Abstract: A spam call prevention apparatus 11 includes: a response unit 111 configured to convey, to a phone terminal of a sender of a call, a response that, in a case where the call from the sender is evaluated as a spam or a fraud by a receiver of the call, the sender is billed a sum of money corresponding to a probability of being evaluated as the spam or the fraud; a notification unit 112 configured to notify, when the sender has requested, in responding to the response, the call to the receiver, a phone terminal of the receiver of a request for returning an evaluation result of evaluating the call from the sender after the call between the sender and the receiver has ended; and a determination unit 114 configured to determine, when the call from the sender has been evaluated as the spam or the fraud in the evaluation result, the sum of money corresponding to the probability of being evaluated as the spam or the fraud, as a sum of billing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for implementing a caller identifier are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of receiving, by a server, a request to initiate a telephone call between a calling phone and a callee phone, wherein the request includes a telephone number of the calling phone. The actions further include determining, by the server, a name that corresponds to the telephone number. The actions further include accessing, by the server, a calling history that indicates previous telephone calls of the phone number. The actions further include, based on the calling history that indicates previous telephone calls of the phone number, determining, by the server, whether to generate a notification that includes the name that corresponds to the telephone number.

Abstract: The invention provides an interrogator for obtaining information associated with a caller identification, such as a telephone number, transmitted within an incoming telephone call including: a receiving device configured to receive the incoming telephone call and to extract the caller identification from the incoming telephone call; an interrogating device configured to receive the extracted caller identification from the receiving device and to interrogate information associated with the caller identification from an external data base, which is configured to operate independently from the user voice communication device for which the incoming telephone call is intended for; and a forwarding device configured to receive and to forward the interrogated information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable media to connecting to addresses received in spoken communications. The method for connecting to addresses received in spoken communications comprises receiving at least one spoken communication containing a spoken address, extracting each address automatically from the at least one spoken communication, displaying to a user at least one extracted address, and receiving from the user a selection of at least one extracted address to initiate communication.

Abstract: A watch type terminal includes: a first communication unit configured to perform communication with an external server; a second communication unit configured to perform communication with an external device; and a control unit configured to provide control to perform communication with the external server through a communication unit of the external device when the watch type terminal interworks with the external device through the second communication unit, and to deactivate the first communication unit.

Abstract: Described are embodiments that provide for an intelligent call log. Specifically, in embodiments, a call log module can be provided on a user's phone (or as a sequenced application) that analyzes the actual communications between a calling party and a called party. The call log module is configured, in embodiments, to do analysis of the calling party's interaction with the called party, changes in routing, and/or failure to connect. The call log module is linked to the calling party's schedule information, in some embodiments, for situations with multiple failures to connect and/or multiple short discussions have inadequately dealt with the need to talk, and therefore scheduling a meeting is likely to be more effective.

Abstract: A portable electronic device that promotes user awareness of approaching a usage limit is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and an application. When executed by the processor, the application installs a file describing a subscription plan documenting availability of at least one of wireless voice and data services, the subscription plan comprising a usage limit. The application also records a first usage of a first unit of a first service provided under the plan and increments a count of units of usage of the first service during a first usage period based on the record of the first usage. The application also detects the count of units of usage reaching a first predetermined threshold wherein the threshold is less than the usage limit. The application also presents a first message, the message providing notification of the count of units of usage reaching the threshold.

Abstract: Charging is enabled in ad hoc networks, without access to external infrastructure networks. For example, when a communication is initiated by a mobile communication device within an ad hoc network, a small initiation fee is stored securely on the device, typically on a smart card. Transfer of the charging information may then occur more or less automatically and/or when the device reaches a coverage area of the operator network. The invention is also advantageous for charging in cellular and/or wireless networks, as charging can be performed with low administration costs.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal for displaying supplementary information on a background screen includes a communication unit, a storage unit for storing cumulative transmissions and receptions of calls and messages corresponding to supplementary information, a cumulative number rank determiner for comparing the cumulative transmissions and receptions of calls and messages and determining a cumulative number rank for the phone number, a controller for creating a map consisting of the supplementary information arranged from the highest to the lowest cumulative number rank of the phone number, and a display unit for displaying the supplementary information together with the cumulative number rank. The terminal allows a user to easily visualize supplementary information corresponding to a phone number by display on the background screen.

Abstract: A called party's communications habits are determined from the party's communications history, and the habits and the called party's current state (presence) are analyzed in view of a calling party's parameters for a desired communication with the called party to determine a preferable mode and/or time for the desired communication. The preference is indicated to the calling party to assist the calling party in effecting the desired communication.

Abstract: A first node seeking entry into a secure spread spectrum communications network sends a discovery burst at a low rate, and sends traffic bursts at a higher rate to exchange data rate for range. A receiving node receives discovery bursts via an omni-directional link and transmits and receives traffic bursts via directional links. As a node within the network detects a fading signal, it transmits a discovery burst at low rate on both its uplink and downlink channels. Other nodes may reply via the original uplink channel, and the fading node updates a list of candidate nodes through which it can relay through the network to its intended recipient by reversing the link direction of its original uplink and original downlink channels.

Abstract: A called party's communications habits are determined from the party's communications history, and the habits and the called party's current state (presence) are analyzed in view of a calling party's parameters for a desired communication with the called party to determine a preferable mode and/or time for the desired communication. The preference is indicated to the calling party to assist the calling party in effecting the desired communication.

Abstract: A technique for near real-time reporting of telephone number usage to a computer is disclosed. According to the technique, signaling protocol data is collected for telephone calls that involve telephone numbers associated with the user. The signaling protocol data is decoded and call information records (CIRs) are generated from the decoded signaling data. The CIRs contain information about calls associated with the telephone numbers. The CIRs are used to generate a report which is made available to the user.

Abstract: A communication device implementing a function of retransmitting to a destination includes an operation unit detecting an input operation, a communication module starting a transmission to a destination specified by the input operation, a storage unit storing one or more pieces of destination specifying information on every destination, a judging module judging whether the communication can be attained upon the transmission, a searching module searching for, if judged to be impossible of the communication, one or more pieces of destination specifying information stored corresponding to the destination from the storage unit, a display unit displaying a list of the searched destination specifying information, a selection module accepting a selection of a desired piece of destination specifying information from the list of the destination specifying information displayed, and a retransmitting module retransmitting based on the selected destination specifying information.

Abstract: A method and system for providing calling party identification information to a called party in a mobile communications network. Servers external to the mobile communications network are used to generate and provide calling party information in the form of a service page or phone page without relying on calling line interface information.

Abstract: A integrated customer interface for providing telecommunications management to a customer at a browser involves a web server and a client application. The web server manages a client session supports communication of request messages received from the browser to a network management resource. The client application is integrated for use within the browser, downloadable from the web server in accordance with a predetermined customer entitlement, and programmed to be in interactive communications with the network management resource.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a digital line signal using a key phone in a private exchange system.

Abstract: A metering tone is applied to a transmission line by a DSL modem on behalf of a voice circuit, rather than being applied directly by the voice circuit. Various techniques for applying the metering tone to the data path are described. Because the metering tone is passed to the network in the data path rather than in the voice path, the tone is subject to the high-pass filtering associated with the data path rather than the low-pass filtering associated with the voice path. Accordingly, the metering tone is not attenuated by the splitter or by analogous features in a splitterless system.

Abstract: A system that provides video signal communication between a source of the video signal and a plurality of units that include destinations of the video signal includes an interface coupled to the source and to telephone lines, each of which serves at least one of the units and carries voice signals to and from one or more telephones coupled to the telephone line at said unit. The interface receives the video signal from the source, and transmits the received video signal onto at least one of the telephone lines in a selected frequency range that is different from frequencies at which the voice signals are carried on that telephone line. This causes the video signal to be coupled to a receiver which is connected to the telephone line at the unit served by that line and is adapted to recover the video signal from the telephone line and apply it to one or more of the destinations at the unit. The source is a cable (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for remotely processing a data string. The method includes the steps of generating a data string from a communications device, which may be a telephone or a modem, and attaching an identifier code to the data string. The data string is then transmitted to a remote processor that reads the identifier code and processes the data string according to an algorithm designated by the identifier code.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically monitoring and recording incoming and outgoing telephone call parameters and forming a call record in response thereto. The apparatus has a signal conditioning device connected to the telephone line; incoming and outgoing call decoders; line status detector device; clock; and a computation device. The incoming call record comprises the incoming call data such as caller's identity and number, the call start and end times, and the call duration, the outgoing call record comprises the outgoing call data, the call start and end times, and the call duration. The records may be printed immediately as the call is concluded or stored an printed later by account number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically monitoring and recording incoming and outgoing telephone call parameters and forming a call record in response thereto. The apparatus has signal conditioning means connected to the telephone line; incoming and outgoing call decoder means; line status detector means; clock means; and a computation means. The incoming call record comprises the incoming call data such as caller's identity and number, the call start and end times, and the call duration, the outgoing call record comprises the outgoing call data, the call start and end times, and the call duration. The records may be printed immediately as the call is concluded or stored an printed later by account number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically monitoring and recording incoming and outgoing telephone call parameters and forming a call record in response thereto. The apparatus has a signal conditioning device connected to the telephone line; incoming and outgoing call decoders; line status detector device; clock; and a computation device. The incoming call record comprises the incoming call data such as caller's identity and number, the call start and end times, and the call duration, the outgoing call record comprises the outgoing call data, the call start and end times, and the call duration. The records may be printed immediately as the call is concluded or stored an printed later by account number.

Abstract: A least cost call routing system operates in conjunction with one or more telephones disposed in a location to provide least cost telephone call routing using a selected one of a number of commercial telephone carriers. The least cost call routing system can automatically contact a central server, on a periodic basis, to receive updated rate provider information. In addition, the least cost call routing system uses a unique communications protocol that utilizes data compression techniques to minimize the bandwidth needed for the update.

Abstract: Customer premises equipment (CPE) which allows a user programmable access carrier selection. Users can program one or more alternate access carriers to use at different times and/or different days of the week. After the feature has been programmed, the CPE determines which access carrier to use and inserts the appropriate alternate access code prior to releasing the dialed digits. The invention allows a telephone customer to take advantage of varying rates and promotional programs without having to remember the details of each provider's plans and the provider access codes for each call.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line communication system does not require the use of a plain old telephone service (POTS) splitter in the resident's home. Digital signal processing techniques are utilized to adapt to varying subscriber line conditions due to POTS telephone equipment. The digital signal processing techniques eliminate the need for a splitter by reducing susceptibility to distortion due to varying subscriber line characteristics. The digital subscriber line modem utilizes quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) signals and frequency division multiplexing. The digital subscriber line modem includes a control circuit which includes a rapid retrain circuit. The rapid retrain circuit can retrain the digital subscriber line modem in less than 0.5 seconds.

Abstract: A diagnostic device (12) for a telephone system (14) having a computer (10) having a memory, a compiler in the memory, and a plurality of high level statements (16) for controlling the flow of telephone calls in the system (14), and a device (10) responsive to a set of statements (16) defined for the program for determining diagnostic information associated with the steps of the program.

Abstract: For use with a communication station having a database containing past communication event information pertaining to the station, systems for, and methods of, predicting a future communication event pertaining to the station. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) correlating logic that analyzes the past communication event information to determine whether a correlation exists in the past communication event information and (2) predicting logic, coupled to the correlating logic, that examines a current communication event pertaining to the station and predicts the future communication event based on the current communication event and the correlation.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a data transmission transmitted over a telephone line includes the first step of determining if a data transmission is incoming or outgoing over a telephone line. In the second method step, a modem is configured to monitor a receive portion of the telephone line if the first step determines that the transmission is outgoing. The modem is configured to monitor a transmit portion of the telephone line if the first step determines that the transmission is incoming. In the third method step, a data signal is detected from the data transmission. The method may include the further step of maintaining statistics corresponding to the data signal. The data transmission may be a facsimile transmission. The data signal may be any one of a DCS signal, an MCF signal, and an RTP signal.

Abstract: A communication terminal device which easily provides a call-history function with superior usability. a call history having the same telephone number as the telephone number call-originated has been stored. If it has been stored, the past call history is canceled and the telephone number call-originated is stored as a call history. Thereby, storing call histories from the same party can be prevented increasing the actual number of storable files as call histories.

Abstract: A telephone line access arrangement for a telephone instrument and a modem gives priority to the telephone instrument in all instances. A microprocessor controls the modem and receives an input signal that is indicative of the existence of an off hook state for the telephone instrument. Logic device generates the input signal based upon the different electrical conditions characterizing the telephone instrument and the modem.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining records in a telephone directory involves maintaining a personal directory of at least one record associated with at least one party with which a telephone call is conducted. The record has a field for identifying the party and a frequency of use field for storing a number representing the number of times a call is conducted with the party. In response to a call conducted with a party, the personal directory is searched for a record associated with the party and upon finding such a record, the contents of the frequency of use field of the record are incremented and the records of the personal directory are sorted in an order dependent upon the contents of the frequency of use fields.

Abstract: A method for providing information to a caller about the present physical location of a subscriber with a telephone number. The information could include time of day, city or region, and whether toll charges apply or are increased. A method is also provided for giving a telephone user information about the present physical location of a subscriber with a portable number.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for the management of a remotely-deployed unit such as, for example, a telephone station. A local station revenue signal generated at the remote station corresponds to an amount of revenue generated at the remote unit. The generated revenue signal is processed with a generated cost signal, which corresponds to an amount of cost incurred in supporting the station, whereby the profitability of the station can be determined in an automated and/or real time or near real-time manner, and overall management of the unit becomes more efficient and effective. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for managing a remotely-deployed station wherein at least one local end usage signal is generated, which corresponds to a total amount of usage, such as direct-dial or commission-related telephone line usage for example, measured locally during a given time period.

Abstract: The automated telephone directory of the present invention combines a telephone, a telephone directory and a telephone log into a single computerized unit. The primary directory database contains the directory information for an entire geographical region (i.e. city, state, province or country) and is accessed by a central processing unit to facilitate the placing of telephone calls and to create incoming and outgoing logs. Several other databases are created automatically or can be created manually to enhance the telephoning process. The system also includes the means to send and receive alphanumeric page messages. A display screen is provided to display, upon command of the CPU, the directory information of incoming and outgoing telephone calls and for displaying the various databases provided.

Abstract: A line-conditioning test unit query system automatically queries direct access test units of respective telephone facilities that are used for conditioning and testing telephone lines, to obtain data representative of usage by the test units. A centralized usage tracking or polling processor is programmed to execute a polling routine, which sequences through dialing directory listing each test unit of the network. The polling processor generates tone signal-formatted commands to which the test units respond with synthesized voice messages containing usage parameter data. Using a speech-to-text conversion operator, the routine converts synthesized voice responses from the queried DATUs into digital data for storage in a relational database, from which usage reports are derived.

Abstract: A long distance service bureau assists subscribers in selecting a long distance carrier for a long distance, or tariff, call. The long distance service bureau includes a rate table memory and a service logic element. The rate table memory stores rate data, representing tolls charged by various long distance carriers, and subscriber preference data, representing a subscriber's preferences for certain ones of the various long distance carriers. The service logic element controls the rate table memory. The service logic element periodically communicates with the various long distance carriers to retrieve rate data changes, stores the rate data changes in the rate table memory, and downloads only the rate data changes to local equipment of the subscriber during idle periods of the subscriber's local equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interfacing a mobile telephone and a meter device for use in a vehicle includes a mobile telephone and a metering device. The mobile telephone, such as a digital, cellular radio, or satellite telephone, and the meter device, such as a taxicab meter, are connected to a mobile interface. The mobile interface allows an individual riding in the vehicle to place or receive a call while riding in the vehicle, and to be charged for the use of the mobile telephone call and the fare on the taxicab meter in a single consolidated bill.

Abstract: A portable telephone designed so that a person who found the portable telephone is able to communicate easily with the owner. If the person who found the lost telephone turns on a power source, a CPU 11 of the portable telephone reads out data of the name and the telephone number of the owner of the portable telephone stored in a RAM 7, and causes the name and the telephone number corresponding to the data to be displayed on a display 8. The person who found the telephone enters a pre-set abbreviated dial number on an actuating portion 6 for having communication with the telephone owner. The CPU 11 then transmits the DTMF signal from a dialing circuit 9 based on the telephone number data stored in the RAM 7. After the person who found the telephone has had a call with the telephone owner, the CPU 11 ceases to accept the operation other than the operation of entering the pre-set abbreviated dial number and causes the power source to be turned off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for executing a conference call session between parties provides collaboration between nodes having separate conference-bridging capabilities, so that selection from a number of alternative connectivity schemes can be based upon bridge-to-bridge negotiation. The selection of a connectivity scheme may be based upon one or more of cost and telecommunication resource availability. Selection may also be based upon stored historical data relating to prior conference calls involving at least one of said parties and/or upon historical data of patterns of node resource availability. A conference bridge includes a user interface, a message interface, a connectivity computation component, a conference bridge manager, and a multimedia exchange component. An input to the connectivity computation component includes a database having tariff table information and resource-demand cycle information.

Abstract: Activities in an interactive subscriber telephone terminal including incoming and outgoing calls and including services such as Call Display are counted and stored in a memory in the terminal. The terminal may be queried by a remote server to cause the stored number to be transmitted to the remote server or billing, management or other purposes.

Abstract: A call charge display apparatus in a telephone includes an input for inputting a telephone number, a transceiver for transmitting and receiving a call, a controller for receiving telephone usage information from the transceiver portion and the input, for calculating call charges, and for controlling the display of the calculated call charges, and a display for displaying call particulars from the controller.

Abstract: A system for completing calls to a passenger aboard an aircraft. The passenger activates ground-to-air service by accessing a ground-to-air database subsystem that is located on the ground. The passenger gains access to the ground-to-air database by dialing a special service number and entering a Master Personal Identification Number (Master PIN). Once access to the database is obtained, the passenger may enter one or more ground-to-air forwarding parameters which enable the system to forward ground initiated calls directly to the passenger. At anytime after ground-to-air service has been activated, but before it is terminated, a person on the ground may initiate a call to the passenger by dialing the special service number. In a preferred embodiment, a Ground-to-Air User PIN is employed to screen ground callers.

Abstract: The present invention features an automatic telecommunications system which includes a method for selecting the most economical carrier for the placement of a dialed telephone call. The telecommunications system attaches to a telephone number input device, such as a telephone dialer, a fax or computer/modem keyboard, a cellular phone, etc. The system captures the number dialed, while inhibiting or disconnecting the telephone from receiving incoming calls, thus preventing interruption of the data capture process. The captured number is fed to the user computer that accesses a first memory that has a database containing the carriers that provide service between the user service area and the area of the dialed number. The user computer contains an internal clock that ascertains the day of the week and the time of day. The computer is programmed to select a carrier providing the best (lowest) rate for the particular time of placement for the dialed call.

Abstract: A system for selecting and monitoring telephone rates including a telephone hand-set with a numeric keypad and a plurality of scroll keys and an enter key situated thereon. A modem is adapted to receive and download from a database information including a rate of charge for a long distance call made at the time of the download for a plurality of telecommunication companies. Also included is a monitor for viewing such data. Finally, control circuitry is connected to the modem, telephone handset, and monitor. The control circuitry is adapted to display on the monitor a time and a date of the most recent downloading of information, the rate of charge for a long distance call made at the time of the download for each telecommunication company, and the current monthly subtotal due to each telecommunication company. The control circuitry is further adapted to allow the selection of one of the telecommunication companies for a current long distance telephone call via the scroll keys and enter key.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a telephone management system having a CPU, rate data storage, random access memory, program storage, telephoe interface, memory bus, printer, numeric and functinal keypads, speaker and at least two display monitors.

Abstract: A call forwarding status monitor for acknowledging the properly dialed DTMF or touch tone keypad indicating that a telephone line has been forwarded to another telephone number. The monitor connects to an available modular telephone jack at the subscribers location and registers the dialed numbers. Once the proper activation (or de-activation) sequence has been dialed, the monitor will provide a positive indication that the call has been forwarded. The indication is in the form of a visible light and/or an alphanumeric display in order to positively verify that the proper number has been entered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for terminal-oriented performance monitoring in a telecommunications network having a public side and a mobile subscriber side with terminals. Information with respect to network performance is collected by the subscriber terminals or in connection with the subscriber terminals and transferred to the public side. The information includes the grade of service, information on error conditions and information on the quality of the transmission channel in the network and non-connection information. With the aid of the invention the network operator is provided with a picture of the performance from the point of view of the customer and he can thus operate the network more effectively at the same time as the performance experienced by the customer is kept under control.

Abstract: One or more lines of a communication terminal are monitored to determine blocked calls by detecting times of incoming calls. A signal corresponding to the pattern of incoming calls is generated from the detected times. After detection of the starting time of an all lines are busy state, an estimate of blocked calls is formed from the incoming call pattern signal and the detected start of the all lines are busy state.

Abstract: Subscriber units (26) in a satellite communication system (10) send and receive data messages at optimum times. Each subscriber unit (26) has a pre-programmed database that includes a collection of messages (302), such as data (314), fax (316), pre-recorded voice (318), pager (320), or video files (322). Pre-programmed times include low traffic times (404) and/or most economical times (406) at the point of origination and/or destination. Low traffic time information (404) and most economical time information (406) are stored in the subscriber unit (26) and may be updated by the communication system (10). The subscriber unit (26) sends and receives messages at either a pre-programmed or low traffic time (404) or most economical time (406). The satellite communication system (10) calculates message delivery time when different from a user's time zone. A user is notified when a message is sent and received. The subscriber unit (26) stores the messages for future access.