Abstract: A dual hysteresis signal detection circuit is proposed for detecting a duration of a signal with two hysteresis comparators. There is a first band pass filter for inputting the signal and outputting the signal having a first frequency. A first hysteresis comparator electrically couples to the first band pass filter for comparing with the first frequency of the signal to output a first square wave signal according a first high voltage and a first low voltage. A second hysteresis comparator electrically couples to the first band pass filter for comparing with the first frequency of the signal to output a second square wave signal according to a second high voltage and a second low voltage. A first detection circuit electrically couples to the first hysteresis comparator for detecting a part of the signal having the first frequency that is higher than the first high voltage and lower than the first low voltage to output a first detection signal according to the first square wave signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a communication assistance system comprised of a first database (18) having a plurality of listings where each of the listings has at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number. A telephony hardware (12) is provided, configured to couple a telephone device (6) of a user to the system. A past requested listing table is also provided for at least one of the users of the system, configured to store past requested listings obtained from the database, as requested by the user. When the user contacts the system with the telephone device, the system recognizes the user and forwards the past requested listing table to an operator terminal of the system.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information is invalid or can not be provided. In one disclosed embodiment, the Caller ID information must include a valid number of digits and a valid area code. If the Caller ID information is not valid, a calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information.

Abstract: A caller ID system and method includes the ability to transmit a party's name in native language characters along with a transliteration of the party's name into global characters, such as Latin characters. The native characters could include Chinese, Japanese or Korean characters. The caller ID information can be used to indicate a calling party's name to a called party, and/or to indicate a called party's name to a calling party. The user of the caller ID device can select native languages to be displayed. Whenever caller ID information includes a native language name matching the user's selected languages, the native language name will be displayed on the caller ID device. Otherwise, the transliteration of the native language name will be displayed.

Abstract: A caller number received from an exchange machine by a telephone coordination server (CTI server) is noticed to a customer database to search for caller information. When pieces of caller information are acquired from the customer database by the telephone coordination server, the exchange machine is connected to a voice automatic response device (IVR device) to acquire predetermined voice data by telephone communication with a caller, and the voice data is compared with voice data included in the caller information by a voice recognition server to generate caller candidate information having priority levels. On the basis of caller candidate information, caller information of a first candidate is displayed on an operator client, candidate names of second and subsequent candidates are displayed as a list, and an operation of selecting a candidate in the displayed list is caused to change the caller information being displayed at the present into caller information of a selected candidate.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving information regarding a telephony platform and for retrieving the object of the services provided by the telephony platform corresponding to the information received. Customer premises equipment is connected to the general switched telephone network and to a supplemental service network via a central office switch. A telephony platform is connected to the general switched telephone network for providing accessory services such as voice mail, electronic mail and facsimile services. An event identifier is generated to identify a calling event. The event identifier may be attached to a message having caller identifier information. The event identifier is used if the caller is transferred to voice mail. If a voice mail message is left, an in formation indicator is attached to another caller identifier message that is maintained for display on the customer premises equipment to allow the user to determine which callers left messages.

Abstract: A video communication request from a caller to a recipient is screened by an unauthorized caller list, an authorized caller list, a recipient-specific caller list, third party authorization, and/or various combinations of these. Depending on which screening list, if any, an identifier of the caller is found in, the screening may accept or reject the video communication request. The recipient may automatically notify a law enforcement agency of repeated unwanted video communication requests.

Abstract: A telephone system for reliably providing caller identification information to telephone call recipients such that they can choose whether or not to answer a telephone call. The telephone system includes a decoder module for receiving a toll-free telephone call and decoding automatic number identification (ANI) information included within the toll-free telephone call. The system also includes a converter module for converting the decoded ANI information into caller ID information. The system also includes a forwarding module for making an outgoing telephone call to a toll-based telephone number of the call recipient and sending the audio data of the original toll-free telephone call and the caller ID information with the outgoing telephone call. In this manner, ANI information is used to generate caller ID information even if the calling party has blocked its caller ID information.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and a signaling system for conveying caller identification information of a called party to a forward-to telephone device in a communications system. A call set up message is received at a switching system servicing a called telephone device. The call set up message is determined to be forwarded to a switching system servicing a forward-to telephone device. Caller identification information of the called telephone device is inserted into a caller identification field of the call set up message.

Abstract: A device for processing a frequency shift keying (FSK) signal including caller ID information that comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converting the FSK signal into a digital FSK signal, the FSK signal further comprising a first frequency component, a second frequency component including the caller ID information, and a third frequency component, a first filter attenuating the first and third frequency components of the digital FSK signal to provide a first signal, a second filter attenuating the second frequency component of the digital FSK signal to provide a second signal, and a circuit calculating an energy level for each of the first and second signals, and selecting the first signal for output if the energy level of the first signal is smaller than that of the second signal, and selecting the digital FSK signal for output if the energy level of the first signal is greater than that of the second signal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing customized announcements to callers based on the called party telephone number and the calling party telephone number. The system comprises a server system and a messaging system. The server system detects that a customized announcement is to be delivered and the messaging system delivers the announcement to the caller. The customized announcements may be provided in conjunction with voicemail systems or other services for processing calls when a called party is not available. In a preferred embodiment the customized announcements are provided via a service node in an advanced intelligent network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for implementing a service in a digital multiple-service network comprising an exchange, a first telecommunication terminal connected to the multiple-service network via a first interface and a second telecommunication terminal connected to the multiple-service network via a second interface. In the method, the service is implemented using a server connected to the multiple-service network via a third interface, and the service information is transmitted to the second telecommunication terminal using channels reserved for signalling and a signalling protocol between the terminals and the exchange and between exchanges that comprises a limited amount of information not belonging to the call.

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: The invention concerns a method for identifying the call of a subscriber calling, via a telecommunication network, a destination telecommunication device, in particular, a destination terminal of a called subscriber, a destination program module for it, a destination telecommunication device for it, a network device program module for it, a network device for it, a source program module for it and a source telecommunication device for it. According to the method, upon setup of a call connection, identification data for identification of the caller is transmitted to the destination telecommunication device. The destination telecommunication device outputs the identification data.

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: A method for interrelating call information between programs of a data processing device. Call information including a caller's name, phone number, the date of the call, start time of the call, finish time of the call, the call duration, and the type of call, may be organized and accessed by several different programs running on a data processing device. Information such as a caller's name and phone number may be accessed by a caller identification device coupled to the data processing device. Information such as the start time and finish time may be accessed by a clock coupled to the data processing device. The call duration may be calculated from the start and finish times or may be accessed from a timer coupled to the data processing device.

Abstract: An arrangement that includes at least two PBXs interconnected by a network employs CTI ports to control operation of the PBXs. Through such control, a user can set up a telephonic presence in a visited PBX such that, to the user and to all others who interact with the user, it appears that the user is at the user's office, rather than at an office that is served by the visited PBX. This is effected by forwarding calls that are destined to the user at the user's office to the visited PBX, and by translating all dialing commands of the user at the visited PBX, and acting upon the translated commands, so as to provide the user with the features available to the user at the user's office while presenting an appearance to called parties that the user is at the user's office.

Abstract: There is provided a communication apparatus, with which it is possible to prevent the conventional problem that in the case where an incoming call arrives, not a name registered by a user but a caller's name informed from a switching system is displayed and therefore user's confusion is caused. The communication apparatus is connected to a communication line that provides a service for informing of caller's information. A display device performs displaying related to an opposite party. Registered contents, in which a plurality of opposite parties's IDs and a plurality of opposite parties's names are associated with each other are searched for an opposite party's ID matching an opposite party's ID contained in the caller's information when the caller's information is detected at the time of arrival of an incoming call.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a mixed audible signal which includes a ringing tone and the identity of a calling party upon receiving the incoming call of the calling party. The incoming call can be a voice call, a call to convey an MMS message, or a call to convey an SMS message. A TTS synthesizer is used to generate sounds representative of the text identifying the caller if the identity can be found in a caller ID database. A MIDI protocol is used to generate a ringing tone of one or more musical note sequences. A combining module is used to integrate the TTS message and the MIDI tone into the mixed audible signal. Whether only the ringing tone or the mixed audible signal is played is selectable based on a use profile of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a signaling tone within a communications channel, such as a telephone line, is presented. The energy level of the communications channel signal is measured at the frequency of the signaling tone and at one or more frequencies that are integer divisors of the signaling tone (i.e. at one or more subharmonics). The subharmonic energies are evaluated in determining whether the signaling tone is present. The technique can be implemented using a plurality of resonators and a comparator.

Abstract: A communication such as a telephone call is received, bearing identification information such as caller ID. The received audio signals if any, is encoded and stored. The identification information is used to look up additional information about the sender of the communication, such as by using the caller ID information to search the internet, for example by doing a reverse telephone number lookup. The user is presented with a graphical representation of this, and prior, communications, such as via an html page, and can select individual communications for playback, deletion, and the like. If the user is at a remote location, the encoded communications may be forwarded to that location, such as in the form of email attachments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a network communication system that provides textual communication and call transferring between nodes. The system further allows simultaneous notification of multiple nodes of an incoming call. The system includes a local computer that may also serve as a node in the system. A call may originate with the local computer or be generated by a remote device that is in communication with the local computer. The local computer generates a call indicator that is transmitted to one or more nodes simultaneously. Selection of the nodes may be based on user intervention or by predefined groupings. Each node receiving a call indicator is configured to generate a ring message in response. The ring message is displayed on an output device to alert a node user to the incoming call. In response to the ring message, a node user may choose to accept or decline the call. A node user's responses to the call indicator are transmitted to the local computer.

Abstract: A network-based announcement and message delivery service for providing a landline customer with information of interest such as weather, financial market data, time/temperature, sporting event results, etc. The information is provided to the subscriber by way of information displayed on a caller-ID display and/or by way of talking caller-ID.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) for providing the name and telephone number of a calling party to a called party comprising a plurality of central offices and a service control point (SCP). The central offices are equipped with AIN software which enables them to generate triggers which active queries requesting the name of the calling party. The SCP contains subscriber information which enables it to determine the type of query that is associated with each trigger. The SCP also incorporates a database containing telephone numbers and corresponding names. Software incorporated into the SCP enables it to respond to the queries sent to it by searching its database and returning the telephone number and corresponding name of a calling party to a called party's central office and the called party.

Abstract: A cellular phone of the present invention is capable of displaying an in-absence incoming call message on a display if the user of the phone does not answer an incoming call. At the same time as the in-absence incoming call message is displayed, a timer starts counting a period of time set therein beforehand. A reporting device alerts the user to the incoming call when the timer counts up the preselected period of time. The phone therefore alerts the user to the incoming call not noticed or answered by the user despite that the user carries it.

Abstract: A telephone or adjunct Caller ID device adaptively stores Caller ID data based, for example, on a handling status of an incoming call. In a particular example, a telephone or Caller ID device includes a memory adapted to store Caller ID data associated with an incoming call, and a processor adapted to affect storage of the Caller ID data based on a status of the incoming call, such as whether the incoming call is answered. In an alternative embodiment, a method of receiving an incoming telephone call includes the steps of receiving Caller ID data associated with the incoming telephone call, evaluating a status of the incoming telephone call, and making a Caller ID storage decision based on the status of the incoming telephone call. The decision may be based on handling of the incoming telephone call, such as whether the incoming telephone call is answered, or whether it is answered by a person.

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: A method and system are provided for locating and retrieving stored computer files that are related to an incoming telephone call directed to a computer user. A called party receives a telephone call while the called party is operating her computer. A computer telephony interface receives caller identification information on the calling party and uses that information to launch a software synchronization program for locating files stored on the called party's computer that are related to the calling party. A dialog box is displayed on the screen of the called party's computer that provides the caller identification on the calling party and provides an icon for displaying a list of stored files related to the incoming caller. The list of files may be automatically presented to the called party, or the called party may retrieve the list of stored files by selection of the icon presented in the dialog box.

Abstract: An audio calling name and calling number delivery method is disclosed. When a call is made from a calling party telephone to a called party telephone, a message is sent from an originating service switching point (SSP) associated with the calling party telephone to a terminating mobile switching center (MSC) associated with the wireless called party telephone. Typically, the message comprises the directory number of the calling party telephone. A wireless trigger is tripped at the terminating MSC and, in response, a query is sent to a service control point (SCP). A home location register (HLR) associated with the wireless telephone is queried to determine whether the wireless telephone is available. If the wireless telephone is available, then a name and a number associated with the calling party telephone is forwarded to a service node. The service node places a call to the wireless telephone and an audio annunciation of the name and the number is played to the called party.

Abstract: An audio-based guide arrangement is provided for guiding a user along a target path by the use of stereo audio cues. The user's current location is sensed and compared to the target path. Sounds are fed to the user through left and right audio channels and these sounds are varied to indicate the user's divergence from the target path. In particular, the left and right channel sounds are varied in a complementary manner preferably by increasing the frequency of the sound in one channel whilst simultaneously decreasing the frequency of the sound in the other channel and vice versa.

Abstract: A messaging device is disclosed. The device is connected to a telephone line and communicates with other devices identical to itself via a communications link established over existing phone lines, power lines or via wireless communications mechanisms. The messaging device records caller ID data upon detection of an incoming telephone call and prompts the user to enter additional data regarding the caller in assembling a message data packet including predefined messages. The message data packet is then transmitted to an identical messaging device wherein the caller ID data, caller name, caller's company, and predefined messages are presented to the intended recipient of the message contained in the message data packet. Additional features include handwritten or typed detailed messages contained in said message data packet and security for preventing unauthorized viewing of message data. The messaging device is optionally integrated into the design of a telephone.

Abstract: A picture/sound output equipment with caller identification and volume adjustment functions comprises a main unit provided with buttons and picture/sound output hole for connection to the screen and amplifier; and an incoming-call detection circuit connecting to telephone line on one end and connecting to the main unit on the other end. The incoming-call detection circuit transforms the signals of incoming calls into visual signals and outputs the visual signals. When the picture/sound output equipment is in use and the phone rings, the signals of incoming calls will be located and displayed on the screen, thereby helps users not to miss the phone calls as they watch films.

Abstract: An interaction manager system and method are provided to aid a caller in communicating with a callee. An interaction space is provided to a caller's communication device. This interaction space can include visibility information that informs the caller about the status of the callee, accessibility information that provides the caller with a list of communication channels available to the caller, and continuity information that includes information and action facilitation data that reflect the ongoing interaction between the caller and the callee.

Abstract: A call prevention device. The device includes a caller ID detection unit for detecting caller ID data transmitted over a telecommunication network before a connection is established when a call is made by a calling party. The device also includes a processing unit in communication with the caller ID detection unit for retrieving a caller profile from a caller profile database in response to the caller ID data and for comparing the caller profile with the caller ID data, the processing unit further for incrementing a call total value when the caller profile and the caller ID data match favorably, and the processing unit further for generating a message when the call total value exceeds a user defined value.

Abstract: A call prevention device. The device includes a caller ID detection unit for detecting caller ID data transmitted over a telecommunication network before a connection is established when a call is made by a calling party. The device also includes a processing unit in communication with the caller ID detection unit for retrieving a caller profile from a caller profile database in response to the caller ID data and for comparing the caller profile with the caller ID data, the processing unit further for incrementing a call total value when the caller profile and the caller ID data match favorably, and the processing unit further for generating a message when the call total value exceeds a user defined value.

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: The present invention relates to displaying caller ID information, and more specifically, to displaying caller ID information in an environment with broadband telephony service. The invention provides a method and apparatus for receiving caller ID information from a service provider and providing the caller ID information for display as an overlay over a television programming image provided by the service provider and displayed on a television.

Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.

Abstract: A telephone is provided which includes a processor device which is set up in such a way that the phone number of a caller is automatically displayed during a telephone connection.

Abstract: A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing accurate caller identification to a called party. If a call is transferred to a called party, the called party receives the identification of the caller, not of the intermediate station. Advantageously, the caller is identified to the called party, even if the call is transferred.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to support passive call blocking, a call block that is performed in a manner that the caller does not recognize as a call block. When passive call blocking is utilized, blocked callers receive a passive response, such as a continuous telephone ring, instead of an error message or rejection notification. The caller is thus unaware or uncertain that they have been blocked. Blocked calls are determined by comparing caller identification information with a caller database.

Abstract: Calling name presentation services are provided by maintaining a local cache of requested information. When a called destination is determined to subscribe to calling name presentation, the local cache is queried to determine if the calling number is in the local cache. If the calling number is in the local cache, information corresponding to the calling number is retrieved from the local cache. If the calling number is not in the local cache, a remote database is queried for the information. The information retrieved from the remote database is stored in the local cache. In either case, the name information is sent to the call destination. A Signaling System 7 architecture may be used to implement local caching.

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: An apparatus for detecting a dual tone alert signal in a telephone system capable of at least off hook mode operation includes a processing channel for each tone. Each channel consists of a bandsplit filter for extracting the tone of interest and attenuating the other tone; a comparator for comparing the output of said bandsplit filter with a threshold value; and an adaptive threshold generator for generating said threshold value adapted to the amplitude of the output of said bandsplit filter to reject speech and music imitations. The apparatus offers improved talkdown and talkoff immunity.

Abstract: A method for activating a distinctive ring-tone can include the steps of extracting caller identifying data from an incoming phone call; comparing the caller identifying data to data in a caller list; determining whether the caller is authorized to activate a distinctive ring-tone based upon the comparison; and, activating a distinctive ring-tone if the caller is authorized and if a request to activate a distinctive ring-tone can be detected in the incoming phone call. The extracting step can include the step of extracting a source phone number from the incoming phone call. The determining step can include the step of determining whether the caller has been included in the caller list as an authorized caller. Conversely, the determining step comprises the step of determining whether the caller has been included in the caller list as an unauthorized caller.

Abstract: A testing method is used to perform a test of an information notification service function of a switching apparatus which can provide the information notification service in compliance with a predetermined information notification service specification. The testing method comprises a step of performing an information notification service function between a testing apparatus which can emulate a plurality of types of information reception terminals for different information notification service specifications and the switching apparatus which can connect a subscriber side two-wire in a subscriber line circuit in the switching apparatus to the testing apparatus.

Abstract: In a transmitting-side telephone apparatus 1 of a telephone system, a multimedia data multiplexing portion 108 multiplexes character data in a character data memory 101, image data in an image data memory 104, and music data in a music data memory 107 to produce multiplexed multimedia data to be memorized in a caller identification information holding memory 109 as caller identification information. A communication control information/caller identification information multiplexing portion 110 multiplexes communication control information from a transmission communication control portion 111 and the caller identification information from the caller identification information holding memory 109 to produce multiplexed transmission data to be transmitted through a transmitting portion 112.

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: In an audio-digital telephone interface system, selective operation prompts a caller with oral instructions to provide: digital control signals, digital data signals (numeric) or audio signals. Inbound and outbound operations are involved and inbound callers are qualified as by automatic number identification (ANI) signals and consumable key operation. A data cell is loaded in accordance with an operating program and the resulting data packet is flagged depending on the presence of audio signals. Data packets are returned to storage, as for subsequent addressing to call up, as to process or cue a caller. The illustrative format receives and organizes order data for goods or services or to isolate a subset or a sub-subset of callers.