Abstract: A computer for processing a call originated by a call originator to a call target. The computer includes memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code and processor for executing the program code stored in the memory. The program code includes code for processing a telephone number of the call target, code for accessing a database storing a plurality of outgoing telephone numbers, code for identifying one of the plurality of outgoing telephone numbers based on the telephone number of the call target, and code for originating the outbound call to the call target and including the identified outgoing telephone number into a caller ID field of the outbound call.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mapping user-defined identities in data communication networks. By mapping and translating identities based on a calling party identifier, a called party identifier, and the carrier instance, enhanced communication services are enabled. Enhanced communication services offer virtual private phone numbers, shared group numbers, and interconnection between different voice and messaging services and applications.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing announcements at a called number. A call is processed to the called number, and a database is queried for a name of an announcement for the call and an Internet Protocol address associated with the called number. A data message is sent to the Internet Protocol address that identifies the name of the announcement to be retrieved from memory of a device at the Internet Protocol address.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for activating a credit card held by a telephone subscriber using identifying information provided through the PSTN to a credit card activation authority. In accordance with the present invention, a credit card activation management method can include activating a credit card through an established telephone call with a credit card customer using information derived from outside of the established telephone call without first prompting the credit card customer for identifying information. Also, the method can include the step of transferring the telephone call to a customer service representative responsive to a request for live help by the credit card customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods which detect unauthorized, impermissible, or otherwise undesired call activity through the use of one or more third party databases are shown. For example, a controlled environment facility information management system may access a database external thereto, such as a victim notification database, which is created and maintained by a third party unrelated to the controlled environment facility. Such third party database access may be accomplished at the point of call validation or caller verification for determining the treatment of the call (e.g., allowed, blocked, allowed with limitations, etcetera). Such call treatment determinations may be made with respect a particular prisoner or other resident of the controlled environment facility making the call, may be made with respect to all calls made from a particular controlled environment facility, may be made with respect to a group of controlled environment facilities, etcetera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for searching for a desired directory entry in phone book data of a mobile communication terminal is disclosed. A terminal phone book directory has one or more data entry fields such as hot-key, name, and phone number. Using the terminal keypad, the user enters a sequence of numbers, and according to the number of digits in the sequence of numbers, the terminal searches for directory entries wherein one or more data fields have a matching numerical sequence. All directory entries having a matching sequence are then displayed for the user to select the desired entry. Wild-card characters may be used in the sequence of numbers.

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: A system, method and computer program product for providing targeted messages to a person using telephony services by generating user profile information from telephony data and using the user profile information to retrieve targeted messages.

Abstract: A method, program product and system for retrieving customer data in a call center environment, includes completing a connection between a customer and a call agent. It also includes searching a database for a customer account or a business agreement based on information provided by the customer to the call agent. It further includes searching the database optionally for a premises that is either dependent of the customer account or business agreement or that is independent of the customer account or business agreement. It still further includes determining a contract corresponding to the premises and the customer account or business agreement. It also includes a search process that is completely flexible regarding search criteria and sequence. It finally includes dealing with the customer to resolve an issue related to the contract.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for announcing caller information to users over a television link. The method comprises receiving signalling information associated with an incoming call destined for a destination party, the signalling information comprising a portion conveying information regarding an origin of the incoming call and information regarding an identity of the destination party. The method also comprises attempting to establish a telephony link with a device associated with the destination party over a communication network in response to said receiving. The method further comprises attempting to establish a second telephony link with a processing entity to convey said portion of the signalling information to the processing entity to cause delivery of an indication of the origin of the incoming call over a television link associated with the destination party, said indication based on said information regarding an origin of the incoming call.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for providing an identifier for a caller identifier (ID) function when processing a communication request between a calling party and a called party in a communication network is described. In some examples, an initial identifier for the caller ID function associated with the calling party is received. A determination is made if the calling party has a virtual identifier configured in the communication network. A determination is made if the called party has a predefined identifier associated with the calling party configured in the communication network. The initial identifier is replaced with a terminating identifier based on configuration of the virtual identifier and the predefined identifier in the communication network.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal communication terminal (iK1, iK2, iK3) of a private branch exchange (PBX), having at least one device (E11, . . . , E32), by means of the activation (act) of which said internal communication terminal (iK) or the private branch exchange (PBX) is put into a state in which said internal communication terminal or the private branch exchange identifies the telephone number of an incoming call from an external communication terminal (eK). The identified telephone number of the external communication terminal is then associated with the internal communication terminal in a database (DB), provided that the type of the association of said external communication terminal with said internal communication terminal connected with the activation of said device is not yet entered in the database. Otherwise, said association is deleted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, device, and system for taking voice memos during a communication session. More specifically, voice memos may be taken using the same communication device that is used in the communication session. This can be accomplished by automatically muting the communication device and establishing a communication channel with another endpoint, such as a recording endpoint, to record audio signals transmitted by the communication device.

Abstract: A system for automatically selecting an outgoing message for an incoming call. In response to receiving an incoming call, a calling party is identified. The identified calling party is compared against call log data to determine that the identified calling party has previously heard a first outgoing message. In response to determining that the identified calling party has not previously heard the first outgoing message, the first outgoing message is played as a selected outgoing message for the incoming call. In response to determining that the identified calling party has previously heard the first outgoing message, a second outgoing message is played as the selected outgoing message for the incoming call. Then, the call log data is updated to identify the selected outgoing message played for the incoming call.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing location information associated with a calling party are disclosed. Generally, a query is received from a network element. A location associated with a calling party is identified in response to receipt of the query, and an indication of the location is transmitted for delivery to a called party.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, at least one telephony attribute associated with a voice call directed from a client communication subsystem to a voice network identifier is detected. Visual content that has been predefined as being associated with the at least one telephony attribute is identified. A request for the visual content is initiated in response to the detecting step. The visual content is received, in response to the initiating step, for display at the client communication subsystem.

Abstract: A system and method for canceling a message sent to a recipient prior to retrieval by the recipient. A telephone call is received by a network from a calling party who desires to cancel a message left for a recipient through an earlier call from the calling party to the recipient after termination of the earlier call. By mapping the calling party's automatic number identifier (ANI) with at least one call record, a voice mailbox of the recipient may be accessed to determine whether the message has been retrieved by the recipient. If the message is still pending, the calling party is provided with the option to cancel the message. Alternatively, the calling party provides the telephone number from where the earlier call originated to a network server, which looks up the ANI of the originating number and then maps the ANI of that number with the at least one call record to enable the cancellation procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for managing incoming and outgoing communications for various communications methods are disclosed to provide control over inbound communications including definition of if, when, and who may communicate with a recipient, A concealed identification communication may involve no exchange of actual addresses, phone numbers, or other addressing IDs The capability to initiate immediate, delayed, scheduled, or recurring outbound communications is also discussed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for screening incoming calls for use in a device having telecommunication capability. An incoming call from a caller is received. In response to the incoming call, a prompt is generated to the caller, and a response corresponding to the prompt is received therefrom. It is determined whether the response conforms to a specific answer. If so, the device indicates the reception of the incoming call. The prompt and response may be voice and/or text.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes receiving an incoming call including caller identification information at an input responsive to a network. An audio alert and display information associated with the incoming call are sent to a multimedia device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing contact information is provided. In one implementation, for example, a method comprises accessing a contact record associated with a user of a user communication device, the contact record comprising at least one originating identifier identifying the user communication device and at least one contact field identifying contact information of a contact associated with the user. A contact record map is generated in which an alias identifier is assigned for the contact record. A destination identifier is selected from a plurality of available destination identifiers and assigned to the contact associated with the user. The assigned destination identifier is unique with respect to other contacts associated with the user. The alias identifier and the destination identifier are to the origination identifier identifying the user communication device within the contact record map.

Abstract: A system and method for managing contact information is provided. In one implementation, for example, a method comprises accessing a contact record associated with a user of a user communication device, the contact record comprising at least one originating identifier identifying the user communication device and at least one contact field identifying contact information of a contact associated with the user. A contact record map is generated in which an alias identifier is assigned for the contact record. A destination identifier is selected from a plurality of available destination identifiers and assigned to the contact associated with the user. The assigned destination identifier is unique with respect to other contacts associated with the user. The alias identifier and the destination identifier are to the origination identifier identifying the user communication device within the contact record map.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: a mobile switching center having a voice mail system, a subscriber database with voicemail information, and a greetings database; the greetings database having a plurality of lists, and at least one phone number in each of the lists; and the greetings database also having a plurality of recorded greetings, respective greetings in the plurality of recorded greetings being associated with respective lists in the plurality of lists.

Abstract: A system for automatically verifying an incoming telephone number. In response to detecting an incoming communication, a determination is made as to whether a telephone number associated with the incoming communication matches one of a plurality of telephone numbers in a storage unit. In response to determining that the telephone number associated with the incoming communication does not match one of the plurality of telephone numbers in the storage unit, telephone number verification rules are applied to determine whether to continue with the incoming communication. In response to a determination not to continue with the incoming communication based on the telephone number verification rules, an alert is provided.

Abstract: A communication device includes a communication unit configured to communicate with an external communication device, and a first storage unit configured to store, when a phone call or an e-mail is received, information on a caller or a sender of the e-mail. A notification is performed in response to the reception, and a controller determines, when a reply to a first reception performed by a first communication function of the communication unit is not performed and a second reception performed by a second communication function of the communication unit is performed, whether a caller or a sender relating to the second reception is identical to a caller of a sender relating to the first reception in accordance with the information on the caller or the sender stored in the first storage unit. A notification is performed in response to the second reception in accordance with a result of the determination.

Abstract: A telephone caller identification system where potential callers can be assigned to call-in groups, each call-in group having a particular ring. When a member of a particular call-in group calls, the telephone presents the ring associated with that call-in group. A caller not assigned to any call-in group causes the telephone to present a default ring. The telephone can also present particular transfer rings when transferred indicating that the call being transferred is from a caller belonging to a particular call-in group, or provide unique voice mail rings when a member of a call-in group leaves voice mail.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering a set of enhanced caller information of a call on a Mobile Station. The method includes, retrieving one or more identifier corresponding to the call in response to a callee receiving the call from a caller. The method further includes, retrieving the set of enhanced caller information based on the one or more identifiers. Thereafter, the method renders the set of enhanced caller information on the MS of the callee.

Abstract: A system and method for screening telephone calls to a subscriber telephone number comprises a screening list of telephone numbers assigned to suspect callers and rules defining when a telephone number will be added to or removed from the screening list or ‘greylist,’ and/or modifying a screening value to be assigned to a telephone number in the greylist. Data relating to calls is received from subscribers and processed, and the telephone number is screened in accordance with the rules, based on the screening value assigned to the telephone number and optionally a selected subscriber tolerance level. Subscribers may add any telephone number to a personal list of telephone numbers to be blocked (blacklist) or telephone numbers to be accepted (whitelist).

Abstract: This invention provides a method for automatically integrating and assembling the timestamp of a communication event with the identification of the communicating parties and available event attributes, presenting prompts for user entries on a terminal or interface device, storing user annotated information related to said communication event, and transmitting saved information of said communication events to another terminal device or information system. The invention also relates to a computer program, a device, and a system encapsulating computer programs realizing the method.

Abstract: A method and system for hierarchical prioritization and execution of call completion services are provided. When a caller applies for a call completion service, the caller is identified and assigned a priority from among different priorities such as high priority or regular priority. Thereafter, attempts to execute call completion services are performed hierarchically by launching call completion services for callers having a higher priority before similar attempts are performed for callers of a lower priority. Hence, call completion services are handled according to the priority assigned to the callers rather than the order in which each caller applied for a call completion service.

Abstract: It is one objective of the present invention to provide a private branch exchange that can identify calls to be routed to an extension phone group. A private branch exchange according to this invention comprises: a caller information detector for, when a call is received, obtaining caller information; a group incoming call table in which two or more extension numbers are correlated with an extension incoming call group number; and an incoming call group controller for, when a call received through the telephone line is for an extension incoming call group number, extracting from the group incoming call table extension numbers that are correlated with the extension incoming call group number and transmitting an incoming call signal to extension phones corresponding to the extension numbers, and also for storing, in a group incoming call log table, a caller number that is obtained by the caller information detector.

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. 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. The call screening device may thus switch between allowing all incoming calls to ring through except those specifically designated to be blocked and screening all incoming calls except those specifically designated to be permitted to ring through. One or more override codes entered in a touch-tone keypad by the calling party may permit an incoming call to ring through despite an active screening mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing restrictions on long distance calls from wireless communication devices. The wireless devices are preferably combined voice and data communication devices. In one illustrative example, each wireless device receives and stores long distance call restriction information which is pushed from a private computer network through the wireless network. During typical operation, a wireless device determines whether call attempts from the wireless device are restricted by the long distance call restriction information. If a call attempt is restricted by the long distance call restriction information, the wireless device restricts the call attempt from the wireless device and provides for a call restriction alert indication (e.g. an alert tone or visual text). If a call attempt is not restricted by the long distance call restriction information, the wireless device allows the call attempt from the wireless device.

Abstract: A method for attributing costs for a telephone call in an SS7 network. Information associated with the telephone call is captured and retained when the telephone call is provided to a call recipient by a second carrier that is a UNE-P lessee of a first carrier. The captured information is stored when including a CNAM query. The CNAM query is associated with the second carrier and reflected in an updated record containing the total volume of CNAM queries handled by the first carrier for the second carrier.

Abstract: A method of handling communications may include receiving a communication having a telephone number having a country/region code associated therewith. It may be determined whether at least a portion of the received telephone number matches a telephone number associated with an address book contact. The country/region code may be stored with the address book contact when at least a portion of the received telephone number matches the telephone number associated with the address book contact. A user request to transmit a communication to the address book contact may be received. The communication may be transmitted to the address book contact using the stored country/region code.

Abstract: A method for transmitting enhanced originator information over a communications network includes retrieving a service profile for a recipient terminal from a service profile database in response to initiation of a communication by an originator terminal to the recipient terminal. The service profile specifies a service plan and a terminal capability of the recipient terminal to retrieve the enhanced originator information from the originator terminal. The method also includes retrieving multiple information elements associated with the originator terminal from a network database based upon the service plan and the terminal capability of the recipient terminal, and transmitting a communication including the multiple information elements to the recipient terminal prior to establishing a communications session with the recipient terminal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining information relating to a first telephone number, and determining whether the first telephone number corresponds to a first speed dial button on a device. The first speed dial button is highlighted if the first telephone number corresponds to the first speed dial button. If the first telephone number does not correspond to the first speed dial button, the method also includes determining whether the first telephone number is associated with a second telephone number, determining whether the second telephone number corresponds to the first speed dial button if the first telephone number is associated with the second telephone number, and highlighting the first speed dial button when it is determined that the second telephone number corresponds to the first speed dial button.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a name associated with a calling party's telephone number are disclosed. Generally, a first network element determines whether there are any restrictions on the disclosure of a name associated with a calling party's telephone number; obtain the name associated with the calling party's telephone number when it is determined that the calling party's telephone number is present in a database; and transmit the name associated with the calling party's telephone to a second network element.

Abstract: A system and method for context sensitive calling is disclosed in which context associated with a call is pulled from a file or database and forwarded with the call. In some embodiments, the context is pulled using a context reference number, and the context may be dependant upon the type of called terminal equipment available.

Abstract: A user is identified based at least in part on a user identification designation associated with an incoming communication. A message recipient is then determined based at least in part on the identified user and one or more address books associated with message recipients by comparing the user identification designation to one or more entries in the one or more recipient databases. The incoming communication is routed to the determined message recipient. Escalation procedures are implemented up to a configured level in the recipient organization based on various criteria. As messages are escalated and deposited in mailboxes associated with the determined message recipients, the determined message recipients are notified of the deposited messages.

Abstract: A visual caller identification system and method are provided. A caller identification device of a called party's telephone includes a series of colored lights for visually alerting the called party to an incoming call. The called party may program the caller identification device so that a first colored light flashes any time the caller ID identifies information known to the called party. A second light flashes any time caller identification information is provided, but where the information is unknown to the called party. And, a third colored light flashes any time the caller identification is not provided (e.g., private, unlisted). The called party may look at the telephone for a quick screening without having to go to the telephone to read the caller ID when it rings. Alternatively, caller identification information to be displayed may be projected onto a projection surface, such as a wall in the called party's home.

Abstract: A temporary ENUM architecture assigns a temporary ENUM at call time. For an originated communication requiring routing to a party which needs a particular callback format not supported, the TempENUM provides consistency with the specific format required by the receiving party. The TempENUM is assigned for the duration of the call or communication, or for a given amount of time thereafter. The TempENUM service gateway includes a TempENUM database, a module that assigns a suitable TempENUM at the time of call routing, and a module that handles a lookup in the TempENUM database, and maps the assigned TempENUM to a calling party identifier (CgPID). The TempENUM database stores a TempENUM from a coordinator system and relates the actual calling party identifier (CgPID) for use in callback attempts. Either during the initial call or communication, or shortly thereafter, the receiving party uses the TempENUM number to return communication the initial caller.

Abstract: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system to process telephone calls. The system can receive a telephone call and identify the telephone number of the calling party. A database of processing instructions then specifies whether to block the telephone call, forward the telephone call to another telephone number, send the telephone call to a voicemail system or an answering machine, or ring the telephone assigned to the called number. Based on the time of the call, the instructions to be applied can differ.

Abstract: A method for processing a communication between a first party and a second party is disclosed. A communication is received from the first party, the communication having first party information, and second party information. An entry in a database is identified that matches at least one of the first party information and the second party information and for which a predetermined rule is satisfied. A telephone number associated with the matching database entry is selected. The selected telephone number is transmitted to the second party.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for automatically integrating and assembling the timestamp of a communication event with the identification of the communicating parties and available event attributes, presenting prompts for user entries on a terminal or interface device, storing user annotated information related to said communication event, and transmitting saved information of said communication events to another terminal device or information system. The invention also relates to a computer program, a device, and a system encapsulating computer programs realizing the method.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables a user to administer a dialing plan or plans. The disclosed private-branch exchange, or other type of telephone exchange or switch, analyzes the dialing plan that it uses and then makes a recommendation for the dialing plan. In order to analyze the dialing plan, the private-branch exchange (PBX) considers the usage characteristics of one or more number-consuming objects, which includes the telephone numbers associated with the dialing plan. The PBX then identifies, for possible deletion, a list of inactive or underutilized objects such as unused telephone numbers. In some embodiments, the PBX can anticipate the future availability of telephone numbers based on the usage characteristics that were part of the analysis. In at least some of those embodiments, the PBX is able to construct a dialing plan tree and identify a revised dialing plan.

Abstract: Inbound calls to an enterprise are handled by a call-handling component, by identifying the calling party from intrinsic information about the call, by identifying a potential recipient from non-intrinsic information about the calling party, and by automatically routing the inbound call to a potential recipient.

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: A mobile communication terminal includes timer for detecting the time of an incoming call, a caller number registration table for storing caller numbers, answer message ID numbers and time-dependent switching codes in relation to each other, the time-dependent control codes designating callers for whom answer messages are switched depending on a time zone in which the call is made. There is thus provided a capability of selecting an answer message for a caller based on the caller number included in the incoming call signal and switching between answer messages based on the time of call incoming detected by the timer.