invention uses the telephone number to determine at least one characteristic of data destination/recipient. The invention also receives at least one characteristic of the data to be communicated that enable the data to be communicated to the data receiver/recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of transmitting image data from a server via a network or another communication path to a cellular phone or another terminal. In order to enhance the picture quality of displayed images, the system causes input image data to be subjected to a tone correction process and a halftoning process according to display characteristics of the terminal. Image processing packages are provided in both the server and the terminal. The system selectively uses these image processing packages according to their processing capacities. The server determines execution or non-execution of image processing according to the type of the terminal. When any image processing is carried out in the server, a control signal representing execution of the image processing is mapped to the processed image data and transmitted to the terminal.

Abstract: A method and telephone apparatus that detects an incoming telephone call and determines if the telephone number of the call's originator has previously been stored in the memory of the telephone is provided. If the originator's telephone number has not been previously stored, it is stored into the memory of the telephone. In addition, if an alphanumeric identifier associated with the originator's telephone number was received with the originator's telephone number, it is also stored into memory. If the alphanumeric identifier was not received, the telephone automatically initiates a call to a remote computer and transmits the telephone number of the originator to the remote computer. The computer assigns an alphanumeric identifier to the telephone number and transmits the alphanumeric identifier back to the telephone which stores the alphanumeric identifier in the telephone memory in association with the telephone number.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) are provided permitting cookie files to be used with telephonic customer premises equipment (CPE) (12). The caller CPE (12) can be an intelligent telephone adapted to generate, store, transmit and receive cookie files. The cookie files can include information tokens describing a caller profile. The CPE (12) can provide a template cookie file upon request from a called party during a conversation between the caller and called party. The template file can then be transmitted to the called party and modified. The modified cookie file can then be returned to the caller CPE (12) for future use during subsequent calls to the called party. The cookie file can reduce the processing time of calls placed to automated dial-up service centers and also reduces its computer resources required by the service system.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for recording a wireless telephone call upon demand comprising the steps of initiating a telephone call from a telephone device with at least one receiving party, and establishing a third-party connection with a central archive to facilitate recordation of the content of the telephone call by the central archive by performing at least one of the steps of depressing a dedicated function key on the telephone device, selecting an appropriate option from a menu displayed on the telephone device, entering a code on the telephone device represented by a sequence of keystrokes, and uttering a recognized voice command.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) are provided permitting cookie files to be used with telephonic customer premises equipment (CPE) (12). The caller CPE (12) can be an intelligent telephone adapted to generate, store, transmit and receive cookie files. The cookie files can include information tokens describing a caller profile. The CPE (12) can provide a template cookie file upon request from a called party during a conversation between the caller and called party. The template file can then be transmitted to the called party and modified. The modified cookie file can then be returned to the caller CPE (12) for future use during subsequent calls to the called party. The cookie file can reduce the processing time of calls placed to automated dial-up service centers and also reduces its computer resources required by the service system.

Abstract: The parties (12, 14) to a telephone call can exchange multimedia information by sending each other a URL that identifies the party's information. Each party may communicate its URL to the other party in the form of a caller identification message for receipt by the other party on a caller identification device (18) connected to computer (20). Upon receipt of the URL, the computer will access the Internet to retrieve the multimedia information corresponding to the URL. Rather than communicate its URL in the form of a caller identification message, each party may communicate its URL to the other in a call set-up signaling message in connection with an Internet Protocol telephone call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically updating a group of databases when new information is entered into any one of the databases in the group is disclosed. When a first database is updated with new information, a phone call, page or email is sent to the other databases. The updated database sends the new information to the other databases via the phone call, page or email, and the new information is stored in each database. In this manner, the information contained in each associated database will be kept current and accurate without requiring manual re-entry of the new information into each separate database.

Abstract: A telecommunication system and method are disclosed for employing a directory service or voicemail retrieval service over a telecommunication network. The telecommunication system includes a telecommunication device having a display for viewing textual information, the telecommunication device being connected to a digital subscriber line (DSL) telephone network. A database application includes directory information, and the database application is remotely disposed relative to the telecommunication device. A mechanism is coupled to the telecommunication device such that when the mechanism is activated, a user is provided with access, through the DSL network, to directory information on the data base application. The directory information is provided to the display of the telecommunication device in response to user entered information.

Abstract: In the inventive video telephony method a server of a selected service provider controls transmission of regular video information and voice information between terminals of a caller and a called subscriber during a video telephone call. The server issues a request to the caller to carry out an interactive action during a predetermined time period measured by a timer. If and only if the caller performs the interactive action during the predetermined time period as measured by the timer, additional video information is transmitted to the terminal of the caller from the server and displayed. A fee of the caller may optionally be reduced or increased depending on whether or not the interactive action is performed during the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) are provided permitting cookie files to be used with telephonic customer premises equipment (CPE) (12). The caller CPE (12) can be an intelligent telephone adapted to generate, store, transmit and receive cookie files. The cookie files can include information tokens describing a caller profile. The CPE (12) can provide a template cookie file upon request from a called party during a conversation between the caller and called party. The template file can then be transmitted to the called party and modified. The modified cookie file can then be returned to the caller CPE (12) for future use during subsequent calls to the called party. The cookie file can reduce the processing time of calls placed to automated dial-up service centers and also reduces its computer resources required by the service system.

Abstract: A telephone service method and apparatus for providing a business advertisement to a caller of a telephone, comprising receiving a request for line connection from a phone of a caller, determining an identifier of the phone of a called party for which line connection is requested, judging whether the identifier of the called party is registered in a management table linking called party identifiers and business advertisements, and, when judging that the identifier of the called party is registered, sending a business advertisement linked with that identifier from business advertisements stored in a content database to the phone of the caller.

Abstract: A photographing terminal device, an image processing server, a photographing method, and an image processing method are provided that make it possible to take pictures practically in unlimited number of frames without depending on memory devices provided in cameras and to simultaneously record additional information at the time of photographing. The photographing terminal device comprises a photographing section 114 for taking images of an object and producing image data, a transmitter 110 for sending the produced image data to a remote server in real time, and an additional information producing devices 111, 115 for producing additional data related to additional information in addition to the produced image data, and is adapted to send the image data together with the additional data to the remote server.

Abstract: An audio information delivery system collects electronic data via Internet or other conveyance, and responsive to customer inquiries, selectively retrieves data from local stores in areas of interest to the inquiring customers, formats the data, and transmits the data in audio form to the customers via their telephones. Initially, an information delivery agency makes advance arrangements with remotely located content providers to repeatedly obtain information of prescribed character. Agency computers continually gather digitally stored audio and text information from the predefined content providers and assemble the gathered information into a universal database. Separately, the agency enrolls a number of individual customers, which includes obtaining each customer's preferences regarding information content and playback order.

Abstract: A system for electronic correction and notification of discrepancies relating to automatic location identification information in a telephone environment comprising an initiating means for an operator to engage the system; a correction entry means for entering corrected information; and a dissemination means for disseminating the corrected information to recipients. The initiating means is connected with the telephone environment at an operator location having access to stored location identification information. The correction entry means is connected with the initiating means and includes an information entry means. The correction entry means responds to an initiation signal from the initiation means to receive correction information from the information entry means. The correction information is applied to update the stored location information at the operator location.

Abstract: A call path display telephone system includes an establishment telephone and a user telephone. The establishment telephone includes a memory, communication module and controller. The user telephone includes a memory, microphone, speaker, keypad, communication module, controller, and a visual input/output module. The desired menu options for a call path are visually displayed to a user to allow the user to more rapidly and efficiently navigate through the call path menu. Unlike prior-art voice based systems, it is not necessary to sequentially listen to all available options; they can be rapidly viewed visually and selected as desired.

Abstract: A second set of information that is detailed information is printed as an optically readable coded image near a visually readable first set of information that is basic information. As the coded image is read by an access device, the second set of information is restored and output in a perceptible form. The coded image is made to additionally contain output control information for outputting information necessary for inputting instructions for causing the access device to operate for accessing an external information resource providing site, obtaining a third set of information that is updating information and outputting the third set of information in a perceivable format, when the second set of information restored by the access device is output. The person who wants to acquire information can acquire the third set of information on an on line basis by utilizing the information necessary for inputting instructions for the operation.

Abstract: A telephone directory system includes an interface adapted for connecting to a subscriber line of a telephone network (e.g., a local loop.) A dialing signal decoder receives a dialing signal from the interface to provide dialed number information such as DTMF signaling generated by a telephone used to initiate an outgoing call. For incoming calls, a calling number identification decoder (e.g., caller-ID or ANI device) receives a calling number signal from the interface to provide calling number information. A controller processes the dialed and calling number information and, in response, issues a query to a remote database for information associated with at least one of the dialed and calling number information. A memory may be used to store a directory including the dialed and calling number information together with any associated information such as the names of the called and/or called parties associated with the stored telephone numbers.

Abstract: An Internet server allows a cellular telephone to acquire a short messaging service (SMS) address for an Internet station. A user of the cellular telephone generates a preliminary message including an Internet e-mail address for the Internet station. The preliminary message is sent to the Internet server using the SMS. The Internet server generates a reply message having the Internet station e-mail address in a sender address field. The reply message, when sent to the cellular telephone, prompts the Internet gateway to supply the SMS address for the Internet station to the cellular telephone. Further, the Internet server processes an initial message from the cellular telephone to at least one Internet station. The initial message includes a communication for an Internet station, a first line of the communication including the Internet e-mail address for the Internet station.