Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering enhanced messages to a calling party. A message document address is provided to the calling party that is a pointer or hyperlink to a message document containing a message for a calling party, such as a uniform resource locator (URL) identifying an Internet document. The calling party may receive a message, e.g., when the called party is not available or containing a list of user-specific menu options in an IVR system. The message document can be (I) a static document created; (ii) a default document created; (iii) a dynamically generated document based on one or more rules that alter the content of the document based on various characteristics of the calling party or the call (or both). The presentation of the message document address to the user can be conditioned upon the satisfaction of one or more rules, such as when the called party is unavailable or based on one or more predefined characteristics of the calling party or the call (or both).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering messages to one or more intended recipients based on the presence, preferences or location of the recipient(s). Text-based messages, such as instant messages, can be delivered to one or more intended recipients by means of (i) a voice call to a voice-capable device associated with the recipients; (ii) a voice mail message to a voice mail box associated with the recipients; or (iii) a text or voice message, as appropriate, that is delivered upon the availability of one or more intended recipients. An instant message originating as a text message is converted to speech, if necessary, before being delivered to the intended recipient. The speech corresponding to the text of the message is played out once the call is answered or once the voice mail message is retrieved. The invention thus enables the delivery of messages to be routed and scheduled based on the location and availability of the intended recipient.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering enhanced caller identification services to a called party. Caller ID information is extended to include a user document address that is a pointer or hyperlink to a user document containing additional information about the calling party. The user document address may be, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) identifying an Internet document or a database address identifying a database document or entry. The user document generally contains information that the calling party would like to be presented to the called party and may be stored by the called party or accessed over a network. The user document can be (i) a static document; (ii) a document created in accordance with predefined default document content rules; or (iii) a dynamically generated document based on one or more rules that alter the content of the document.