Uniloc USA, Inc. et al v. Google, Inc.

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against Google, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0540-6215981.), filed by Uniloc USA, Inc., Uniloc Luxembourg, S.A.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Civil Cover Sheet)(Etheridge, James)

EXHIBIT C

US007535890B2

United States Patent

(io)

Rojas

d2)

(45)

( 54 )

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTANT VOIP
MESSAGING

( 75 )

Inventor:

2007/0112925 Al *
2007/0174403 Al *

Notice:

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.C. 154 (b) by 799 days.

( 21 )

Filed:

Dec. 18, 2003
Prior Publication Data

( 65 )

Jun. 23, 2005

US 2005/0135333 A1

370/352; 709/206
370/354,
370/352
See application file for complete search history.

(57)

ABSTRACT

There is provided an instant voice messaging system (and
method) for delivering instant messages over a packet switched network, the system comprising: a client connected
to the network, the client selecting one or more recipients,
generating an instant voice message therefor, and transmit ting the selected recipients and the instant voice message
therefor over the network; and a server connected to the
network, the server receiving the selected recipients and the
instant voice message therefor, and delivering the instant
voice message to the selected recipients over the network, the
selected recipients being enabled to audibly play the instant
voice message.

References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
B1 * 7/ 2004 McZeal , Jr
A1 * 5/ 2003 Sagi et al
Al * 7/ 2003 Creamer etal
Al * 2/ 2004 Schultes et al
Al * 6/ 2004 Goodman et al
Al * 7/ 2004 Bernstein etal
Al * 12/ 2004 Williams etal
Al * 3/ 2005 Gierachf
Al * 5/ 2005 Hollowell et al
Al * 7/ 2006 Boukobza
A1 * 11/ 2006 Weiner

-

Primary Examiner— Creighton Smith
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm— Scully, Scott, Murphy &
Presser, P.C.

Int. Cl.
(2006.01)
H04L 12/66
(52) U.S. Cl
(58) Field of Classification Search

6 ,763,226
2003/0087632
2003/0126207
2004/0030046
2004/0122906
2004/0128356
2004 0252679
2005/0053230
2005/0105697
2006/0167883
2006/0268750

455/90.2
455/414
709/204
525/71
709/206
709/206
370/356
379/406.06
379/88.13
707/10
370/260

70 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets

200
216

202

204
208

212

709/206
709/207

* cited by examiner

(51)

(56)

5/2007 Malik
7/2007 Barry

-

Appl . No.: 10/740, 030

( 22 )

May 19, 2009

http://www.ci sco .com/warp/public/cc/pd nemnsw/callmn prodlit/
cm33_ds.htm; “ Data Sheet Cisco CallManager Version 3.3” , Nov.
22, 2002.
http://www.ci sco .com/enTJS/products/hw/switches/ ps1925
products_data_sheet 09186a00800a3c3d .html; “ Data Sheet Cisco
MGX 8000 Series” (date unknown ).
http://www.hsteliann .com/ english/? zone=3100 V21P; “ Teliphone
3100 V21P” , 2003.
http://www. hnuxdevices.com/articles.AT 5199947519 .html;
“ Device Profile: snom 100 VoIP phone” , May 15 , 2002.
http://www. pingtel .com pr xpressa.jsp; No limits with the advanced
industry standard SIP phone; Dec . 8, 2003.
AudioCoded Enabling Technology Products, TPM-1100 VoP Media
Gateway Modules, copyright 2003.

Assignee: Ayalogic, Inc., Akron, OH (US)

(*)

US 7,535,890 B2

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Michael J. Rojas , North Canton, OH
( US )

( 73 )

Patent No.:
Date of Patent:

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US 7,535,890 B2

1

2

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTANT VOIP
MESSAGING

vided between the legacy switch 112 and the packet -switched
network 102 to enable IP telephony between the legacy telephone 110 and a VoIP terminal device, such as a VoIP soft phone 104 or VoIP telephone 106 . More specifically, the
media gateway 114 converts the audio signal carried over
PSTN to packets carried over the packet-switched IP network
102. In addition, a media gateway 118 may be disposed over
the PSTN 116 and connected to a softswitch 120 to convert
the audio signal from the legacy telephone 110 to packets
routed over the IP network 102 via the softswitch 120.
Voice messaging in both the VoIP and PSTN is known.
More specifically, the foregoing systems may be provided
with a facility to allow users to leave voice messages for
recipients, which is a feature that is familiar to anyone who
uses a telephone. Conventionally, leaving a voice message
involves dialing the recipient’ s telephone number (often
without knowing whether the recipient will answer), waiting
for the connection to be established , speaking to an operator
or navigating through a menu of options, listening to a greet ing message, and recording the message for later pickup by
the recipient. In that message, the user must typically identify
himself or herself in order for the recipient to return the call.
Instant text messaging is likewise known. More specifically, a user is provided with a client terminal, which is
typically a general-purpose PC programmed with instant text
messaging software and in data communication over an IP
network with an instant text-messaging server. The instant
text-messaging server presents the user, via the client termi nal, with a list of persons who are currently “ online” and
ready to receive text messages on their own client terminals.
The user then uses the client terminal to select one or more
persons to whom the message will be sent and types in a text
message. The text message is sent immediately via the text messaging server to the selected one or more persons and is
displayed on their respective client terminals.
However, notwithstanding the foregoing advances in the
VoIP/PSTN voice communication and voice/text messaging,
there is still a need in the art for providing a system and
method for providing instant VoIP messaging over an IP
network. More particularly, there is a need in the art for
providing local and global instant voice messaging over VoIP
with PSTN support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
5

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to Internet telephony (IP telephony). More particularly, the present invention is directed to a system and method for enabling local and
global instant VoIP messaging over an IP network, such as the 10
Internet, with PSTN support.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Traditional telephony is based on a public switched telephone network (i.e., “ PSTN” ). In the PSTN, a telephone
terminal is electrically connected to a conventional or legacy 15
switch. The telephone terminal and the legacy switch communicate via a proprietary protocol, which may be different
depending on the vendor of the legacy switch. Circuit switching provides a communication path (i.e., dedicated circuit) for
a telephone call from the telephone terminal to another device 20
over the PSTN, including another telephone terminal. During
the telephone call , voice communication takes place over that
communication path.
An alternative to the PSTN is Voice over Internet Protocol
(i.e., “ VoIP” ), also known as IP telephony or Internet tele- 25
phony. In the IP telephony, a VoIP terminal device is con nected to a packet -switched network (e.g., Internet ) and voice
communication from the VoIP terminal device is digitized,
packetized and transmitted over the packet-switched network
to a destination VoIP terminal device, which reconstructs the 30
packets and audibly plays, stores or otherwise processes the
transmission. The VoIP terminal device may be a VoIP telephone or a general-purpose personal computer (PC) enabled
for IP telephony. More specifically, the PC is programmed
with the software and equipped with audio input/output 35
devices (e.g., a combination of microphone and speaker or a
headset) to serve as a VoIP terminal device. The PC so enabled
and equipped will herein be referred to as a VoIP terminal
device or a VoIP softphone.
FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of a prior art IP telephony 40
system 100. The IP telephony system 100 comprises a packet switched IP network 102, such as the Internet , which trans mits VoIP traffic from and to a plurality of terminal devices
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
104, 106 and 110. Terminal device 104 is a VoIP softphone
that is enabled for IP telephony over the network 102. Termi - 45
The present invention is directed to a system and method
nal device 106 is a VoIP telephone, which is connected to the
for enabling local and global instant VoIP messaging over an
network 102 via a softswitch 108. Hie VoIP softswitch 108 is
IP network, such as the Internet.
disposed on the packet-switched network (e.g., Internet) 102
According to an embodiment of the present invention,
between an origination terminal device (such as VoIP soft phone 104) and a destination terminal device (such as VoIP 50 there is provided an instant voice messaging system for deliv ering instant messages over a packet-switched network, the
telephone 106), and routes packets over the packet -switched
system comprising: a client connected to the network, the
IP network 102. The softswitch 108 may also manage and
client selecting one or more recipients, generating an instant
perform administrative functions for the terminal device or
voice message therefor, and transmitting the selected recipi devices (e.g., VoIP telephone 106 ) to which it is connected.
Whether the terminal device is a VoIP softphone 104 or aVoIP 55 ents and the instant voice message therefor over the network;
and a server connected to the network, the server receiving the
telephone 106, the terminal device is connected to the IP
selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor, and
network 102 via a networking standard such as Ethernet,
delivering the instant voice message to the selected recipients
Bluetooth, IEEE 1394 (also known as “ Firewire” ), IEEE
over the network, the selected recipients being enabled to
802.11 (also known as “ WiFi” ), or networking over serial
communication channels such as the Universal Serial Bus 60 audibly play the instant voice message.
According to another embodiment of the present invention,
(i.e., “ USB” ). Data communication over the network then
there is provided an instant voice messaging system for deliv takes place using a connection protocol , e.g., transfer control
protocol /Internet protocol (i .e., “ TCP/ IP” ).
ering instant messages over a packet-switched network
Further regarding FIG. 1, terminal device 110 is a legacy
enabling public switched telephone network (PSTN) support ,
telephone that is comiectedto a legacy switch 112 for (circuit - 65 the system comprising: a PSTN telephone connected to the
network for providing input audio ; a client connected to the
switched ) voice communications over the PSTN 116 with
network, the client selecting one or more recipients, generat other terminal devices. A media gateway 114 may be pro -

US 7,535,890 B2

3

4

ing an instant voice message therefor using the input audio
provided by the PSTN telephone, and transmitting the
selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor
over the network; a server connected to the network, the
server receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor, and delivering the instant voice message to
the selected recipients over the network, the selected recipients being enabled to audibly play the instant voice message.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an instant voice messaging system for
delivering instant messages over a packet -switched network,
the system comprising: a voice-over-internet -protocol (VoIP)
telephone connected to the network for providing input audio;
a client connected to the network, the client selecting one or
more recipients, generating an instant voice message therefor
using the input audio provided by the VoIP telephone, and
transmitting the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor over the network; a server connected to the
network, the server receiving the selected recipients and the
instant voice message therefor, and delivering the instant
voice message to the selected recipients over the network, the
selected recipients being enabled to audibly play the instant
voice message.
According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided an instant voice messaging system for delivering instant messages over a plurality of packet switched networks, the system comprising: a client connected to a local network, the client selecting one or more
external recipients connected to an external network outside
the local network, generating an instant voice message therefor, and transmitting the selected recipients and the instant
voice message therefor over the local network and the external network; and a server comiected to the external network,
the server receiving the selected recipients and the instant
voice message therefor, and delivering the instant voice message to the selected recipients over the external network, the
selected recipients being enabled to audibly play the instant
voice message.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an instant voice messaging system for
delivering instant messages over a plurality of packet switched networks enabling public switched telephone net work (PSTN) support, the system comprising: a PSTN telephone comiected to a local network for providing input audio;
a client comiected to the local network, the client selecting
one or more external recipients connected to an external
network outside the local network, generating an instant
voice message therefor using the input audio provided by the
PSTN telephone, and transmitting the selected recipients and
the instant voice message therefor over the local network and
the external network; a server comiected to the external network, the server receiving the selected recipients and the
instant voice message therefor, and delivering the instant
voice message to the selected recipients over the external
network, the selected recipients being enabled to audibly play
the instant voice message.
According to yet a further embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided an instant voice messaging system for delivering instant messages over a plurality of packet switched networks, the system comprising: a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) telephone connected to a local
network for providing input audio; a client connected to the
local network, the client selecting one or more external recipi ents comiected to an external network outside the local net work, generating an instant voice message therefor using the
input audio provided by the VoIP telephone, and transmitting
the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor

over the local network and the external network; an server
connected to the external network, the external server receiv ing the selected recipients and the instant voice message
therefor, and delivering the instant voice message to the
selected recipients over the external network, the selected
recipients being enabled to audibly play the instant voice
message.
According to still a further embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided an instant voice messaging sys tem for delivering instant messages over a plurality of packet switched networks, the system comprising: a client connected to an external network, the client selecting one or more
recipients connected to a local network, generating an instant
voice message therefor, and transmitting the selected recipi ents and the instant voice message therefor over the external
network; an external server system comiected to the external
network, the external server system receiving the selected
recipients and the instant voice message, and routing the
selected recipients and the instant voice message over the
external network and the local network; a local server connected to the local network, the local server receiving the
selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor, and
delivering the instant voice message to the selected recipients
over the local network, the selected recipients being enabled
to audibly play the instant voice message.
According to an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a method for instant voice messaging over a
packet-switched network, the method comprising: selecting
one or more recipients for instant voice messaging at a client ;
generating an instant voice message for the selected recipi ents at the client ; transmitting the selected recipients and the
instant voice message therefor over the network from the
client to a server; receiving the selected recipients and the
instant voice message therefor at the server; delivering the
instant voice message from the server to the selected recipi ents over the network; and audibly playing the instant voice
message at the selected recipients.
According to another embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a method for instant voice messaging over a
packet-switched network enabling public switched telephone
network (PSTN) support , the method comprising: providing
input audio via a PSTN telephone comiected over the net work; selecting one or more recipients for instant voice mes saging at a client ; generating an instant voice message using
the input audio from the PSTN telephone for the selected
recipients at the client ; transmitting the selected recipients
and the instant voice message therefor over the network from
the client to a server; receiving the selected recipients and the
instant voice message therefor at the server; delivering the
instant voice message from the server to the selected recipi ents over the network; and audibly playing the instant voice
message at the selected recipients.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for instant voice messaging
over a packet-switched network, the method comprising: pro viding input audio via a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP )
telephone connected over the network; selecting one or more
recipients for instant voice messaging at a client; generating
an instant voice message using the input audio from the VoIP
telephone for the selected recipients at the client ; transmitting
the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor
over the network from the client to a server; receiving the
selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor at
the server; delivering the instant voice message from the
server to the selected recipients over the network; and audibly
playing the instant voice message at the selected recipients.

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According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a method for instant voice messaging over a plurality of packet-switched networks, the
method comprising: selecting one or more external recipients
for instant voice messaging at a client connected to a local
network, the one or more external recipients connected to an
external network outside the local network; generating an
instant voice message for the selected external recipients at
the client ; transmitting the selected external recipients and the
instant voice message therefor over the local network and the
external network; receiving the selected external recipients
and the instant voice message therefor at an external server
connected to the external network; delivering the instant
voice message to the selected external recipients over the
external network; and audibly playing the instant voice message at the selected external recipients.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for instant voice messaging
system over a plurality of packet-switched networks enabling
public switched telephone network (PSTN) support, the
method comprising: providing input audio via a PSTN telephone connected to a local network; selecting one or more
external recipients for instant voice messaging at a client, the
one or more external recipients connected to an external
network outside the local network; generating an instant
voice message for the one or more external recipients using
the input audio provided by the PSTN telephone; transmitting
the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor
over the local network and the external network; receiving the
selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor at a
server connected to the external network; delivering the
instant voice message to the selected recipients from the
server over the external network; and audibly playing the
instant voice message at the selected recipients.
According to still a further embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a method for instant voice messaging system over a plurality of packet-switched networks,
the method comprising: providing input audio via a voiceover-internet -protocol (VoIP) telephone connected to a local
network; selecting one or more external recipients for instant
voice messaging at a client, the one or more external recipi ents connected to an external network outside the local net work; generating an instant voice message for the one or more
external recipients using the input audio provided by the VoIP
telephone; transmitting the selected recipients and the instant
voice message therefor over the local network and the external network; receiving the selected recipients and the instant
voice message therefor at a server connected to the external
network; delivering the instant voice message to the selected
recipients from the server over the external network; and
audibly playing the instant voice message at the selected
recipients.
According to yet a further embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a method for instant voice messaging over a plurality of a plurality of packet-switched net works, the method comprising: selecting one or more recipients connected to a local network at a client connected to an
external network; generating an instant voice message for the
selected recipients at the client; transmitting the selected
recipients and the instant voice message therefor over the
external network from the client to an external server system;
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice message at the external server system; routing the selected recipi ents and the instant voice message over the external network
and the local network; receiving the selected recipients and
the instant voice message therefor at a local server connected
to the local network; delivering the instant voice message to

the selected recipients over the local network; audibly playing
the instant voice message at the selected recipients.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art, in view of
the following detailed description taken in combination with
the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a prior art IP telephony
system;
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary local IVM system for
enabling instant voice messaging according to the present
invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary IVM client of FIG. 2 for
enabling instant voice messaging according to the present
invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary' IVM server of FIG. 2 for
enabling instant voice messaging according to the present
invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary' global IVM system comprising a local IVM system and global IVM clients, according
to the present invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary' global IVM server system
depicted in FIG. 5, according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary' transport server depicted in
FIG. 6, according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary' directory server depicted in
FIG. 6, according to the present invention; and
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary' global IVM system comprising a plurality of local IVM systems and global IVM
clients, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a system and method
for enabling local and global instant VoIP messaging over an
IP network with PSTN support.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a local instant voice
messaging (IVM) system 200 according to the present invention. The instant voice messaging system 200 comprises a
local IVM server 202 that provides the core functionality for
enabling instant voice messaging with PSTN support accord ing to the present invention. The architecture of the local IVM
server 202 will be described in detail hereinbelow with ref erence to FIG. 4. According to the exemplary IVM system
200, the local IVM server 202 is enabled to provide instant
voice messaging to one or more IVM clients 206 and 208, as
well support instant voice messaging for PSTN legacy telephones 110. It is noted that although FIG. 2 depicts one of
each IVM client 206, 208 and legacy telephone 110 for clarity
and brevity, the local IVM server 202 is enabled to support a
plurality of each of the foregoing IVM clients 206, 208 and
legacy telephone 110. The local packet-switched IP network
204 interconnects the IVM clients 206, 208 and the legacy
telephone 110 to the local IVM server 202 as well as interconnecting the local IVM server 202 to the local IP network
204. The network 204 may be a local area network (LAN), a
wide area network (WAN), or the like, which supports both
wired and wireless devices. The exemplary IVM client 208 is
a VoIP softphone, the architecture of which will be described
in detail hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 3. A microphone
212 is connected to the IVM client 208 and enables the
recording of an instant voice message according to the present
invention into an audio file 210 for transmission to the local
IVM server 202 over the network 204. An input device 218

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IVM client 208. The audio file 210 at the IVM client 208 is
(e.g., a keyboard) is connected to the IVM client 208 to select
finalized via a stop signal , which is generated by the user via
one or more recipients that are to receive the recorded instant
the input device 218 or a preset time period without speech
voice message. Although not depicted in FIG. 2, the input
device 218 may include a trackball, digitizing pad or mouse,
input via the input audio device 212 on the IVM client 208.
or the like. A display device 216 is connected to the IVM 5 Once the recording of the user’ s speech is finalized , IVM
client 208 generates a send signal indicating that the digitized
client 208 to display instant voice messages recorded and/or
audio file 210 (instant voice message) is ready to be sent to the
received by a user of the IVM client 208. An audio device 214,
selected recipients. The user generates the send signal when
such as external speaker, is connected to the IVM client 208
the user operates the IVM client 208 via the input device 218,
to play received instant voice messages. It is noted that the
microphone 212, audio device 214, display device 216 and 10 e.g., pressing a key on a keyboard or clicking a button on a
mouse. The IVM client 208 transmits the digitized audio file
input device 218 may form integral parts of the IVM client
208.
210 and the send signal to the local IVM server 202. In
Further with reference to FIG. 2, IVM client 206 is interresponse to the send signal indicating that the instant voice
connected via the network 204 to the local IVM server 202.
message is ready to be sent, the IVM client 208 sends the
An exemplary IVM client 206 is a VoIP telephone, which 15 recorded audio file 210 destined for the selected one or more
recipients via local IVM server 202. After receiving the audio
comprises a screen display (not shown) capable of displaying
file 210, the IVM server 202 thereafter delivers the transmit instant voice messages recorded and/or received by a user of
ted instant voice message to the selected one or more recipi the IVM client 206 according to the present invention. The
VoIP telephone 206 further comprises a handset and/or
ents via the local IP network 204 . The one or more recipients
speakerphone for recording instant voice messages and lis- 20 are enabled to display an indication that the instant voice
tening to instant voice messages received at the VoIP telemessage has been received and audibly play the instant voice
message to an associated user. It should be understood that
phone 206 according to the present invention. The VoIP teleonly the available IVM recipients, currently comiected to the
phones which may be implemented to provide instant voice
messaging functionality according to the present invention
IVM server 202, will receive the instant voice message. It is
are commercially available from many vendors, including 25 noted that if a recipient IVM client is not currently comiected
Alcatel , Lucent , NEC and Cisco , to name just a few.
to the local IVM server 202 (i.e., is unavailable), the IVM
server temporarily saves the instant voice message and deliv In addition to the foregoing IVM clients 206, 208, the IVM
system 200 supports a legacy telephone 110 for instant voice
ers it to the IVM client when the IVM client connects to the
messaging according to the present invention. The legacy
local IVM server 202 (i .e., is available).
There are several embodiments for the operation of the
telephone 110 is comiectedto a legacy switch 112. The legacy 30
IVM client (VoIP telephone) 206 within the IVM system 200,
switch 112 is further connected to a media gateway 114. Both
the legacy switch 112 and the media gateway 114 interconaccording to the present invention. In the first embodiment ,
the VoIP telephone 206 is a standalone IVM client 206
nect the legacy telephone 110 via the network 204 to the local
IVM server 202, thereby facilitating instant voice messaging
enabled for instant voice messaging according to the present
according to the present invention. The media gateway 114 35 invention. In the second embodiment , the VoIP telephone 206
may be a gateway that supports trunk pack network control
operates synchronously either with the IVM client 208 or
(i.e., “ TPNCP” ) protocol, media gateway control protocol
IVM server 202 to enable instant voice messaging according
(i.e., “ MGCP” ), or a media gateway control H.428 protocol
to the present invention. Thus, in operation according to the
(i.e., “ MEGACO” ). As previously mentioned, the media gatefirst embodiment in FIG. 2, the IVM client (VoIP telephone)
way 114 converts the audio signal carried over PSTN to 40 206 is comiected over the network 204 to the IVM server 202,
which as aforementioned enables instant voice messaging
packets to be transmitted over a packet-switched IP network,
functionality over the local network 204. The IVM client 206
such as the local network 204.
The implementation of the instant voice messaging for
displays a list of one or more IVM recipients on its associated
IVM client 208 will be described first and will be followed by
display provided and stored by the local IVM server 202, as
the implementations for IVM client 206 and legacy telephone 45 will be particularly described hereinbelow with reference to
FIG. 4. The user operates the IVM client 206 by using a
110, with reference to the local IVM system 200 depicted in
FIG. 2. These implementations implement a “ record mode”
keypad on the VoIP telephone 206 to indicate a selection of
of the instant voice messaging according to the present invenone or more IVM recipients from the list . The VoIP telephone
tion. There will further be described an “ intercom mode” of
206 transmits the selection to the IVM server 202. The user
the instant voice messaging according to the present inven- 50 selection also generates a start signal to the IVM client 206
tion. Therefore, in operation of the IVM client 208 according
indicating the user is ready to begin instant voice messaging
according to the present invention. The user speaks into the
to FIG. 2, the IVM client (IVM softphone) 208 is connected
handset of the IVM client 206 or a speakerphone on the IVM
over the network 204 to the IVM server 202, which as aforeclient 206. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the VoIP telephone
mentioned enables instant voice messaging functionality
over the network 204. The IVM client 208 displays a list of 55 206 may provide a dedicated storage device, which in
one or more IVM recipients on its display 216, provided and
response to the start signal records an audio file, similar to the
audio file 210 in the IVM client 208. The audio file is finalized
stored by the local IVM server 202, as will be particularly
via a stop signal. The stop signal is generated when the user
described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 4 . The user
presses a button on the keypad , a preset time period without
operates the IVM client 208 by using the input device 218 to
indicate a selection of one or more IVM recipients from the 60 speech input to the VoIP telephone 206, or when the user
list . The user selection is transmitted to the IVM server 202.
returns the handset to the cradle of the VoIP telephone 206.
Once the recording of the user’ s speech is complete, a send
The user selection also generates a start signal to the IVM
client 208 that the user is ready to begin instant voice messignal is generated indicating that the instant voice message is
saging according to the present invention. In response to the
ready to be sent to the selected recipients. The user generates
start signal , the IVM client (softphone) 208 listens to the input 65 the send signal when the user presses a button on the keypad
or returns the handset of the VoIP telephone 206 to it cradle
audio device 212 and records the user’ s speech into a digi tized audio file 210 (i .e., instant voice message) stored on the
(on-hook). In response to the send signal, the IVM client 206

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server 202 temporarily saves the instant voice message and
sends the recorded audio to the local IVM server 202 via the
delivers it to the IVM client when the IVM client connects to
network 204. The IVM server 202 thereafter delivers the
the local IVM server 202.
instant voice message to the selected one or more recipients
via the IP network 204. As before, the one or more recipients
In operation of the legacy telephone 110 according to FIG.
are enabled to display an indication that the instant voice 5 2, the legacy telephone 110 is connected to the local IVM
message has been received and audibly play the instant voice
server 202 via media gateway 114 and legacy switch 112. The
message. As aforementioned, if a recipient IVM client is not
legacy telephone 110 cooperates with the IVM client 208 to
currently connected to the local IVM server 202, the IVM
record and send an instant voice message. More specifically,
server 202 temporarily saves the instant voice message and
the legacy telephone 110 is used as a recording/listening
10
delivers it to the IVM client when the IVM client connects to
device for recording or listing to instant voice messages,
the local IVM server 202.
while the IVM client 208 is used for displaying and selecting
instant voice message recipients as described hereinabove.
In the second embodiment of the IVM client 206 according
Thus, in operation the IVM client 208 displays a list of IVM
to FIG. 2, the VoIP telephone 206 operates synchronously
either with the IVM client 208 or the IVM server 202 to 15 recipients on the display device 216 provided and stored by
the local IVM server 202. The user operates the IVM client
enable instant voice messaging according to the present
208 by using the input device 218 on the IVM client 208 to
invention. Thus, in operation according to the second
indicate a selection of one or more IVM recipients from the
embodiment, the IVM client (VoIP telephone) 206 is still
list. The user selection is transmitted to the IVM server 202.
connected over the network 204 to the IVM server 202, which
as aforementioned enables instant voice messaging function- 20 The user selection generates a start signal to the IVM server
202 indicating that the user is ready to begin instant voice
ality over the local network 204. However, VoIP telephone
messaging according to the present invention. In response to
206 cooperates with the IVM client 208 or IVM server 202 to
receiving the start signal, the IVM server 202 transmits an
record and send an instant voice message. More specifically,
emulation code to the legacy telephone 110 to ring, thereby
the VoIP telephone 206 is only used as a recording/listening
25 indicating to the user the IVM system 200 is ready to record
device for recording or listing to instant voice messages,
an instant voice message. As the user picks up the handset of
while the IVM client 208 is used for displaying and selecting
the legacy telephone 110 (off-hook), a connection is estab instant voice message recipients as described hereinabove. In
lished via the network 204 between the legacy telephone 110
operation, the IVM client 208 displays a list of IVM recipi and the IVM server 202. Thereafter, the IVM server forwards
ents on the display device 216 provided and stored by the
30 the user’ s speech transmitted from the legacy telephone 110
local IVM server 202. The user operates the IVM client 208
to the IVM client 208 for storage into the digitized audio file
by using the input device 218 on the IVM client 208 to
210 (i.e., instant voice message). The audio file on the IVM
indicate a selection of one or more IVM recipients from the
client 208 is finalized by returning the handset of the legacy
list . The user selection is transmitted to the IVM server 202.
telephone 110 to its cradle (on-hook) or by pressing a desigThe user selection generates a start signal to the IVM server 35 nated button on the keypad of the legacy telephone 110, which
transmits a stop signal to the IVM server 202 and further to the
202 indicating that the user is ready to begin instant voice
IVM client 208. Returning the handset to its cradle also
messaging according to the present invention. In response to
generates a send signal to the IVM server to transmit the
receiving the start signal, the IVM server 202 transmits a ring
recorded audio file (instant voice message) to the selected one
signal to the VoIP telephone 206, thereby indicating to the
user the IVM system 200 is ready to record an instant voice 40 or more IVM recipients. The IVM server 202 thereafter deliv ers the instant voice message to the selected one or more
message. The IVM server 202 also signals the IVM client 208
recipients via the IP network 204. The one or more recipients
to generate audio file 210 to record the instant voice message.
are enabled to display an indication that the received instant
As the user picks up the handset of the VoIP telephone 206
voice message has been received and audibly play the instant
(off-hook), a comiection is established via the network 204
between the local IVM server 202 and the VoIP telephone 45 voice message. If a recipient IVM client is not currently
connected to the local IVM server 202, the IVM server 202
206. Thereafter, the IVM server 202 forwards the user’ s
temporarily saves the instant voice message and delivers it to
speech transmitted from VoIP telephone 206 to the IVM client
the IVM client when the IVM client comiects to the local IVM
208 for storage into digitized audio file 210 on the IVM client
server 202.
208. The audio file 210 is finalized by returning the handset its
cradle (on-hook) or by pressing a designated button on the 50
Regarding the operational embodiments described with
reference to FIG. 2 for recoding and transmitting an instant
keypad VoIP telephone 206, whichtransmits the stop signal to
voice message according to the present invention, the digi the IVM server 202 and further from the IVM server 202 to
tized audio file is preferably compressed by applying a comthe IVM client 208. Returning the handset to its cradle pref erably generates a send signal to the IVM server 202, which
pression algorithm before sending the audio file to the one or
transmits the signal to the IVM client 208. The IVM client 55 more selected recipients. The audio file is preferably comthereafter transmits the recorded audio file 210 (instant voice
pressed within the IVM clients 206, 208 before forwarding
message) to IVM server 202 for delivery to the selected one or
the audio file to the IVM server 202 for subsequent delivery to
the one or more selected recipients. Alternatively, the commore IVM recipients. Alternatively, the user may press a key
on the keyboard 218 to initiate the send signal. In response to
pression may be implemented within the IVM server 202
the send signal, the IVM client 206 sends the recorded audio 60 before the audio file is transmitted to the one or more selected
to the local IVM server 202 via the network 204. The IVM
recipients. A Lempel -Ziv compression algorithm is preferserver 202 thereafter delivers the instant voice message to the
ably used to compress the audio file according to the present
invention. It is noted that many suitable compression algo selected one or more recipients via the IP network 204. The
rithms are known to persons of skill in the art, including
one or more recipients are enabled to display an indication
that the instant voice message has been received and audibly 65 Huffman encoding, audio compression standards promul gated by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (“ MPEG” ),
play the instant voice message. If a recipient IVM client is not
currently connected to the local IVM server 202, the IVM
G.722 wideband speech encoding standard, fractal compres -

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sion, and wavelet compression. Any of the foregoing comenabling instant voice messaging according to the present
pression algorithms may be implemented within the scope of
invention. The IVM client 208 is a general -purpose programthe present invention.
mable computer equipped with a network interface (not
Further regarding the operational embodiments described
shown), such as an Ethernet card , to provide connectivity to
with reference to FIG. 2 for recoding and transmitting an 5 the network 204. It is noted that any suitable networking
instant voice message according to the present invention, the
protocol, not only Ethernet, could be used to connect the IVM
digitized audio file (which may or may not be compressed as
client to a network 204 and thus is considered within the
described above) is further preferably encrypted via an
scope of the present invention. The client platform 302 comencryption algorithm before transmitting the audio file to the
prises a client engine 304, which controls other components,
one or more selected recipients. The encryption is preferably 10
namely the document handler 306, file manager 308, audio
implemented within the IVM clients 206, 208 before forfile creation 312, signal processing 314, encryption/decryp warding the audio file to the IVM server 202 for subsequent
tion 316, and compression/decompression 318. The messagdelivery to the one or more selected recipients. Alternatively,
ing system 320 and the client engine 304 communicate via
the encryption may be implemented within the IVM server
202 before the audio file is transmitted to the one or more 15 standard inter-process communication. The messaging sys tem 320 and client engine 304 also communicate with the
selected recipients. An AES (Rijndael ) encryption algorithm
IVM server 202 over the network interface via the network
is preferably used to encrypt the audio file according to the
204. The document handler 306 oversees the retrieving, send present invention. It is noted that many suitable encryption
ing, receiving and storing of one or more documents (or files)
algorithms are known to persons skilled in the art, including
DES, Triple DES, Blowfish, Twofish, Serpent , and the like. 20 attached to instant voice messages from/to the one or more
selected IVM recipients that may be communicating with the
Any of the foregoing encryption algorithms may be impleIVM client 208. More specifically, when an instant voice
mented within the scope of the present invention.
Lastly with reference to FIG. 2, in addition to the “ record
message is to be transmitted to the one or more IVM recipi mode” of instant voice messaging, the instant voice messagents, one or more documents may be attached to the instant
ing system 200 also supports an “ intercom mode” of voice 25 voice message to be, stored or displayed by the one or more
messaging. The “ intercom mode” represents real-time instant
selected IVM recipients. The file manager accesses a message
voice messaging. In the “ intercom mode,” instead of creating
database 310, in which both the received and recorded instant
an audio file 210, one or more buffers (not shown) of a
voice messages are represented as database records, each
predetermined size are generated in the IVM client 206, 208
record comprising a message identifier and the instant voice
or local IVM server 202. The one or more buffers are used to 30 message. The file manager 308 sendees requests from the
automatically write successive portions of the instant voice
user to record, delete or retrieve messages to/from the mes message. Once a first buffer is full, i .e., input audio of the
sage database 310. Audio file creation 312 creates an instant
predetermined size is written to the buffer, the content of the
voice message as audio file 210, and is responsible for receiv first buffer is automatically transmitted to the IVM server 202
for transmission to the one or more IVM recipients. A second 35 ing input speech for the instant voice message from audio
input device 212 or via network 204 and storing the input
buffer is meanwhile written with the next successive portion
speech into audio file 210. Signal processing 314 performs
of input audio. Once, the second buffer is full, i.e., input audio
noise removal and signal optimization in the audio file 210.
of the predetermined size is written to the buffer, the content
Encryption/decryption 316 provides for respectively encrypt of the second buffer is transmitted to the IVM server 202 for
transmission to the one or more IVM recipients. If the entire 40 ing/decrypting of outgoing/incoming audio files (i.e., instant
voice messages), and compression/decompression 318
instant voice message or a successive portion thereof (such as
respectively compresses/decompresses the outgoing/incoma last successive portion in the instant voice message) written
ing audio files.
to either buffer is smaller the predetermined size, then the
buffered content of less than the predetermined size is auto Further with reference to FIG. 3, the reception of an instant
matically transmitted to the IVM server 202. The foregoing 45 voice message is described as follows. It is assumed that the
buffering using the first and second buffers is repeated until
local IVM server 202 has determined that the IVM client 208
is available to receive an instant voice message by checking
the entire instant voice message has been transmitted to the
IVM server 202 for transmission to the one or more IVM
the IVM client’ s 208 current status, i .e., whether the IVM
client 208 is “ on-line.” The local IVM server 202 maintains
recipients. It is noted that the invention is not limited to a
particular number of buffers. The foregoing buffering and 50 the current status of the IVM clients connected to the local
IVM server 202, i.e., IVM clients 206, 208. It is further
transmission allows a “ real-time” instant voice message to be
assumed that an IVM client has transmitted an instant voice
transmitted to the one or more IVM recipients. The “ intercom
mode” may be designated as a default mode when an IVM
message to the IVM client 208. The local IVM server 202
receives the instant voice message over the local IP network
recipient is on-line, while the “ record mode” may be designated as a default if the IVM recipient is unavailable, i.e., not 55 204 and forwards the instant voice message to the IVM client
on-line. The user may easily change the “ intercom mode” to
208. Upon receipt at the IVM client 208, the instant voice
the “ record mode” on the respective IVM client 206, 208.
message is decrypted at 316, decompressed at 318, and stored
Finally, the audio contents of the buffers may be signal pro in the message database 310 using the file manager 308. .Any
files attached to the instant voice message are also stored in
cessed (for clarity), encrypted and compressed before trans mission, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow with 60 the message database 310 using the file manager 308. A visual
reference to FIG. 3.
and/or sound effect is initiated to notify a user of the IVM
FIG. 3. an exemplary illustration of the architecture in the
client 208 that a new instant voice message has been received
IVM client 208 for enabling instant voice messaging accordat the IVM client 208. At this point in time, the instant voice
ing to the present invention. More specifically, the IVM client
message and any file attachments are available to the user. The
208 comprises a client platform 302 for generating an instant 65 user can select the instant voice message from a listing of
available instant voice messages displayed on the IVM client
voice message and a messaging system 320 for messaging
between the IVM client 208 and the IVM server 202 for
208 and play the newly received instant voice message. The

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user may also open any file attachments and move or save the
files to a separate location on the client using a drag-and-drop
process.
Still further with reference to FIG. 3, the generation and
transmission of an instant voice message is described as fol lows. The user selects the available one or more IVM recipi ents and initiates the creation of an instant voice message as
described above with reference to FIG. 2. The client engine
304 detects the start signal and invokes audio file creation 312
of the audio file 210. The audio file 210 is initialized and
captures the audio voice message input by the user. Once the
client engine 304 detects a stop signal , the instant voice message is finalized in the audio file 210 via audio file creation
312. The audio file 210 is adjusted for gain, and noise is
removed via signal processing 314. The audio file 210 is
further compressed at 318 and encrypted at 316. The completion of these processes causes the client engine 304 to inform
the user via display 216 that the instant voice message is
available to be sent. After the client engine 304 detects the
send signal from the user, the instant voice message (audio
file 210 ) is transferred to the local IVM server 202. Before the
transmission of the instant voice message (i.e., before the
send signal), the user has the option to review the instant voice
message, re-record the instant voice message, delete the
instant voice, as well as attach one or more files (i.e., docu ments). The attachment of one or more files is enabled conventionally via a methodology such as “ drag-and -drop” and
the like, which invokes the document handler 306 to make the
appropriate linkages to the one or more files and flags the
messaging system 320 that the instant voice message also has
the attached one or more files.
FIG. 4. an exemplary illustration of the local IVM server
202 for enabling instant voice messaging according to the
present invention. The IVM server 202 is a general-purpose
programmable computer equipped with a network interface,
such as an Ethernet card, to provide connectivity to a network
204. It is noted that any suitable networking protocol may be
implemented to comiect the IVM server 202 to a network 204.
The IVM server 202 comprises a server communication plat form 402, a messaging system 436 and a database 414,
thereby enabling instant voice messaging according to the
present invention. The server communication platform 402
comprises a server engine 404, client manager 406, station
manager 408, gateway manager 410, database manager 412
that accesses database 414, supplemental servers 416 (including particular server subsystems 418-424), as well as a control layer 426 (including non-proprietary server subsystems
428, 430 and proprietary server subsystems 432, 434). The
messaging system 436 and the server engine 304 communi cate via standard inter-process communication. The messaging system 436 and the server engine are also able to communicate with the IVM clients 206, 208 over the network
interface via the network 204. The database 414 stores users
(e.g., IVM clients as well as legacy telephone clients) that are
known to the IVM server 202 via the database manager 412.
The users are represented in the database as records, each
record comprising a username, a password , and a contact list
(a list of other users with whom the user wishes to exchange
instant voice messages), and other data relating to the user.
The database manager 412 services requests to add, update,
delete, or retrieve database records to/from the database 414.
The password may be stored in the database 414 as plaintext,
in encrypted form, or as a hash (e.g., MD5 hash). The messaging system 436 communicates to the server engine 404 via
message objects.
A message object comprises an action field, an ID field, a
source field , a destination field, and an object field. The con-

tent of the action field is selected from a list of permitted
actions, which among other actions includes: comiect , dis connect, subscribe, unsubscribe, and post message. In addi tion, the actions include: determining if an IVM client is
awake (i .e., pinging), disconnecting from the IVM client ,
processing an IVM client message, and notifying IVM clients
if the IVM server 202 goes down. The client messages include
sending an instant voice message portions, checkin message,
send message, set status message, send a phone command
message, and send control parameters message. The content
of the ID field represents a unique identifier for the message
object. The content of the source field is a globally unique
identifier (“ GUID” ) that uniquely identifies the sender of the
message. This unique identifier can be generated by any
known way, including the Globally Unique ID function call
available in the Microsoft Windows and Microsoft NET envi ronments. In some circumstances, the source field is set to a
special value to indicate that the sender of the message object
is entitled to special privileges. The senders with special
privileges are in fact IVM servers. This allows the IVM serv ers to broadcast messages to one another, subscribe to special
events, and directly send messages to specific IVM servers.
These privileges can depend upon whether the IVM servers
are local servers or global servers. As an example, there can
exist more than one local IVM server, each of these local IVM
servers automatically has privileges to communicate to other
local IVM server. On a global server system, a directory
server can communicate with one or more transport servers.
The content of the destination field is a GUID of an intended
IVM recipient of the instant voice message. The content of the
object field is a block of data being carried by the message
object, which may be, for example, a digitized instant voice
message. Depending on the circumstances in which the mes sage object is sent, some of the message object fields may be
left blank or ignored . For example, the message object may
merely require an action to be performed based upon the
GUID supplied. In this case, the action does not necessarily
require any data to be sent or received and some of the mes sage object’ s fields may be left blank or ignored.
Connection objects maintain the logical connections
between the IVM server 202 and IVM clients 206, 208 connected to the IVM server 202. More specifically, a connection
object comprises data representing the state of the connection
and code (one or more methods) for establishing and maintaining the logical connections between the IVM server 202
and the IVM clients 206, 208 within the IVM system 200 of
FIG. 2. The connection object can contain both data and/or
commands, including information that describes the socket ,
the size of the data to be transferred , and the priority of the
transfer (e.g., high, normal , low, unknown). On start up the
local IVM server 202 generates and maintains a list for each
IVM client 206, 208. The local IVM server 202 then waits to
receive connection objects from the IVM clients 206, 208 that
are stored in the respective lists, decodes the received connection objects to obtain specific requests, and then services
the specific requests from the IVM clients 206, 208.
Further with reference to FIG. 4, the server engine 404
controls all other subsystems in the server communication
platform 402, and it is responsible for startup and shutdown of
the IVM server 202 and the IVM system 200. The client
manager 406 controls the IVM clients 206, 208, providing
contact presence (connection) information and message
scheduling and delivery. The station manager 408 controls the
individual legacy telephone 110 and coordinates its activity to
work synchronously with the IVM client 208 and server 202.
The gateway manager 410 enables the IVM server 202 to
communicate with the legacy telephones, such as legacy tele-

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phone 110. The control layer 426 comprises a plurality of
server subsystems 428-434, each of which provides transla tion services to different proprietary and non-proprietary
gateways 114, such as TPNCP, MGCP, and MEGACO gateways. The proprietary server subsystems 428, 430 and nonproprietary' server subsystems 432, 434 are connected to
respective gateways 114 via the local IP network 204. The
supplemental server subsystems 416 provide a number of
required services such as display manager subsystem 418,
dynamic host configuration protocol (i .e., “ DHCP” ) sub system 420, trivial file transfer protocol (i.e., “ TFTP” ) server
subsystem 422, and hypertext transfer protocol (i.e.,
“ HTTP” ). Each of the supplemental servers 418-424 in the
subsystem 416 is used during the initial set -up of the IVM
system 200. The boot -up process and allocation of IP
addresses to IVM clients 206, 208 are performed through an
LCD panel (not shown) associated with the local IVM server
202. The LCD manager 418 supports this boot -up process.
The DHCP server 420 is used to allocate IP addresses as
required and allows the advanced configuration of network
settings in the instant voice messaging system. The TFTP
server 422 provides a TCP/IP file transfer capability. Lastly,
the HTTP server 424 provides services for a web server.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of a global instant voice
messaging (IVM) system 500, according to the present invention. In the global IVM system 500, the local IVM system 200
is depicted as a local IVM system 510, which is connected to
a packet -switched network 102 (i.e., Internet ). The global
IVM system 500 comprises the local IVM system 510, global
IVM server system 502, and global IVM clients 506 and 508
that are optionally connected via local IP network 504. The
global IVM server system 502 is connected to the IP network
( i.e., Internet) 102 for enabling the local IVM clients 206, 208
and legacy telephone 110 in the local IVM system 510 to
generate and send instant voice messages to the global IVM
clients 506, 508, as well as the local IVM clients 206, 208 to
receive instant voice messages from the global IVM clients
506, 508. The implementation of the global instant voice
messaging for the IVM client 208 will be described first and
will be followed by the implementations for IVM client 206
and legacy telephone 110, with reference to the global IVM
system 500 depicted in FIG. 5. Thereafter, instant voice messaging for global clients 506 and 508 will be described
according to the present invention. These implementations
implement a “ record mode” of the instant voice messaging
according to the present invention. Thereafter, there will
lastly be described an “ intercom mode” of the instant voice
messaging according to the present invention.
Therefore, in operation of the IVM client 208 according to
FIG. 5, the IVM client 208 is connected via the networks 204,
102 to the global IVM server system 502, which enables the
global instant voice messaging functionality outside the local
IVM system 510 over the network (i .e., Internet ) 102. More
specifically, the IVM client 208 requests from the global IVM
server system 502 a global contact list (not shown) of global
one or more IVM recipients with which the IVM client 208
may exchange instant voice messages. For the purposes of
illustration, it is assumed that global IVM clients 506, 508 are
in the contact list. The global IVM server system 502 stores
and maintains this contact list . Thus, the global IVM server
system 502 responds by transmitting the contact list to the
IVM client 208. The IVM client 208 displays the contact list
on its display 216. Alternatively, the global contact list may be
replicated to the local IVM server 202 within the local IVM
system 510, in which case the local IVM client 208 obtains
the global contact list from the local IVM server 202. The user
operates the IVM client 208 by using the input device 218 to

indicate a selection of one or more IVM recipients from the
global contact list. Here, for the purposes of illustration it is
again assumed that IVM client 208 selected global IVM
clients 506, 508. The user selection is transmitted to the IVM
server 202. The user selection also generates a start signal to
the IVM client 208 that the user is ready to begin instant voice
messaging. In response to the start signal , the IVM client 208
listens to the input audio device 212 and records the user’ s
speech into a digitized audio file 210 (i .e., instant voice mes sage) stored on the IVM client 208. The audio file 210 is
finalized via a stop signal , which is generated by the user via
the input device 218 or a preset time period without speech
input via the input audio device 212. Once the recording is
finalized, the IVM client 208 generates a send signal indicat ing that the digitized audio file 210 (instant voice message) is
ready to be sent to the selected one or more IVM recipients.
The user generates the send signal when the user operates the
IVM client 208 via the input device 218. The IVM client 208
transmits the digitized audio file 210 and the send signal to the
global IVM server system 502 via the local IP network 204
and the global IP network 102. After receiving the audio file
210, the global IVM server system 502 delivers the transmit ted instant voice message to the selected one or more recipi ents (e.g., IVM clients 506 and 508) via the IP network 102.
The one or more recipients are enabled to display an indica tion that the instant voice message has been received and
audibly play the instant voice message to an associated user.
It is noted that if a recipient IVM client 506, 508 is not
currently connected to the global IVM server system 502, the
global IVM server system 502 temporarily saves the instant
voice message and delivers it to the global IVM client 506,
508 when the IVM client connects to the global IVM server
system 502.
There are several embodiments for the operation of the
IVM client (VoIP telephone) 206 within the global IVM
system 500 of FIG. 5, according to the present invention . In
the first embodiment, the VoIP telephone 206 is a standalone
IVM client 206 enabled for instant voice messaging accord ing to the present invention. In the second embodiment, the
VoIP telephone 206 operates synchronously with the IVM
client 208 to enable instant voice messaging according to the
present invention. Thus, in operation according to the first
embodiment in FIG. 5, the IVM client 206 is connected via
the networks 204, 102 to the global IVM server system 502,
which enables instant voice messaging functionality over the
IP network (Internet) 102. As mentioned previously, the IVM
client 206 is also connected to the local IVM server 202. The
IVM client 208 requests from the global IVM server system
502 a global contact list (not shown) of the global one or more
IVM recipients with which the IVM client 206 may exchange
instant voice messages. For the purposes of illustration, it is
assumed that the global IVM clients 506, 508 are in the
contact list. The global IVM server system 502 stores and
maintains this contact list. Tlius, the global IVM server sys tem 502 responds by transmitting the global contact list to the
IVM client 206. Alternatively, the global contact list may be
replicated to the local IVM server 202 within the local IVM
system 510, in which case the local IVM client 206 obtains
the global contact list from the local IVM server 202. The
IVM client 206 displays a list of the one or more IVM recipi ents on its associated display. The user operates the IVM
client 206 by using a keypad on the VoIP telephone 206 to
indicate a selection of one or more IVM recipients from the
list. The VoIP telephone 206 transmits the selection to the
global IVM server system 502. The user selection also generates a start signal to the IVM client 206 indicating the user
is ready to begin instant voice messaging according to the

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present invention. The user speaks into the handset of the
IVM client 206 or a speakerphone on the IVM client 206.
Although not shown in FIG. 5, the VoIP telephone 206 may
provide a dedicated storage device, which in response to the
start signal records an audio file, similar to the audio file 210
in the IVM client 208. The audio file is finalized via a stop
signal. The stop signal is generated when the user presses a
button on the keypad, a preset time period without speech
input to the VoIP telephone 206, or when the user returns the
handset to the cradle of the VoIP telephone 206. Once the
recording of the user’ s speech is complete, a send signal is
generated indicating that the instant voice message is ready to
be sent to the selected recipients. The user generates the send
signal when the user presses a button on the keypad or returns
the handset of the VoIP telephone 206 to it cradle. In response
to the send signal, the IVM client 206 sends the recorded
audio file (instant voice message) to the global IVM server
system 502 via the networks 204, 102 for delivery to the
selected one or more IVM recipients. The global IVM server
502 thereafter delivers the instant voice message to the
selected one or more recipients (e.g., IVM clients 506 and
508) via the IP network 102. As before, the one or more
recipients are enabled to display an indication that the instant
voice message has been received and audibly play the instant
voice message. If a recipient IVM client is not currently
connected to the global IVM server system 502, the global
IVM server system 502 temporarily saves the instant voice
message and delivers it to the IVM client when the IVM client
connects to the global IVM server system 502.
In the second embodiment of the IVM client 206 according
to FIG. 5, the VoIP telephone 206 operates synchronously
with the IVM client 208 to enable global instant voice messaging according to the present invention. Thus, in operation
according to the second embodiment in FIG. 5, the VoIP
telephone 206 is comiected over the network 204 to the IVM
client 208 and the IVM client 208 is connected via the net works 204, 102 to the global IVM server system 502, which
enables instant voice messaging functionality over the IP
network (Internet) 102. The VoIP telephone 206 cooperates
with the IVM client 208 to record and send a global instant
voice message outside the local IVM system 510. The IVM
client 208 displays a global contact list of IVM recipients (not
shown) on the display device 216 provided by the global IVM
server system 502, as described hereinabove. Alternatively,
the global contact list may be replicated to the local IVM
server 202 within the local IVM system 510, in which case the
IVM client 208 obtains the global contact list from the local
IVM server 202. The user operates the IVM client 208 by
using the input device 218 to indicate a selection of one or
more IVM recipients from the contact list. The user selection
generates a start signal in the IVM client 208 indicating that
the user is ready to begin instant voice messaging according
to the present invention. In response to the start signal, the
IVM client 208 generates audio file 210 to record an instant
voice message and transmits a ring signal to the VoIP telephone 206. As the user picks up the handset of the VoIP
telephone 206 (off-hook), a connection is established via the
network 204 between the local IVM client 208 and the VoIP
telephone 206. Thereafter, the VoIP telephone 206 forwards
the user’ s speech to the IVM client 208 for storage into the
audio file 210. The audio file 210 is finalized by returning the
handset its cradle (on-hook) or by pressing a designated but ton on the keypad VoIP telephone 206, which transmits the
stop signal to the IVM client 208. Returning the handset to its
cradle preferably generates a send signal to the IVM client
208. The IVM client thereafter transmits the recorded audio
file 210 (instant voice message) to the global IVM server

18
system 502 via networks 204, 102 for delivery to the selected
one or more IVM recipients. Alternatively, the user may press
a key on the keyboard 218 to initiate the send signal . In
response to the send signal, the IVM client 208 sends the
5 recorded audio file to the global IVM server system 502 for
delivery to the selected one or more IVM recipients. The
global IVM server system 502 thereafter delivers the instant
voice message to the selected one or more recipients (e.g.,
IVM clients 506 and 508 ) via the IP network 102. As before,
10 the one or more IVM recipients are enabled to display an
indication that the instant voice message has been received
and audibly play the instant voice message. If a recipient IVM
client is not currently comiected to the global IVM server
system 502, the global IVM server system 502 temporarily
15 saves the instant voice message and delivers it to the IVM
client when the IVM client connects to the global IVM server
system 502.
In operation of the legacy telephone 110 according to FIG.
5, the legacy telephone 110 is comiected to the local IVM
20 client 208 via media gateway 114, legacy switch 112 and
network 204. The legacy telephone 110 cooperates with the
IVM client 208 to record and send an instant voice message
outside the local IVM system 510. More specifically, the
legacy telephone 110 is used as a recording/listening device
25 for recording or listing to instant voice messages, while the
IVM client 208 is used for displaying and selecting instant
voice message recipients as described hereinabove. Thus, in
operation the IVM client 208 requests from the global IVM
server system 502 a global contact list of global one or more
30 IVM recipients with which the IVM client 208 may exchange
instant voice messages. Alternatively, the global contact list
may be replicated to the local IVM server 202 within the local
IVM system 510, in which case the IVM client 208 obtains
the global contact list from the local IVM server 202. The
35 IVM client 208 displays the global list of IVM recipients, as
described hereinabove. The user operates the IVM client 208
to indicate a selection of one or more IVM recipients from the
global contact list. The IVM client 208 transmits the user
selection to the global IVM server system 502. The user
40 selection generates a start signal in the IVM client 208 indi cating that the user is ready to begin instant voice messaging
according to the present invention. In response to the start
signal, the IVM client 208 transmits an emulation code to the
legacy telephone 110 to ring, thereby indicating to the user the
45 global IVM system 500 is ready to record an instant voice
message. As the user picks up the handset of the legacy
telephone 110 (off-hook), a connection is established via the
network 204 between the legacy telephone 110 and the IVM
client 208. Thereafter, the user’ s speech is transmitted from
50 the legacy telephone 110 to the IVM client 208 for storage
into the digitized audio file 210 (i.e., instant voice message).
The audio file 210 is finalized by returning the handset of the
legacy telephone 110 to its cradle (on-hook) or by pressing a
designated button on the keypad of the legacy telephone 110,
55 which transmits a stop signal to the IVM client 208. Returning the handset to its cradle may also generate a send signal to
the IVM client 208 to transmit the recorded audio file (instant
voice message) to the global IVM server system 502 for
delivery to the selected one or more IVM recipients. Alterna 60 tively, the send signal is preferably generated from the IVM
client 208 as described hereinabove. The global IVM server
system 502 thereafter delivers the instant voice message to the
selected one or more IVM recipients via the IP network
(Internet ) 102. The one or more recipients are enabled to
65 display an indication that the instant voice message has been
received and audibly play the instant voice message. If a
recipient IVM client is not currently comiected to the global

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IVM server system 502, the global IVM server system 502
temporarily saves the instant voice message and delivers it to
the IVM client when the IVM client connects to the global
IVM server 502.
Further with reference to FIG. 5, the instant voice messaging for global clients 506 and 508 will be described according
to the present invention. In a first embodiment , each of the
global IVM clients 506, 508 is enabled to independently send
an instant voice message. The IVM clients 506, 508 have like
peripheral devices and functionality described respectively
with reference to local IVM clients 206, 208 in FIG. 2. In
second embodiment described below, the VoIP telephone 506
operates in conjunction with the IVM client 508 to send an
instant voice message. Therefore, in operation of the global
IVM clients 506 and 508 according the first embodiment in
FIG. 5, the IVM clients 506, 508 are connected via the net works 204, 102 to the global IVM server system 502, which
enables the global instant voice messaging functionality out side the local IVM system 510 over the network (i.e., Internet)
102. Each of the global IVM clients 506, 508 is enabled to
request from the global IVM server system 502 a contact list
( not shown) of global one or more IVM recipients with which
each of the global IVM client 506, 508 may exchange instant
voice messages. For the purposes of this illustration, it is
assumed that the IVM clients 206 and 208 within the local
IVM system 510 are in the contact list for each global IVM
client 506, 508. The global IVM server system 502 stores and
maintains the foregoing contact list for each global IVM
client 506, 508. Upon request , the global IVM server system
502 responds by transmitting the contact list to each of the
IVM clients 506, 508. Each of the IVM clients 506, 508
displays the contact list on its display. The user operates the
IVM client 506, 508 to indicate a selection of one or more
IVM recipients from the contact list . Each of the global IVM
clients 506, 508 transmits the user selection to the global IVM
server system 502. The user selection also generates a start
signal to the IVM clients 506, 508 that the user is ready to
begin instant voice messaging. In response to the start signal,
the IVM clients 506, 508 record the user’ s speech into a
digitized audio file (i .e., instant voice message) stored on the
global IVM clients 506, 508. The audio file is finalized via a
stop signal, which is generated by the user by operating the
global IVM client 506, 508. Once the recording is finalized,
the IVM client 506, 508 generates a send signal indicating
that the digitized audio file (instant voice message) is ready to
be sent to the selected one or more recipients. The user generates the send signal when the user operates the global IVM
client 506, 508. The IVM client 208 transmits the digitized
audio file and the send signal to the global IVM server system
502. After receiving the audio file, the global IVM server
system 502 delivers the transmitted instant voice message to
the local IVM server 202 in the local IVM system 510 for
delivery to the selected one or more recipients (e.g., local
IVM clients 206 and 208) via the local IP network 204. The
one or more recipients IVM 206, 208 are enabled to display an
indication that the instant voice message has been received
and audibly play the instant voice message to an associated
user. It is noted that if a recipient IVM client 206, 208 is not
currently connected to the local IVM server 202, the IVM
server 202 temporarily saves the instant voice message and
delivers it to the local IVM client 206, 208 when the IVM
client connects to the local IVM server 202.
In the second embodiment of the IVM client 506 according
to FIG. 5, the VoIP telephone 506 operates synchronously
with the IVM client 508 to enable global instant voice messaging according to the present invention. In this embodi ment, the VoIP telephone 506 and the IVM client 508 may be

located in a user’ s residence and be comiected to a local IP
network 504. This local IP network 504 can be a WiFi net work or a local area network (i.e., LAN), which is also within
the user’ s residence. The local IP network 504 may be connected to the IP network (Internet) 102 via a digital subscriber
line (i.e., DSL) connection, cable connection, dialup connec tion, or the like. As noted above, the IVM clients 506, 508
have like peripheral devices and functionality described
respectively with reference to local IVM clients 206, 208 in
FIG. 2. Thus, in operation according to this embodiment in
FIG. 5, the global IVM client 508 requests from the global
IVM server system 502 a contact list of global one or more
IVM recipients with which each of the global IVM client 508
may exchange instant voice messages. For the purposes of
this illustration, it is assumed that the IVM clients 206 and
208 within the local IVM system 510 are in the contact list for
the global IVM client 508. The global IVM server system 502
stores and maintains the foregoing contact list for the global
IVM client 508. The IVM client 508 displays a contact list of
IVM recipients on the associated display device provided by
the global IVM server system 502, as described hereinabove.
The user operates the IVM client 508 by using the associated
input device to indicate a selection of one or more IVM
recipients from the contact list . The user selection generates a
start signal in the IVM client 508 indicating that the user is
ready to begin instant voice messaging according to the
present invention. In response to the start signal, the IVM
client 508 generates audio file to record an instant voice
message and transmits a ring signal to the VoIP telephone 506
via local IP network 504. As the user picks up the handset of
the VoIP telephone 206 (off-hook), a connection is estab lished via the local network 504 between the local IVM client
508 and the VoIP telephone 506. Thereafter, the VoIP telephone 506 forwards the user’ s speech to the IVM client 508
for storage into the audio file at the IVM client 508. The audio
file is finalized by returning the handset its cradle (on-hook)
or by pressing a designated button on the keypad associated
with the VoIP telephone 506, which transmits the stop signal
to the IVM client 508. Returning the handset to its cradle
preferably generates a send signal to the IVM client 508. The
IVM client thereafter transmits the recorded audio file (instant voice message) to the global IVM server system 502 for
delivery to the selected one or more IVM recipients. Alterna tively, the user may press a key on the input device associated
with the IVM client 508 to initiate the send signal . In response
to the send signal, the IVM client 508 sends the recorded
audio file to the global IVM server system 502 for delivery to
the selected one or more IVM recipients. The global IVM
server system 502 thereafter transmits the instant voice mes sage to the local IVM server 202 for delivery selected one or
more recipients (e.g., local IVM clients 206 and 208 ) via the
local IP network 204. As before, the one or more recipients
are enabled to display an indication that the instant voice
message has been received and audibly play the instant voice
message. If a recipient IVM client is not currently comiected
to the local IVM server 202, the local IVM server 202 temporarily saves the instant voice message and delivers it to the
IVM client when the IVM client comiects to the local IVM
server 202.
Lastly with reference to FIG. 5, in addition to the “ record
mode” of instant voice messaging as described above, the
instant voice messaging system 500 also supports an “ intercom mode” of the instant voice messaging. The “ intercom
mode” represents real-time instant voice messaging. In the
“ intercom mode,” instead of creating an audio file as
described hereinabove, one or more buffers (not shown) of a
predetermined size are generated. The buffers may be gener-

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US 7,535,890 B2
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ated in any one of the IVM clients 206, 208, 506 and 508,
depending on how the global IVM system 500 is defined. The
one or more buffers are used to automatically write successive
portions of the instant voice message. Once a first buffer is
full, i .e., input audio of the predetermined size is written to the
buffer, the content of the first buffer is automatically trans mitted . If the transmission is generated at a local IVM client
206, 208 and destined for one or more local IVM recipients,
the content of the first buffer is transmitted to the local IVM
server 202 for delivery to the local one or more recipients. If
the transmission is generated at a local IVM client 206, 208
and destined for one or more global IVM recipients 506, 508,
the content of the first buffer is transmitted to the global IVM
server system 502 for delivery to the one or more global
recipients. In addition, if the transmission is generated at a
global IVM client 506, 508 and destined for the other global
IVM clients, the content of the first buffer is transmitted to the
global IVM server system 502, such as for example clients
506, 508. Lastly, if the transmission is generated at a global
IVM client 506, 508 and destined for the local IVM clients
206, 208, the content of the first buffer is transmitted to the
global IVM server system 502 and further transmitted by the
global IVM server 502 to the local IVM server 202 for deliv ery to clients 206, 208 within the local IVM system 510. A
second buffer is meanwhile written with the next successive
portion of input audio. Once, the second buffer is lull, i.e.,
input audio of the predetermined size is written to the buffer,
the content of the second buffer is transmitted in similar
fashion to the first buffer. If the entire instant voice message or
a successive portion thereof (such as a last successive portion
in the instant voice message) written to either buffer is smaller
the predetermined size, then the buffered content of less than
the predetermined size is automatically transmitted to the
IVM server 202. The foregoing buffering using the first and
second buffers is repeated until the entire instant voice message has been transmitted as described above. It is noted that
the invention is not limited to a particular number of buffers.
The foregoing buffering and transmission allows a “ real time” instant voice message to be transmitted to the one or
more local, as well as global, IVM recipients. The “ intercom
mode” may be designated as a default mode when an IVM
recipient is on-line, while the “ record mode” may be designated as a default if the IVM recipient is unavailable, i.e., not
on-line. The user may easily change the “ intercom mode” to
the “ record mode” on the respective IVM client 206, 208,
506, 508. Finally, the audio contents of the buffers may be
signal processed (for clarity), encrypted and compressed
before transmission, as was described previously.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary detailed illustration 600 of the
global IVM server system 502 depicted in FIG. 5, according
to the present invention. More specifically, the local IVM
system 510 described in FIG. 5 is connected via the IP net work (Internet) 102 to the global IVM server system 502. The
global IVM server system 502 comprises an IVM transport
server mesh 602 and an IVM directory server 608. The IVM
transport server mesh 602 comprises a plurality of interconnected IVM transport servers 604, 606. Although the mesh
602 is depicted as having two IVM transport servers 604, 606,
it is to be understood that as many IVM transport servers as
are desired or required for redundancy and load balancing
may be interconnected in a mesh. The IVM transport servers
604, 606 may be centrally located and configured to commu nicate (i.e., forward and receive messages) with local IVM
clients 206, 208, local IVM server 202 and global IVM client
506, 508 (not depicted in FIG. 6 ) . The plurality of IVM
transport servers 604, 606 in the IVM transport server mesh
602 permits load balancing and redundancy in the global IVM

22
system 500. The directory server 608 maintains a transport
server list of all the IVM transport servers 604, 606 currently
connecting to the mesh 602. Each of the IVM transport serv ers 604, 606 first connects to the directory server 608. The
5 directory server 608 informs each of the connecting IVM
transport servers 604, 606 of all the other IVM transport
servers currently in the mesh 602 based on an active list (not
shown) of transport servers 604, 606 in the mesh 602. The
connecting IVM transport server then comiects to each of the
10 IVM transport servers in the transport server list , resulting in
an interconnected mesh 602 of IVM transport servers 604,
606. The IVM transport servers 604, 606 and the IVM direc tory server 608 communicate via messages.
Further with reference to FIG. 6, the IVM transport servers
15 604, 606 connected in the mesh 602 share a database (not
shown) of IVM clients, so that each IVM transport server 604,
606 refers to the same client database. It is preferable that
each IVM transport server 604, 606 maintains its own copy of
the client database, which is mirrored and replicated conven20 tionally amongst the IVM transport servers 604, 606 in the
mesh 602. The client database may further be replicated to the
local IVM server 202. Alternatively, the client database is
stored on a separate file server (not shown) in data commu nication with the IVM transport servers 604, 606 over a
25 network (not shown).
FIG. 7 is an exemplary detailed illustration of a transport
server 604, 606 depicted in FIG. 6, according to the present
invention. The IVM transport server 604, 606 is a general purpose programmable computer comprising a network
30 interface (not shown) connected to IP network (Internet) 102,
a communication platform 702, a message database 712, and
a messaging system 714. The communication platform 702
comprises a server engine 704, which controls a user manager
706, a local server manager 708, and a storage manager 710.
35 The messaging system 714 and the server engine 704 communicate via standard inter-process communication. The
storage manager 710 handles retrieving, sending, and storing
of messages, including instant voice messages and attachments thereto, to/from the message database 712. The user
40 manager 706 is responsible for creating/maintaining IVM
clients 206, 208, 506, 508, identifying them and relaying their
status to the server engine 704. When an IVM client commu nicates an instant voice message within the global IVM sys tem 500, the user manager 706 notifies the server engine 704
45 whether the one or more recipients are unavailable, and
thereby the instant voice message is saved in the message
database 712. When the one or more IVM recipients become
available, the user manager 706 notifies the server engine
704, which instructs the storage manager 710 to retrieve any
50 undelivered instant voice messages for the one or more recipi ents and delivers the instant voice messages to the designated
one or more IVM recipients. The local server manager 708 is
responsible for creating/maintaining and providing the status
of available local IVM servers, such as IVM server 202 in
55 FIG. 2. The availability status of the local IVM servers is
checked periodically and updated.
FIG. 8 is an exemplary detailed illustration of a directory
server 608 depicted in FIG. 6, according to the present invention. The directory server 608 is a general-purpose program60 mable computer equipped with a network interface (not
shown) connected to IP network (Internet ) 102, a messaging
system 812, and a communication platform 802. The communication platform 802 comprises a server engine 804,
which controls a local server manager 806, a user manager
65 808, and a transport manager 810 . The messaging system 812
and the server engine 804 communicate via standard interprocess communication. The transport manager 810 main-

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tains the status of the IVM transport servers 604, 606 in the
sage if a selected recipient is unavailable and delivering
IVM transport server mesh 602 within the global IVM system
the stored instant voice message to the selected recipient
once the selected recipient becomes available.
500 and using a load-balancing mechanism distributes instant
voice messages to available transport server 604, 606 for
2. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
routing to the one or more IVM recipients. The user manager 5 1, wherein the packet -switched network is a local network.
808 is responsible for creating/maintaining IVM clients 206,
3. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
208, 506, 508, identifying and relaying their status via the
1, wherein the packet -switched network is the Internet .
server engine 804 to the IVM transport server 604, 606 to be
4. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
used . The local server manager 806 is responsible for creat 1, wherein the client requests a list of recipients associated
ing/maintaining and providing the status of available local 10 with the client from the server and the server transmits the list
IVM servers, such as IVM server 202 in FIG. 2. The avail of recipients to the client for selection of the one or more
ability status of the local IVM servers is checked periodically
recipients.
and updated .
5. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary a global instant voice mes1, wherein the server delivers the instant voice message to the
saging (IVM) system 900, which comprises a plurality of 15
selected recipients that are available.
local IVM systems and a plurality of global IVM clients,
6. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
according to the present invention. In the global IVM system
1, wherein the client records the instant voice message in an
900, there are depicted a plurality of local IVM systems 902,
audio file, transmits the audio file to the server, and the server
910 connected to the global IP network 102. The internal
representation and functionality of each local IVM system 20 delivers the audio file to the selected recipients, the selected
recipients being enabled to audibly play the audio file.
902, 904 is identical to the local IVM system 510 described
7. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
with reference to FIG. 5. In global IVM system 900 of FIG. 9,
6, wherein the client signal processes, compresses and
there are also depicted a plurality of global IVM clients 918encrypts the audio file, and the selected recipients being
928 and a global IVM server system 502 connected to the
global IP network (i .e., Internet) 102. The internal represen- 25 enabled to decrypt and decompress the audio file before audi bly playing the audio file.
tations of the global IVM client 918-928 and the global IVM
8. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
server system 502 are identical to the respective IVM client
1, wherein the client buffers each of a plurality of successive
508 (and/or IVM client or 506) and the global IVM server
portions of the instant voice message as the instant message is
system 502 described with reference to FIG. 5. In the local
IVM system 902, each local IVM client 206, 208 is enabled to 30 recorded, and the client transmits each successive buffered
portion to the server for delivery to the to the selected recipi request local IVM recipients from the local IVM server 202
ents, the selected recipients being enabled to audibly playing
and global IVM recipients from either the global IVM server
each successive portion as it is delivered .
system 502 or the local IVM server 202. For example, the
local IVM client 1A 208 displays a list 904 to a user, com9. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
prising both local and global IVM recipients. More specifi- 35 1, wherein the client is enabled to attach one or more files to
cally, the list 904 enables IVM client 1A to send instant voice
the instant voice message and the selected recipients are
messages according to the present invention to local IVM
enabled to store or display the one or more attached files.
clients IB 208 and 1C 206, global IVM client C 922 and
10. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
global IVM client 2A 208 in the local IVM system 910.
1, the system further comprising a public switched telephone
Similar lists 906-916 are displayed to the users of the respec - 40 network (PSTN) telephone connected to the network to pro tive IVM clients 1B-1C in local IVM system 902, and 2A-2C
vide input audio of the instant voice message to the client.
in local IVM system 910. In addition, the global clients A-F
11. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
918-928 are enabled to request IVM recipients from the glo 1, the system further comprising a voice-over-internet-proto bal IVM server system 502 and display the respective lists of
col (VoIP) telephone connected to the network to provide
IVM recipients 930 -940 on the respective IVM clients 918- 45 input audio of the instant voice message to the client.
928.
12. An instant voice messaging system for delivering
While the invention has been particularly shown and
instant messages over a packet-switched network enabling
described with regard to preferred embodiments thereof, it
public switched telephone network (PSTN) support , the sys will be understood by those skilled in the art that the forego tem comprising:
ing and other changes in form and details may be made 50
a PSTN telephone connected to the network for providing
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
input audio;
invention.
a client connected to the network, the client selecting one
Having thus described our invention, what we claim as
or more recipients, generating an instant voice message
new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:
therefor using the input audio provided by the PSTN
1. An instant voice messaging system for delivering instant 55
telephone, and transmitting the selected recipients and
messages over a packet-switched network, the system comthe instant voice message therefor over the network;
prising:
a client connected to the network, the client selecting one
a server connected to the network, the server receiving the
selected recipients and the instant voice message thereor more recipients, generating an instant voice message
for, and delivering the instant voice message to the
therefor, and transmitting the selected recipients and the 60
selected recipients over the network, the selected recipi instant voice message therefor over the network ; and
a server connected to the network, the server receiving the
ents being enabled to audibly play the instant voice
message, and the server temporarily storing the instant
selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor, and delivering the instant voice message to the
voice message if a selected recipient is unavailable and
delivering the stored instant voice message to the
selected recipients over the network, the selected recipi- 65
selected recipient once the selected recipient becomes
ents enabled to audibly play the instant voice message,
available.
and the server temporarily storing the instant voice mes-

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13. An instant voice messaging system for delivering
instant messages over a packet -switched network, the system
comprising:
a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) telephone connected
to the network for providing input audio ;
a client connected to the network, the client selecting one
or more recipients, generating an instant voice message
therefor using the input audio provided by the VoIP
telephone, and transmitting the selected recipients and
the instant voice message therefor over the network;
a server connected to the network, the server receiving the
selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor, and delivering the instant voice message to the
selected recipients over the network, the selected recipients being enabled to audibly play the instant voice
message, and the server temporarily storing the instant
voice message if a selected recipient is unavailable and
delivering the stored instant voice message to the
selected recipient once the selected recipient becomes
available.
14. An instant voice messaging system for delivering
instant messages over a plurality of packet-switched networks, the system comprising:
a client connected to a local network, the client selecting
one or more external recipients connected to an external
network outside the local network, generating an instant
voice message therefor, and transmitting the selected
recipients and the instant voice message therefor over
the local network and the external network; and
a server connected to the external network, the server
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor, and delivering the instant voice message to the selected recipients over the external network,
the selected recipients being enabled to audibly play the
instant voice message, and the server temporarily storing the instant voice message if a selected recipient is
unavailable and delivering the stored instant voice message to the selected recipient once the selected recipient
becomes available.
15. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, the client further selects one or more local recipients
connected to the local network and transmits the selected
local recipients and the instant voice message therefor over
the local network, wherein the system further comprises:
a local server connected to the local network, the local
server receiving the selected local recipients and the
instant message therefor from the client , and delivering
the instant voice message to the selected local recipients
over the local network, the selected local recipients
being enabled to audibly play the instant voice message.
16. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, wherein the local network is a network within an enterprise.
17. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, wherein the external network is the Internet .
18. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, wherein the client requests a list of recipients associated
with the client from the server and the server transmits the list
of recipients to the client for selection of the one or more
recipients.
19. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, wherein the server delivers the instant voice message to
the selected recipients that are available.
20. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, wherein the client records the instant voice message in an
audio file, transmits the audio file to the server, and the server

delivers the audio file to the selected recipients, the selected
recipients being enabled to audibly play the audio file.
21. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
20, wherein the client signal processes, compresses and
encrypts the audio file, and the selected recipients are enabled
to decrypt and decompress the audio file before audibly play ing the audio file.
22. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, wherein the client buffers each of a plurality of successive
portions of the instant voice message as the instant message is
recorded, and the client transmits each successive portion to
the server for delivery to the selected recipients, the selected
recipients being enabled to audibly playing each successive
portion as it is delivered.
23. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, wherein the client is enabled to attach one or more files to
the instant voice message and the selected recipients are
enabled to store or display the one or more attached files.
24. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, the system further comprising a public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone comiected to the local net work to provide input audio of the instant voice message to
the client.
25. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
14, the system further comprising a voice-over-internet-pro tocol (VoIP) telephone comiected to the local network to
provide input audio of the instant voice message to the client .
26. An instant voice messaging system for delivering
instant messages over a plurality of packet-switched net works enabling public switched telephone network (PSTN)
support, the system comprising:
a PSTN telephone connected to a local network for provid ing input audio;
a client connected to the local network, the client selecting
one or more external recipients comiected to an external
network outside the local network, generating an instant
voice message therefor using the input audio provided
by the PSTN telephone, and transmitting the selected
recipients and the instant voice message therefor over
the local network and the external network;
a server connected to the external network, the server
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor, and delivering the instant voice mes sage to the selected recipients over the external network,
the selected recipients being enabled to audibly play the
instant voice message, and the server temporarily storing the instant voice message if a selected recipient is
unavailable and delivering the stored instant voice mes sage to the selected recipient once the selected recipient
becomes available.
27. An instant voice messaging system for delivering
instant messages over a plurality of packet-switched net works, the system comprising:
a voice-over-internet -protocol (VoIP) telephone comiected
to a local network for providing input audio ;
a client connected to the local network, the client selecting
one or more external recipients comiected to an external
network outside the local network, generating an instant
voice message therefor using the input audio provided
by the VoIP telephone, and transmitting the selected
recipients and the instant voice message therefor over
the local network and the external network;
an server connected to the external network, the external
server receiving the selected recipients and the instant
voice message therefor, and delivering the instant voice
message to the selected recipients over the external net work, the selected recipients being enabled to audibly

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play the instant voice message, and the server tempo rarily storing the instant voice message if a selected
recipient is unavailable and delivering the stored instant
voice message to the selected recipient once the selected
recipient becomes available.
28. An instant voice messaging system for delivering
instant messages over a plurality of packet-switched networks, the system comprising:
a client connected to an external network, the client select ing one or more recipients connected to a local network,
generating an instant voice message therefor, and trans mitting the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor over the external network; and
a external server system connected to the external network,
the external server system receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice message, and routing the
selected recipients and the instant voice message over
the external network and the local network;
a local server connected to the local network, the local
server receiving the selected recipients and the instant
voice message therefor, and delivering the instant voice
message to the selected recipients over the local net work, the selected recipients being enabled to audibly
play the instant voice message, and the local server
temporarily storing the instant voice message if a
selected recipient is unavailable and delivering the
stored instant voice message to the selected recipient
once the selected recipient becomes available.
29. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, the client further selects one or more external recipients
connected to the external and transmits the selected external
recipients over the external network to the external server, and
the external server receives the selected external recipients
and delivers the instant voice message to the selected external
recipients over the external network, the selected external
recipients being enabled to audibly play the instant voice
message.
30. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, wherein the local network is a network within an enterprise.
31. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, wherein the external network is the Internet .
32. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, wherein the client requests a list of recipients associated
with the client from the external server system and the external server system transmits the list of recipients to the client
for selection of the one or more recipients.
33. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, wherein the local server delivers the instant voice message
to the selected recipients that are available.
34. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, wherein the client records the instant voice message in an
audio file, transmits the audio file to the external server, the
external server system routes the audio file to the local server,
and the local server delivers the audio file to the selected
recipients, the selected recipients being enabled to audibly
play the audio file.
35. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
34, wherein the client signal processes, compresses and
encrypts the audio file, and the selected recipients are enabled
to decrypt and decompress the audio file before audibly play ing the audio file.
36. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, wherein the client buffers each of a plurality of successive
portions of the instant voice message as the instant message is
recorded , and the client transmits each successive buffered
portion to the external server system, the external server sys-

tern routes each successive portion to the local server, and the
local server delivers each successive portion to the to the
selected recipients, the selected recipients being enabled to
audibly play each successive portion as it is delivered.
37. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, wherein the client is enabled to attach one or more files to
the instant voice message and the selected recipients are
enabled to store or display the one or more attached files.
38. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, the system further comprising a voice-over-internet-pro tocol (VoIP) telephone connected to the client via a local
network, the client providing input audio of the instant voice
message to the client via the local network.
39. The instant voice messaging system according to claim
28, wherein the external server system comprises:
a transport server mesh including a plurality of transport
servers for routing instant voice messages;
a directory server for maintaining the transport server mesh
and facilitating load -balancing of the instant voice mes sages within the transport server mesh.
40. A method for instant voice messaging over a packet switched network, the method comprising:
selecting one or more recipients for instant voice messaging at a client;
generating an instant voice message for the selected recipi ents at the client;
transmitting the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor over the network from the client to a
server;
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice mes sage therefor at the server;
delivering the instant voice message from the server to the
selected recipients over the network;
temporarily storing at the server the instant voice message
if a selected recipient is unavailable;
delivering from the server the stored instant voice message
to the selected recipient once the selected recipient
becomes available: and
audibly playing the instant voice message at the selected

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recipients.
41. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 40, wherein the method further comprises:
requesting from the client a list of recipients associated
with the client from the server; and
transmitting from the server the list of recipients to the
client for selection of the one or more recipients.
42. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 40, wherein the method further comprises:
delivering the instant voice message from the server to the
selected recipients that are available.
43. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 40, wherein the method further comprises:
recording the instant voice message at the client in an audio
file;
transmitting the audio file to the server;
delivering the audio file from the server to the selected
recipients; and
audibly playing the audio file at the least one of the selected
recipients.
44. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 43, wherein the method further comprises:
signal processing, compressing and encrypting the audio
file at the client ;
decrypting and decompressing the audio file at the at least
one selected recipient; and
audibly playing the decrypted and decompressed audio file
at the least one of the selected recipients.

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45. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 40, further comprising:
buffering each of a plurality of successive portions of the
instant voice message at the client as the instant message
is recorded;
transmitting from the client each successive buffered portion to the server;
delivering each successive portion from the server to the
selected recipients, the selected recipients audibly play ing each successive portion as it is delivered .
46. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 40, wherein the method further comprises:
attaching one or more files to the instant voice message at
the client;
storing or displaying the one or more attached files at the
selected recipients.
47. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 40, wherein the method further comprises:
providing input audio of the instant voice message to the
client from a public switched telephone network (PSTN)
telephone comiected to the network.
48. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 40, wherein the method further comprises:
providing input audio of the instant voice message to the
client from a voice-over-intemet-protocol (VoIP) telephone connected to the network.
49. A method for instant voice messaging over a packet switched network enabling public switched telephone net work (PSTN) support, the method comprising:
providing input audio via a PSTN telephone connected
over the network;
selecting one or more recipients for instant voice messaging at a client ;
generating an instant voice message using the input audio
from the PSTN telephone for the selected recipients at
the client;
transmitting the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor over the network from the client to a
server;
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor at the server;
delivering the instant voice message from the server to the
selected recipients over the network;
temporarily storing at the server the instant voice message
if a selected recipient is unavailable;
delivering from the server the stored instant voice message
to the selected recipient once the selected recipient
becomes available; and
audibly playing the instant voice message at selected
recipients.
50. A method for instant voice messaging over a packet switched network, the method comprising:
providing input audio via a voice-over-intemet-protocol
(VoIP) telephone connected over the network;
selecting one or more recipients for instant voice messaging at a client ;
generating an instant voice message using the input audio
from the VoIP telephone for the selected recipients at the
client;
transmitting the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor over the network from the client to a
server;
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor at the server;
delivering the instant voice message from the server to the
selected recipients over the network;

temporarily storing at the server the instant voice message
if a selected recipient is unavailable;
delivering from the server the stored instant voice message
to the selected recipient once the selected recipient
becomes available; and
audibly playing the instant voice message at the selected
recipients.
51. A method for instant voice messaging over a plurality
of packet -switched networks, the method comprising:
selecting one or more external recipients for instant voice
messaging at a client comiected to a local network, the
one or more external recipients comiected to an external
network outside the local network;
generating an instant voice message for the selected external recipients at the client;
transmitting the selected external recipients and the instant
voice message therefor over the local network and the
external network;
receiving the selected external recipients and the instant
voice message therefor at an external server comiected
to the external network;
delivering the instant voice message to the selected external recipients over the external network;
temporarily storing the instant voice message at the external server if a selected recipient is unavailable;
delivering the stored instant voice message to the selected
recipient once the selected recipient becomes available;
and
audibly playing the instant voice message at the selected
external recipients.
52. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 51, wherein the method further comprises:
requesting from the external server a list of external recipi ents associated with the client ; and
transmitting the list of external recipients from the external
server to the client for selection of the one or more
external recipients.
53. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 51, wherein the method further comprises:
delivering the instant voice message from the external
server to the selected recipients that are available.
54. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 51, wherein the method further comprises:
recording the instant voice message in an audio file at the
client;
transmitting the audio file to the external server;
delivering the audio file to the selected recipients from the
external server; and
audibly playing the audio file at the selected recipients.
55. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 54, wherein the method further comprises:
signal processing, compressing and encrypting the audio
file at the client ; and
decrypting and decompressing the audio file at the selected
recipients; and
audibly playing the decrypted and decompressed audio file
at the selected recipients.
56. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 51, wherein the method further comprises:
buffering each of a plurality of successive portions of the
instant voice message at the client as the instant message
is recorded;
transmitting from the client each successive portion to the
external server;
delivering each successive portion from the external server
to the selected external recipients,

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audibly playing each successive portion at the selected
external recipients as it is delivered .
57. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 51, wherein the method thither comprises:
attaching one or more files to the instant voice message;
storing or displaying the one or more attached files at the
selected external recipients.
58. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 51, wherein the method further comprises providing
input audio of the instant voice message to the client from a
public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone over
the local network.
59. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 51, wherein the method further comprises providing
input audio of the instant voice message to the client from a
voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) telephone over the local
network.
60. A method for instant voice messaging system over a
plurality of packet -switched networks enabling public
switched telephone network (PSTN) support, the method
comprising:
providing input audio via a PSTN telephone connected to a
local network;
selecting one or more external recipients for instant voice
messaging at a client, the one or more external recipients
connected to an external network outside the local net work;
generating an instant voice message for the one or more
external recipients using the input audio provided by the
PSTN telephone;
transmitting the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor over the local network and the external
network;
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor at a server connected to the external net work;
delivering the instant voice message to the selected recipi ents from the server over the external network;
temporarily storing at the server the instant voice message
if a selected recipient is unavailable;
delivering from the server the stored instant voice message
to the selected recipient once the selected recipient
becomes available; and
audibly playing the instant voice message at the selected
recipients.
61. A method for instant voice messaging system over a
plurality of packet-switched networks, the method comprising;
providing input audio via a voice-over-intemet-protocol
(VoIP) telephone connected to a local network;
selecting one or more external recipients for instant voice
messaging at a client, the one or more external recipients
connected to an external network outside the local net work;
generating an instant voice message for the one or more
external recipients using the input audio provided by the
VoIP telephone;
transmitting the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor over the local network and the external
network;
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice message therefor at a server connected to the external net work;
delivering the instant voice message to the selected recipi ents from the server over the external network;
temporarily storing at the server the instant voice message
if a selected recipient is unavailable;

delivering from the server the stored instant voice message
to the selected recipient once the selected recipient
becomes available; and
audibly playing the instant voice message at the selected
recipients.
62. A method for instant voice messaging over a plurality
of a plurality of packet-switched networks, the method comprising:
selecting one or more recipients connected to a local net work at a client connected to an external network;
generating an instant voice message for the selected recipi ents at the client;
transmitting the selected recipients and the instant voice
message therefor over the external network from the
client to an external server system;
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice mes sage at the external server system ;
routing the selected recipients and the instant voice mes sage over the external network and the local network;
receiving the selected recipients and the instant voice mes sage therefor at a local server comiected to the local
network;
delivering the instant voice message to the selected recipi ents over the local network;
temporarily storing the instant voice message at the local
server if a selected recipient is unavailable;
delivering the stored instant voice message to the selected
recipient once the selected recipient becomes available;
and
audibly playing the instant voice message at the selected
recipients.
63. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 62, wherein the method further comprises:
requesting a list of recipients associated with the client
from the external server system; and
transmitting the list of recipients from the external server
system to the client for selection of the one or more
recipients.
64. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 62, wherein the method further comprises:
delivering the instant voice message from the local server
to the selected recipients that are available.
65. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 62, wherein the method further comprises:
recording the instant voice message in an audio file at the
client;
transmitting the audio file from the client to the external
server system;
routing the audio file from the external server system to the
local server; and
delivering the audio file from the local server to the selected
recipients; and
audibly playing the audio file at the selected recipients.
66. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 65, wherein the method further comprises:
signal processing, compressing and encrypting the audio
file at the client ;
decrypting and decompressing the audio file at the selected
recipients;
audibly playing the decrypted and decompressed audio file
at the selected recipients.
67. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 62, wherein the method further comprises:
buffering each of a plurality of successive portions of the
instant voice message at the client as the instant message
is recorded;

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69. The method for instant voice messaging according to
transmitting from the client each successive portion to the
external server system;
aim 62, wherein the method further comprises:
routing each successive portion from the external server
providing input audio of the instant voice message from a
system to the local server;
voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) telephone to the cli ent via a local network connecting the VoIP telephone to
delivering each successive portion from local server to the 5
the client.
selected external recipients ; and
audibly playing each successive portion at the selected
70. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 62, wherein the method further comprises ;
recipients as it is delivered.
maintaining a transport server mesh including a plurality of
68. The method for instant voice messaging according to
claim 62, wherein the method further comprises:
to
transport servers for routing instant voice messages ; and
load-balancing the instant voice messages within the trans attaching one or more files to the instant voice message at
the client;
port server mesh.
storing or displaying the one or more attached files at the
selected recipients.