Abstract: Methods and systems for processing and routing calls are described. A call processing system receives from a telecommunications system a communication indicating that a first call to a user is in progress. A call routing instruction associated with the user is accessed. Based at least in part on the call routing instruction, a second call to be placed to a first telephonic device and a third call to be placed to a second telephonic device, wherein the second call and the third call are placed at substantially the same time or a second call to be placed to a first telephonic device and a third call to be placed to a second telephonic device, wherein the third call is placed if the second call is not timely answered.

Abstract: A method for processing a call placed to a telephony identifier. The method comprises: obtaining information regarding an origin of the call; identifying a group of identities that is associated with the telephony identifier, each identity designating a party reachable by calling the telephony identifier; determining, based on the information regarding the origin of the call, that the call is intended for a particular identity among the group of identities; and causing routing of the call based on information associated with the particular identity. The party designated by each identity may be a different person. Also provided a system for processing a call placed to a telephony identifier.

Abstract: An interactive assistant for managing telephone communications and services is disclosed. In one of many possible method embodiments, a chat interface is provided to a device associated with an intended recipient of an incoming voice call. A chat message from the intended recipient is received through the chat interface. The chat message is presented to a calling party associated with the incoming call prior to a disposition of the call being determined. In other embodiments, an interface provides controls for individually managing calls on a conference call, without affecting other calls on the conference call.

Abstract: A system and method for routing and interacting with a dual mode network telephony environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an external analog telephony line, a DSL modem, an analog telephony bridge controller, one or more additional analog telephony lines, and a communication center computer. The system routes analog and Voice-over-Internet Protocol calls between the analog telephony lines and the communication center computer. Furthermore, the communication center computer performs operations on calls inbound to the environment and calls outbound from the environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for routing call in a wireless network environment. In one embodiment, a phone address is assigned to a subscriber and/or a subscriber's mobile telecommunications device. A call directed to the phone address is routed to a call processing system. An outbound call from the call processing system is placed to a wireless communication service provider so as to cause, at least in part, the wireless communication service provider to route the outbound call to the subscriber's mobile telecommunications device, wherein the call processing system configures call signaling parameters associated with the outbound call so that the outbound call appears to be to a phone number ported to the wireless communication service provider, and wherein the phone number has not been ported to the wireless communication service provider. The outbound call is bridged with the inbound call.

Abstract: A fax processing system handles faxes that are originally destined for a recipient's phone number. The fax processing system communicates with the fax recipient via a data communications network (for example, the Internet) and can provide more sophisticated fax handling capabilities than conventional fax machines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to interactive voice response (IVR) system session management and provide a method, system and computer program product for call interruption handling in an IVR data processing system. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for call interruption handling in an IVR data processing system can include detecting a call interruption of a telephone call between a caller and an IVR system during an established IVR session for the caller. The method also can include saving state information for the established IVR session in connection with the caller in response to detecting the call interruption. The method further can include determining a call back number for the caller and initiating a call back of the caller from the IVR system using the call back number of the caller thereby re-establishing an IVR session for the caller.

Abstract: The present invention enables an alert message and the display of calling party identity on all on-hook phones associated with an extension sharing the same phone number, when one phone is off-hook and in use. In one exemplary embodiment, this capability enables all other members of a household to receive information regarding an incoming call even when one phone is in use by another member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications. More particularly, to an apparatus that would allow callers to time-share telephone, telecommunication or communication lines in order to truthfully vary the telephone line from which they are calling parties through the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). The system would allow customers to manage the identity of their calls in ways that would maximize the probability that a called party would answer.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a system and method for automating the exchange of information between the multiple personal computerized devices of an entity so as to provide context for communications, such as incoming and/or outgoing telephone calls, with other entities. The system and method associate one entity with multiple devices. Communications over a device (e.g., one of the various types of telephones) are tracked. Then, for a given communication, an identifier (e.g., a caller ID from an incoming telephone call) is communicated to at least one other device. The other device performs a local and/or internet search for information associated with that particular identifier. The retrieved information is then displayed so as to provide the entity with essentially instantaneous context for the given communication. The system can be implemented using client-server network technology or, alternatively, using point-to-point communication technology.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide extended voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services are disclosed. An example residential gateway comprises a radio frequency (RF) detector to detect a presence of a cellular communication device, a service controller to enable a VoIP communication device when the cellular communication device is present, wherein the VoIP communication device and the cellular communication device are different devices.

Abstract: A system for controlling incoming and/or outgoing calls on a telephone system having a single incoming/outgoing telephone line to which multiple telephone ports are connected. The system includes a database of instructions for processing calls, with the instructions being determined by the line owner. The system also includes a central processing unit for applying one or more of the user-specified instructions to selectively process an incoming or outgoing telephone call. The system may additionally include a caller identification device for identifying incoming caller numbers, and may process incoming calls according to the identity of the caller. The system may also include instructions for processing calls according to the time of day, or other user-specified parameters. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for controlling incoming and/or outgoing telephone calls, using the system and instructions described above.

Abstract: A system and method for customized caller identification and call routing are disclosed. A disclosed method of providing customized caller identification information for a phone call includes associating a first phone number in a database with a plurality of user specified identifications, selecting one of the plurality of user specified identifications in response to the phone call placed from the first phone number to a second phone number as a function of the second phone number, and providing the selected one of the plurality of identifications to a device associated with the second telephone number.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus and method in a mobile communication system are provided. A WGW receives information relating to a monitored subscriber from a WSS, establishes a monitoring path between the monitored subscriber and a monitoring server, upon request from the WSS, begins to monitor the monitored subscriber upon receipt of a monitoring start request from the WSS, and transmits monitored data to the monitoring server.

Abstract: A telephone subscriber registers with a digital telephone service provider (DTSP) to obtain telephone service. The telephone subscriber also registers with an instant messaging service provider (IMSP) and receives a screen name. The telephone subscriber registers the screen name with the DTSP to receive caller identifying information (CID) via instant messaging (IM) (sometimes referred to herein as “CID IM service”). When a call to the telephone number of the telephone subscriber is received at a switch operated by the DTSP, the DTSP confirms that the telephone subscriber has registered a screen name with the DTSP and then sends the caller identification information to the IMSP. The IMSP then sends an instant message containing the caller identification information to the telephone subscriber's instant message client.

Abstract: Techniques for transfer error recovery are described. A system may comprise a context generator module operative to record context information for a first call session between a first call terminal and a call system resource, and store the context information with a context identifier in a context table. The system may include a transfer error context module to couple to the context generator module, the transfer error context module operative to generate transfer error context information having the context identifier. The system may include a call transfer module to couple to the transfer error context module, the call transfer module operative to send the transfer error context information to the first call terminal for use in case of a transfer failure event. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of handling a telephone call initiated from a calling terminal in a circuit switched telecommunications network by providing called party identification data of a called party to said network. In the method proposed said call is set up by obtaining answering party identification data from a service control point associated with said called party based on said provided called party identification data. Communication is provided through said network between said calling terminal and an answering terminal identified using said answering party identification data. Said answering party identification data is made available to at least one service control point in said network for identifying services associated with said answering terminal. The invention further relates to a switching device for use with said method.

Abstract: A displayed name is assigned to a telephone number on a first communication terminal of a communication system, the telephone number of a second communication being detected on the first terminal or the communication system during a connection between the first and second terminals. The displayed name is transmitted to the communication system and stored along with the telephone number once the displayed name has been input.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for providing caller identification from a call to a wireless/wireline cellular phone to Internet Protocol Television. Exemplary embodiments include a method for providing caller identification services to an Internet Protocol-enabled device, including receiving a communication request from a caller device over a voice network, the communication request including a caller party number of the caller device and a called patty number of a dual-mode called device associated with the communication request, mapping the called party number to an Internet Protocol-enabled device address of a called party and sending the caller party number to the Internet Protocol-enabled device address corresponding to the called party number.

Abstract: Provided is a method for multiple-termination routing in a wireless network environment that includes an Internet Protocol (“IP”) core. The method includes receiving a call delivery request. The call delivery request is based upon intelligent network protocols and includes a called number. The call features associated with the called number are retrieved, a determination is made whether the call features include multiple-termination routing information for a plurality of potential terminating devices, wherein at least one termination to be routed utilizes Session Initiation Protocol. When the call features include the multiple-termination routing information, call setups are initiated to each of the plurality of potential terminating devices. Upon detecting a first potential terminating device to complete one of the plurality of initiated call setups, any remaining initiated call setup or setups are released.

Abstract: A system and method for routing an incoming call to a subscriber-selected destination number in accordance with dynamic data concerning the subscriber provided by an address book, a calendar and a presence server. A routing system routes the incoming call in accordance with a subscriber-defined routing rule associated with the originating number of the incoming call, as determined from the address book. The routing rule may specify that the incoming call be routed to a destination number associated with the current date and time, as indicated by the calendar. The routing rule may specify, alternatively or in addition thereto, that the incoming call be routed to a destination number associated with a presence-enabled service on which the subscriber is currently active. The subscriber or caller may also be alternatively notified of the routing of the incoming call.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for routing call in a wireless network environment. In one embodiment, a phone address is assigned to a subscriber and/or a subscriber's mobile telecommunications device. A call directed to the phone address is routed to a call processing system. An outbound call from the call processing system is placed to a wireless communication service provider so as to cause, at least in part, the wireless communication service provider to route the outbound call to the subscriber's mobile telecommunications device, wherein the call processing system configures call signaling parameters associated with the outbound call so that the outbound call appears to be to a phone number ported to the wireless communication service provider, and wherein the phone number has not been ported to the wireless communication service provider. The outbound call is bridged with the inbound call.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that optimizes the background noise experienced by a party who is calling into a call center. Working as part of an overall call-assignment algorithm, the technique considers the acoustic noise that is present in the vicinities of multiple call-center agents who are otherwise satisfactory candidates to handle a call. The technique then selects an agent to handle the call who is associated with an optimal acoustic noise. Typically, the selected agent is associated with lowest background noise level. The background noise is monitored at each call agent's station by evaluating the signals that are present at the agent's microphone. Usually, this is done when a call agent is between calls and, as a result, is not using her headset at that moment. In other words, the background noise is actually measured, and the measurements are then used to assign a call agent to the incoming call.

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: 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 facsimile apparatus is disclosed that includes a register unit that registers transmission destination information in an internal address book. The register unit receives a number input at least a first time and a second time, and upon determining that a number input the first time and a number input the second time correspond to a same input number, registers the same input number as a valid facsimile number.

Abstract: A fax processing system handles faxes that are originally destined for a recipient's phone number. The fax processing system communicates with the fax recipient via a data communications network (for example, the Internet) and can provide more sophisticated fax handling capabilities than conventional fax machines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the automated routing and processing of telecommunication service orders. A system and method in accordance with the present invention may further prioritize the analysis and processing of telecommunication service orders, identify and classify past due telecommunication service orders for analysis and processing, and manage the order of completion of components of a telecommunication service order. A system and process in accordance with the present invention receives a service order and parses it to find messages on the service order that are included on a message table. Analysis rules provide actions to be taken with a service order based on the messages found in the service order.

Abstract: A distributed VoIP system includes a first switch coupled to a network and configured to provide voicemail features to a first group of one or more users. The system also includes a voicemail server coupled to the network. The voicemail server is configured to provide voicemail features to a second group of one or more users. The first switch is configured to store voicemail data associated with only the first group, and the voicemail server is configured to store voicemail data associated with both the first and second groups.

Abstract: A method and system for providing call forwarding in an IP telephone network is disclosed. First, when a telephone number for a first telephone from a second telephone is dialed, the call is routing to a call manager. Call setup procedures with a BRG responsible for the first telephone are then initiated. The BRG then checks stored call forwarding profiles to determine whether there is an active call forwarding profile for the first telephone. The call is connected to the first telephone if an active call forwarding profile is not found. However, if an active call forwarding profile is found, the call forwarding information is sent to the call manager. The call is routed to at least a third telephone based on the call forwarding information.

Abstract: A remote call notification system for incoming calls to a wireline telecommunications device. The system includes a switch, a service control point, an intelligent server, and a monitoring module all in communication with each other. The remote call notification is transmitted to a remote communication device such as a PC, an interactive pager, and a mobile phone. The call notification includes a calling number, the name of a calling party, time and date identifiers, status identifiers that provides a real-time status of the incoming communication, a disposition identifier, and a priority identifier. A remote call notification method including detecting an incoming communication to a subscriber's wireline communication device, creating a remote call notification, assigning an access address associated with a remote communication device, and forwarding the remote call notification to the remote communication device.

Abstract: Methods for managing and routine multiple telephone calls through a wireless network provide efficient and cost-effective ways in which a subscriber to the network can take advantage of the multiple services being offered. When the subscriber has only one line in the network, or when the subscriber often uses more than one line, multiple telephone calls may attempt transmission to the subscriber and so the subscriber may miss the call. The inventive methods determine what type of incoming call is attempting to contact the subscriber and routes the call to another location, such as the subscriber's voice mail, if the subscriber is otherwise occupying his or her line or lines in the network. The methods are particular useful for storing and forwarding facsimile messages to subscriber.

Abstract: A method for communicating on a wireless network includes receiving a mode signal from a network node. The mode signal represents an operational mode of the network node. The operational mode is defined by selecting from among a plurality of services at least one service whose reception over the wireless network is to be suspended or reinstated. Communication between the network node and the wireless network is subsequently conducted by taking into account the received mode signal. The network node may be a wireless communicator such as a cellular telephone or a fixed station device. Alternatively, the network node may be a wireless switch or a cellular base station.

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: A communication system is described that comprises a switching system, an SCP, and a customer premises. The customer premises includes a remote processor and a plurality of terminating devices. When in operation, the switching system receives a call. Because of the type of call, the switching system queries the SCP for routing information on where to route the call, and the SCP queries the remote processor in the customer premises. The remote processor processes the query to determine routing information to route the call to a terminating device in the customer premises. The remote processor generates a code that includes the routing information and transmits the code to the SCP. The SCP processes the code to identify the routing information determined by the remote processor. The SCP then transmits the routing information to the switching system to cause the switching system to route the call to the terminating device.

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 channel 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: 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 fax processing system handles faxes that are originally destined for a recipient's phone number. The fax processing system communicates with the fax recipient via a data communications network (for example, the Internet) and can provide more sophisticated fax handling capabilities than conventional fax machines.

Abstract: A URL adapter for a Web browser that enables the integration of telephone numbers into a web browser's address line for parsing as a URI. The URL adapter bypasses traditional search hook functions to identify potential telephone numbers. The URL adapter has access to a name server for translating names entered into the browser into telephone numbers. The URL adapter can also parse Web pages to self-identify telephone numbers.

Abstract: A secure telephone call management system is provided for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. Authentication of the users of the telephone call management system is accomplished by using a personal identification number, biometric means, and/or radio frequency means. The secure telephone call management system includes accounting software capable of limiting access to the system based on funds in a user's account or other related limitations. The system includes management software capable of implementing widespread or local changes to the system and is further capable of modifying or setting any number of user account parameters.

Abstract: A method for processing a call placed to a telephony identifier. The method comprises: obtaining information regarding an origin of the call; identifying a group of identities that is associated with the telephony identifier, each identity designating a party reachable by calling the telephony identifier; determining, based on the information regarding the origin of the call, that the call is intended for a particular identity among the group of identities; and causing routing of the call based on information associated with the particular identity. The party designated by each identity may be a different person. Also provided a system for processing a call placed to a telephony identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sending a message to a calling phone when a called phone aborts an incoming call request. A mobile unit receives a call request from a calling phone. The communication network determines that the mobile unit has aborted the call request during ringing. For example, the mobile unit may abort the call request by pressing a predetermined key, such as the <END> key, on the mobile unit. The communication network alerts the calling phone that the mobile unit aborted the call request during ringing. The network can play a message to the calling phone that the mobile unit has aborted the call request during ringing, and the message can include additional information, such as the expected length of time that the mobile unit will be unavailable or other predetermined messages.

Abstract: A facsimile device connected to a public line in parallel with an external telephone is provided. The facsimile device includes a facsimile circuit configured to send and receive image data through the public line, a voltage detector that detects a voltage of the public line, a telephone status monitoring unit configured to judge whether the external telephone closes the public line based on the voltage of the public line detected by the voltage detector and a reference voltage, a monitoring operation control unit configured to keep the telephone status monitoring unit in an inactive state until a predetermined time elapses from a time when the facsimile circuit releases the public line, and to activate the telephone status monitoring unit if the predetermined time elapses from the time when the facsimile circuit releases the public line.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for selectively managing a call connection between a caller and each of a first directory number associated with a subscriber and a second directory number associated with the subscriber includes causing at least the first directory number to be rung in response to a call request from the caller. In response to a determination that the rung first directory number has answered the call request: a call is automatically allowed to be completed between the caller and the first directory number if the first directory number is of a first type; and, if the directory number is of a second type, a prescribed additional response is required from the first directory number prior to allowing the call to be completed between the caller and the first directory number, and the second directory number is allowed to be rung in response to the call request until the prescribed additional response is provided.

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: An enhanced telephone emulation computer system including a minidialer program for controlling a computer to add telephony functions which can be invoked from whatever active program is currently controlling the computer. The minidialer program controls the computer to alter its processing depending upon the context existing at the time when a mouse click or hot key combination event is detected indicating the user wishes to invoke a telephony function. The minidialer program determines whether the user has highlighted any text or numbers in the active window of the application currently controlling the computer and whether the highlighted material is a name or a phone number, and if a name, whether the name is stored with a phone number in a phone book or file maintained on the computer. Processing and telephony menu options displayed as available also depend upon whether the user is or is not on the phone at the time the mouse click or hot key event occurs.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method, system and apparatus for handling a request for a communication session. The method comprises receiving, at a processing time, a request for a communication session, the request comprising a destination network identifier, the destination network identifier having been registered in association with a plurality of communication clients; the request having been originated by an originating party associated with an originating identifier. The method further comprises identifying, based on at least one of the originating network identifier and the processing time, a subset of the plurality of communication clients. The method further comprises delivering the request to the subset of the plurality of communication clients.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a data session in a communications environment is provided that includes initiating, by a first endpoint, a call that is intended for a second endpoint. The method also includes invoking, by the first endpoint, an eCamp-On™ feature in response to the second endpoint being unavailable. The eCamp-On™ feature initiates a new call between the first and second endpoints once the second endpoint is available. Presence data associated with the first endpoint may be leveraged in order to make the new call.

Abstract: A method and communication system is provided to identify a calling/called party when the call is being set up but before the call is answered. In the method, a first terminal and a second terminal are respectively provided with opposing terminal's image data before the call is answered. The image data of the first and second terminals can be registered in a media server disposed between the first and second terminals, and the image data can be transmitted between the first terminal and the media server and between the second terminal and the media server in accordance with an SIP protocol.

Abstract: A method and communication system is provided to identify a calling/called party when the call is being set up but before the call is answered. In the method, a first terminal and a second terminal are respectively provided with opposing terminal's image data before the call is answered. The image data of the first and second terminals can be registered in a media server disposed between the first and second terminals, and the image data can be transmitted between the first terminal and the media server and between the second terminal and the media server in accordance with an SIP protocol.