Abstract: IMS networks and methods are disclosed for providing purchasing sessions to mobile devices that are located proximate to a business. IMS network includes an application server that provides advertisements for the business to mobile devices that are located proximate to the business (i.e., the advertisements are pushed to the mobile devices). Responsive to an advertisement, the user of a mobile device may contact the application server through the mobile device to purchase one or more items from the business. The application server responds to the mobile device with receipt information for the purchase. The user may then request delivery of the purchased item through the mobile device by transmitting some or all of the receipt information to the application server. The application server may then schedule delivery of the item to the user of the mobile device.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: at least one media source operatively coupled to a controller, the controller selecting at least one media event from the at least one media source; the controller operatively coupled to a telecommunications system having at least one application server; a storage associated with the application server, the at least one media event saved to at least one media event file, an origin of a file content of the at least one media event file, and at least one destination associated with the at least one media event stored on the storage; at least one charge for a sending of the copy of the at least one media event file to the at least one destination; and a royalty fee based on the origin of the at least one media event file.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: a controllable system having a plurality of controllable parameters; a plurality of sensors for respectively detecting the plurality of controllable parameters, the sensors providing respective sensor data indicative of the plurality of controllable parameter; a control center that is operatively coupled to the controllable system, the control center receiving the sensor data; a communication module in the control center, the communication module having a transceiver that communicates with a mobile terminal in a wireless telecommunication network wherein the communication module sends the sensor data and receives respective control data in response thereto; wherein the control center applies the control data to the controllable system to respectively change the controllable parameters. In one embodiment the controllable system is a swimming pool.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: a mobile terminal operatively coupled to a mobile switching center; a subscriber database operatively coupled to the mobile switching center; a first terminal operatively coupled to the mobile switching center; a voice mail system operatively coupled to the mobile switching center; and a voice mail functionality whereby a voice mail message is created from the first terminal, and whereby the first terminal is accessible from a mobile terminal at least during a period in which the voice mail message is being created.

Abstract: A method in one example has: registering remotely controlled devices and terminals of subscribers with at least one remote service server in an IMS network, the remotely controlled devices having respective IMS clients, and the terminals of the subscribers having respective IMS clients; and allowing the terminals of the subscribers to interface with respective remotely controlled devices via the IMS network. A subscriber is able to control a remote video recording device, for example, change channels, view scheduled programs, schedule recording, view a previously recorded program or a program currently being aired via the IMS network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method and system provide for network support for call record privacy in a telecommunication system. The method in an embodiment may have the steps of: checking for a subscription to the call record privacy feature by a subscriber; checking if the call record privacy feature is active for a call associated with the subscriber; and marking call detail records of the call as “private” when the call record privacy feature is active. The system implements the method.

Abstract: An exemplary method provides cellular communications for handsets capable of communications using a conventional RF communication mode and a second ultra-wide band RF communication mode. An RF voice communication link is established between the handset and a base station using the conventional communication mode. A decrease in signal strength of the RF link is detected to be at a level at which a hand-off should be made. No other base stations utilizing the conventional communication mode have an acceptable signal strength level with the handset to support a hand-off from the base station. Another base station using the ultra-wide band second communication mode has an acceptable signal strength level with the handset to support a hand-off from the current base station.

Abstract: A method of automatically suggesting service changes for a wireless communications network subscriber is provided. The method includes compiling a record of services used by the subscriber during a time period, determining one or more subscriber usage metrics, comparing the subscriber usage metrics to one or more thresholds, detecting a trigger condition including one or more of the usage metrics exceeding one or more of the thresholds, generating a service change suggestion, and informing the subscriber automatically of the suggested service change using the wireless communications network.

Abstract: Actual caller identification is provided. Biometric information is collected from a calling party. For example, retinal scan or facial recognition information is collected from a calling party. An element of a communications network receives the biometric information and uses the biometric information to determine the identity of the calling party. For instance, the biometric information is used to generate an index or key into an identity database. The index or key is used to retrieve identity information associated with a record including matching biometric information. The identity information is transmitted, for example, to user equipment of a called party.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for notifying a primary wireless unit in a group calling plan that a wireless unit in the group calling plan has call activity. An MSC determines if there is call activity on a wireless phone. The MSC determines if the wireless phone is a member of a call monitoring group. If so, the MSC records call information related to the call activity and sends the call information to the primary wireless unit.

Abstract: A method of providing an appointment reminder includes: creating an appointment reminder message; sending the appoint reminder message from a first device of a first party to a second device of a second party; receiving the appointment reminder message at the second device at a first point in time; storing the appointment reminder message in the second device; and, activating the appointment reminder message stored in the second device at a second point in time after the first point in time.

Abstract: A method for dynamically reconfiguring wireless network capacity purchased by a service provider from a network equipment/software provider. The method includes: a) determining if a current demand for network capacity exceeds a first value, b) if the current demand exceeds the first value, reconfiguring network capacity for the wireless network to a higher purchased network capacity, c) determining if the current demand is less than a second value, and d) if the current demand is less than the second value, reconfiguring network capacity for the wireless network to a lower purchased network capacity. In another embodiment, usage data associated with a selected network capacity is accumulated and provided to the network equipment/software provider's billing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to assist in providing security for vehicles with keyless ignition systems. The present invention involves receiving, via wireless communications, a signal to start an ignition of the vehicle. Upon receipt of the signal, a built-in cellular phone in the vehicle transmits a message to a server to provide a security key to the vehicle and the security key and a message to all mobile phones registered to a driver of the vehicle. The message indicates that an attempt has been made to start the vehicle. Upon receipt of the security key, the driver of the vehicle may input the security key into a key pad of the vehicle. If the security key received by the vehicle from the server matches the security key inputted by the driver of the vehicle, then the keyless ignition system may start the vehicle.

Abstract: A method in one example has the steps of: notifying a calling mobile terminal that a called mobile terminal is not available to receive a call; and notifying the called mobile terminal that an unsuccessful call attempt was made to the called mobile terminal via a mobile terminated short message when one of the following occurs, the called mobile terminal completes a current call and the called mobile terminal powers on.

Abstract: A system for delivering to a wireless subscriber terminal multimedia content related to a spectator event comprises an event application server, a wireless network coupled to the event application server and a wireless subscriber terminal that interacts with the network. The event application server acquires, converts, and manages content related to a spectator event. The event application server (or its adjunct) also manages preferences and priorities established by subscribers for event-related content. When such content is available, the event application server reconciles available content with subscriber preferences and priorities to determine an optimal set of content to be delivered to the subscriber terminal, and requests that the wireless network establish a connection to the subscriber terminal for such content. Multiple streams of content, of various types of media, may be delivered simultaneously to the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: Communication networks and methods are disclosed that provide an information service that is tailored (or “auto-focused”) to individual customers or subsets of customers based on the location of those customers. The information service is implemented in one embodiment within a communication network (e.g., IMS network or traditional wireless network) having a presence/location server that maintains presence/location information associated with various customers served by the communication network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method and system provide for automatic balancing of audio signal strength levels on voice paths between first and second parties in a telecommunication system. The method in an embodiment may have the steps of: checking for a subscription to audio signal strength level balancing by at least one of the first and second parties; and balancing, if at least one of the first and second parties has the subscription, audio signal strength levels on voice paths between the first and second parties. The system implements the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure voice communication are provided. More particularly, the present techniques are directed to the introduction of voice security for mobile-to-mobile calls. The coding and decoding is accomplished by handset vocoders, in lieu of coding and decoding accomplished by the network. In this regard, when voice security is determined to be necessary, users select a secured transmission protocol and communicate the selection to the network. All coding and decoding is then performed only in the handsets, as opposed to the network. Moreover, the vocoders implemented, in at least one form, employ security encryption, so that only the two connected mobile users are able to understand the content of the voice transmission.

Abstract: A system and method of providing Calling-Party-Designated Ring Announcements (CPDRA) is provided. The Calling Party designates a Ring Announcement (RA) of his/her choice and subsequently makes a call to the Called Party. A CPDRA Indicator is sent from the Originating End to the Terminating End of the telecommunications network indicating that the call a CPDRA call. The RA is played by a suitable Called Party terminal to alert the Called Party of an incoming call.

Abstract: A method of providing a mobile telecommunications Service Plan to a multi-member user group is provided. The Service Plan provides a predefined total resource allotment which is shared by the group once each billing cycle. The Service Plan enables a member to define separate resource allowances for each group member. Resource usage warning thresholds are defined which alert a member when the member approaches using all of his or her resources. The Service Plan enables a member to receive a resource allotment transferred from a second member upon obtaining permission from the second member. The Service Plan can also enable a member to purchase additional service resources apart from the allowances if so desired.