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:
The present invention includes methods and devices for locating emergency service providers during emergency operations. According to some implementations, radio frequency identification ("RFID") tags are positioned at various locations throughout a building. Building locations can be determined from the RFID tags . Emergency service providers may be equipped with a portable device that includes at least one RFID reader for reading the RFID tags. Some implementations involve transmitting the RFID tag data to a control center from which the emergency services are coordinated. The emergency service workers' current and prior locations can be determined by the portable devices and/or at the control center.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for methods and apparatus for automatically contacting a service center (112, 110) for one or more particular products (102, 104, 122, 124), as well as contacting other types of entities with respect to any type of item. In a first embodiment, each item includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) of the particular products that is used to automatically contact a service center or the like (210). In a second embodiment, the RFID of the particular product is automatically sent to the service center or the like (214). In the first embodiment, the RFID of each product contains contact information, such as a 1-800 telephone number, a URL address, or email address, for a particular service center or the like. In one implementation, an RFID reader (104) is coupled with a communication device, such as a telephone or computer device, and the user uses the RFID reader to scan an RFID of a particular item (e.g., a malfunctioning product) (206). The relevant service center or the like is then contacted based on the RFID scan (210). For example, the user is connected to an agent at the relevant service center via a telephone or computer network. In the second embodiment, when a service center (or the like) needs RFID tag data for a particular item, a user may select a "send" option (e.g., on the communication device or reader) to have such RFID tag data automatically transmitted to the service center or the like (214).
Abstract:
Methods and devices are provided for automating a login process and user/device associations. A user's preferred device settings and/or functions may be provisioned automatically. Some implementations provide an automated log out or "sleep" when a user leaves one or more of the devices. Users may be automatically identified and associated. The "presence" of members of a user group may be determined as required for one or more actions to be taken. Some user groups control devices according to which members of a group may have access to certain functions, information, etc., and which may not.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, techniques for manipulating a voice message using a telephone user interface are provided. The telephone user interface receives a mark begin segment command from a telephonic device through a voice modality. The mark begin segment command indicates a beginning point for a voice message segment in the voice message. The telephone user interface then receives a mark end segment command from the telephonic device through the voice modality. The mark segment command indicates an ending point for the voice message segment in the voice message. An action command from the telephonic device is received and an action based on the action command for the voice message segment is performed. The voice message segment is a portion of the voice message determined based on the indicated beginning point of the voice message segment and the indicated ending point of the voice message segment in the voice message.
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:
The present invention includes methods and devices for providing. According to some implementations, radio frequency identification ("RFID") tags are positioned at various locations throughout a building. Building locations can be determined from the RFID tags. Emergency service providers may be equipped with a portable device that includes at least one RFID reader for reading the RFID tags. Some implementations involve transmitting the RFID tag data to a control center from which the emergency services are coordinated. The emergency service workers' current and prior locations can be determined by the portable devices and/or at the control center. In preferred implementations, emergency service provider location information can be provided to control center personnel and to emergency service providers in real time.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, techniques for manipulating a voice message using a telephone user interface are provided. The telephone user interface receives a mark begin segment command from a telephonic device through a voice modality. The mark begin segment command indicates a beginning point for a voice message segment in the voice message. The telephone user interface then receives a mark end segment command from the telephonic device through the voice modality. The mark segment command indicates an ending point for the voice message segment in the voice message. An action command from the telephonic device is received and an action based on the action command for the voice message segment is performed. The voice message segment is a portion of the voice message determined based on the indicated beginning point of the voice message segment and the indicated ending point of the voice message segment in the voice message.