11687results about "Special service for subscribers" patented technology

A system, method, and computer program product for dynamically adapting selections in an automatic phone support system is described. The invention may integrate a dynamic knowledge base of responses with the menu selections on an automated phone system or other response system to present the most frequently used items earlier in the option list, or otherwise order options and information. Call data may be captured from single callers or historical ensembles of callers. An automatically generated similarity relationship may be used to initialize the system without historical call data, based on textual similarity or other techniques. Prioritization of options provides a more enjoyable, efficient experience for callers without increasing administrative overhead.

Enhancements of and to cell phone operations are based in whole or in part on determining the location of the cell phone. Systems and methods select and determine locations or areas of importance or relevance, and based on that information and other programmed factors affect or alter the operations of the cell phone. While the systems and methods are illustrated by use of cell phone embodiments and applications, they are equally applicable to virtually any portable or mobile communication device, including for example, wireless laptop computers and PDAs.

An approach is provided for supporting multi-media conferencing. Textual information (e.g., text associated with a presentation) is received for display during a conference session to multiple participants. For a particular participant, configuration information corresponding to the participant specifies language assistance for the textual information. Language assistance involves augmenting the textual information according to the configuration information for comprehension of the textual information by the particular participant. In one embodiment, the augmented textual information includes language translation of the textual information. Additionally, the augmented textual information can encompass definitions of terms, including acronyms. The augmented textual information is forwarded for display to the participant during the conference session.

A conversational computing system that provides a universal coordinated multi-modal conversational user interface (CUI) (10) across a plurality of conversationally aware applications (11) (i.e., applications that “speak” conversational protocols) and conventional applications (12). The conversationally aware maps, applications (11) communicate with a conversational kernel (14) via conversational application APIs (13). The conversational kernel (14) controls the dialog across applications and devices (local and networked) on the basis of their registered conversational capabilities and requirements and provides a unified conversational user interface and conversational services and behaviors. The conversational computing system may be built on top of a conventional operating system and APIs (15) and conventional device hardware (16). The conversational kernel (14) handles all I/O processing and controls conversational engines (18). The conversational kernel (14) converts voice requests into queries and converts outputs and results into spoken messages using conversational engines (18) and conversational arguments (17). The conversational application API (13) conveys all the information for the conversational kernel (14) to transform queries into application calls and conversely convert output into speech, appropriately sorted before being provided to the user.

This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver's seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details.

A system and method is disclosed to provide recommendations to a wireless device, based on stored bookmark/short-cut data. When a wireless device accesses services, data pertaining to the service access, along with any context related information is transmitted within the wireless device, or to a remote server. The data is processed in conjunction with bookmarks/short-cuts specified within the device, and are organized and presented to the wireless device in accordance with preference instructions specified within the wireless device.

The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.

A system and method of advanced identification information to be created and distributed to users of wireless communication devices, such as mobile phones. Subscribers can define their own personas as collections of information which define the users. Subscribers can then publish their persona(s) to their friends' and associates' mobile phones, and update the others' address books with the subscriber's contact information. Users can specify different personas to be presented to different users.

System and methods for intelligent routing of requests from customers to agents where a request is received at a service center from a customer. Identification information related to the customer is accessed. Background information on the customer is retrieved from a storage facility. Task and attitude information about the customer is gathered. A model of the customer is created. Models for at least two agents are created. A performance optimizing calculation is performed that matches the customer model and the models for the at least two agents. A best match agent from the at least two agents is determined based on the matching. The customer request is routed to the best match agent.

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

A user selects a route between a starting point and a destination. A mobile handset monitors the user's progress along the route by monitoring the location and movement of the handset and, optionally, sensor data, and by comparing this information to rules that define permitted or prohibited locations or movements or threshold sensor values. The handset uses one or more positioning systems, such as GPS, to ascertain its location. A server provides the handset with information to correct errors in the location information. If a rule fires, possibly indicating that the user is in danger, the handset attempts to ascertain the user's wellbeing, warns the user to return to the prescribed route and begins sending the handset's location to a server, which displays the information to a dispatcher who dispatches safety or security personnel to the user's location. The handset and servers communicate via any available wireless channel(s).

In a mobile communicating system, a mobile terminal has a position information detecting unit for detecting position information, a position information transmitting unit for transmitting the position information to an information center, an up-load data transmitting unit for transmitting up-load data to the information center and an information/service utilizing unit for utilizing information/service from the information center, whereas the information center has an accumulating unit for accumulating information/services, a retrieving unit for receiving the position information from the mobile terminal to retrieve the information/services in the accumulating unit, an accumulation controlling unit for accumulating the up-load data in the accumulating unit, and an information/service transmitting unit for taking out the information/service retrieved by the retrieving unit from the accumulating unit and transmitting it to the mobile terminal, thereby providing not only map information showing the current position of the mobile terminal but also information of facilities on the map to the mobile terminal.

An electronic couponing technique includes transferring coupon information, which may include a coupon ID (identification) to a first portable terminal and storing same therein. The portable terminal displays a representation of the transferred coupon information on a display thereof. The stored coupon information may be transferred from the portable terminal to another terminal for redemption. The stored coupon information may also be transferred from the portable terminal to another portable terminal. Various schemes may be used to transfer the coupon information including a Bluetooth low-range radio link or an optical bar code scanner scanning an optical bar code or an infrared link or a wireless link from the portable terminal. The Internet or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) may also be used in transferring the coupon information to and from the various terminals.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Device Assisted Services (DAS) are provided. In some embodiments, QoS for DAS includes providing a wireless communications device configures to determine a QoS request for a service over a wireless network; and verify the QoS request for the service over the wireless network using one or more verification techniques.

A system and method include implementing and accessing a subscriber's telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The system and method enable a subscriber to review, schedule and modify call forwarding information stored and implemented by a service control-point (SCP) through a common server from any dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) telephone and IVR system via the PSTN or any GUI and Web client via the Internet. The subscriber is able to build and edit call forwarding data, such as a scheduler and priority and rejection screening lists, by the GUI via the Internet for subsequent implementation.

A method and system for providing targeted advertisement information to consumers over a wireless communications network. In one embodiment, local advertisers register to advertise on certain wireless communications devices that are in close proximity to the advertiser. As a consumer enters a cell site that is near the location of the advertiser, the wireless network delivers a message to the wireless device that is specified by the local advertiser. An acknowledgement signal is then received by the network, and the local advertiser's account is charged for transmission of the advertisement. In a further embodiment, each of the messages stored in the database is also associated with one or more demographic codes, and users of wireless communications device select from one more demographic codes to describer their advertisement preferences. Messages to be transmitted to particular wireless communications devices are selected based upon both the location information and the demographics codes that are associated with the messages.

A method and system for controlled provisioning of a desired set of service logic for a subscriber of group of subscribers. In response to a designated stimulus, such as a time-event, a location-event or a threshold-event, a network entity modifies the subscriber profile maintained by a serving system, so as to include in the profile one or more desired parameters. One such modification may be the inclusion in the profile of a trigger that directs the serving system to query a designated network entity for call handling instructions. The designated network entity may then provide a special set of services for the subscriber or group. Further, a mechanism is provided to help ensure that once such a service overlay is imposed, it remains imposed if desired.

The present invention can be used to facilitate the integration of wireless capability provided by wireless access points into an enterprise computer network. A gateway server is interposed between wireless access points and protected networks to provide security and integration functions, for example, authentication, access control, link privacy, link integrity, and bandwidth metering in various embodiments. Use of such a gateway server allows substantial control to be gained over network access even with the use of relatively simple access points. In general, such a gateway server receives a request to access the protected network. An authentication subsystem of the gateway server authenticates the user, preferably by accessing an external authentication server and returns a role to the authenticated user. An access controller in the gateway server provides differential access to the protected network based on the user's assigned role. A multiple gateway servers can be connected together to form a mesh network architecture.

Information associated with messages and/or missed calls is provided to a subscriber. Calls received but not answered by the subscriber may be monitored. Each monitored call is classified as one of a missed call and a message. The monitored calls may be summarized based on a customizable rule set to create a summary. The summary is provided to the subscriber via, for example, a voice notification.

A wireless communication device, a method, and a computer program product that enable multiple subscriber numbers to be concurrently assigned to and supported within a single communication device, such as a wireless/cellular phone. The communication device is designed with circuit components and logic that allows two or more subscriber numbers to be concurrently programmed into the device. Each subscriber number is individually supported, with the logic also providing some overlapping functionality. A user selectively utilizes one of the subscriber numbers to originate a new call out and/or accept an incoming call to that subscriber number and may toggle between subscriber numbers to communicate on.

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.

An Internet directory system and method that is based on user telephone number addressing. The system includes an interactive white and yellow pages directory that is based on telephone numbers. Thus, a user's telephone number is a unique identifier used to key other information within the directory. The telephone number may also be used as the primary component of an email address, domain name, or web site URL for the user. The use of a telephone number as the primary component of an e-mail address or domain name greatly simplifies the process of locating a user. E-mail addresses and domain names may be readily found using standard telephone information services, such as "411", as well as other telephone-based methods for obtaining telephone directory information. This Internet directory system and method brings all communication methods and directory services together using one searchable key, a user's telephone number. The directory entry page may be created, edited and updated by the subscriber using simple html editing or using a voice telephone call or via fax, without the use of a personal computer. Thus, the present invention provides an open directory model wherein the end users construct the directory, and the directory is "living", i.e., dynamically changeable and updateable. The power of the directory is thus placed in the users' hands. The telephone based Internet directory system of the present invention also provides addressing for unified messaging as well as locality in addressing.

A communication system is provided that uses loosely-coupled client-server architectures to improve the efficiency of communications. The communication system includes client and facilitator applications. The client application is a component of processor-based mobile communication devices. The facilitator application is hosted on one or more servers or other processor-based devices, and communicates with the client application via one or more couplings. The facilitator application can also be distributed among one or more portable processor-based devices including the communication devices hosting the client application. The communication system improves efficiency of voice communications by allowing communication device users to dynamically manage how and when mobile calls take place, intelligently screen calls based on caller identity, urgency, and subject matter, determine which contacts in a directory are available to talk and which ones choose not to be disturbed, and increase accessibility of enterprise and personal contact information from mobile phones.

A system and method for predicting the wait time of a caller to a call center is disclosed. The call center associates a set of agents to which the caller may be queued. This set of agents selected may depend on the skills that each agent possesses, the type of service request made by the caller, caller priority, time of day, day of week and other conditions. An initial wait time estimate may then be given to the caller who is just queued. As a caller's conditions may dynamically change, a caller's position in the queue may also change as well as the pool of available agents. Periodic wait time estimate updates may also be given to the queued caller. A caller's wait time may be estimated based upon mean inter-arrival times for recently past calls into the call center. An average inter-arrival time may be calculated for the last several calls. Alternatively, a caller's wait time may be estimated based upon calls that are recently queued and dequeued. A table of values, Wnj, are maintained wherein each such value denoting the jth recent wait time of calls arriving with n calls already in the queue. An average value, Wn, for each n among all such Wnj, is thus calculated and a caller's estimated wait time is thus given, depending on how many calls are in the queue at the time of calling.

A mobile wallet and network system using onetime passwords for authentication is disclosed according to one embodiment of the invention. A onetime password may be generated at a mobile wallet server and transmitted to the mobile device. The onetime password may then be used to authenticate the user of the mobile wallet when completing a transaction. Authentication may require entry of the onetime password and confirmation that the onetime password entered matches the onetime password sent by the mobile wallet server. In other embodiments of the invention, a mobile wallet and a mobile wallet server are in sync and each generate the same onetime password at the same time. These onetime passwords may then be used to authenticate the user of the mobile wallet.

An integrated voicemail system is described that provides “visual voicemail” that overcomes the shortcomings associated with a user having to dial into a voicemail system and navigate through a menu of options using conventional voice and/or standard DTMF signaling-based browsing capabilities. The visual voicemail instead provides, via a client device of the user's choice, a visual presentation of a user's voicemails along with state information of the voicemails. The visual presentation of the voicemails includes a user interface that allows a user to control or manipulate voicemails from the client device, where the manipulation includes playing, pausing, rewinding, fast-forwarding, deleting, and changing a state of each voicemail. The visual voicemail also eliminates the need for a user to periodically call-in to the enterprise voicemail system in order to check for voicemail messages as the messages can be automatically delivered to the user's client device.

A system, method and apparatus for activating and deactivating features in a mobile telecommunications system based upon the position of a mobile station. An accurate position of the mobile station is periodically determined and compared with stored coordinates for a specific location. Depending upon the outcome of this comparison, selected features are automatically activated or deactivated.

In order that emergency service vehicles can be dispatched to the correct destination promptly, accurate information about the location of the caller is needed. Another problem concerns routing emergency calls to the correct destination. For emergency calls a universal code is used such as 911 in North America and 112 in Europe. This universal code cannot be used to identify the destination of the call. These problems are particularly acute for nomadic communications systems such as voice over internet protocol communications networks. That is because user terminals change network location. These problems are solved by enabling the geographical location of the emergency caller to be determined by entities within a packet-based network without the need for modification of existing emergency services network infrastructure.

In one aspect of this disclosure, a voice-operated internet-ready ubiquitous computing device and a method implemented by the computing device are disclosed. A sound input associated with a user is received at the first computing device, and in response to receiving the sound input, the first computing device establishes a voice session associated with the user. The first computing device then determines a session quality associated with the voice input, and sends the session quality to a further computing device such as a second computing device or a server. The first computing device will receive a request to transfer the voice session to a second computing device; and in response to receiving the request, transfers the voice session to the second computing device.

A networked telephony system and method allow users to deploy on the Internet computer telephony applications associated with designated telephone numbers. The telephony application is easily created by a user in XML (Extensible Markup Language) with predefined telephony XML tags and easily deployed on a website. The telephony XML tags include those for call control and media manipulation. A call to anyone of these designated telephone numbers may originate from anyone of the networked telephone system such as the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone System), a wireless network, or the Internet. The call is received by an application gateway center (AGC) installed on the Internet. Analogous to a web browser, the AGC provides facility for retrieving the associated XML application from its website and processing the call accordingly. The architecture and design of the system allow for reliability, high quality-of-service, easy scalability and the ability to incorporate additional telephony hardware and software and protocols.