Abstract: A mixed media reality (MMR) system includes an MMR user, a MMR computer, a user printer that produces a printed document, a networked media server, an office portal, a service provider server, an electronic display that is electrically connected to a set-top box, a document scanner, a network, a capture device, a cellular infrastructure, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, Bluetooth® technology, infrared (IR) technology, wired technology, and a geo location mechanism. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types, such as printed paper as a first medium and a digital photograph, digital movie, digital audio file, or web link as a second medium. Furthermore, the MMR system facilitates business methods that take advantage of the combination of a portable electronic device, voice mail or email, and a paper document.

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 driver observation system has a plurality of camera modules mounted to an exterior area of a vehicle for providing real time video images on an exterior area of the vehicle. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of camera modules to control operation of each of the plurality of camera modules and to switch between different camera modules for viewing. A display system coupled to the control mechanism to show the real time video images. A recording device is coupled to the control mechanism for storing the real time video images.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time call log status includes a call log database of call records representing transpired communication events. The call log is displayed for the user and includes a status indicator for each of the events. The status indicator may be an icon, a description, a pop-up window, a pop-up menu or any other indication that informs the user of the real-time status of the name/number associated with the displayed event. In this manner, the user is able to determine, at a glance, whether the name/number is available to participate in an impending communication event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for personalized calling party number determination and identification. The apparatus includes an interface for receiving a calling party number corresponding to a calling party, a memory for storing an alpha tag corresponding to the calling party number, and a processor coupled to the interface. The processor includes instructions to determine a character indicating presence of a character string including a unique identifier portion, a classification portion, and a calling party portion. The processor correlates the alpha tag to the calling party upon matching the calling party portion of the character string to the calling party number stored in the memory. The method of personalized calling party number determination and identification can occur for incoming or outgoing call messages relative to the communications network including the apparatus.

Abstract: A multifunction device previously stores a line connection condition of when a line interface received caller ID information in an EEPROM, and determines that a line with an exchange is connected based on a first ringing signal or a second ringing signal. When it is determined based on the first ringing signal that a line connection is a first type of connection, the line is connected according to the line connection condition. On the other hand, when it is determined based on the second ring signal that a line connection is a second type of connection, the line is connected using a line connection condition, which is adjusted by an adjustment device at the time of determination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to minimize wasted bandwidth by suppressing communications between a trunking gateway and a media gateway until a telephone service-related signal is detected during an on-hook state. In an embodiment, the trunking gateway and the media gateway are part of a telecommunications network that utilizes a single fabric for both voice traffic and data traffic. For example, the network could transport all traffic via Internet Protocol packets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assigning participant identifying data to network transmission events. Participant identifying data and identifying data related to a network transmission event are provided to a predetermined (also referred to as central) monitoring location and stored in a database at the central monitoring location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method in which a detection request, by means of which an identifier of a calling terminal is to be detected, is addressed to a signaling unit by a called terminal. The called terminal is connected to a data packet transmission network. The signaling unit signals according to a signaling protocol that has been defined for the transmission of data in a data packet transmission network. The detection request is transmitted along with a message and/or an information element which has been established for signaling in the data packet transmission network.

Abstract: A calling party's mobile terminal includes a push-to-talk (PTT) actuator, a transceiver operable to communicate in a half-duplex mode, and a controller. SIP signaling messages sent by the calling party include information associated with one or more customized caller IDs of the calling party. The caller IDs are customized, stored, and managed by the calling party. A remote party's mobile terminal receives the SIP signaling messages, and outputs the calling party's customized caller ID to the remote party to identify the calling party.

Abstract: A method and a system indicate to a wireless device user that an incoming call has been received by the wireless device. The user can, for example, configure the wireless device to “shuffle” or select a different incoming call indicator, such as a ring tone, from a defined group of incoming call indicators, with each call received.

Abstract: An advertisement information managing method includes generating a plurality of identification information, generating a plurality of advertisement information that respectively indexes the plurality of identification information by combining the plurality of identification information with basic advertisement information respectively, and cross-checking the plurality of identification information with input information in a call that is made according to one of the plurality of advertisement information, so as to judge according to which one of the plurality of advertisement information the call is made

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: A method and apparatus are provided for creating traditional multi-line appearance telecommunications capabilities in a computer network for communications received from a switched circuit network. The system and method create key system and attendant/attendee relationships between the respective terminal end-points of the computer network. In addition, multiple line appearances may be supported simultaneously at a single terminal end-point.

Abstract: A preferred contact group centric interface for a communication device can be used to facilitate communications by a user. The user interface can be arranged to activate from a user's “home page” on the display, from an idle screen that is accessed after a timeout period expires, or any other appropriate mechanism that activates the preferred contact group centric experience. A user selects the preferred contact group from among an array of the user's contacts. Once the contact group is configured, a minimal number of navigation/selection features is necessary to activate any number of communication modes available to the contacts. The contact group is configured such that simple and quick navigation between the contact members is achieved. The contact group can be presented in 2D and 3D arrangements, in any number of list or geometric configurations. A pricing plan can optionally be tied to each member of the contact group.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for remote personnel tracking. A computer-implemented method of tracking a field-based employee includes, in a server system, receiving from a remote access device, a user identification (ID) representing the field-based employee, a first series of digits and a location code, generating a second series of digits in response to the received location code, a time representing receipt of the location code, and a remote access device ID associated with the location code, and storing the time and user ID associated with the location ID if the received first series of digits match the second series of digits.

Abstract: Caller information display system includes a caller terminal, a service system and a receiver terminal. The caller terminal stores caller information and transmits data including the caller information during a call. The service system receives the data including the caller information from the caller terminal and transmits the data to a receiver terminal. The receiver terminal receives the data from the service system, stores the caller information to be linked with a telephone number of the caller terminal, and displays the caller information when a paging signal is received.

Abstract: A cellular telephone system is provided with a process and apparatus for screening an incoming call. The process is carried out by, and the apparatus comprises, a service provider (20) and a mobile station (30). The mobile station (30) answers the incoming call and places the call on hold. The mobile station (30) connects to the service provider (20) and places the service provider (20) and the incoming caller on multi-party hold. The mobile station (30) then signals the service provider (20) to begin screening the call. In response, the service provider (20) prompts the incoming caller for the incoming caller's identification and then communicates this information to the mobile station (30). Based on this information, the mobile station (30) can elect to accept or reject the incoming call.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a speaker's position and a generating a display showing the position of the speaker. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first speakerphone system and a second speakerphone system communicatively coupled to send and receive data. The speakerphone system comprises a display, an input device, a microphone array, a speaker, and a position processing module. The position processing module is coupled to receive acoustic signals from the microphone array. The position processing module uses these acoustic signals to determine a position of the speaker. The position information is then sent to other speakerphone system for presentation on the display. In one embodiment, the position processing module comprises an auto-detection module, a position analysis module, a tracking module and an identity matching module for the detection of sound, the determination of position and transmission of position information over the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a caller who does not provide caller identification on an unanswered call. The caller is asked to record his/her name (or some other characteristic utterance). If the call is unanswered, the record is retained and can be accessed by the called party when that party requests his/her stored voice mail. Advantageously, even on unanswered calls, the identity of the caller can be presented to the called party when that called party requests stored voice mail messages, even if the calling party has private service.

Abstract: A security central station monitors a plurality of individual subscriber security systems installed in residential or commercial accounts. Each security system at an account is programmed to periodically place a telephone call to the security central station receiver, and then to send a signal to the security central station receiver over the placed telephone call. The ten digit telephone number of the account is programmed into the security central station as the ten digit account number of record. When the signal sent by the security system is received by the security central station receiver, the security central station compares the ten digit caller telephone number with the ten digit account number of record. Normally, the ten digit caller telephone number will match the ten digit account number.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a notification recipient of an event status change and allowing the notification recipient to request action is disclosed. An event occurs. A message relating to the event applicable to an end-user is created. A communication link between an outbound module and a device associated with the end-user is established. The message is delivered to the end-user device. The communication link is transferred from the outbound module to an inbound module. A response is received from the end-user device at the inbound module.

Abstract: The present invention simplifies the setting up of a connection to a candidate party from a first portable communication device (10) associated with a first party in relation to a session between the first and a second party (12). As the first and the second parties engage in a first communication session, the first party receives an electronic message (M) from the second party and determines if the message is a message associated with the first session comprising a contacting identity for reaching the candidate party. If the message is such a message the contacting identity is extracted and the first party is offered to connect to the candidate party. If the first party accepts the offer, a connection to the candidate party is initiated using the contacting identity.

Abstract: A telecommunications device includes a voice dialer and a text-to-speech engine. The text-to-speech engine is configured to convert at least a portion of a user contact list information to speech and the voice dialer is configured to receive an audio input and perform a voice recognition, comparing said audio input to converted user contact list information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products provide dynamic replacement communication identification (ID) service. A request is received from a user for dynamic replacement communication ID from a current location of the user. The user requesting dynamic replacement communication ID is authenticated. A user profile of the user requesting dynamic replacement communication ID is retrieved. A current profile of the current location is replaced with the user profile of the user.

Abstract: Techniques for using billing services to manage a personal address book are provided. The techniques comprise receiving a call detail record (CDR) for a plain old telephone system (POTS) or a voice-over-IP (VOIP) call by a user. The CDR is created by a telecommunication carrier that routed the call. The CDR may be stored on a telecommunications server associated with the telecommunications carrier. Address information for the call is determined from the CDR. This address information is added to the personal address book for the user. This address information may be available for the user when using an IM client.

Abstract: A telephone answering system and method for playing particular different greeting messages to different callers. When an incoming call is received, either caller-ID is decoded, or the caller's identification is determined some other way if possible, and if the particular caller's identification is on a list, a special message can be played for that caller if such a message as been stored and is active. Any other caller receives a different message, usually a default greeting message. Special messages can be date/time stamped to die or change after particular dates or times. Messages and caller identification can be loaded into the system remotely.

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: 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: Embodiments relate to a method, system, and storage medium for transmitting enhanced originator information over a communications network. The method includes receiving information elements selected by an originator terminal from a database. The information elements retrieved are based upon a service plan and/or a terminal capability associated with a recipient terminal. The method also includes transmitting a communication including the information elements to the recipient terminal prior to establishing a communications session with the recipient terminal. The transmission is conducted over at least one of: an Internet Protocol network, a public switched telephone network, a wireless local area network, a wireless network, a cable network, a fiber optic network, a video network, and a satellite network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating the service logic displayed in a display frame using voice commands are disclosed. Specifically, a subscriber can provide voice-activated commands through a wired or wireless headset to manipulate available network service logic options, such as answering the call, redirecting the call, sending the call to voice mailbox, or sending a busy tone to the calling party etc, displayed within a frame on a video display device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes establishing a call, and continuously monitoring the call from or using a first endpoint associated with the call. Monitoring the call includes identifying when an information element associated with the call has changed. The method also includes determining when the information associated with the call has changed, and storing a representation of the information element in an enhanced directory arrangement associated with the first endpoint when the information associated with the call has changed.

Abstract: In a messaging system, a messaging server transmits signals over the telephone network to be received by equipment at, e.g., the customer premises. Upon receiving a specific signal, the receiving equipment automatically signals the telephone network to connect the call, such as by going off-hook or by performing a hook flash sequence. In the connected state, the receiving equipment can receive data over the network, such as data to provide the recipient with notification information such as emergency notification messages.

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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to monitor incoming and outgoing calls associated with one or more communication devices, identify communication identifiers initiating the incoming calls and communication identifiers targeted by the outgoing calls, determine one or more related communication identifiers for each of the initiating and targeted communication identifiers, record in a communications log the incoming calls with the initiating communication identifiers and one or more related communication identifiers, and record in the communications log the outgoing calls with the targeted communication identifiers and one or more related communication identifiers. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A tangible storage medium stores code which permits 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 is directed towards a method, devices, a computer program product and a computer program element for changing the appearance of an item displayed to a user. A first set of electronic messages related to at least one first sender are received and the frequency at which said messages are received is determined. The appearance of at least one item (22, 26, 30) displayed in a view showing items related to received messages is then changed in dependence of said frequency. In this way a user can instantly and directly receive an indication of the messaging frequency.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for caller identification messaging are disclosed. 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 telecommunications system includes a user database storing user information; a text-to-speech generator; and a default user greeting generator for a messaging system for generating a greeting based on a text-to-speech conversion of user information using said text-to-speech generator. The system may further include a presence service adapted to monitor a user context, wherein the default greeting generator can generate a context sensitive user greeting based on said user context.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication method integrating network and extension forwarding to automatically broadcast caller messages to specific computer IP addresses, which will transmit in real-time the caller messages to a computer specified by each extension user, and display all kinds of information in a multimedia form, via network. The present invention comprises a main server, a caller ID module, a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) module, a telephone extension data base, a caller information database, a network communication interface, and a client-side program. When a user dials into an enterprise switch, the extension number that the caller intends to forward, and the caller's phone number will be retrieved, and be automatically transmitted to a computer specified by the extension user, thereby facilitating the retrieval of caller information for the extension user.

Abstract: A system to enable access information stored on a terminal device (cellular phone) to be utilized without imposing a load on a user when performing communications from a communication device (MFP). An address book on the cellular phone is opened (S101, S102), and a name of a communication destination and the access information are selected by use of the address book (S103 to S105). vCard-formatted data is created based on the content selected (S108), and the created data is transmitted to the MFP (S109). The MFP analyzes the vCard-formatted data received from the cellular phone (S201, S202), and the communications are performed by use of the access information contained in the vCard-formatted data (S203 to S216).

Abstract: A system and method for providing caller ID in a multi-region cable network. Caller identifying (CID) information of an incoming VoIP call is provided to a digital telephone subscriber through a video termination device (VTD) using a path that is different from the path by which the VoIP call packets are delivered to the digital telephone subscriber. The telephone number of a digital telephone subscriber is associated with the IP address and/or MAC address of the subscriber's VTD. The called number of the incoming VoIP call is used to select the VTD to which the CID information is delivered. A message is then sent through an out-of-band to the digital telephone subscriber's VTD comprising the CID information for display on video display equipment. Alternatively, the VTD is DOCSIS-compliant and a message is addressed to the VTD using the IP address of the VTD DOCSIS modem.

Abstract: In a SIP network, SIP servers are provisioned with information used to authenticate subscribers and entities that will be placing calls. This information can be used during call establishment to allow or deny calls, as well as to determine the appropriate party to bill if the call involves a charge, such as a long distance charge. In addition to allowing calls between authenticated and trusted entities, there is a need for the SIP server to allow certain kinds of calls that involve non-trusted users or entities. If non-trusted entities where not recognized, trusted users and entities within the SIP network would not be able to receive calls from users or entities not know to the SIP server that is providing them services.

Abstract: Wirelessly-linked, distributed resource control (RCS1-RCSn, RCSB, RCC, ARM) supports a wireless communication system (50) for operation in non-exclusive spectrum (24-29). An available resource map (ARM) contains resource availability information gathered by mobile stations (MS1-MSn), and a wired communication channel supports sharing of resource control information among fixed-site stations (BS).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to receive an incoming call message via a data interface upon activation of a trigger established with a voice communication network and activated when the voice communication network receives an incoming call to a destination identified by a pre-determined subscriber account; generate a call notification in response to the incoming call message; obtain a list of set-top boxes corresponding to the pre-determined subscriber account; and route the call notification to the set-top boxes on the list.

Abstract: A communication device is provided. The communication device includes a calling party information receiving unit to receive calling party information, a first call record storing unit to create and store a call record including the calling party information based on receiving conditions of the incoming call, a second call record storing unit to create and store a call record without the calling party information based on receiving conditions of the incoming call, and a call record output unit to output the call records inclusive of the call records stored by the first call record storing unit and by the second call record storing unit.

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: Methods and systems in a telecommunications network for dynamically providing calling party information to a called party from a calling party. A transfer of calling party information can be initiated from the calling party to the called party utilizing a caller identification mechanism in communication with one or more customer premise equipment devices associated with the telecommunications network. Thereafter, the calling party information can be dynamically displayed for the called party via the caller identification mechanism on a display screen of the customer premise equipment device, thereby permitting the called party to take action regarding the calling party information independent of prior or current telecommunications activities. The calling party information can be stored in a memory location for later retrieval by the called party if the called party does not immediately respond to the transfer of calling party information from the calling party to the called party.

Abstract: An automated telephone assistant device and associated methods including a base unit in communication with a telephone network, wherein the base unit is operable for executing a first algorithm disposed within the base unit and selectively allowing a telephone call received from the telephone network to be transmitted to a telephone handset belonging to a user and selectively preventing the telephone call received from the telephone network from being transmitted to the telephone handset belonging to the user.

Abstract: A system for obtaining location data of calling parties for telephone calls provides location data for display by a called device. Through reception of the name, telephone number, or other calling party identifier as is done through the conventional caller ID service, the called device formulates a query to a database containing location data for calling parties. Existing advanced intelligent network infrastructure may be used to provide caller ID data to the called device, and the called device uses this caller ID data to formulate the query to the database. Additionally, the called device may have access to multiple databases containing location data and may detect an appropriate database to query based upon analysis of the caller ID data that has been received.