290results about "Hybrid systems" patented technology

A wireless instant messaging system is disclosed. A mobile station (MS), such as a cellular telephone for instance, may be registered with an instant messaging (IM) server as being available to receive instant messages via an IM proxy. A user at an IM client terminal may then send an instant message destined for a user at the MS. The IM server may direct the message to a service node (SN), which may convert the message into an industry standard SMS message and send the SMS message to the MS. At the MS, a user may read the SMS message and engage a callback feature, which will establish a dial-up voice connection between the MS and the SN. The user at the MS may then speak an instant message response, and the SN may record the response as a compressed audio file. The SN may then send the compressed audio file as an attachment to an instant message back to the user at the IM client terminal. The IM client terminal may then play the spoken response message. The invention facilitates robust instant messaging communication, while avoiding the need for a user at the mobile station to engage in cumbersome text entry via a numeric keypad.

A mechanism for providing a connection from an IP-based network to a circuit-switched network, such as a GSM network is disclosed. A temporary routing number for the circuit-switched network, such as an E.164 number, is delivered to a user terminal, and a circuit-switched call leg is established from the user terminal to the IP-based network using the routing number. Thereby, IMS-services are provided for end users which are located in the radio access network not having sufficient QoS required for voice over IP. In the example of a conference call service, a request for a conference call may forwarded via a data channel or data path to an application server which provides that conference call service. The application server then selects a conference routing number and returns the routing number to the conference host terminal via the data channel. Using the received conference routing number, the conference host terminal can then set up a circuit-switched connection as a call leg of the conference call.

A collaboration services suite is adapted to support a plurality of integrated telecommunications services accessed by geographically dispersed team members using a virtual team environment (VTE) client that generates a graphical user interface (GUI) for each of the respective team members. Communications sessions are automatically set up by the collaboration services suite in response to request messages generated by the VTE client when a team member initiates a communications session request using the GUI. Team members require no knowledge of another team member's communications device address in order to initiate a communications session. The collaboration services suite includes a VTE server that communicates with the VTE clients, a presence engine that collects and maintains a status of communications devices specified in a current profile of the team member; and, a call server for handling setup and control of a voice component of each communications session completed.

The present invention relates to an improved order fulfillment system. The system is provided with improved data entry system for selecting items for purchase by a customer, and an improved item collection terminal and order delivery system. The portable terminal to be used for collecting of items is provided with an audio as well as video presentation means which are used to provide assistance to the to terminal user.

A wireless system and method for implementing call controls (such as parental controls) for wireless telephones via a call-intercept platform (including a soft switch and / or an SS7 interconnection node, and SQL database), and a conventional mobile phone that makes and receives all outgoing calls through the call intercept platform. The call intercept platform includes secure web server to provide a secure website point of entry for allowing parents to specify a ruleset of parental controls that is stored in the SQL database. Every outgoing call from the mobile phone is routed into the call-intercept platform, which logs the call, crosschecks the mobile phone and outgoing call number against the stored ruleset for that phone / user, and selectively screens te calls. Incoming calls are automatically forwarded from the wireless carrier to the call intercept platform and are logged, cross-checked and selectively screened. The secure web portal allows parents and guardians or other individuals who desire to self-limit call usage to thoroughly manage their dependent's or their own phone, inclusive of viewing calls, activating and deactivating controls, customizing controls, as well as purchasing prepaid minutes and managing their accounts.

The present invention sets forth computer-readable non-transitory medium having computer-executable instructions for providing network-centric service distribution method that integrates a wireless access system / service with conventional telecommunications services in the residence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of a local broadband network, such as a Residential-Business Broadband Network (RBN). The RBN communicates with the service provider's broadband transport network and broadband packet network to facilitate end-to-end packet telecommunication services. Signals from a plurality of wireless devices are accepted and forwarded to an IEEE 802.11b interface for a wireless modem and / or to an Ethernet interface for a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) / Ethernet Processor, where the forwarded signals comprise intranet telephony and data.

A system for controlling wireless phone usage enables a supervisor to establish user profiles for supervised users of wireless phones across a range of parameters, which are stored in a user profile database. Such parameters can include one or more locations, at which use of the wireless phone is restricted or permitted. In addition, restrictions on phone use, such as cumulative usage time, number of messages or number of bytes, can be provided based upon total phone usage within a specified control period, time periods, dates or days of the week during which phone use is restricted or permitted. One or more lists including numbers or other identifiers that are always-accessible can be provided, and one or more lists including numbers or other identifiers that are never-accessible can also be provided. In the event a call, message or browse does not satisfy predefined criteria, the communication attempt is blocked. Predetermined messages can be played or displayed to the called or calling party, as applicable, when a communication attempt is blocked. Boolean combinations of restrictions and permissive use criteria for the wireless phone can be specified to provide for flexibility when establishing use criteria for the wireless phone.

The present invention sets forth a network-centric service distribution architecture and method that integrates a wireless access system / service in the residence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of a local broadband network, such as a Residential-Business Broadband Network (RBN), to the service provider's broadband transport network and to a service provider's broadband packet network that facilitates end-to-end packet telecommunication services. Access functions for connecting said service provider's broadband packet network to the RBN via said service provider's broadband transport network are provided. Call and service termination functions to a plurality of local RBN devices are also provided. Signals from a plurality of wireless devices are accepted and forwarded to an IEEE 802.11b interface for a wireless modem and / or to an Ethernet interface for a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) / Ethernet Processor, where the forwarded signals comprise intranet telephony and data. Voice signals are also accepted from a plurality of tip / ring interfaces and forwarded to a broadband transport interface for back haul of data and voice packets. A service provider can deploy services in an integrated voice, data and multimedia environment cost-effectively based on one broadband packet network.

The present invention provides for a personal message system comprised of a plurality of interfaces configured to interface with a plurality of subscribers communication devices using a plurality of formats. A group services module is provided configured to maintain communications among groups of the subscribers. A platform conversion module is also provided and is coupled to the plurality of interfaces and the group services modules configured to connect each of the plurality of subscribers within a group, regardless of the communication protocols used by the subscribers.

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Unified Messaging System (UMS) having a Session Border Controller (SBC) to receive a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (SIP URI), detect from a host portion of the SIP URI that the SIP URI is associated with a failover communication session, update a user portion of the SIP URI to indicate a failure disposition, and route the updated SIP URI to a call agent of the UMS. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

A multi-network exchange system has a first type network (PSTN) and a second type network (Internet) and a multi-network exchange bridge in communication with the first and second type networks for the transfer of electronic information signals (telephone calls) between the first and second type networks. The multi-network exchange bridge apparatus facilitates transfer of electronic information signals to a portable access device or a gateway portal in communication with a node of one of second type networks from the first network. The multi-network exchange bridge has at least one multi-network instantiation device that enables the portable access device to function as a remote extension of the multi-network exchange bridge. A fixed address translation device provides conversion of a first address fixedly describing a node of the first type network to a second address or third address virtually describing nodes of the second type network

Disclosed are systems and methods which provide a centralized architecture for call processing. Embodiments utilize voice over Internet protocols (VoIP) to carry calls from a location at which calling services are provided to a centralized call processing platform providing call processing functionality, such as calling party identification, call validation, call routing, and connection to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Call processing gateways may be utilized to provide plain old telephone service (POTS) analog line interfaces for use with a plurality of telephone sets disposed for use at a location and at least one wide area network (WAN) interface for providing high speed data communication to a centralized call processing platform. PSTN interfacing by a call processing platform may be provided as a VoIP connection to the PSTN and / or as POTS trunking. Call processing platforms may provide for data sharing, aggregation, and / or analysis across multiple facilities served.

The invention provides a telecommunication system that allows communication between a circuit-based wireless telephony network and a packet-based Internet telephony network without requiring access to the Public Switched Telephone Network. The system includes a circuit-based wireless telephony network providing wireless access to the system, a packet-based Internet telephony network providing Internet telephony access to the system, and a base station gateway controller for providing an interface between the wireless telephony network and the Internet telephony network. The invention further provides methods for facilitating communication between a first device, the first device being a packet-based Internet telephony network based device, and a second device, the second device being a circuit-based wireless telephony network based device, by facilitating connection of a call from the first device to the second device, without requiring access to the public switched telephone network.

A soft switch 134 providing wireless PBX voice services to a local area network (WLAN) is used to extend PBX functionality to the cellular domain. A dual mode remote unit is capable of receiving signals both in the cellular system as well as the WLAN. The cellular system is comprised of a data-bearing path and a voice-bearing path. When the dual mode remote unit is within the WLAN, it communicates both voice over IP (VoIP) signaling as well as session initiation protocol (SIP) control signaling over the WLAN. When the remote unit is outside the WLAN, it communicates voice signaling over the voice-bearing path of the cellular network using a standard cellular voice channel. In parallel, it uses the data-bearing path of the cellular network to transmit SIP control signaling.

The present invention allows Internet instant messaging to be accessed via a telephone. Instant messaging access from any telephone in the world may be provided via a telephone messaging system. Alternatively, access can be embodied independently as a stand-alone telephone service, for example provided by a telephone company, provided by a company network, or provided by a user's personal IVR service implemented on his PC. An advantage of the present invention is providing simple, cost effective and readily available access to data network instant messaging from a telephone.

A system and method are provided for controlling execution of a call back to a called party, comprising determining availability status of the called party, evaluating compatibility of the availability status with initiating call back to the called party, and in the event the availability status is compatible with call back then initiating the call back to said called party.

A method for determining the security level associated with transmissions in a telecommunications network includes means for alerting parties of the security status of the transmission. When a route interconnecting the parties includes an insecure link, an alert is provided so that the parties are aware of the insecure nature of the call before communications begin. Alternatively, the parties may elect to decline or alter content of the communications to preserve integrity.

Mechanisms for organizing messages across different message types. This may be accomplished by using a single integrated user interface in which messages across a variety of different message types are represented in a common way. For example, the user experience of placing a telephone call is standardized, regardless of the actual telephone technology (Cell Phone, VoIP, or POTS) used to conduct the telephone conversation. Also, addition to a general log that includes the overall list of messages, each message also has a separate, message-based log, thereby allowing for more flexible querying and organization of the messages regardless of the message type.

A system and method of for exchanging information between a wireless network and an external system is disclosed. The wireless network detects trigger events related to communications with wireless subscribers. Certain event triggers cause the wireless system to create a message to send to the external system. In response the external system may send information to the wireless system. The wireless system may create messages upon detection of handoff, origination, status, registration or other activity by the wireless subscriber. The invention may also detect trigger events related one mass media broadcasts. An interface translates between the different protocols of the wireless and the external or wireline networks to allow for automatic call redirection. The application can be utilized between many networks and facilitates the utilization of the architecture of a wirelined network and the home location register of the wireless network for various applications on the wireless network.

A method for executing a video conference is provided that includes receiving one or more audio streams associated with a video conference from one or more end points and determining an active speaker associated with one of the end points. Audio information associated with the active speaker may be received at one or more media switches. One or more video streams may be suppressed except for a selected video stream associated with the active speaker, the selected video stream propagating to one or more of the media switches during the video conference. The selected video stream may be replicated such that it may be communicated to one or more of the end points associated with a selected one of the media switches.

A method of setting up a session between peer user terminals of a communication system, said session extending at least in part across a circuit switched access network. The method comprises transporting signalling to initiate said session between at least one of the peer user terminals and said communication system via an IP based packet switched access network using a call control protocol which is also used for setting up end-to-end packet switched sessions, and subsequently establishing said session based upon said signalling.

Disclosed is a method for providing service of a multimedia mail box in VOIP service. A service providing method applied to a terminal that processes a multimedia message, comprises the steps of: (a) being in a state in which a terminal at a receiving side cannot make a response to a request from a transmitting side; (b) receiving a call setup request from the transmitting side when a user of the terminal at the receiving side is absent; (c) receiving the call setup request from the transmission side when the user of the terminal at the receiving side is in a busy state; and (d) performing a connection to a location information server and a multimedia mail box according to the presence of a response, from the terminal at the receiving side, to the request from the transmitting side at the steps (a), (b) and (c).

According to the invention, a network interface device for processing a telephone call is disclosed. The network interface device includes a first and second communication interfaces, a telephone switch and a controller. The first communication interface is coupled to at least one of a wireless phone network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) network. The first communication interface receives the telephone call from any of a number of callers that are remote to the network interface device. The second communication interface coupled to one or more phones at a user location where the one or more phones are associated with a telephone number that any of the callers can use to call the one or more phones. The telephone switch is coupled to both of the first communication interface and second communication interface and optionally routes an incoming phone call to the second communication interface if one or more access control rules permit routing the incoming phone call to the second communication interface. The controller analyzes the one or more access control rules and either routes the incoming phone call from the first communication interface to the second communication interface or prevents the incoming phone call from reaching the second communication interface. The one or more phones ring when the incoming call is routed to the second communication interface.

A system is disclosed that provides functionality for mobile communications service bridging with distributed service gateway call managers that allow application clients running on users' communication devices to be served by any of the available service gateways, preferably in an active-active load balance configuration. Each service gateway instance may bridge the application client to a range of network services such as voice origination and termination services, IM services, messaging services, online community services, IP voice services, and premium services such as multiparty click-to-conference, directory services, and voice mail.

A method and system for communicating information includes evaluation regarding routing of calls performed at a call control point in an ITSP and / or wireless network. A PIC identity associated with another party's preferences is acquired and sent to the call control point. The PIC identity identifies the type of the carrier network (e.g., circuit switched or VoIP) and is used to make further routing decisions. If a circuit-switched carrier is identified, the IP homing leg is terminated at the voice gateway in the recipient's HPLMN and information is sent over to the GMSC where normal, circuit-switched routing procedures. If a VoIP carrier is identified then the called user's roaming number is retrieved from the HLR, and the call is further routed directly over the IP domain towards a voice gateway at the visited network minimizing the number of transcodings. Additional transcoding steps can be avoided if a single encoding is agreed upon according to “tandem free operation” (TFO). Combining inband signaling through the telephony exchanges and out-of-band signaling in the IP network it is possible to achieve, for a mobile subscriber, one encoding and one decoding of a voice.

In conjunction with a data communication network (53) carrying multiple telephony signals and allowing for connection of telephone sets (17), a system and method in which two external feeders (55a, 55b) connect to the data network (53) at two distinct points via two distinct devices. The data network can be based on dedicated wiring or can use existing in premises medium such as telephone, powerlines or CATV wiring. In the latter case, the wiring can still carry the original service for which it was installed. The external telephone connections can be based on the traditional PSTN, CATV network, cellular telephone network or any other telephone service provider network, using specific adapter for any medium used. In the case of connection to a POTS telephone signal, VoIP gateway (or any other converter) is required.