Google Inc.

Wildfire Communications, Inc.

Orange Sa

Richard A Miner

Maryam Garrett

William J Warner

Nicholas C d'Arbeloff

Anthony M Lovell

Keith Gabryelski

Kee Hinckley

Eric R Shienbrood

Kenneth C Arnold

Robert Mechaley

Kenneth C R C Arnold

Maryam Kamvar

David M Pelland

Nancy Benovich Gilby

A computer-implemented communications method is discussed. The method includes receiving a typed user input in a texting conversation on an electronic communication channel between two or more users of electronic communications devices; analyzing the user input to identify whether the user input contains a reserved word for triggering a search; submitting a search query received in association with the reserved word to a search engine, if the user input contains a reserved word; receiving one or more search results from the search engine; and providing, in the electronic communication channel for incorporation into the texting conversation, at least one of the one or more search results.

In-conversation search

A mobile telephone system device having an electronic assistant component is disclosed. The device includes a first software module configured to provide a first operating feature to a user of the mobile telephone system and a second software module that includes a first submodule configured to provide a first additional operating feature to the user and a second submodule configured to provide a second additional operating feature to the user of the mobile telephone system. A third module is configured to track the user's use of the first operating feature by storing usage data related to the user's interaction with the first software module. A fourth module analyzes the stored usage data and determines a usage data pattern. Based on the usage data pattern, a fifth module stores one or more rules which select one of the first submodule and the second submodule based on the usage data pattern and the selected one of the first submodule and the second submodule is offered to the user for installation on the mobile telephone system.

System and method for activating software operating capabilities based on usage patterns and rules

Voice responsive telephone assistant having network upgrade capability

A computer-implemented method of processing communications through a multimedia interface that includes a plurality of interface devices and a plurality of input/output devices. Each of the plurality of interface device is capable of connecting to a different communications network, and each of the plurality of input/output devices is capable of processing different media types.

Network based knowledgeable assistant

A method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant to receive and manage incoming calls to a subscriber including the steps of receiving an incoming call to the subscriber from a caller; establishing a first connection between the electronic assistant and the caller; establishing a second connection between the electronic assistant and the subscriber; over the second connection, electronically notifying the subscriber of the incoming call; in response to receiving a call accept command from the subscriber over the second connection, linking the caller and the subscriber so that they may communicate with each other; upon linking the subscriber to the caller, switching the electronic assistant to a background mode in which said electronic assistant continues to monitor the subscriber over the second connection while the subscriber is linked with the caller; and in response to receiving a summoning command, switching the electronic assistant into a foreground mode, wherein the electronic assistant when in its background mode responds to a first set of commands including at least the summoning command and when in its foreground mode responds to a second set of commands where the second set of commands is larger than the first set of commands.

A virtual intercom method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant and including the steps of receiving a voice command from a first party, wherein the voice command identifies a user selectable one of a plurality of subscriber parties; responding to the voice command by generating a greeting to the first party, wherein the greeting is an audio recording in the voice of the identified subscriber; receiving a message generated by the first party for the identified subscriber; and storing the received message for later playback to the identified subscriber.

Electronic voice mail message handling system

Growing community of inventors

Boston, MA, United States of America

Richard A Miner