Patent•
Multimedia Telecommunications Network and Service
AT&T1
15 Apr 1994-
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a virtual meeting services complex (28) which provides multimedia telecommunications service to subscribers of the network (10) in a manner similar to that now used to complete conventional audio telephone calls.
Abstract: A multimedia telecommunications network (10) provides telephone service which may involve one or more of audio, video and data communications. In one example of the invention, the multimedia telecommunications network (10) contains a virtual meeting services complex (28) which provides multimedia telecommunications service to subscribers of the network (10). Multimedia telephone calls can be completed automatically by the virtual meeting services complex (28) in a manner similar to that now used to complete conventional audio telephone calls. The multimedia telecommunications network (10) containing this virtual meeting services complex (28) is able to connect together users having diverse equipment and is able to handle integrated and nonintegrated network access mechanisms.
Citations
More filters
Patent•
30 Oct 2007TL;DR: In this paper, a media order entry captures complete user profile information for a user, which is utilized by the system throughout the media experience for routing, billing, monitoring, reporting and other media control functions.
Abstract: Telephone calls, data and other multimedia information is routed through a hybrid network which includes transfer of information across the internet. A media order entry captures complete user profile information for a user. This profile information is utilized by the system throughout the media experience for routing, billing, monitoring, reporting and other media control functions. Users can manage more aspects of a network than previously possible, and control network activities from a central site. The hybrid network also contains logic for responding to requests for quality of service and reserving the resources to provide the requested services.
1,297 citations
Patent•
22 Nov 1999
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a system and method for communicating voice and data over a packet-switched network that is adapted to coexist and communicate with a legacy PSTN.
Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for communicating voice and data over a packet-switched network that is adapted to coexist and communicate with a legacy PSTN. The system permits packet switching of voice calls and data calls through a data network from and to any of a LEC, a customer facility or a direct IP connection on the data network. The system includes soft switch sites, gateway sites, a data network, a provisioning component, a network event component and a network management component. The system interfaces with customer facilities (e.g., a PBX), carrier facilities (e.g., a LEC) and legacy signaling networks (e.g., SS7) to handle calls between any combination of on-network and off-network callers. The soft switch sites provide the core call processing for the voice network architecture. The soft switch sites manage the gateway sites in a preferred embodiment, using a protocol such as the Internet Protocol Device Control (IPDC) protocol to request the set-up and tear-down of calls. The gateway sites originate and terminate calls between calling parties and called parties through the data network. The gateway sites include network access devices to provide access to network resources. The data network connects one or more of the soft switch sites to one or more of the gateway sites. The provisioning and network event component collects call events recorded at the soft switch sites. The network management component includes a network operations center (NOC) for centralized network management.
1,024 citations
Patent•
15 Oct 2001
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a real-time telemarketing system for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer via electronic communication, such as through a telephone, videophone or other computer link.
Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer. In one aspect of the invention, goods, service or information are provided to the user via electronic communication, such as through a telephone, videophone or other computer link, as determined by the steps of first, establishing communication via the electronic communications device between the user and the system to effect a primary transaction or primary interaction, second, obtaining data with respect to the primary transaction or primary interaction, including at least in part a determination of the identity of the user or prospective customer, third, obtaining at least a second data element relating to the user, fourth, utilizing the primary transaction or primary interaction data along with the at least second data element as factors in determining at least one good, service or item of information for prospective upsell to the user or prospective customer, and offering the item to the prospective customer. In the preferred embodiment, the selection of the proffer of goods, services or information comprises an upsell with respect to the primary transaction or primary interaction data. The offer of the upsell is preferably generated and offered in real time, that is, during the course of the communication initiated with the primary transaction or primary interaction.
1,009 citations
Patent•
15 Sep 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, a communications system (10) is provided which comprises a plurality of network hubs (12, 14 and 16), which are interconnected through a communications network (18), and a network processor (60) is used to interact with other hubs within the communications system.
Abstract: A communications system (10) is provided which comprises a plurality of network hubs (12, 14 and 16). Network hubs (12, 14 and 16) are interconnected through a communications network (18). The system (10) interconnects messaging systems (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 40, 42 and 44) having disparate capabilities and using disparate communications protocols. The network hubs use numbers of connection processors (52 and 54) to interact with the messaging systems. A hub database (68) and message store (58) are used to store control information and messaging information within the network hubs. A network processor (60) is used to interact with other hubs within the communications system (10). A message router (72), connection manager (74), data replicator (76), and an administrative event manager (78) are used to control the operations of the hub in processing a message.
747 citations
Patent•
29 Nov 1994TL;DR: In this paper, the transmitted information is augmented with attributes which are used at the receiver to select and then store locally only that information of interest to each receiver's user, wherein the attributes and the user selection pattern determine the criteria for storing information locally.
Abstract: A procedure for selecting and storing data elements communicated from a common database to users of the database utilizing a communication link between each transmitter and a concomitant receiver accessible by the user. The transmitted information is augmented with attributes which are used at the receiver to select and then store locally only that information of interest to each receiver's user, wherein the attributes and the user selection pattern determine the criteria for storing information locally. Attributes include: utility of each data element in time; interest categories and level of interest for each of the categories determined for the collective users; repeat time to the data element; and a hyperlink to associated data elements.
552 citations
References
More filters
Patent•
03 Apr 1991TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a method for control multiple concurrent calls where each call comprises one or more channels, and the plurality of channels of the single, merged call corresponds to a combination of channels from the first and second calls and may include a signalling channel, a voice channel, and one data channel for each data channel of the first or second calls.
Abstract: A method for use in a multimedia conferencing arrangement to control multiple concurrent calls where each call comprises one or more channels. A first call among a first set of user stations and a second call among a second set of user stations are merged into a single call comprising a plurality of channels among at least three user stations from the first and second sets. The plurality of channels of the single, merged call corresponds to a combination of channels of the first and second calls and may include a signalling channel, a voice channel, and one data channel for each data channel of the first and second calls. The method is also applicable to calls including image or video channels.
422 citations
Patent•
24 Sep 1991
TL;DR: In this article, a master control unit and a high speed digital switch control process of incoming phone calls to recognize the type of service being requested by a subscriber and non-subscriber, and route the call to the appropriate application processing port which is capable of providing the requested service.
Abstract: An integrated services platform for a telephone communication system includes a plurality of application processing ports for providing different types of information services through the telephone communication system. A master control unit and a high speed digital switch control processing of incoming phone calls to recognize the type of service being requested by a subscriber and non-subscriber, and route the call to the appropriate application processing port which is capable of providing the requested service. Application processing ports can be provided to implement a number of information services including videotex, voice, speech synthesis, E-mail, facsimile store and forward, speech recognition, telex, residential call answering, business voice messaging, home shopping, classified advertising, trucking dispatch, doctor's register and automated attendant. In this manner, a centrally located services platform can be provided to provide a number of different types of service to the user.
391 citations
Patent•
13 Dec 1988
TL;DR: In this paper, a method and apparatus for enhancing the operation of a teleconferencing system, utilizes a programmed service computer to drive a bridge which has a plurality of ports for establishing communication with a pluralityof conferees.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the operation of a teleconferencing system, utilizes a programmed service computer to drive a bridge which has a plurality of ports for establishing communication with a plurality of conferees. The bridge includes a microprocessor which responds to a plurality of commands, each requiring information in the form of plural constant information responses and plural variable information responses. The constant information responses involve the status and identification for a conference and conferees of that conference. The variable response information is specific to each conferee. This may include first and last name for the conferee, as well as the conferee's telephone number. The programming of the service computer supplies the information responses to the microprocessor in the appropriate order for achieving functions, such as the addition, removal and changing of status for conferees. The service computer can also communicate with terminals of the conferees so that data can be passed from one conferee to another.
279 citations
Patent•
17 Jul 1997
TL;DR: In this paper, a multipurpose computerized television system generates a plurality of video images in association with a personal computer and an audio multimedia circuit also communicates the audio multimedia data to the personal computer.
Abstract: A multipurpose computerized television system generates a plurality of video images in association with a personal computer. A television circuit associates with the personal computer and is within the personal computer chassis for receiving a plurality of television signals and directing the signals to the monitor for the monitor to display. An audio multimedia circuit associates with the personal computer and the television circuit and is also located within the chassis for receiving and processing audio data from the television circuit. The audio multimedia circuit also communicates the audio multimedia data to the personal computer. Control circuitry associated with the television circuit and the personal computer within the chassis controls the operation of the television circuit through the personal computer. The control circuitry comprises a remote control circuit for remotely and independently controlling the television circuit and the personal computer.
247 citations
TL;DR: This paper describes the design and initial implementation of the Rapport multimedia conferencing system, which supports interactive, real-time, distributed conferences among two or more users and outlines Rapport's conference abstraction and the model on which it is based — the “virtual meeting room.”
Abstract: This paper describes the design and initial implementation of the Rapport multimedia conferencing system, which supports interactive, real-time, distributed conferences among two or more users. Using computers connected by data and voice networks, this system creates an environment in which many sorts of meetings can take place, including telephone conversations, discussions among colleagues, and lectures. Rapport provides new opportunities for meetings, allowing a user to interact with distant colleagues and to participate in several conferences concurrently at his or her workstation. The system allows many existing computer programs to be used, unmodified, within its conferencing environment. Thus computer-generated data and displays are available to the conferees for manipulation and editing, enhancing the exchange of information during meetings. Although Rapport does not encourage a particular methodology of meeting conduct, such specialized support can be built using Rapport.The paper outlines Rapport's conference abstraction and the model on which it is based — the “virtual meeting room.” It then presents an overview of Rapport's architecture, discusses the system's environmental requirements, and concludes by mentioning some of our plans for future work with Rapport.
181 citations