Abstract: A system and method for conducting a conference between a plurality of geographically-dispersed participants, with simultaneous interpretation in a plurality of languages, wherein the method comprises establishing an audio bridge for each of the languages, connecting through a network each participant of a plurality of participants to an appropriate one of the bridges based upon a preferred language of the respective participant, and connecting an interpreter to a first one of the bridges and a second one of the bridges, wherein the interpreter simultaneously listens to a speaking one of the participants through the first one of the bridges and speaks a translation into the second one of the bridges, and wherein the audio connections within the system are configured automatically according to the language being spoken and the abilities of the interpreters. Order is maintained by allowing a participant to make a request to speak, and by granting said requests in turn.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is disclosed herein. The wireless communication system may include transmitter units and a receiver. In one embodiment, each transmitter has an address and logic programmed to perform the steps of receiving a user selection and, responsive to the receiving, repeatedly transmitting a wireless selection signal until a wireless acknowledgment signal is received. The wireless selection signal may include the address and the user selection. The receiver may include means to receive a wireless selection signal and logic programmed to transmit a wireless acknowledgment signal in response to the receipt of each wireless selection signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods of setting up a push-to-talk call are provided. When a push-to-talk server receives a request for a push-to-talk call from an originating mobile station, the server sends a push-to-talk call notification to a destination mobile station identified in the request and starts a timer. Upon expiration of the timer the server determines whether the originating mobile station has a traffic channel for the push-to-talk call.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a user to efficiently manage communications. A system for allowing a user having a unique identity is provided, wherein the unique identity is associated with a plurality of electronic devices. The system includes a service for assigning a reference to a user's unique identity, wherein other identities can access the user's unique identity only by using the reference. The system additionally includes permission controls for allowing the user to control access to the unique identity by restricting authorization to a selected set of other identities. Groups of individuals may receive different levels of authorization such that some individuals may be authorized to make live contact and others may be required to leave a message. Preference controls allow the system user to select at least one associated device from a plurality of associated devices for receiving communication upon an access attempt by an authorized user.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for implementing the conference service is disclosed. The method includes: a conference initiator sends a conference operation message that carries conference information which includes conference initiator information and information of at least one conference participant, or includes information of more than one conference participant; adds more than one user terminal denoted by the conference information to the conference. With the present invention, only one operation is needed to set up a conference. The implementation of conference service is greatly simplified.

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. The system may initially query the callees through a prerecorded voice messaging system to determine which callees are present, and then establish a telephone connection based on responses to the queries. Once a connection is established, the user and the members of the list are linked to a conference bridge.

Abstract: Methods and systems for voting in a teleconference through the use of a telecommunication device are disclosed. The telecommunication device receives a digital vote request signal and transmits a digital vote signal from the user. A teleconference system is disclosed that enables a user to determine which participant is entitled to vote and solicits a vote from those participants through a digital signal communicated to a telecommunication device The teleconference system tallies the and reports the vote to all participants.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for controlling components associated with a room using a mobile phone. A gateway is configured to receive a command from a mobile phone. Upon receiving the command, the gateway determines whether the command is a room command or a presentation command. If the command is a room command, the gateway causes the room component to respond to the room component. If the command received is a presentation command, the gateway causes the presentation component to respond to the presentation command. A user may input commands to the mobile phone by making gestures with or on a screen of the mobile phone, by utilizing phone keys of the mobile phone, or by interacting with user interface controls displayed on the mobile phone.

Abstract: A method for providing a dynamic bridge service is provided. The method comprises provisioning a dynamic bridge service associated with at least a first private number and a second private number. The method also comprises receiving an origination attempt from an electronic device associated with a third private number to establish a call to an electronic device associated with the first private number, requesting the bridge to be opened in response to receiving the origination attempt, and connecting the electronic device associated with the third private number to the bridge.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing location-based information and functionality to people and computing devices in various ways. In at least some situations, the techniques include enabling multiple people in a common geographic area to interact in various ways, such as via devices capable of communications (e.g., cellular telephones, computing devices with wired and/or wireless communications capabilities, etc.). In addition, the techniques include enabling the creation and maintenance of location-based virtual groups of users (also referred to as “clouds”), such as for users of mobile and/or fixed-location devices. Such clouds may enable various types of interactions between group members, and may be temporary and/or mobile.

Abstract: A handheld device is configured to communicate with a base unit in an audience response system having a multiplicity of handheld devices that are like in kind and perform a same function. The handheld device includes a transceiver, a user interface configured to receive a user response, a unique address identifying the handheld device, and signal generating logic configured to generate a radio frequency signal encoding the user response and the unique address. The handheld device further includes transmission logic configured to instruct the transceiver to repeatedly transmit the radio frequency signal upon receipt of the user response, without receiving a signal from the base unit to initiate transmission, until a termination event occurs. The termination event consists of one of a receipt of an acknowledgment signal from the base unit and an expiration of a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Conferencing between two-way radio devices and telephone devices is achieved using a conference server that has a radio interface coupled to a radio network including one or more two-way radio devices and a telephone interface coupled to a telephone network including one or more telephone devices. A conference room within the conference server manages a conference call between the two-way radio devices and telephone devices by receiving voice streams originated by the two-way radio devices and telephone devices during the conference call and transmitting the received voice streams originated by the two-way radio devices and telephone devices to the remaining devices involved in the conference call.

Abstract: Multimedia communications with cross-layer optimization in multimedia communications with different user terminals. Various optimization for the delivery of multimedia content across different channels are provided concurrently to a plurality of user terminals.

Abstract: A telecommunication conference device, system and method for enhancing participation within a conference call. The present application relates to telecommunications, and more particularly, to a conference phone capable of being connected with wireless devices such that they can be used as microphone extensions. In one embodiment, the conference phone can include a wireless interface and a microphone. The conference phone can connect with one or more wireless devices through the wireless interface. The conference phone can receive audio from the one or more wireless devices and at the same time, can receive audio from the microphone on the conference phone. The audio received by the conference phone, through the one or more wireless devices and the microphone, can be combined into a single audio stream using an audio mixer. The teleconference phone can remove echoing effects that are within the audio stream and then transmit the audio over a telephone network.

Abstract: A hosted system receives a request for the delivery of a voice message from a collective such as a school district. The hosted system determines whether the message should be sent over a telephone line at the hosted system or the school district. Instructions are sent to a delivery mechanism at the determined location indicating how to prepare the message and the number to be called. In one embodiment, the instructions are in XML script form to reduce the bandwidth required. Having the hosted system determine the allocation of messages allows for both the efficient use and lower calling cost of any available capacity on telephone lines at a school district or other collective organization, as well as the larger capacity access to telephone lines of a hosted service for quick delivery of numerous or urgent messages.

Abstract: A method of using an intercom on a cordless telephone during an active call. The active call is put on hold while the intercom is in use. Once the call is re-activated, the intercom is shut off. This system may be designed for a cordless telephone with one handset or a plurality of handsets.

Abstract: An audio conferencing method is disclosed in which the geographic location of the participants is used as a basis to adaptively mix audio signals. In particular, if two or more participants are at the same location, the audio signals are mixed such that the participants at the same location do not receive audio signals originating from their telephones. Rather, they only receive audio signals from other participants who are not at their location. An override feature is also described by which a participant can opt-out and receive audio signals from participants at its location. The determination of location continues periodically during the conference. The methods are particularly suitable where multiple participants are using wireless telephones and hence are mobile. The location information can be obtained from a position determination entity of a wireless service provider network.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing call setup latency are disclosed. In one aspect, a channel assignment message is sent with a flag to direct the use of previously negotiated service parameters. This aspect eliminates the need for service negotiation messages. In another aspect, a channel assignment message is sent with an active set identifier instead of an active set and its parameters. This aspect reduces the transmission time of the channel assignment message. In yet another aspect, call setup without paging is facilitated by a mobile station (106) sending a pilot strength measurement message between active communication sessions, such that a channel assignment message can be used for mobile station terminated call setup without the need for mobile station paging and related messages.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for notification regarding communications. An incoming communication for a user of a primary device is received. An auxiliary device is provided for the primary device. Filter criteria for the auxiliary device is provided. A determination is made as to whether information regarding the incoming communication is sent to the auxiliary device in accordance with the filter criteria.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for enabling text messages to be sent from a computer to a mobile device, and for a reply text message to be sent from the mobile device to the computer. An outgoing text message, including a reply telephone number, is sent from a source computer to a destination mobile device. The reply number that is sent is chosen on the basis of regions (either geographic or regions associated with particular mobile communications providers) with the reply number being “leased” for use with a particular outgoing message. A protocol exists for choosing an alternate reply number if the first choice is not available. Means are then also provided for forwarding a reply message received by receiving means associated with a reply number to the source computer.

Abstract: A radio communication system includes a plurality of Bluetooth radio devices. Each device has a microphone, an audio output, such as a loudspeaker, and a short range radio transceiver capable of communicating digital data with a plurality of compatible neighboring radio devices. Each radio device is configured to receive outgoing audio data from a first neighboring radio device, to mix an input audio signal received at the microphone with the received outgoing audio data, and to transmit the combined audio data to a second neighboring radio device. Each radio device is further configured to receive incoming audio data from the second radio device, to output an output audio signal corresponding to the received incoming audio data to the audio output, and to re-transmit the received incoming audio data to the first radio device. The radio devices form a communication chain, and each radio device is in communication with a maximum of one first radio device and one second radio device.

Abstract: A communication apparatus is provided. A first subscriber identity card camps on a first cell belonging to a first wireless network capable of providing a conference communication service for the first subscriber identity card with at most N peer communication entities via a first radio transceiver module. A second subscriber identity card camps on a second cell belonging to a second wireless network via a second radio transceiver module. A processor builds a conference communication for the first subscriber identity card with at most (N?1) peer communication entities via the first cell, receives an add request to add a new peer communication entity to the conference communication, adds the second subscriber identity card to the conference communication via the first cell, and adds the new peer communication entity to the conference communication via the second cell.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in a push to talk or conferencing type service involving a terminal and a controller, comprising, in response to the controller deciding to grant a talk request received from the terminal, sending to the terminal an indication of an allowed talk time for a granted talk burst, the indication being for use at the terminal to monitor the remaining allowed talk time during the granted talk burst. There is also provided a method for use in a push to talk or conferencing type service involving a terminal and a controller, comprising, in response to the controller deciding to grant a talk request received from the terminal, monitoring the remaining allowed talk time at the controller using an allowed talk timer and starting the allowed talk timer at the controller in response to receipt of talk burst data from the terminal.

Abstract: A multicast call processing unit receives a request from a requester, determines if the request is associated with a multicast function, identifies a plurality of destinations defined by the multicast function and establishes communication link between the requester and the plurality of destinations. In one embodiment, the call processing unit authenticates the plurality of destinations before establishing a communication link between them and the requester. If the request from the requester is not associated with the multicast function, then the call processing unit establishes a communication link between the requester and a single destination. In another embodiment, a supervisor manages the plurality of destinations.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for real to virtual communications. A request from a mobile device associated with a first participant of a virtual environment is received to communicate with an avatar associated with the virtual environment. A data store is referenced to identify a second participant of the virtual environment that is associated with the avatar. Whether the second participant is participating in the virtual environment is determined. A computer is communicated with in response to determining that the second participant is participating in the virtual environment, wherein the computer is associated with the second participant at least for participating in the virtual environment.

Abstract: A method and system for delegation of service procurement by a temporary agent. In one embodiment, in response to an event, a first entity is automatically identified to adjust travel or meeting plans pre-established for one or more group members. The identified first entity adjusts the pre-established travel or meeting plans for one or more members, and notifies one or more group members of the adjustment to the pre-established travel or meeting plans. In one embodiment, the identified first entity is at least one of the one or more group members, not one of the one or more group members, or a software agent. In one embodiment, in response to an unavailability of the first entity, a predetermined alternative first entity is identified to adjust the pre-established travel or meeting plans. In one embodiment, in response to receiving a decline from one or more group members, the one or more group members are presented with one or more second travel or meeting adjustments.

Abstract: A mobile communications device for connecting to a conference call hosted by an audio conference service. After receiving a meeting invitation and storing information relating thereto, the mobile communications device dials a first sequence contained in a first link to connect to the audio conference service and, subsequent to dialing the first sequence, dials a second sequence contained in a second link associated with the first link to connect to the conference call.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for seamless enterprise and consumer mobility with multiple numbers are described. The techniques provide simultaneous ringing on a mobile communication device and manage network connections between the mobile communication device and at least two networks. The simultaneous rings are to at least one of a primary number associated with a mobile communication device and one or more identified numbers associated with the primary number. The simultaneous rings are based on a presence and/or physical location of the mobile communication device. The multiple numbers may have associated distinctive ring functions or tones. When the mobile communication device is proximate to the first network, a first detection signal is generated. A first presence signal indicates whether the condition of the connection permits an ongoing communication on the first network. The communication is handed over to a second network when the connection does not permit continuing on the first network.

Abstract: A method of providing a cordless extension system for a plurality of communication devices in a defined environment, the method comprising the steps of: detecting that a first communication device of the plurality of communication devices is placing a call in the defined environment (205); in response to detecting, automatically creating a conference bridge involving all of the plurality of communication devices, wherein the first communication device is placed in an active mode, and wherein a second communication device of the plurality of communication devices that is on-hook is placed in a dormant mode (210). The invention proposes to include a Call Agent (CA) (600) that is configured to provide a cordless extension for the plurality of communication devices in a defined environment.

Abstract: A method for estimating the speed and bearing of a Wi-Fi enabled device using WLAN radio signals in a WLAN based location service is provided. A method used to estimate a speed of travel of a Wi-Fi enabled device comprises the Wi-Fi enabled device receiving signals transmitted by Wi-Fi access points in range of the Wi-Fi enabled device, and using the signals to estimate the speed of and/or direction of travel of the Wi-Fi enabled device.

Abstract: A method, user equipment, and computer program product are disclosed for accepting a plurality of media streams at a first user equipment, and then sending a session initiation protocol refer request to a recipient. The request specifies a second user equipment, and the request also indicates a subset of those media streams which the recipient is requested to offer to the second user equipment. There can be at least two media streams of the same media type, out of which some media stream(s) are to be offered to the second user equipment and the other media stream(s) are not to be offered to the second user equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for creating an ad-hoc conference station from speakers on a plurality of mobile communication devices. The ad-hoc conference station can cancel the echo of any incoming audio for all of the communication devices. This feature may be achieved by employing a master/slave configuration for the communication devices within a common area.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for establishing a group call among a plurality of communication devices. The method includes initiating a group call among at least some of the plurality of communication devices, wherein each communication device uses a unicast communication link to participate in the group call. The method further includes computing one or more broadcast or multicast parameters during the group call, identifying a subset of communication devices based on the broadcast or multicast parameters, and switching the identified subset of communications devices to a broadcast or multicast communication link during the group call.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for providing presence and availability status information of a first user to a second user. The system includes a presence availability server for storing presence and availability status information of the first user. The presence availability server is configured to detect a change in the presence and availability status of the first user. The presence availability server also informs a notification server of a change in the presence and availability status of the first user. The notification server sends a notification message to a communication device of the second user. The notification message contains current presence and availability status information of the first user. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A group communication method in which a communication terminal not participating in the group communication can newly participate in the group communication even while the group communication is being carried out is realized.

Abstract: Communications involving mobile communication devices and an intermediate compute of a trusted third party host such that people can communicate with each other through the intermediate computer while not disclosing their phone numbers and/or other contact information to each other. Users register with the intermediate computer using a first form of communication that may involve non-voice communications such as text messages. After registration, users may communicate with each other through the intermediate computer using the same or different form of communication. For example, after registering with the intermediate computer via text messages, users may communicate with each other through a voice connection established through the intermediate computer.

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

Abstract: A mobile device, system, and method are directed towards enabling a user, virtually on the fly, to invite another user to participate in an on-line conferencing session, by providing a link that automatically enables the other user to participate in the conferencing session. In one embodiment, the conferencing session is a text messaging conference session, such as one that might employ instant messaging, or the like. In one embodiment, a user may request a conferencing session to be established, by sending a request to a server device. The request may, include an identifier of an invitee with whom the first user wishes to communicate. The server determines a unique link for the invitee and session, and sends the invitee an invite message with their unique link. Selecting the unique link enables the invitee to automatically access and to participate in the conferencing session with the first user.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining data during a multi-way call involving at least a vehicle telematics unit, call center, and third party such as a public safety answering point (PSAP). While connected together in at least a three-way voice call, the connection from the telematics unit is switched out of the call and connected to a data modem to receive vehicle data uploaded from the telematics unit. This can be used to provide vehicle location and other vehicle information such as current vehicle conditions and operational state. Thereafter, the telematics unit connection is switched back into the multi-way call to permit continued voice communications between the parties. The uploaded vehicle data can then be used by the call center or PSAP to provide emergency or other assistance.

Abstract: Methods and devices for set-up of a call in an intelligent network (300) comprising a switching entity (SE-31,SE10,SSF) and a control entity (CE-31,CE10,SCP) are described. The call is subjected to a control by the control entity (CE-31,CE10,SCP) and the control entity (CE-31,CE10,SCP) is adapted to perform the steps of obtaining (S510) information indicating a status of a bearer for the call, determining (S520) a bearer establishment procedure for the call by analyzing the obtained information indicating the status of the bearer and at least one requirement related to the call, and sending (S530) an instruction to the switching entity (SE-31,SE10,SSF) to initiate an establishment of the bearer for the call according to the determined bearer establishment procedure.

Abstract: A group call conferencing system and method is disclosed wherein a call to a Virtual Home Phone (VHP) number is processed by a Virtual Home Phone Session Control Function (VHPSCF) to ring all family or group member mobile phones. Any family member can answer the call through a conference bridge set up by the VHPSCF and other family members can participate in the call before the call ends by connecting to the conference bridge.

Abstract: A conferencing system provides the scheduling of virtual meetings with meeting lobbies so that a meeting presenter can conduct a virtual meeting without the need to send out invitations to attendees. A person that wants to conduct a virtual meeting can schedule with the conferencing system a meeting with a meeting lobby. The meeting lobby has an address, but there is no associated privileged information, such as a meeting password. Would-be meeting attendees use the meeting lobby address to enter the meeting lobby as visitors in the lobby, and request to enter the meeting from the meeting lobby. A meeting presenter can then either grant authorization for a visitor in the meeting lobby to enter the meeting, or deny authorization for a visitor in the meeting lobby to enter the meeting. If a visitor in the meeting lobby is denied authorization to enter the meeting from the meeting lobby, the conferencing system removes the visitor from the meeting lobby.

Abstract: A system effective to generate information relating to a telephone call. The system comprises a mobile calling telephone, a called telephone, a memory, and a first processor in communication with the memory. The first processor is effective to receive a request from the calling mobile telephone to establish a telephone call with a called telephone. The first processor is further effective to establish a first telephone call between the first processor and the calling mobile telephone over a cellular network and establish a second telephone call between the first processor and the called telephone. The first processor is effective to bridge the first and second telephone calls through the first processor to produce a third telephone call; generate information relating to the third telephone call by the first processor; and send the information over a network to a second processor.

Abstract: A mobile or in-vehicle communication system and method facilitate communication among groups. The system and method also facilitate the creation of such groups. The system and method may convert speech from one member of the group to text for distribution to other members of the group, for whom the text is converted to audible speech.

Abstract: A mobile device, method, and machine instructions for mobile device communication are provided. The mobile device includes a voice call continuity status checker to determine a voice call continuity status and use the voice call continuity status to determine whether to initiate voice call continuity related activities. The method includes determining a voice call continuity status and using the voice call continuity status to determine whether to initiate voice call continuity related activities. When executed, the machine instructions perform a method that includes determining a voice call continuity status and using the voice call continuity status for voice call continuity related activities.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses methods and systems for subscribers in a multi-party conversation to obtain the right to speak efficiently and fairly.

Abstract: A service authorizer system for pushing and pulling data service authorization requests to wireless terminals is disclosed herein. The wireless terminal or a service authorization server may generate requests for authorization. The wireless terminal may generate a request for authorization that is sent to the service authorization server, which generates a multi-modal response and transmits the multi-modal response to the user. The service authorization server may also generate a multi-modal request for authorization that is sent to the wireless terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are teleconferencing devices having remote access monitoring and control functions, and network systems and methods including and using the same. Also disclosed herein are methods for interacting with teleconferencing devices over an HTTP or other network service utilizing a persistent network connection and systems which implement the methods. Also disclosed are systems that permit clients to select which types of information to be updated in real-time to conserve bandwidth. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing call setup latency for geographically dense groups including updating client location information using at least one application server while the client moves from one sector to another to provide a location update; identifying and updating parameters including location update information uniquely identifying a sector from which a client is receiving communication service; and determining at least one geographically dense call group; and choosing at least one designated responder to the at least call group. A client per cluster is selected as a designated responder for that cluster and when the server needs to set up a geographically dense group call, a random number is included corresponding to the designated responder for that group in a call setup message.

Abstract: The present invention is a desktop speakerphone having a base-station and a detachable microphone pod. The base-station includes standard telephone components, as well as a wireless receiver and a housing for a detachable microphone pod. The detachable pod contains at least one microphone and a wireless transmitter. When the pod is attached to the base-station, and the conference mode of operation is activated, the pod microphone's audio signal goes directly to base-station audio circuitry via a wired connection. When the pod is detached and the conference mode activated, the pod microphone's audio signal now goes via the pod's wireless transmitter to the base-station's wireless receiver. This detached, wireless mode allows the microphone to be positioned anywhere in the room, thereby improving the quality of transmitted speech by increasing the speech-signal-to-room-noise ratio, and lessening the potential for room echo by reducing the acoustic coupling between base-station loudspeaker and pod microphone.