Abstract:
In an embodiment, a videoconference system is provided in which a conference can be controlled by an end user (e.g., a participant of the conference) without the assistance of an operator. In another embodiment, the end user is presented with a graphical feature on an image associated with an ongoing conference that links to a menu, which in turn links to routines for selecting various options that change the setup of the conference. In yet another embodiment, the parameters of the conference can be changed while the conference is ongoing. In a further embodiment, the conference control unit includes a menu generator. Any combination of the above embodiments can be used together in one embodiment.
Abstract:
An Internet Protocol-capable call center system has a managing computer connected to a plurality of PCs at agent stations on a local area network. The managing computer is adapted to receive and route Internet Protocol Network Telephony calls to the agent stations according to predetermined routing rules. A statistics server (stat-server) in the call center provides status of call center objects, among multiple status possibilities, to requesting applications in the processes of routing calls. Requesting applications, in addition to requests for object states, provide priority indications of object states desired. The stat-server provides the highest priority state to a requesting application. In the absence of a priority indication the stat-server provides status of objects according to a default indication.
Abstract:
A system and method accepting information regarding audio telephony sessions (e.g., a telephone calls) and, in response, initiating videoconferences via videoconference terminals associated with the audio terminals used for the audio telephony sessions.
Abstract:
The caller managed hold system enables a caller, when their incoming call is placed in a hold state, to manage the program materials that are transmitted to them. In addition, the identity of the caller and their customization of the program material choices are stored in memory to be used for any subsequent calls received from the caller. In this manner, the caller automatically receives a customized hold service whenever their call is placed in a hold state.
Abstract:
A system for routing electronic mails to one of a plurality of support persons in a processing center is disclosed. Each person has a skill set that is suitable for responding to a certain type of e-mails. The system comprises an e-mail server for receiving the e-mail from a sender, an information extractor for extracting relevant information from the e-mail, and a router for routing the e-mail. The system contains a database for storing information related to all persons who can answer e-mails. The system also contains a server for storing the history of all activities in the system. The router can make routing decisions and perform load-balancing and alert functions based on the information stored in the database and the server.
Abstract:
A routing system is disclosed for routing communication events. The system comprises at least one data queue for queuing incoming events; at least one interaction mechanism for enabling bi-directional communication with authors of events in queue; and a processor for processing events in queue according to routing rules. In a preferred embodiment authors of the communication events are solicited through the at least one interaction mechanism to make a value contribution in exchange for advancement in the data queue.
Abstract:
A system for balancing outbound dialing rate with agent utilization in a telephony call center, minimizing wait time for answered outdialed calls has a call number generating module for generating numbers to be automatically dialed, a dialing unit for dialing numbers generated, a queue for queing answered calls, and a stat module for monitoring performance and generating a call generation rate. The system uses an analytical method in one embodiment for determining the call generation rate, wherein the method uses one or more of distribution function of system processes, numerical methods, solving of non-linear equations, or probability techniques. In another embodiment the system accomplishes the same purpose using a simulation method for determining the call generation rate, wherein parameters relating to a queing system are estimated in absence of sufficient information by simulating each of the system's processes, predicting behavior of the system on basis of previous experience, and finding optimal point in future to make a next call.
Abstract:
An Internet Protocol-capable call center system has a managing computer connected to a plurality of PCs at agent stations on a local area network. The managing computer is adapted to receive and route Internet Protocol Network Telephony calls to the agent stations according to predetermined routing rules.. A statistics server (stat-server) in the call center provides status of call center objects, among multiple status possibilities, to requesting applications in the processes of routing calls. Requesting applications, in addition to requests for object states, provide priority indications of object states desired. The stat-server provides the highest priority state to a requesting application. In the absence of a priority indication the stat-server provides status of objects according to a default indicattion.
Abstract:
A conference system for electronic caregiving is described. A one-on-one audio/video-call system allows communication between an elderly or disabled user and caregiver using audio, video and/or data. The system includes two communication systemsnullone for the user and one for the caregiver. Each communication system includes a console coupled to a television. The console has a digital processor, storage, software, and connections to telephone equipment, channel tuner, a video camera, and steering for the video camera. A remote control issues commands to the console to initiate or accept calls to the other communication system. The phone line is used to carry the audio portion of the call while the network is used to carry any video and/or data portion of the call. In some embodiments, a passkey allows the caregiver's communication system to control the user's communication system without any interaction by the user. In other embodiments, more than one video camera is used for a communication system. A microphone can be coupled to the remote control to collect the audio channel for the call.
Abstract:
A video enable answering machine having many new features including customized video announcement messages, caller ID based video announcement messages, and time based video announcement messages.