Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method for enhanced call pickup includes accessing data (Fig. 1, 12a) indicating a current status of each of one or more users in a call pickup group (CPG) (Fig. 1, 16) with respect to an incoming phone call to a phone number corresponding to the CPG and communicating the data to one or more endpoints of one or more users in the CPG for display to one or more users in the CPG. A display of the data to a first user in the CPG facilitates the first user determining a current status of each of one or more second users in the CPG to facilitate a decision by the first user regarding whether to pick up the incoming phone call.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method includes electronically detecting a gesture of a user listening to a speaker via a communication device, and generating an audible and/or visual response that corresponds to the gesture. The audible and/or visual response is then communicated to the speaker. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
Abstract:
A method of facilitating a telephonic response to an electronic message is described. The method includes determining at least one telephone number from a received electronic message, and assigning the determined telephone number dynamically to a button on the telephone to provide a speed dial button on the telephone. Determining the telephone number may include comparing an electronic mail address in an address field of the electronic message with a telephone directory to determine a telephone number associated with the address. If the electronic message is a text or a voice message, determining the telephone number may include parsing a body of the message to determine a telephone number, if present, which has been included into the body of the text message.
Abstract:
Performing speaker recognition on voice-mail messages for grouping or sorting of voicemails according to sender. Using the terminology of the application: a method for grouping voice messages includes extracting a voice signature from a voice message and tagging the voice message with an identification associated with the voice signature. The method also includes grouping the voice message based on the identification.
Abstract:
In on embodiment, techniques for providing alerts to a user when a communication frequency pattern between a user and a contact has not occurred during a pre-determined amount of time are provided. Communication records between the contact and the user can be analyzed to determine if the communication frequency pattern with the contact during the pre-determined amount of time does not meet pre-determined criteria. For example, the criteria may be generate an alert if communications do not occur in the last month, generate an alert if less than five communications occur in the last six months, or any other communication pattern. Also, the content of a communication may be analyzed to determine if a certain topic has been discussed. If a certain topic has not been discussed during the pre-determined amount of time, an alert may also be generated reminding the user that the topic has not been discussed.
Abstract:
Multiple authors' voices can be used in a text-to-speech (TTS) conversion of an email thread so that each part of the thread is read in that author's voice. A tag is used to identify which text portion corresponds to which author. Voice characteristics can be originated from an author's sending device or can be centrally stored in a voice characteristic database at a unified messaging server and provided to a recipient of the email thread. A similar approach can be used in a single document such as a change-tracked document that is being edited by multiple authors. The different voice characteristics of authors corresponding to different parts of the document can be accessed for TTS conversion so that a person listening on an audio device (e.g., phone, VoIP phone, cell phone, etc.) can identify the author of a specific part without the use of text or other displayed information. Voice characteristics can be centrally stored and delivered to users of audio devices to be used with a variety of text communications.
Abstract:
A method for communicating a reminder message includes establishing a first connection between a user and a reminder center. The method includes communicating, from the user to the reminder center, a reminder time. The method also includes scheduling a reminder message at the reminder center, and terminating the first connection between the user and the reminder center. The method includes selecting, at the reminder center, a preferred endpoint associated with the user, from a plurality of endpoints associated with the user. The method also includes attempting to establish a second connection between the user and the reminder center, using the preferred endpoint associated with the user, at approximately the reminder time, and communicating the reminder message from the reminder center to the user.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method for enhanced call pickup includes accessing data indicating a current status of each of one or more users in a call pickup group (CPG) with respect to an incoming phone call to a phone number corresponding to the CPG and communicating the data to one or more endpoints of one or more users in the CPG for display to one or more users in the CPG. A display of the data to a first user in the CPG facilitates the first user determining a current status of each of one or more second users in the CPG to facilitate a decision by the first user regarding whether to pick up the incoming phone call.
Abstract:
A system and method for communicating messages includes receiving, from a first client associated with a calling party, a request for connection with a second client. A called party associated with the second client is notified that the request for connection was received, in response to receiving the request for connection. A connection processing instruction may be received from a third client associated with the called party. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the request for connection may be processed in accordance with the connection processing instruction.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method includes electronically detecting a gesture (12, 13) of a user (10) listening to a speaker (39) via a communication device (11), and generating an audible and/or visual response that corresponds to the gesture (12, 13). The audible and/or visual response is then communicated to the speaker.