Soma Networks, Inc.

Wi-lan Inc.

Daniel Wilk

Bruno Richard Preiss

Moataz Kamel

Robert Stratton

The present invention is a telecommunication system, comprising of at least one base station connected to a telecommunication network, a plurality of subscriber stations each cooperating with the base station to establish a connection between a user device operably connected to the subscriber station and the telecommunication network. The base station is also connected with a subscriber database to maintain the subscriber records that contain provisioning information for services, features and account information, and an interactive response system operable to create and modify a subscriber record in the subscriber database in response to input received over the connection from a subscriber using the user device to select services, features and account information for the subscriber station.

Method and system for provisioning services in a telecommunications network

The present invention provides a novel system, method and apparatus of delivering interactive voice response services in a more efficient manner over a network. The system provides for the placement of a subscriber station localto the subscriber and a gateway protocol converter at the base station. The gateway protocol converter converts bandwidth-intensive audio messages into compact data messages, which upon transmission to the subscriber stationare converted back into audio messages. By using data messages instead of audio messages over the network, bandwidth is saved on the network for other traffic. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for transmitting subscriber responses utilizing the system. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an IVR system that utilizes the VoiceXML standard, or the like, whereby the Document Server, VoiceXML Interpreter Context, and the Implementation Platform are distributed at various locations along the communication link between the IVR service provider and the subscriber station&#x2014;such components being distributed along the link according to a desired utilization of network resources, such as bandwidth.

System and method for minimising bandwidth utilisation in a wireless interactive voice response system

The present invention provides a novel system, method and apparatus for answering a telephone call. In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for call answering that includes a switch for connecting a telephony device to incoming calls received from callers connected to the switch via a telephone network. The switch is also connected to a processing unit and a storage device that contains a plurality of pre-recorded messages. When a callee at the telephony device receives an incoming call during a meeting (or at some other inconvenient time) and yet the callee wishes to respond to the caller, then the callee can provide (via a keypad on the telephony device) message selection criteria to the processing unit. The processing unit can then assemble an outgoing message based on the message selection critiera. The message is assembled from from the plurality of messages saved on the storage device. Having assembled the message, the processing unit can then play that outgoing message to the caller. In this manner, the callee is afforded a way to discretely respond to the caller without having to interrupt the meeting (or other activity that makes it inconvenient for the callee to answer the call.)

Method and system for call answering

A method and system for managing a telephony connection on hold to reduce the use of resources within the telephony network and/or to allow the user on hold to place their telephony device into an on-hook state after they have been placed on hold. In two embodiments, a user of a telephony device who has been placed on hold can initiate a Smart Hold whereby their telephony device can be placed in an on-hook state while on hold and the user will be signaled when the call is to be removed from hold. This allows the user to perform other activities while a Smart Hold has been implemented, without the need to keep a telephone handset to their car, for example. The freeing up of local loop resources can also be achieved. In another embodiment, the Smart Hold can be initiated by either party to a connection without requiring cooperation of the other party. In some embodiments, no toll charges or the like will be incurred while the Smart Hold is in effect.

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Toronto, Canada

Daniel Wilk