Abstract: A telephone apparatus includes a storage unit, a display unit, a retrieving unit and a display control unit. The storage unit is configured to store a plurality of images therein. The display unit is configured to display at least one of the plurality of images. The retrieving unit is configured to retrieve a relating image from the images stored in the storage unit when an outgoing call is made to or an incoming call is received from other telephone apparatus through a telephone line. The relating image relates to a corresponding image associated with the other party of the outgoing or incoming call. The display control unit configured to perform control to display at least one of the corresponding image and the retrieved relating image on the display unit.

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: Described are a method and system for providing enhanced caller information to a communications recipient. Enhanced caller information is determined from a caller information storage device associated with a caller attempting to establish a communications session with the communications recipient. The enhanced caller information is transmitted to the communications recipient and presented prior to the establishment of the communications session. The presentation can include the display of text, graphical information and audible information to the communications recipient. Optionally, the enhanced caller information includes data used to establish a communications link between the caller and the communications recipient.

Abstract: A method for setting up a connection between a first communication device and a second communication device, which are connectable by means of a communication network. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) providing party-defined data, (2) generating a setup message containing the party-defined data, (3) transmitting the setup message from the first communication device to the second communication device, (4) extracting the party-defined data from the received setup message in the second communication device, (5) retrieving output data stored in the second communication device depending on the extracted party-defined data and (6) providing the output data via an output of the second communication device. Communication devices and a communication system are introduced and configured carry out the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, system, and apparatus for inserting caller identifying information into a video signal includes receiving a digital video stream and receiving caller identifier information from an incoming call associated with a calling device. The method further includes converting the caller identifier information into caller identifying textual information, and inserting the caller identifying textual information into the digital video stream using a visual timecode video insertion format. The method further includes transmitting the digital video stream with the inserted caller identifying textual information.

Abstract: A system and method for previewing calls in communications system is provided. The system includes a first communications device operated by a sender, the first communications device executing first call preview code for allowing the sender to provide relational context information relating to a call, and a second communications device operated by a receiver, the second communications device executing second call preview code for receiving the relational context information from the sender and displaying the relational context information to the receiver. The receiver can decide how to respond to the call from the sender based upon the relational context information. A plurality of user interface screens can be generated for allowing the receiver to participate in a survey relating to the call.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a private branch exchange includes a receiver which receives caller ID information divided into a plurality of packets, the caller ID information specifying a caller side telephone set, when receiving an incoming call, a measurement unit which measures an elapsed time after the receiver has received the packets, a reset unit which resets the elapsed time measured by the measurement unit when the receiver receives the packets, and a transmitter which transmits the packets received by the receiver to a private telephone set on an incoming call side, as caller ID information, when the elapsed time measured by the measurement unit exceeds a specified time.

Abstract: A call displaying system includes a base station, a calling terminal and at least one called terminal, the calling terminal and the receiving terminals are wireless communicated with the base station. The base station includes a signal controlling unit, a signal communicating unit and a signal storage unit. The signal controlling unit is electronically connected to the signal communicating unit and the signal storage unit. The calling terminal sets call displaying images, and the call displaying images are sent to the signal communicating unit under the control of the signal controlling unit. The call displaying images are stored in the signal storage unit and sent to the receiving terminals under the control of the signal controlling unit. The called terminal rejects the call displaying images or uses the call displaying images.

Abstract: A method of operating a phone is provided and includes receiving input to set a phone in a do-not disturb mode and to set a time period during which the do-not-disturb mode is activated and setting the phone accordingly, upon reception of an incoming call from a caller during the time period, activating a caller ID function of the phone, detecting a caller ID of the caller and searching for the caller ID in black- and white-lists. In an event the caller ID of the caller is stored in the blacklist, the voicemail function is activated or the incoming call is ended. In an event the caller ID of the caller is stored in the whitelist, an input of the password associated with the caller ID is requested, and, in an event the caller inputs the password, the ringing function is activated.

Abstract: In a caller information notifier system, a calling terminal transmits a calling signal having a phone number for callback inserted which is different from the phone number of the calling terminal. When a callback is tried from a called terminal, a communication network server, where the calling signal passes, determines the relationship between the phone number of the calling terminal and the phone number for callback inserted in the calling signal to authenticate the phone number for callback. A terminal which receives the calling signal extracts the phone number for callback from the calling signal and keeps the extracted number as a callback phone number. The callback phone number is, for instance, an FMC service number. The probability of success in reaching a caller is thereby increased.

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 communication terminal device is provided with a communication unit; a memory unit that stores a telephone directory data having at least names, telephone numbers and display control information, a display unit that displays the information; and a control unit that carries out communication display prohibition control to prohibit the display unit from displaying a predetermined telephone number in the case where the display control information corresponding to such a predetermined telephone number is set to display prohibition when the communication unit communicates with a party with the telephone number. Thus, the communication terminal device cannot only keep secrecy more securely but also it can be a communication terminal device with which an easily useful telephone directory is provided.

Abstract: An approach provides managed caller identification services. An image is retrieved from a repository maintained by a service provider in response to initiation of a communication session by the user with another user. The image is associated with a directory address for a user. The image is transmitted along with the directory address for presentation to the other user during establishment of the communication session.

Abstract: A telephone seizure apparatus (300) is configured and arranged to incorporate (103) a non-telephonic network caller ID message into a telephonic network caller ID message to thereby provide a resultant pseudo caller ID message. The telephone seizure apparatus can then transmit (104) this pseudo caller ID message to a caller ID interpreter such that the caller ID interpreter can send the non-telephonic network caller ID message to a corresponding caller ID display.

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: An addressee information notification system includes an application server which, based on an addressee number requested by an incoming call connection request, selects one transfer destination terminal from plural alternative transfer destination terminals associated with the addressee number, and transfers the call connection request to the selected terminal, and plural terminals configured as alternative transfer destinations. The application server includes an addressee information attachment section that attaches addressee information in the form of the addressee number or identification information associated with the addressee number to the call connection request to be transferred to the selected terminal. At least one of the plural terminals has an addressee information output section that, when a call connection request is provided to that terminal from the application server, outputs the addressee information attached to the call connection request before the terminal is taken off-hook.

Abstract: An incoming call screening treatment is selected for a call to a called communication device based on an emotional state criterion input by a user of the called communication device.

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: When multiple contacts are detected for a phone number of an incoming call, a notification that multiple contacts matched the phone number is displayed. When the display area for displaying the notification is adequate to display a full list of the contacts that correspond to the phone number of the incoming call, the full list is displayed. When the display area is inadequate to display the full list, a scrollable list of the multiple contacts is displayed. Alternatively, when the display area is inadequate, a multiple contacts message is displayed that notifies a user that multiple stored contacts matched the phone number of the incoming phone call.

Abstract: A system and method for gathering and presenting relevant information about another party to a telephone call are provided to a user who is making or receiving a telephone call. The information is sufficient to assist the user in deciding whether or not to accept a call, or to provide the user with sufficient context information to discuss the subject of the telephone call. The system also permits a user to enter new information, such as an appointment or a new task for a to-do list, send an e-mail to the other party, or update contact or other information regarding the other party. In one embodiment, the system assists telemarketers to track advertisements and messages intended to be presented to the other party to a telephone call.

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: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for announcing audio caller identification information to a PC or other IP communications device connected with a telecommunications network. A calling party dials a called telephone number and an incoming communications signal is detected, decoded, and used to generate a data message that associates a selection of announcement fields and/or files with the incoming communications signal in the telecommunications network. The telecommunications network transmits the data message and the incoming communications signal to the called telephone number. The PC or IP communications device associated with the called telephone number receives the data message. The data message is deciphered, associated with locally stored announcement fields and/or files, and otherwise transformed to play the audio caller identification announcement.

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: 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: 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: A global communication internet telephone system is a new software Web Call structure, in which the system user only requires a computer with Windows 98® or above, a duplex sound card, a display interface and internet access, and logging directly into a GTD Web 800 web page thereafter, receiving a automatic number dispensing function and GTD automatic number skipping function. The characteristics of the system lies in that a signature which can be linked to the GTD Web 800 web pages for browsing is added into an e-mail of a user computer. As long as an e-mail receiver clicks on the signature file of the e-mail, he can be linked to the web pages and conduct a VoIP dialog with the e-mail sender. If a computer at a sending side is not powered on the sending side can freely choose whether to forward incoming calls to a designated cellular phone or local phone by automatically appointing a number.

Abstract: A wireless information communication system, such as a paging network, that provides caller identification information transmitted from the public switched telephone network to a pager, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or personal communication device carried by a page-receiving communicant. The system may include a textual or synthesized voice query to verify the telephone number and/or name information that was derived from caller identification information received, and may also prompt a caller to enter other optional data such as alternative caller-identifying information, call-back information or message information. The wireless communication system then transmits at least one of the caller identification information and the optional data to a page-receiving communicant. A cellular communication system may also transmit a paging message containing caller identification information or optional data to a cellular radiotelephone device.

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

Abstract: Picture messages are transmitted to a wireless device with a paging notification that includes the telephone number of a message originator and are used by the message recipient to identify who is sending the message.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically providing conference calls are disclosed. In one aspect, methods and systems detect a conference call event that was previously configured by a subscriber user and identify participant users associated with the conference call event. In another aspect, when configuring a conference call event, a subscriber user may enter, select or otherwise designate conference information that the user wishes to be displayed in the caller identification fields that are sent out when a bridge dials the participant users associated with the conference call. Once identified, each participant user is contacted and a response is received from each of the users. Based on the received responses, a conference call is established between the participant users and the subscriber user.

Abstract: A method (300) that can include receiving a call identifier (130) for an incoming call and associating the incoming call with at least one category (140, 145, 150) selected from a group consisting of at least three categories. An indicator (160) that correlates to the category with which the incoming call is associated can be presented to a user (120). Presenting the indicator can include presenting a particular color to the user and/or presenting a vibration, sound or image to the user. The method further can include automatically responding to the incoming call with a particular greeting only if the call identifier is blank or indicates an unknown caller (125). In another arrangement, the method can include automatically responding to the incoming call with a particular greeting only if the caller is unknown and the call identifier indicates that the caller is a particular gender or is exhibiting a particular emotion.

Abstract: A method and a communication interchange enhancement system for implementing an enhanced user interface for a communication interchange includes but is not limited to a method including to providing an identifier associated with a third-party participant related to the communication interchange; matching the identifier with the third-party participant in a database storing one or more lists of possible third-party participants; obtaining context data associated with the identifier regarding a group-type characteristic of the third-party participant for purposes of communication interchange with at least another participant; and enabling a user interface to display the group-type characteristic.

Abstract: A circuit for a telephone, having a data store for storing user data including telephone numbers and associated data, and sorting means (46) for sorting the user data for display. The sorting means sorts the user data according to frequency of use (e.g. frequency of calls received and frequency of connections requested) of the telephone numbers.

Abstract: A facility is described for providing conference roll calls that identify participants in electronically facilitated conferences. In various embodiments, the facility receives identifiers of participants in an electronically facilitated conference and displays a list of the participants in a roll call. The list can include indications of which participant is speaking, whether participants are authenticated, and other information associated with the participant, such as the participant's name.

Abstract: A message originator sends a picture or video message to a message center along with caller identifying information. The message is stored in a memory and transmitted to a wireless picture phone, PDA or portable computing device, or stored at the message center in a memory or hard disk drive for later retrieval by a message recipient. The picture or video message may be encoded, encrypted or compressed prior to receipt by the wireless device.

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

Abstract: According to the present invention, methods, data structures, and computer-readable media for processing input to a telephone having an interactive user interlace are disclosed. A telephone user inputs commands through buttons and keys on an interactive user interface. A selection made from a menu on the telephone is detected. The menu can be a collection of options, features or commands corresponding to physical context-sensitive soft keys or a line keys. A message based on the menu selection is created and passed to a menu processing object. If a soft key is pressed, the menu processing object is a soft key processing object. An event based on the menu selection is also created. It is then determined which mode from the numerous modes available on the phone is presently active or has focus. Once the active mode that presently has focus is determined, an appropriate menu label set and segment display is displayed on the display monitor.

Abstract: A system for adding or updating contact data in a wireless communication device, cellular telephone, pager or personal digital assistant (PDA) is shown. Contact data associated with actual or potential communicants may be entered into a database in the wireless communication device using a detachable input interface, a touch display, a personal computer or a wireless receiver. The contact data may include name, telephone number, fax number, address, email, image or sound data associated with actual or potential communicants. In one embodiment, data may be entered or modified from a detachable keyboard while viewing a cursor location that is presented within a small touch display in the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may include a cellular or paging link and can receive Caller ID data originating from the public switched telephone network over a wireless communication system.

Abstract: Contact data in a database for a wireless personal communication device are remotely updatable from, or transferable between, a computer system using a radio frequency connection. New contact data, and changes or updates to existing contact data, are input at the computer system or the personal communication device and may be utilized in the personal communication device to initiate contact with, or establish the identity of, actual or potential communicants. Contact data including name, telephone number, address, sound or image information associated with actual or potential communicants is transferred between a computer system and a personal communication device utilizing a radio frequency connection. The personal communication device can be a cellular telephone, PDA or pager, and may also include interfaces for local programming of contact data from a removable keyboard.

Abstract: A wireless information communication system and method, such as a paging network, that provides caller identification information transmitted from the public switched telephone network to a pager, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable computing device, or personal communication device carried by a page-receiving communicant. The system and method may include a textual or synthesized voice query to verify the telephone number and/or name information that was derived from caller identification information received, and may also prompt a caller to enter other optional data such as alternative caller-identifying information, call-back information or message information. The wireless system and method then transmits at least one of the caller identification information and the optional data to a page-receiving communicant.

Abstract: A method for use in a wireless communication device, cellular telephone, pager or personal digital assistant (PDA) is shown in which Caller ID data originating from the public switched telephone network or other caller identifying data is received in a paging signal and compared to contact data stored in memory that is associated with actual or potential communicants. Contact data may be entered into a database in the wireless communication device using a detachable input interface, a touch display, a personal computer or a wireless receiver. The data may include name, telephone number, fax number, address, email, image, video or sound data. When a match is determined between the Caller ID or other caller identifying data contained in a wireless paging signal and at least one database record recorded in memory, images or other information associated with the communicant are displayed or annunciated at the wireless device.

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

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

Abstract: A telephone call management system and method are disclosed, allowing for call review where a voice mail message being recorded for a specific telephone may be played on a television associated therewith during the time it is being recorded. Optionally, the call may further be retrieved and rerouted to the user telephone responsive to a command entered via the television distribution gateway, and any call may be recorded responsive to commands entered via the gateway.

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

Abstract: Contact data in a phonebook database for a personal communication device are remotely updateable from, or transferable between, a computer system using a wireless radio frequency connection. New contact data, and changes or updates to existing contact data, are input at the computer system or the personal communication device and may be utilized in the personal communication device to initiate contact with other communicants. Contact data including name, telephone number, address, sound or image information associated with actual or potential communicants is transferred between a computer system and a personal communication device utilizing a wireless radio frequency connection. The personal communication device can be a cellular telephone, PDA or pager, and may also include interfaces for local programming of contact data from a removable keyboard.

Abstract: This specification relates to a method for providing information about a caller before the call is completed. The invention comprises a method for intercepting a telephone number from a phone line or phone system, searching a database for information associated with that phone number and displaying the information on a computer screen, such that a person may see the information before the phone is answered. This provides immediate access to information related to an incoming or outgoing call to an individual without the need to manually search for the file.

Abstract: Pictures are transmitted to a wireless picture phone with caller ID from a message originator and used by the message recipient to identify who is to sending the picture. In one embodiment the pictures are sent to a message center along with the caller ID of the message originator, with a caller ID and picture transmitted from the message center to the picture phone. The picture message may be encrypted, compressed or encoded. Additionally, the received caller ID may be used by the message recipient to place a call to the message originator using a cellular or wireless network.