Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forwarding Caller ID data on demand when retrieving messages from an answering device using an endpoint telecommunications device and an associated call control system (such as the central office of the calling phone, a PBX, ToL Gatekeeper, wireless carrier switch, etc.), to fully or partially automate the dialing process for remotely calling back a message sender. The invention permits the caller retrieving messages to quickly and easily return calls with little or no manual intervention, without having to create a trombone connection. The invention operates with calling endpoint telecommunication devices that are “intelligent” enough to receive, store and/or utilize Caller ID data forwarded from an answering device; as well as with not so intelligent telecommunications devices (such as many pay phones) that may lack the ability to receive, store and/or utilize forwarded Caller ID data.

Abstract: By manipulating parameters of call setup messages, calls made with a caller's access code in a caller preview service may be completed to the called party or voice mail box with caller identification information displayed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for audibly announcing information associated with a calling party in an advanced intelligent network comprising a service switching point, a service control point and a services node. The service switching point is adapted to suspend calls directed to an audio caller identification service and to forward information concerning the calling and called parties to the service control point. The service control point is adapted to direct the call to a selected services node. The services node sends a query to retrieve information concerning the calling party from the service control point. If necessary, other service control points may be queried for the information. While the aforementioned processing is occurring, the calling party continues to hear a ringing signal. When the aforementioned information is retrieved, the service directs a second call to the called party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting radio stations for reception based on a preferred program content. A list of radio station identifiers is stored in a memory and organized according to program content specifiers. When a presently received signal fades, the memory is searched for an alternate radio station with similar program content. If none is available, a prioritized list of alternative program content preferences is accessed and used to index other preferred radio stations for searching. In one embodiment, radio station geographic location information is stored in the memory, and the searching operation considers both program content preference and geographic proximity. The memory can be manually programmed, pre-programmed, updated by subscription, or programmed over-the-air by radio transmission. In one embodiment, a global positioning system receiver is employed to provide instantaneous radio location information.

Abstract: A method of collecting information is provided. The method includes sending an interactive text markup programming language script, using a session initiation protocol (SIP) message, to a communications device. The interactive script includes a first query and a second query that depends on a response to the first query. The method also includes receiving the response from the communications device. The response is based upon input from a user of the communications device.

Abstract: The invention provides an image communication apparatus in which an image input unit for entering image and a portable communication unit capable of wireless connection with a public wireless network are constructed in separate manner and are rendered capable of mutual wireless communication.

Abstract: A method for providing a messaging service in a telecommunication system (900) includes providing a calling party with an option to leave a voice message (1010). If the calling party accepts the option, determining screening criteria for the called communication station (1018). In response to the screening criteria, the call is selectively completed to a messaging service (172).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling misdirected responses in a multi-media messaging environment is described. The system includes a third party originator that sends data to a recipient bypassing an MMSC for message notification and retrieval. The present system handles the responses sent by the recipient to the MMSC, to prevent error messages and possible delivery failures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a voice call to a PSTN extension for a networked client computer, and routing the voice call off of the network, is provided. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a storage medium having stored therein a plurality of programming instructions for implementing a set of communication services for facilitating establishment of the voice call to the PSTN extension, and an execution unit, coupled to the storage medium, for executing the plurality of programming instructions. The set of communication services include services for receiving a Push-To-Talk™ request from the networked client computer, requesting the voice call, and in response, determining the PSTN extension. The Push-To-Talk™ request includes identification information of an originating web server of the Push-To-Talk™ option, and the determination of the PSTN extension is made in accordance with the originating web server's identification information.

Abstract: A scalable call processing node includes link interface modules capable of processing n calls per second and call server modules capable of processing m calls per second, n is variable relative to m by changing the relative numbers of call server and link interface modules. In addition, call server modules can perform subsecond switchover when a call server fails without requiring inter-call server transfer of call state information.

Abstract: A networking system includes telephone switches and data network gateways for routing calls either over the public telephone network or over the packet switched data network. A router examines initiated calls and selects either the telephone network or a data network for completing the call. A Network Operations Center (NOC) monitors the performance of plural gateways, and updates routing information in the router and/or in the gateways, which may be used for future calls.

Abstract: A communication control method for controlling data communication conducted between a portable information communication terminal and a data communication apparatus via a communication network including a radio communication network includes the steps of: determining whether data communication between a portable information communication terminal and a data communication apparatus has been interrupted by disconnection of a communication line; and in response to normal termination of data communication between a portable information communication terminal and a data communication apparatus, clearing accounting on data communication that was interrupted between said portable information communication terminal and a data communication apparatus by disconnection of a communication line within a predetermined time before the normal termination of the data communication.