John K Homan

US Patent:

6404762, Jun 11, 2002

Filed:

Jun 9, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/094126

Inventors:

Nicholas M. Luzeski - Paoli PA
Daniel P. Meyer - Downingtown PA
Allie A. Murphy - Frazer PA
John L. Homan - Ephrata PA
Gary Paul Russell - King of Prussia PA

Assignee:

Unisys Corporation - Blue Bell PA

International Classification:

H04L 1228

US Classification:

370352, 370230, 370235, 370401, 370428, 709206, 379 881

Abstract:

A Universal Messaging system provides e-mail, voice-mail and fax-mail services to subscribers that may utilize the Internet to access their messages. The system integrates an e-mail messaging system with a voice/fax messaging system on a messaging platform computer. E-mail messages are stored in an e-mail message store, and voice and/or fax messages are stored in a separate store controlled, e. g. , by a Voice Mail Message Manager (VMMM). Subscribers can access messages from a personal computer via the Internet using a standard Web browser with an applet that present each subscriber with a âuniversal inboxâ that displays all of that subscribers voice, fax, and e-mail messages. A Web platform controls the Web browser interface to the messaging platform, accepting requests from the Web browser (such as a request to read an e-mail or listen to a voice mail) and passing prescribed types of information back to the Web browser. The Web platform interfaces with the messaging platform via a generic TCP/IP interface/router. A Session Manager application manages the Web browsers âsessionâ with the messaging system.

US Patent:

63012456, Oct 9, 2001

Filed:

Jun 9, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/094266

Inventors:

Nicholas M. Luzeski - Paoli PA
Allie A. Murphy - Frazer PA
John L. Homan - Ephrata PA
Gary Paul Russell - King of Prussia PA

Assignee:

Unisys Corporation - Blue Bell PA

International Classification:

H04L 1266
H04M 164

US Classification:

370352

Abstract:

A Universal Messaging system provides e-mail, voice-mail and fax-mail services to subscribers that may utilize the Internet to access their messages. The system integrates an e-mail messaging system with a voice/fax messaging system on a messaging platform computer. E-mail messages are stored in an e-mail message store, and voice and/or fax messages are stored in a separate store controlled, e. g. , by a Voice Mail Message Manager (VMMM). Subscribers can access messages from a personal computer via the Internet using a standard Web browser with an applet that present each subscriber with a "universal inbox" that displays all of that subscriber's voice, fax, and e-mail messages. A Web platform controls the Web browser interface to the messaging platform, accepting requests from the Web browser (such as a request to read an e-mail or listen to a voice mail) and passing prescribed types of information back to the Web browser. The Web platform interfaces with the messaging platform via a generic TCP/IP interface/router. A Session Manager application manages the Web browser's "session" with the messaging system.

US Patent:

56339160, May 27, 1997

Filed:

Dec 30, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/367973

Inventors:

Bruce Goldhagen - Newtown Square PA
Frederick C. Kruesi - Exton PA
Gary P. Russell - King of Prussia PA
John Homan - Ephrata PA
Edwin M. Elrod - Downingtown PA

Assignee:

Unisys Corporation - Blue Bell PA

International Classification:

H04M 164

US Classification:

379 67

Abstract:

An integrated voice and data messaging system is disclosed. The system includes a Server comprising a first computer, a network applications platform (NAP) running on the first computer, and means for storing voice and data messages. In addition, the system includes a Client comprising a second computer with an associated display and means for transmitting analog voice messages and digital data messages to the Server, a Client/Server interface coupling the Client to the Server and providing a medium over which the Client and Server communicate; and a Universal Mailbox Application running on the Server, the Client, or both the Server and Client. The system is capable of visually indicating to a user, via the display device associated with the Client computer, that a message has been delivered for the user and is being held by the Server, wherein the message may be a voice, data or facsimile message. The system is particularly suited for exchanging messages among Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) users having access to one or more database services, including a voice-mail service. The SOHO users are typically not attached to a local area network (LAN) and gain access to a Server of the messaging system through a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a telephone and a personal computer (PC).