Method and apparatus for cordless phone and other telecommunications services

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to telecommunications devices and services. More particularly, the present invention relates to the provision of telecommunication services to cordless end-user devices.

Description of Related Art

Telecommunications services have become widely available. Many services can be remotely accessed using Personal Computers and specially developed wireless devices. However, a broad range of telecommunications terminal equipment cannot be used to access the otherwise widely available services because of limitations in the terminal equipment including limited functionality, limited storage capacity, limited connectivity and incompatibility with current networked applications and data sources. Users of telecommunication terminal equipment such as telephones, intelligent picture frames and certain text entry devices must typically upgrade to latest generation equipment in order to directly interact with the Internet and Internet-connected service providers. Equipment capable of such interaction is typically complex, expensive and suffers from high power consumption and often become rapidly obsolete as technology advances.

<nplcit id="ncit0001" npl-type="s"><text>J-L BOULET ET AL: "OmniPCX Office: Setting New Standards for Convergence in the SME Market"; ALCATEL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REVIEW, ALCATEL, PARIS CEDEX, FR, October 2002 (2002-10), XP007005888 ISSN: 1267-7167</text></nplcit> describes a communication server that enables SMEs (Small and Medium Size Enterprises) to benefit from the convergence of their voice, data and Internet communications.

<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP1235397A"><text>EP-A-1 235 397</text></patcit> describes a broadband gateway that communicates with a broadband computer network and narrow band cordless devices. The gateway houses a connector to a broadband network, which is connected to a broadband modem. The broadband modem provides a broadband computer network outlet. The broadband modem is also connected to a narrow band cordless device. The narrow band cordless device may be formed by a translation board connected to the broadband modem, a microprocessor connected to the translation board, a burst mode controller connected to the microprocessor and the translation board, and a transceiver electrically connected to the burst mode controller. A codec device may also be connected to the burst mode controller to allow the use of a conventional telephone.

<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US2003028889A1"><text>US 2003 028 889 A1</text></patcit> describes a system for searching, packaging and delivering content using an aggregator is described. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request. The search request may be augmented by using a content suggestion engine to add additional search terms and descriptions to the search request. The aggregator may also include a decoder that decodes program content and program metadata from remote sources for storage at the aggregator, and an encoder that encodes content metadata and programs for delivery to the user. The aggregator may also comprise one or more crawlers, such as a content crawler, to look for program content in one or more digital communications networks.

<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="WO0018083A"><text>WO 00/18083 A</text></patcit> describes methods and arrangements for use in a computer telephony system that supports dial by name operations. A multiple purpose contacts database is modified through a graphical user interface (GUI) to include corresponding phonetically spelled information and/or other alias information for a contact. Voice recognition capabilities in the computer telephony system, which support the dial by name operations, can be directly invoked through the GUI to playback the phonetically spelled information and/or other alias information.

<patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US6757365B1"><text>US-B1-6 757 365</text></patcit> describes a method and apparatus for enabling users of a phone based speech activated system such as a voice portal to communicate with users of an Internet based instant messenger (IM) service. Phone based users are able to send and receive IMs. Incoming messages can cause an asynchronous notification in the user's current voice application and the user can (if they desire) switch contexts to hear the IM and respond. Sent messages may be expeditiously sent to users of the GUI as a hypertext link to a recorded audio. Other sending formats are also possible; similarly, buddy lists can be supported.

It is the object of the invention to provide improved systems and methods for extending telecommunications, Internet-based and other services to a variety of user devices.

This object is achieved by a system according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 8.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for extending telecommunications, Internet-based and other services to a variety of user devices. Various combinations of hardware and software components are configurable to provide enhanced functionality for end-user devices. In one example, the functionality of a cordless telephone handset can be extended to provide access to Instant messaging services. In some embodiments, content may be delivered to user devices in a preferred format that can include voice, text or other display technologies. Likewise, many embodiments may receive in voice, text and other formats of commands, requests and other input from a user device.

In many embodiments, a software application framework is provided to accommodate differences in user devices and service providers. In some embodiments, a base station provides enhanced connectivity between user devices and service providers. In some embodiments, portals, delivery engines gateways and other components can be used to marshal content from a variety of sources and to provide authorization, configuration and other centralized services to users and user devices. Embodiments of the invention are configurable by users and can be controlled by service providers as a method for integrating existing application infrastructure and new applications within an overall broadband communication service.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shows components of an example embodiment of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> illustrates a device control software in an example embodiment of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> illustrates the provision of Internet application services and data in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; and</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 4a-4c</figref> shows certain examples of user device displays in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. In the drawings, like components, services, applications, and steps are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures. Where certain elements of these embodiments can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the invention. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Embodiments of the invention comprise combinations of hardware and software components including a software application framework that may be used in association with information delivery systems, Internet based applications and delivery services. Certain embodiments provide enhanced functionality user devices. Embodiments of the invention are configurable by users and can be controlled by service providers as a method for integrating their existing application infrastructure and potentially new applications within an overall broadband communication service

<figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> is an illustration of an example of an embodiment of the invention. In the example, a broadband communication system, indicated generally at 10 accesses various services using, for example, broadband communications networks. The system 10 typically comprises a base station 100 and one or more associated user devices 102. In the example, the one or more user devices 102 can include any device capable of receiving and providing information to a user such as handsets 104 (e.g. cordless telephones), picture frames 106, text entry devices 108, clock radios (not shown) and so on. The base station 100 typically provides network connections through which the one or more user devices 102 can access network services 14 and information. The base station 100 can support network connections that utilize, for example, public switched telephone network ("PSTN"), Ethernet, wireless 802.11, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications ("DECT") and Worldwide Digital Cordless Telecommunications ("WDCT") systems.

Referring also to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, a device control software 20 including a software framework 200 enables communications between users and a set of internet application services 14 using, for example, the Internet 12. Communications over the Internet 12 typically use an application and services communication protocol ("ASCP") which can be a derivative of Session Initiation Protocol RFC 3261 ("SIP") with extensions. It will be appreciated that other suitable protocols can be employed to encapsulate the ASCP.

The base station 100 typically includes a high performance processor for executing device control software 20. The base station 100 typically communicates application data to the one or more user devices 102 using a selected wireless standard. In many embodiments, the base station 100 also includes one or more voice codecs for translating incoming and outgoing voice streams between different digital encoding formats. Base station 100 can include memory storage for storing recorded voice, download application data and content specific to features and services controlled by Internet application services 14. It will be appreciated that the quantity and type of storage can vary according to configuration and operating requirements of a base station 100 as implemented in a particular embodiment. In many embodiments, plural user devices 102 can be supported by a base station 100 such that the plural user devices can be registered at a base station 100 and can subsequently communicate with the base station 100 and with Internet application services 14 through the base station 100.

In many embodiments, certain of the one or more user devices 102 provide bidirectional visual and audio interface communications between Internet application services 14 and a user. For example, certain of the user devices 102 provide audio interfaces and keypad interfaces for communication from the user to the Internet application services 14.

It will be appreciated that many configurations of functionality of user devices 102 and base station 100 are contemplated. For example, the distribution of software components between base station 100 and one or more user devices 102 can be configured according to system requirements. In certain embodiments, one or more user devices 102 and base station 100 can be combined to form a single device. In certain embodiments, the combination of one or more user devices 102 and base station 100 may be effected on a temporary basis. Embodiments of the invention can accommodate various configurations of user devices 102 and base station 100 through associated software and system configuration.

The device control software 20 typically operates as base level control software that enables a broadband communication system 10 to perform a plurality of functions in many embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, a broadband communication device 10 provides an application interface 202 for the software application framework 200 that is typically used in association with information delivery systems. However, in some embodiments, the broadband communication device 10 may not provide direct integration with the Internet application services 14. Typically, the application interface 202 provides all of the integration points between the device control software 20 and the software application framework 200 such that various combinations of broadband communication system 10 and device control software 20 can be integrated with software application frameworks 200 merely by adapting the device application interface DAPI layer 202. Thus a wide range of device control software 20 is contemplated for supporting a wide variety of broadband communication systems 10.

In many embodiments, the software application framework 200 comprises a plurality of components that together can be used to process application and service requests, responses and data. For example, as shown in the example of Figure 32 a software application framework 200 may comprise a wrapper for managing component communications and operations, a download and cache manager 208 for managing the download and storage of large data sets, an address book manager 206 for managing user interface and for integration with a network based phone directory, a display manager 204 for managing display of information to the user device and navigation through multiple screens and a call information manager 210 for managing call processing as configured by a user. The software application framework 200 can be designed to be extensible such that additional components can be added to the base structure.

In certain embodiments, the download and cache manager 208 manages download of large data sets to the base station 100 memory and thence to one or more user devices 102 as required. Download and cache manager 208 typically communicates to the Internet application services 14 by means of a broadband connection using the ASCP. Data sets can be encapsulated within extended SIP messages and sent to the base station 100. In many embodiments, the download and cache manager 208 provides a positive acknowledgement to the Internet application services 14 when a data set is received and successfully stored. In at least some embodiments, the base station 100 and user device 102 may be incapable of storing a data set, in which case the download and cache manager 208 may send back a negative acknowledgement in response to the ASCP data store request. It allows the system to interface to any size data set by only downloading part as needed. Typically, ASCP sends data store message includes addressing information for the individual data sets, wherein the addressing can be directed to the base station 100 or the user device 102.

In many embodiments, an address book manager 206 provides integration with network based address book storage data structures (not shown). The address book manager 206 typically accesses the Internet applications services 14 and provides a window into network based storage. The address book manager 206 can provide a remote user interface into the network based storage and can provide a window into the network based storage by downloading subsets of the data through the download and cache manager 208. Typically, each data component of the subset provides name, number and links for additional information. Additionally, a complete subset can also provide links to additional data subsets. In many embodiments, the address book manager 206 communicates with the display manager 204 to provide the user interface to a user device 102.

In certain embodiments, the display manager 204 manages the flow of display elements from other components of the software application framework 200 to the individual user devices 102. The display information is typically provided in a markup language providing links between individual pages. In one example, the display manager 204 is based on website meta language ("WML") enhanced with certain extensions. It will be appreciated, however, that other markup languages can be supported. In the example, the display manager 204 may serve pages of display information to individual user devices 102 under the control of the software application framework 200. The display manager 204 may also serve individual pages in response to user input received from individual user devices 102. Pages served by the display manager 204 can be cached locally on the base station 100 or user device 102, or fetched from the Internet application services 14.

In many embodiments, a call information manager 210 routes incoming calls to specific user devices 102 based on a downloaded "call-rule" table. In one example, a call information manager 210 receives an incoming call alert from the device control software 20 through the DAPI 202 which provides certain network information associated with the call. The certain information may include called number, calling number, calling name and additional information as required by the application. Upon receiving the call alert, the call information manager 210 typically accesses the call-rule table to determine if there are any special call handling rules that need to be applied to an identified call. The call information manager 210 typically combines call-handling rules with a current time and user presence information to route the call. In one example, the call-rule table comprises call identification elements such as called number, calling number, calling name and dialed number, call target information such as user device, presence status, message, block, greeting and line, time elements such as time of day and day of week, presentation elements such graphics, text and ring tone information. Typically, the call information manager 210 compares the call identification with entries in the call-rule table to determine any required action associated with the call. If a match is found, the call information manager 210 may test the time elements to determine what action needs to be taken. If the time elements indicate that action needs to be taken then the call information manager 210 can access the call target information and presentation elements to decide how to route the call and which additional information should be provided with the call.

Referring now to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>, which should be viewed with <figref idref="f0001">Figures 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2</figref>, in many embodiments, the Internet application services 14 comprise a user portal 300, application delivery engine 302, content and service gateway ("gateway") 304 and presence status manager 306. Although illustrated as a set of discrete components, embodiments of the invention distribute user portal 300, application delivery engine 302, gateway 304 and presence status manager 306 over multiple devices or may consolidate elements of user portal 300, application delivery engine 302, gateway 304 and presence status manager 306 into one or more discrete devices.

In many embodiments, the user portal 300 provides a web based user interface to allow users to configure parameters of the system. The user portal 300 may allow a master user to configure the rules of the system. The rules of the system typically control the performance of the application delivery engine 302 as it applies to specific users, the relationship between a specific base station 100 and its registered user devices 102 together with a user's content privileges, which control the gateway 304. The user portal 300 may also provide configuration pages for additional users within the system configuration for a single user device 102. The additional users can configure the types of configuration information they want to access as well as how calls can be routed and which personalization information should be associated with each call. The configuration options vary based on the requirements of the system provider.

In certain embodiments, the application delivery engine 302 manages the scheduling and flow of information from one or more gateways 304 to a plurality of base stations 100 over the Internet 12. One example of an application delivery engine 302 combines a VoIP soft switch with a scheduling engine. In the example, the engine accesses gateways 304 to gather appropriate information. Access to the gateways 304 is typically triggered by a scheduled event or responsive to requests from a base station 100 as defined by the access-rules table. The access-rules table may include information location entries such as which gateway 304 should be accessed, presence entries including presence status manager 306 status for a user, provider enabled option entries such as what capabilities the provider will allow the user to access, user configured options such as what capabilities the user has configured, time elements that, for example, control scheduled events, user mapping including relationship between users, base stations 100 and user devices 102. In many embodiments, the application delivery engine 302 compares a request against the access-rules table to determine how to process a request or whether a scheduled data needs to be sent.

In many embodiments, the gateway 304 provides access to external data and services 308. The gateway 304 typically receives configuration data from the user portal 300 which controls the data to be accessed and location of the data to be accessed. The gateway can access the data under control of the application delivery engine 302. Once data is accessed, the gateway 304 may transcode the data into application delivery engine 302 format and provide it to the application delivery engine 302. The gateway 304 may also receive data from the application delivery engine 302. Where the gateway 304 receives data from the application delivery engine 302, it may transcode data into correct external format and transmits the transcoded data to the appropriate external data or application service 308.

In certain embodiments, the presence status manager 306 manages the presence status of individual users through their interaction with a specific user device 102. The presence status manager 306 receives user presence messages via the application delivery engine 302 in response to login or logout actions. The presence status manager 306 keeps active presence state for all users and communicates this information to the appropriate gateway 304 to enable external services 308 such as Instant Messaging and Peer-To-Peer calling. The presence status manager 306 provides the presence state information to the application delivery engine 302 as part of the access-rules table.

In many embodiments, the Application and Services Communication Protocol (ASCP) can be based on an extension of existing VoIP protocols such as SIP (RFC 3261). Basing ASCP on published standards offers many benefits including the ability to traverse NAT/Firewalls, which are typically present when a broadband communication system is connected to the Internet 12. In many embodiments extension of a particular VoIP protocol may require the creation of new request or message types, sometimes also referred to as a "method". These new request types typically contain a payload that encapsulates the application data sent between the application delivery engine 302 and base station 100. The size of such payloads can be of an arbitrary size and there is typically no restriction on the connection protocol used (i.e. TCP, UDP, etc.).

In some embodiments where an extended SIP is employed, requirements for extension may be at least partially satisfied in existing extensions implemented for Instant Messaging. The extension is called Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions ("SIMPLE") and standardized as RFC 3428. Certain embodiments of the present invention may rely on SIMPLE, typically with further extension. In one example, the "message" method is used as the request type to pass the application data. In the latter example, the Content-Type can be something indicative of the application payload, such as: application/WML.

Feature Operation Examples

Embodiments of the invention permit service providers to offer a range of enhanced applications and services in conjunction with their standard broadband communication offers. The following examples are provided as illustrative of applications in accordance with certain aspects of the invention.

Messaging Access

A messaging access feature can permit a user to access both voice mail and email messages from a user device 102 within a home. In implementing the messaging access, a gateway 304 may integrate with an existing message store and can transcode the information from the store into user device 102 displayable information. In one example, an application delivery engine 302 receives information from the gateway 304 and packages the information into an ASCP message for transmittal to a selected base station 100, where it may be cached. The base station 100 typically sends an alert to the user device 102 along with the first page of cached information. The user can access additional information via a user interface on the user device 102. If the information requested has not been cached in the base station 100, the base station 100 will typically communicate with the application delivery engine 302 to access the additional information. The application delivery engine 302 may then communicate with the gateway 304 to pull the additional information. Delivery of the new information may follow the methods similar to those discussed above.

In many embodiments, the user can send messaging information using the method descried above. Typically, the information can be sent in either text or voice format. To send text, the user typically interacts with a content screen on the user device 102 provided by the software application framework 200. The content screen may gather textual content and send it to the software application framework 200. The software application framework 200 can typically generate an ASCP message with appropriate content and send it to the application delivery engine 302 which forwards it to the gateway 304. The gateway 304 may reformat the information into a correct form and send it to the appropriate message store. To send voice, the user typically interacts with the content screen on the user device 102, the content screen being provided by the software application framework 200. The content screen may communicate with the software application framework 200 to open a voice channel to a voice recording device. Typically the voice recording device stores voice message information and then communicates to the software application framework 200 and application delivery engine 302 that the message is stored. The application delivery engine 302 typically sends one or more voice packets to the gateway 304 which may reformat the voice packets and send the packets to an appropriate message store.

Phone Book Access

In certain embodiments, a phone book access feature allows a user to access a network based address book through the user device. The user can interact with the user device user interface to select a phone book option. Upon selecting the phone book option, the user device may send a request to a base station 100 to send a subset of a current phone book data to the user device 102. The base station 100 typically requests the data from gateway 304 through application delivery engine 302. The gateway 304 may request the data and packages in an ASCP message and send it to the base station 100 through the application delivery engine 302. The base station 100 typically provides the user interface for managing the searching of the data and request for additional blocks as required by user requests.

In many embodiments, the user can update the network based phone book data through the user device 012. For example, the user may access an "add phone data" page on the user device 102. The user device 102 may then communicate with the base station 100 to request the required data entry page data. Upon receiving the latter request, the user device 102 may communicate data entry input to the base station 100. The base station 100 typically packages the data within an ASCP message and sends it to the gateway 304 via the application delivery engine 302. The gateway 304 can translate the data into a preferred format and can store it in the network phone address book.

Instant Message Access

In certain embodiments, instant messaging access permits a user to access instant messaging buddy lists, send and receive text based IM messages and send/receive one way and two way voice calls to and from buddy list entries. The user may interact with the user device 102 user interface to select the instant message option. Upon selecting the instant message option, the user device 102 may send a request to the base station 100 to send the current user buddy list status to the user device 102. The base station 100 can then request the requested data from the gateway 304 through the application delivery engine 302. The gateway 304 may request the data and packages in an ASCP message and can sends the message to the base station 100 through the application delivery engine 302. The base station 100 typically provides the buddy list status to the user device 102. The user may then be able to view and scroll through the current buddy list status. This status can provide links to instant messages and other status information. The user can typically access the other status information through the user device 102/ base station 100/ application delivery engine 302/ gateway 304 communication channel.

To guarantee that the buddy list data is up to date, the gateway 304 will typically send buddy list information asynchronously to the application delivery engine 302. The application delivery engine 302 may access the presence status manager 306 to determine if the information needs to be forwarded to a selected base station 100.

In one example, the user can place a call to a buddy list entry by highlighting the buddy list entry on the user device 102 and selecting the call option. The user device 102 may then communicate this selection to the base station 100. The base station 100 can request the call setup information from the gateway 304 via the application delivery engine 302. The gateway 304 typically communicates with the network based Instant Message system to determine all of the required information to setup the requested call. The gateway 304 can package the information within an ASCP message and send it to the base station 100 via the application delivery engine 302. The base station 100 may establish the VoIP call between the user device 102 and the requested IM client.

Half duplex voice communication between systems

Embodiments of the invention provide a mechanism that allows a first user device 102 connected to a first base station 100 to communicate with a second user device 102 connected to a second base station 100, wherein the connection is created as a half duplex voice communication. The mechanism further includes a communication between the first and second user devices 102 is established responsive to activation of one of a talk button and a soft key on the user device 102. The mechanism further includes a simultaneous communication between the first user device 102 and a third user device 102 connected to a third base station 100, wherein the form of communication is configured on a user portal 300 such that the configuration applies to first and second user devices 102 and first and second base stations 100. The mechanism further includes a simultaneous communication between the first user device 102 and a plurality of other user devices 102.

Record and delivery of voice messages to distributed base stations

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for recording a voice message on a first base station 100 and delivering the voice message to a second base station 100, wherein the delivery is controlled by a user portal 300 provided through the first base station 100. The method further includes delivery of a voice message to a plurality of destinations by the first base station 100, wherein delivery to the plurality of destinations is controlled by selection of options configured by a user of the user portal 300. The method further includes control of the delivery by other options provided at a user device 102, wherein upon establishing the options, the base station 100 transmits the message to the user portal 300 and the user portal 300 retransmits the message to target recipients.

Reply to the delivery of voice messages from distributed base stations

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for replying to a sender of a distributed voice message wherein certain options may be configured by a user via a user portal 300 and further configured by options provided on a user device 102. The method further includes replying to all the recipients of the distributed voice message. The method further includes addressing and delivery of a reply message wherein the addressing and delivery is managed by the user portal 300 in the same manner as the original delivery of the distributed voice message.

Archiving base station voice messages to internet data store

Embodiments of the invention provide methods for archiving recorded voice messages from a base station 100 to a persistent storage location through a user portal 300, wherein a user selects an archive option from a list of message commands. The methods further include sending a digitally recorded message as a package to the user portal 300 where it is archived for future access.

Base station voice message indication to mobile phones via SMS

Embodiments of the invention provide an indication when a base station 100 answering machine has received a message. In some embodiments, the indication is provided as an SMS message and the SMS message is received by at least one SMS capable device. Some embodiments further comprise indication rules that define characteristics of the received message including type of message, callerID from which message was received, phone number of an SMS device, wherein the indication rules are configured in a user portal 300. In some embodiments, the base station 100 automatically sends SMS indications responsive to receipt of a voice message.

Message Waiting Indication (MWI) for messages stored on external email servers

Embodiments of the invention provide at least one MWI indication on one or more user devices 102, MWI indications including a text message and blinking LED, wherein the at least one MWI indicator indicates that a new email has been received in an external email service, the external mail service including AOL and Hotmail. Embodiments of the invention further provide that a user portal 300 communicates with the external email service 308 via one or more established APIs and receives an indication that an identified email account has received a message. Embodiments of the invention further provide that the user portal 300 determines whether the external email account 308 is associated with a user account and whether the user account is configured for email notification. Embodiments of the invention provide that the user portal 300 sends the notification message to a base station 100 associated with the associated user account. Embodiments of the invention further provides that the notification message includes identification of one or more target user devices 102, wherein the target user devices 102 are identified in the user portal 300, the target user devices 102 being associated with the user account. Embodiments of the invention further provide that the base station 100 sends an appropriate message to the target user devices 102 to enable the configured MWI indications.

Automatic system registration creating personal user portal website

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for automatic registration of a base station 100 to a user portal 300. In some embodiments, the method further includes generating a registration responsive to initial connection of a non-configured base station 100 to the Internet 12 via a persistent data connection. In some embodiments, automatic registration pre-configures a user specific user portal page, the user specific portal page having associated system information pre-loaded.

Shared Contact Lists

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for users to share contact lists on a user portal 300, wherein the sharing includes allowing a plurality of users to select certain contacts for sharing. In some embodiments, the shared contacts are combined with a communal group of contacts that any user can access. In some embodiments, the method includes displaying the shared contacts and accessing the shared contacts in the same manner as a personal group of contacts. In some embodiments, the method includes allowing users to register with groups associated with the shared contacts.

Voice packetization for server based speech recognition

Embodiments of the invention provide a method to packetize and store a spoken voice phrase on a client device 102 to obtain a voice packet, send the voice packet to a speech recognition engine located in a user portal 300, resolve the voice packet into a specific command, execute the specific command and send a response to the client device 102, the response being based on results obtained from execution and options to be provided to the client device 102.

Speech recognition to establish calls

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for using a voice packetization system to establish voice calls based on use spoken commands.

Speech recognition to lookup data

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for using a voice packetization system to use spoken commands for retrieving information and displaying the information on a user device 102.

Visual access to distributed voice mail systems

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for a single web site to access and display the voice messages stored on distributed, internet connected answering machines.

Retrieval and playback of stored answering machine messages

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for using a single web site to display distributed answering machine messages, and further for playing back the answering machine messages to one or more users.

Proxy for remote extensions off of IP-PBX

Embodiments of the invention provide a proxy for remote IP phones associated with an enterprise IP-PBX, wherein a base station 100 spoofs the IP-PBX IP phone protocol such that a user device 102 appears as an extension of the enterprise IP-PBX.

Variable function docking stations

Embodiments of the invention provide one or more docks that have capabilities including buttons, displays and wireless integration options, wherein full functionality is obtained by combining a user device 102 with a dock.

Changing the personality of a user device by installing in different docks

Embodiments of the invention provide a plurality of docks wherein behavior of a user device 102 is changed by the characteristics of any of the plurality of docks to which the user device 102 is connected. Further, each of the plurality of docks provides a personality key that is readable by a connected user device 102, wherein the connected user device 102 varies its operation responsive to specific functions and capabilities provided by the dock.

Enable speaker phone on user devices to monitor audio over the internet

Embodiments of the invention permit a user to enable a specific microphone and monitor audio within range, the microphone communicating with the user by an Internet 12 connection.

SIP Application Protocol

Embodiments of the invention provide a method to communicate application information between a base station 100 and user portal 300, wherein communication is facilitated by SIP connections. The method further includes transmitting uplink communication using SIP-AP and downlink communications encapsulated within SIP messages.

SIP-AP Enabled Display Control

Embodiments of the invention provide a method wherein SIP-AP is used for controlling display function of a user device 100 by a user portal 300, wherein the user portal 300 sends a combination of single and multiple linked display pages to the user device 102. In some embodiments, the method includes caching the display pages prior and displaying the display pages on the user device 102.

User portal Initiated SIP-AP Enabled Display Control

Embodiments of the invention provides a system in which a user portal 300 asynchronously controls a display in a user device 102. In some embodiments, the system provides a trigger based on scheduled events and externally integrated application state changes.

Single Base Station - Multiple Handset Support

Embodiments of the invention provide a system in which a single base station 100 manages SIP-AP communications with multiple registered handsets 104. In some embodiments, the base station 100 is adapted to cache in a storage specific information sent by a user portal 300 associated with each of the multiple registered handsets 104 and to communicate with the user portal 300 for retrieving other information associated with one or more user devices 102, wherein the other information is not found within the storage and wherein the other information is routed to the associated one or more user devices 102.

IM Proxy

Embodiments of the invention provide an IM proxy for maintaining multiple virtual IM clients on an IM network, wherein at least some of the virtual IM clients are associated with a handset 104 and the virtual IM clients provide IM functionality to the associated handsets 104, and wherein the associated handsets 104 are incapable of independently communicating on an IM network. In some embodiments IM communications with the associated handsets are directed to the IM Proxy through the SIP Application Protocol.

It is apparent that the above embodiments may be altered in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, Further, the invention may be expressed in various aspects of a particular embodiment without regard to other aspects of the same embodiment. Still further, various aspects of different embodiments can be combined together. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.