Abstract: A method and apparatus of managing a phone device of a personal digital assistant (PDA) is provided. In one example of the present invention, the PDA retrieves a call history list from a stored memory location, the call history list including a call history list record. The PDA then displays at least a portion of the call history list on a screen of the PDA. The call history list preferably includes phone numbers and names associated with those phone numbers. In another example, the method further includes displaying call details of a selected call history list record. The call details preferably includes a date, a timestamp, and a duration.

Abstract: The present invention provides technical advantages as systems, devices and methods that enable a person to remotely identify the origin of an incoming call.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided. A calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information. The announcement may be tailored by changing the language of the announcement, for example, to conform to the majority of calls received by the called party. A special designator may be stored in association with account information when the service is ordered. The designator is read before the announcement is played to the calling party. The audible caller identification information is recorded and played to the called party in a message. The message may be tailored by changing the language or format of the announcement.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: A method for implementing self-chosen caller identification and instantaneous transmission of caller identification information before communications have been established is described. Aspects of the invention improve upon modem methods and bridge the gap between current technology that allows users to self-identify in communicating with other users and technology that transmits this information before a telephone call is answered. Furthermore, aspects of the invention allow a user to select his or her own identifying information (e.g., picture, ring tone, video) and send it to contacts in his or her contact database. A background transmission process transmits the identifying information upon selection, creating a fast and seamless method of self-identification for caller ID technology. The identifying information may be stored in an association database using factors such as events and identification type.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus is provided that has a display unit; communication means which makes communication with other apparatuses and enables reception of multiple types of incoming calls; and a control unit which controls display contents on the display unit. The control unit displays, as incoming-call displays on the display unit, types and caller information of unanswered incoming calls out of the incoming calls through the communication means such that order of the unanswered incoming calls can be comprehended.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a server apparatus includes a first memory which memorizes group tables respectively showing correspondence relations between groups constituted by dividing the plurality of data terminals and data IDs of data terminals belonging to these groups, a second memory which memorizes band tables respectively showing correspondence relations between combinations of the plurality of groups and bands usable among plurality of data terminals to be communication-connected, and a controller which refers to the group tables and the band tables based on data IDs associated with the phone IDs included in the call information event, when the call information event is received, and executes communication connections among data terminals corresponding to the data IDs based on the reference result to assign bands to the data terminals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to enable a caller to send additional information along with the Caller Identification to a telephone receiver at the same time the caller makes the call. This additional information better informs the recipient of the identity of the caller and the nature of the call. This information allows the receiver to decide whether or not to answer the telephone call.

Abstract: Upon detecting an incoming call, a call screening system determines the CALLER ID information associated with the call and compares it to a database of allowable calling parties. If the calling party is to be allowed to ring through, the call screening system routes the incoming call to one or more communication devices associated with the calling party information in the allowable calling party database. In this manner, certain screened calls only ring through to a handset if authorized, while others are authorized to ring through to a fax machine, an answering machine, another handset, or a remote device connected between a remote handset and the local exchange. A single call screening device having several ports thus filters calls to multiple communications devices. Incoming call screening may be selectively different during different times of the day, for different calling parties, or for different communications devices connected to the call screening device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a call-return process and system, wherein a called party can return a missed call to a caller's private number. A forwarded call is received by a call management system, wherein the forwarded call was originally directed by a caller to a first telephone line associated with a user. The call management system receives call signaling information, including a phone number, associated with the caller. The call management system then determines whether the phone number is a private phone number or a public phone number. If the phone number is private, the call management system notifies the user of the call, and without revealing the caller's phone number to the user, enables the user to return the caller's call.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes an obtaining unit, an image data receiving unit, an extracting unit and a first display control unit. The obtaining unit is configured to obtain a caller identification information through a caller identification via a communication line when an incoming call is received from a caller. The image data receiving unit is configured to receive an image data transmitted from the caller via the communication line. The extracting unit is configured to extract caller information from the image data to specify the caller. The first display control unit is configured to display the caller information on a display screen when the obtaining unit does not obtain the caller identification information at the incoming call.

Abstract: A method and system for administering calls on a voice network allows a user to selectively determine which calls will be accepted and assists the user in placing calls to other users on the network. The user may establish a list of users whose calls will be accepted and may also establish a list of users whose calls will not be accepted. The method and system may provide unwanted callers with an option to speak with the user for a fee. Users may establish “business card” headers, or profiles, which serve to identify the user to a called party. The user may also maintain profiles for received calls by using the “business card” header provided by the caller, or by inputting caller profiles. The method and system may also be used in conjunction with a scheduling system, such that calls amongst two or more users will be initiated at an agreed upon time.

Abstract: Processing a call from a calling party at a calling communication station to a called communication station includes detecting signalling information for the call, including determining whether standard caller identification for the calling communication station can be provided to the called communication station and detecting a privacy level selected by a called party at the called communication station. The call is routed in response to the signalling information and the privacy level. This permits management of privacy levels at the called communication station using the signalling information for the call.

Abstract: The invention uses the advanced intelligent network to provide caller identification for calls placed over the internet (24). A long distance call placed with an internet carrier results in the originating SSP (14) forwarding the call to an originating POP (22) for the internet carrier. The caller ID information is routed through the signaling system 7 network (16) to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The call is routed to a terminating POP (26) and then to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The SSP (32) inserts the caller ID information received through the SS7 network (16) and routes the call to the terminating line (30).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method allows a subscriber to create a data message. The subscriber may associate the data message to an originating party and to a recipient. When a communication from the originating party is received, the data message is communicated to the recipient via an Internet Protocol communications network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a communication from an originating party, with the communication intended for a receiving party. A database of pre-created data messages is accessed, with the database storing a pre-created data message having a common association between the receiving party and the originating party. The pre-created data message is then communicated.

Abstract: A PBX connected to a public exchange includes a separate caller ID service unit for providing a caller ID and/or a system tone by performing a digital signal process. To display the caller ID on a receiver terminal, or caller ID phone, a line is established with the PBX through general switched telephone network, and a CID received through the line is converted and stored in the caller ID service block mounted with at least one memory through a switching block, under control by a control block. Then, the control block transmits all or part of the stored CIDs to the caller ID phone through the switching block and/or a subscriber line convergency unit.

Abstract: A manner of providing ring-tune alerts to announce the arrival of incoming communications at a communication device such as a mobile station operable in a wireless communication network. When notification an incoming communication arrives at the mobile station, the mobile station detects the type and origin of the communication and then composes a ring tune enhanced to provide incoming call information to the subscriber. The enhancement may include temporarily compounding the ring tune, tonal or stylistic enhancement, applying compound accompaniment, or applying tempo variation. The ring-tune components may be installed by the manufacturer or distributor of the instrument, or may be downloaded by the subscriber. The communication device may also be a personal computer operable to communicate through a communication network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A user interface for screen phones monitors telephone line state information and displays user interface controls and telephone line status information dependent on the telephone line state. The user interface includes a display element referred to as a call slip that expands and collapses in response to changes in telephone line state and user input. The call slip updates the information that it displays based on telephone line state changes and information communicated from one or more telephony monitoring applications. The call slip displays user interface controls representing tasks that are dependent on information derived from a telephone call, such as caller ID information. The software used to control the display of call slips and to monitor telephone line state is part of a software platform that may be customized for a particular device or application.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for maintaining a universal call-log in a Home Network telephone system. The method comprises: transceiving calls on at least one external telephone line; bridging calls to a plurality Home Network endpoints; and, logging the bridged calls. Bridging calls to a plurality Home Network endpoints includes initiating an outgoing call from an endpoint. Then, the outgoing calls initiated from endpoints are logged. Likewise, incoming calls received on an external telephone line addressed to an endpoint and bridged, and logged. Logging the bridged calls includes cross-referencing entries such as call time, the call duration, the type of call, the external telephone involved, the external line telephone number from which an incoming call is received, the external telephone line telephone number to which an outgoing call is addressed, the endpoint to which an incoming call is addressed, and the endpoint initiating an outgoing call.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for displaying on calling partner terminal during call waiting information on a wireless terminal received via an Internet server through which a user stores a call connection community screen, with a message containing a call connection community screen is received via the Internet server and displayed for a calling partner during a call waiting in a wireless terminal. A predetermined field of the message is checked when a message is received from the messaging server in a call waiting status. If the predetermined field has a specific set value, the call connection community screen is extracted from the message and displayed on a display window, with the call connection community screen containing information of the calling partner. User individuality can be visually expressed to the calling partner during the call waiting and the call waiting time can be more efficiently utilized through the interactive screen.

Abstract: Managing caller identifiers includes communicating calls at a communication device, where each call is associated with a caller identifier. The caller identifiers for the calls are stored in response to the communication. A sort command is accessed, and the caller identifiers are organized in accordance with the sort command. The organized caller identifiers are displayed to manage the caller identifiers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a presence system capable of monitoring state information derived from a plurality of sources over any number of disparate networks. The sources of state information are devices, which are frequently used by a user throughout a normal day and configured to provide state information to the presence system. The sources monitor normal user interactions and automatically provide corresponding state information to the presence system without requiring the user to enter or otherwise provide information bearing on their status or availability. Based on a profile provided by the user, the presence system evaluates the state information from one or more sources to create presence information to deliver to subscribers. The state information bears on the presence or availability of the user and may take many forms. The presence information may range from complex analysis of state information from many devices to simply the states of selected devices.

Abstract: A system (100) and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided, even when a subscriber to the service has per line blocking. A service control point (106) detects the directory number to which a terminating attempt trigger is assigned and places this directory number in a parameter for transmission to a service switching point (102) using a forward_call message (206). The per line blocking function does not interfere with transmission of this parameter so that the called party's directory number can be passed for processing and call completion by the system.

Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system, which is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operation of both the telephone system and the voice mail system, permits a user to call back a party using caller ID data stored with a voice mail message left by the party calling into the system. This is accomplished by storing caller ID information associated with an incoming call along with the message placed by the incoming caller and stored within the mailbox associated with the called party. Additionally, the caller ID information may be used to create a speed dial list within the telephone and voice mail system for later use by the user. Such caller ID information may be retrieved from a voice mail message left by the calling party, or may be retrieved while conducting a conversation with the incoming call.

Abstract: A telephone line interface and associated circuitry that may be implemented to simultaneously couple DC loop voltage, ring bursts, and caller-ID data to the phone line side of a DAA circuit through a single two wire resistively coupled interface. The interface and circuitry may be implemented to combine processing of the DC loop voltage and ring bursts into a single circuit, with processing of caller-ID data being performed separately.

Abstract: For analog telephone service subscribers, an apparatus and a method is provided for displaying a caller's originating number and/or the current time of day on the subscriber's incoming call line identification equipment. The subscriber's originating telephone number is obtained from a database within the telephone switching system providing POTS service to the subscriber. The time of day is obtained from a real-time clock within or in communication with the telephone switching system. Data is preferably transmitted to the subscriber's equipment by analog frequency shift keyed protocol.

Abstract: A mobile communication device, such as a wireless mobile phone, is provided with a unified message function equipped to facilitate a user in interacting with communication messages of different message types supported by the mobile communication device via an unified message box.

Abstract: An anti-telemarketing program uses the calling party identification of an incoming call to determine if the call is a telemarketing call by accessing a telemarketing database. The incoming call can be identified as a telemarketing call by direct correlation with a known telemarketing number or by indirect correlation by not being included within a list of known non-telemarketing numbers. If an incoming call is identified as a telemarketing call, and no override condition is set, the call will not be allowed to ring through to the desired phone line; instead, it will be terminated by a call progress tone or by a notification that the desired phone line does not accept calls from telemarketers. If an incoming call is not identified as a telemarketing call, it will be completed, and if it is from a telemarketer, the party receiving the call can designate the calling party identification from the call as belonging to a telemarketer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically handling an incoming call by a mobile communication apparatus when the call is determined to be an international roam call. When an incoming international roam call is detected, the mobile communication apparatus can allow the call to ring as normal, send the call to a local or network voice mail service, or play a prerecorded message to the caller informing the caller that the phone is not accepting international roam calls. The decision can be based on the apparatus's home and registered networks' mobile country code (MCC) and mobile network code (MNC) information, on the caller ID of the calling party, and on the date and/or time of the incoming international roam call. The parameters on which the decisions are made may be set by the user of the apparatus or preset by a manufacturer or dealer.

Abstract: In an information processing system, an information processing apparatus and method, a program storage medium, and a telephone set, a caller number for an incoming call to a telephone set is transmitted to an information processing apparatus, and information concerning a caller having originated the incoming call is read from storage means to be displayed, so that the user can be provided with various kinds of information concerning the caller before the user responds to the incoming call.

Abstract: A calling party announcement apparatus that provides the identity of the caller in synthesized human speech. The invention captures the Incoming Caller Line Identification (ICLID) signal sent by the telephone company. The invention announces the calling party's identity to the called party through a built-in speaker and over the telephone receiver. The called party can elect to accept or reject the call before the telephone company central office has connected the two parties together. The invention makes it possible to screen incoming telephone calls without the aid of a special Caller ID telephone set or auxiliary Caller ID display terminal. The invention is installed in the customer premises, such as a residence or office, between the telephone line demarcation point and the telephone sets. The invention is compatible with any standard telephone set and subscriber trunks provisioned with the Caller ID enhanced customer feature.

Abstract: This invention relates a system, wherein virtual numbers are provided to users through Telecom or computer networks, and one-way or two-way message transmission (texts, images, music or multimedia) are achieved under the situation that message senders do not know the true call numbers of receivers. Virtual numbers are used by receivers permanently for acceptance of messages. According to the setting of users, the message senders are required to input password, thus the service is only offered to specific senders. In addition, the time for message acceptance can be set. The system can integrate accounts and message management for users.

Abstract: A system for notifying an Internet-accessible device of a communication placed from a first telecommunications device to a second telecommunications device by a calling party is disclosed. The system includes a switch and a node in communication with the switch. The switch is for detecting the communication. The node is configured for communication with the Internet-accessible device and includes a first module and a second module. The first module is for determining information about the calling party. The second module is for determining information about the Internet-accessible device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a caller identification system and method for identifying a caller with a partial phone number look-up table. The caller identification system comprises a database that stores received calls and can be personalized to include information specific to partial phone numbers. In one embodiment, the caller identification system disclosed can be integrated into a cellular phone. In this embodiment, an incoming call initiates a search in a database to retrieve information about the caller. If a match is found, the identity of the caller is displayed. When an exact match is not found, a search for a partial match is executed with wild card values and information about the partial match is displayed. Information for a partial match can be personalized or pre-programmed into the caller ID system such as the city associated with a particular area code or prefix.

Abstract: Call identification information regarding calls placed to or from a wireless device that subscribes to a Call Log service is recorded and stored in network-based incoming and outgoing call information logs, preferably at a Service Node. The network is prompted to capture call identification information by triggers provisioned on the subscribing line, wherein the triggers identify the subscribing directory number as a subscriber to the Call Log service. The call information logs can be retrieved by any requesting communication device that sends a presentation request and can be authenticated at the network via provision of an authentication code, or via referencing number in a network-based database permissions associated with the requesting communication device's directory.

Abstract: A system and method that provides a dialog with the called party when a call is received, a process is initiated to communicate with the calling party and a process is initiated to communicate with the called party. The processes communicate with each other to provide limited communication between the called and calling parties without an actual connection being made between them. The called party process determines disposition of the call based on the caller ID of the calling party and the state of the called party telephone. Advantageously, the called party process prompts the called party as to how to handle the call. The called party can request further information regarding the person calling, the purpose of the call, etc., without a connection being made to the calling party.

Abstract: A communications network-based system and service is disclosed. The service permits subscribers to control and manage incoming telephone calls. Subscribers can establish preferences for how calls will be handled by a communications network if the calls are received while the subscriber has a privacy screening service engaged. The service also notifies a subscriber of a calling party's call based on whether preselected or predesignated preferences of the called party correspond to identifier(s) of the calling party.

Abstract: When a call from external telephone network can not be forwarded to a telephone terminal used by a requested communicator, a client PC of the communicator who took the call, accepts an inputting of call back data, displaying the call back message, to communicate to the requested communicator by the concerned communicator. The concerned client PC sends the accepted call back data to the client PC used by the designated requested communicator. When the client PC of the sending destination receives the call back data, it notifies the concerned communicator that he/she has received a call back data. Furthermore, the client PC of the sending destination responds to an instruction by a communicator, and lists the received call back data in the inputted order.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises one or more information sender components that upon engagement of a communication device with a communication session that involves a plurality of communication devices, send to one or more information receiver components identification information of two or more communication devices of the plurality of communication devices and the communication device.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system having at least two communicants (i.e., a caller and a callee), a system and method are presented for collecting information associated with the geographical location of either of the communicants. In one embodiment, the approach entails receiving a geographical location corresponding to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone number, and collecting geographical location information associated with the received geographical location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus permit handling of unwanted calls from callers such as telemarketers, when caller identification is provided. In one embodiment, the called party adds the caller identification information for the telemarketer to a personal list after receiving the unwanted call. Subsequent calls from the telemarketer are intercepted. In a second embodiment, the called party identifies the telemarketer by detecting the caller identification information before answering the call. By providing a screen listing indication, the caller identification information is added to the called party's personal list before the call is completed, permitting the call to be intercepted and while future calls from the telemarketer to be intercepted.

Abstract: A call connection management equipment for decreasing the required time from a call connection request to a call connection establishment in a wireless mobile communication network. This call connection management equipment registers generated call connection information to a connection registration part, and stores call connection history, such as connection count. The call connection management equipment uses the already registered connection information when the call connection history satisfies a predetermined condition, and generates a new connection information when the call connection history does not satisfy the predetermined condition. When the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the connection information is deleted. The connection information is also deleted when a wireless base station to accommodate a calling terminal is switched, or when an interface to accommodate a called terminal is switched.

Abstract: A telephone that includes: a storage unit 108; a transmission/reception unit 102 for, when an incoming call is received, acquiring a caller's phone number corresponding to the incoming call; a counting unit 105 for measuring a time period between a start of a reception of the incoming call and a disconnection of the incoming call; and a one-ring-call judgment unit 107 for, if the measured time period is shorter than a predetermined time period, instructing a general control unit 103 to store the acquired phone number into the storage unit 108 as a target for a connection rejection so that if an incoming call is received from a caller having the stored phone number thereafter, a connection thereto is rejected.

Abstract: An information server according to one embodiment of the invention includes a communication interface configured to communicate over a communication network and a processing system connected to the communication interface. The processing system is configured to receive one or more digital content sets, receive a caller system identifier and a called system identifier from the caller system, select a digital content set from among the one or more digital content sets using the caller system identifier and the called system identifier, and provide the selected digital content set to a called system corresponding to the called system identifier prior to the caller system establishing a communication channel to the called system.

Abstract: A privacy system determines in connection with a call from a particular calling party whether a name identification thereof is available, and if so allows the call to be put through to the called party with the name identification. The called party thus can review the name identification of the calling party prior to determining whether to answer the call. The privacy system includes a list of privileged calling parties with respect to and as specified by the called party, and if the name identification is not available, the privacy system determines whether the calling party is on such list. If so, the privacy system allows the call to be put through to the called party without the name identification.

Abstract: In a telecommunication network, a switching system routes a call to a service platform. The service platform transfers a prompt message over the call, collects caller-entered information from the caller, and transfers the caller-entered information to an SCP system. The SCP system transfers the caller-entered information to a first destination processor, processes a first destination routing code from the first destination processor to determine a first destination routing instruction, and transfers the first destination routing instruction to the switching system. The switching system routes the call to a first destination in response to the first destination routing instruction. The SCP system transfers the caller-entered information to a second destination processor, processes a second destination routing code from the second destination processor to determine a second destination routing instruction, and transfers the second destination routing instruction to the switching system.

Abstract: Information about a logical port in a network is provided in response to identifying the logical port through an identification entry field in a terminal display and subsequent to sending a single query to a network management server. The logical port information may include operational information such as the statistics of the logical port's operation, a listing of virtual connections, such as but not limited to permanent virtual circuits, established through the logical port, statistics of the virtual connections' operation, and trap search results. The logical port information may include the identity and contact information for a user who has locked the logical port of interest. The information is provided from the network management server to the terminal through a communication link, such as a local area network. The identification of the logical port may include a logical port name, as well as a local access and transport area (LATA) selection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for measuring the quality of telephone transmission lines. A device, such as a loop test apparatus, can be located at a customer's premises and used for remotely diagnosing telephone line impairments, especially concerning the local loop and customer premises wiring. Such a device is valuable for determining if a telephone line is suitable for new services, such as DSL. The loop test apparatus can incorporate an integrated local loopback feature that can be controlled from a loop testing server (LTS) at, e.g., a telephone Central Office. The loop test apparatus can terminate a telephone line at the customer premises based on a message sent by the LTS. The local loopback will then reflect signals transmitted by the LTS back to the LTS so that line characteristics of the local loop and customer premises wiring can be analyzed, without the need to dispatch telephone company service equipment and/or personnel to a customer premises.