Abstract: Systems and methods for volume control over intercom trunk lines. One example method includes receiving, from a first keypanel coupled to a first intercom, a call request identifying a remote keypanel coupled to a second intercom. The method includes transmitting a trunk request based on the call request and receiving a trunk setup message. The method includes activating a first crosspoint to provide a two-way audio connection between the first and second intercom devices. The method includes applying a trunk gain value to the first crosspoint based on the remote keypanel and transmitting, with an audio gain based on the trunk gain value, an audio stream received from the first keypanel. The method includes receiving, from the second intercom, a gain adjustment value associated with the first keypanel and the remote keypanel and applying an adjusted trunk gain value to the first crosspoint based on the gain adjustment value.

Abstract: According to various disclosed embodiments, a method for setting a date and time by an electronic device may include: displaying a user interface that includes a plurality of time points arranged at regular intervals along a circumferential direction in an edge area of a substantially circular dial and including a date change point, a first icon positioned at a first point among the plurality of time points, and a second icon positioned at a second point among the plurality of time points; receiving an input for at least one of the first icon and the second icon; displaying movement of the at least one of the first icon and the second icon on the plurality of time points based on the received input; and displaying a date and time corresponding to a movement direction and movement location of the at least one of the first icon and the second icon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.

Abstract: A system, method, and desktop mobile information provider for unifying mobile devices with provisioned endpoints. In one illustrative embodiment, a user's mobile device can receive a mobile event. The mobile device can then transmit the mobile event to either a private branch exchange directly or through a unified communications server. The mobile event can then be displayed to the user's private branch exchange provisioned endpoint, and in one embodiment, the provisioned endpoint being a private branch exchange desk phone. The mobile event can be displayed to the provisioned endpoint using text, light emitting diodes for message waiting indicators, audible tones, or graphics if the desk phone supports it. The provisioned endpoint can provide a response mechanism when a mobile event is received. Often, the mobile event can be a live call whereby the user at their provisioned endpoint can respond to the call without the use of the mobile device.

Abstract: A network communication apparatus equipped with an auto-shutdown function, which is improved in the convenience of a user concerning auto-shutdown control performed in a case where the apparatus is connected to a telephone line. The network communication apparatus includes a network port for connecting to the telephone line, and communicates with an external apparatus via the telephone line. Shutdown processing for stopping power supply to the apparatus is executed when a time period set by a user elapses without receiving a user's operation. If to cause the shutdown processing to be executed is selected by the user, and also connection of the network port to the telephone line is detected, the user is notified that the auto-shutdown cannot be executed.

Abstract: A system and method for carrying a downstream optical signal and an upstream optical signal on a fiber optic link is disclosed. The system and method includes a first transceiver unit that receives an input communication signal from at least one external communication device at an electrical input port, a transmitter that converts the input communication signal into an optical signal and transmits the optical signal as an downstream optical signal on a fiber optic link, a receiver at the second transceiver unit that receives the downstream optical signal and converts the downstream optical signal into an electrical communication signal, and a first circuit in the second transceiver unit that determines whether the second transceiver couples the electrical communication signal to a two wire intercom circuit or a four wire intercom circuit.

Abstract: A method for notifying a call involving a terminal connected to a domestic gateway, the setting up of the call involving the passage of a signaling flow through the domestic gateway, the method comprising a step of receiving a message signaling acceptance of the call, comprising the steps of: determining at least one terminal connected to the domestic gateway and not being involved in the call, and sending a call-in-progress notification message to the at least one terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed that enable a caller to specify a condition of availability for a return call when the caller is unable to reach the called user. A condition might indicate a time interval in which the caller is willing to accept a return call, a location, or some other constraints. In the illustrative embodiments, when a caller places a call and is unable to reach the called user, the caller is prompted via an interactive voice response (IVR) system for one or more conditions of availability for a return call. As soon as the called user's terminal becomes available, a software application checks whether the condition of availability is satisfied, and if so, establishes a call between the caller's terminal and the called user's terminal.

Abstract: A method for generating a ring tone for a given caller based on a prior conversation with that caller. A portion of a conversation with a given caller is recorded and stored in memory as a ring tone. When a subsequent call is received from the same caller, identified by caller ID, the ring tone is played, alerting the user to the incoming call as well as the context of their prior communication. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a prior textual or video conversation is used as the basis for a ring tone, and/or the ‘ring tone’ is delivered by other than audio means. The invention is capable of implementation in telecommunications systems such as cellular, local exchange, and VOIP, and in combination with other forms of internet-based telecommunication.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, method and article to perform vibration tone differentiation are described. The apparatus may include a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device may comprise a messaging client. The messaging client may receive an incoming message sent to the mobile computing device. The messaging client may parse communication information from the incoming message. The messaging client may determine a priority level of the incoming message from the communication information. The mobile computing device may also comprise a motor controller. The motor controller may retrieve a vibration sequence associated with the priority level and instruct a vibrate motor to vibrate according to the vibration sequence. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for generating a ring tone for a given caller based on a prior conversation with that caller. A portion of a conversation with a given caller is recorded and stored in memory as a ring tone. When a subsequent call is received from the same caller, identified by caller ID, the ring tone is played, alerting the user to the incoming call as well as the context of their prior communication. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a prior textual or video conversation is used as the basis for a ringtone. The invention is capable of implementation in telecommunications systems such as cellular, local exchange, and VOIP.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a user's preferred device with a notification of an incoming communication for one of a plurality of a user's devices. Notification of an incoming communication is provided to the user's preferred device via a communications service. The communications service receives, from a data or voice network, information representing an incoming communication intended for one of a plurality of a user's devices. The service then provides a notification of the incoming communication to the user's preferred device.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes an output device configured to output a ringing tone, a vibrator configured to generate vibration, and a first controller configured to detect a missed call indicating that an incoming call response operation is not performed, and a second controller coupled to the first controller. The second controller is configured, if the first controller detects the missed call, to notify a missed call notification at predetermined time intervals by at least one of the ringing tone output from the output device and the vibration generated by the vibrator, the missed call notification indicating that a response operation for the missed call is not performed.

Abstract: To address a time related problem with mobile station ringtones, such as sleep disturbing ringtone generation, a mobile station may be configured to offer the user an option or feature such as might enable programming of ringtone settings as a function of one or more time periods. When the feature is selected, it allows the user to program settings configuring the device to adjust one or more controllable parameters of ringtone for incoming calls and/or incoming messages based on current time in relation to the time program settings. For example, the user might set different ringtone settings for different time slots for each day and/or different time slots on certain days of the week.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting alert tone information among communicating wireless devices to identify a speaker in a push-to-talk system. A predefined set of alert tones is stored in a wireless device, and when a user presses a push-to-talk button on the wireless device, the wireless device displays a list of predefined alert tones to the user to select. After the user selects an alert tone, the wireless device transmits an alert tone code associated with the selected alert tone to a server for relaying to every wireless device in a push-to-talk communication group. When a receiving wireless device receives the alert tone code, it retrieves an alert tone corresponding to the alert tone code from the predefined set and plays the alert tone to the user of the wireless device.

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: Methods are provided for preventing the delivery of undesired voicemails, which may occur when a voicemail is being left for a given user, and the given user calls back the user currently leaving the voicemail. An incoming call is received while a communications device is facilitating a recording of the voicemail. A voicemail system is instructed to prevent the voicemail from being delivered and also to terminate a suspended call corresponding to the recording of the voicemail. The incoming call is connected.

Abstract: A cellular mobile telephone apparatus has circuits for generating messages, a storage circuit for storing messages, and transmitter/receiver circuit for transmitting a message. When the user of the cellular mobile telephone apparatus cannot immediately respond to an incoming call, a desired one of a plurality of previously generated and stored messages can be transmitted to a calling party through simple key manipulations or by other means.

Abstract: A cellular mobile telephone apparatus has circuits for generating messages, a storage circuit for storing messages, and transmitter/receiver circuit for transmitting a message. When the user of the cellular mobile telephone apparatus cannot immediately respond to an incoming call, a desired one of a plurality of previously generated and stored messages can be transmitted to a calling party through simple key manipulations or by other means.

Abstract: A system for providing multimedia ring back for a voice-call. The system may include an MMRB for VC control module and a network access module operatively connected to the MMRB for VC control module. The network access module is adapted to interface the MMRB for VC control module with external network components. The MMRB for VC control module is responsive to an indication that a caller is inviting a callee to join the voice-call with the caller and wherein the caller and/or the callee is subscribed to an MMRB for VC service for invoking an MMRB for VC service.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a server apparatus includes a memory which stores a control table respectively showing correspondence relations between user ID of the first data terminal and listener information indicating that the first data terminal is in operation in a pseudo manner, when the first data terminal contained in the call information event is out of operation, and a controller which refers the control table based on the user ID of the first data terminal, when the first data terminal which is out of operation is started, and establishes a communication connection between the first data terminal and the second data terminal based on a reference result.

Abstract: A communication system has a main device capable of communicating with a destination station through a line and at least one subsidiary device connectable to the main device. The main device includes an operating state signal transmitting system that transmits an operating state signal representing that the main device is currently performing a predetermined operation when the main device receives, from the subsidiary device, a communication request signal requesting a communication from the subsidiary device through the line, while the subsidiary device includes a first notifying system that notifies that the main device is performing the predetermined operation when the subsidiary device receives the operating state signal from the main device.

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 telephone system communicating through a plurality of external telephone lines includes base phones connected to respective ones of the plurality of telephone lines and a cable connected so as to allow communication among a plurality of terminals. Each base phone includes a dual-line adaptation function unit for establishing communication through the plurality of telephone lines and a single-line adaptation function unit for establishing communication through a telephone line connected to the base phone itself. Any one of the dual-line adaptation function unit and the single-line adaptation function unit is selectively enabled in response to an external operation. Therefore, the single base phone attains a function as a single-line-adapted model establishing communication through the telephone line connected to the base phone itself or a multiple-line-adapted model establishing communication through the plurality of telephone lines.

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: A system and method for monitoring a premise in case of an emergency and enabling 2-way voice communications with an individual at every possible location within the monitored premises. The system utilizes a radio frequency 2-way wireless communication link from a centrally located Base Alarm Control Unit on the premise to plurality of Remote Alarm Control Units situated throughout the premise. Remote Alarm Control Units relay the information received from the wireless remote transmitters to the Base Alarm Control Unit thereby increasing the effective useful range of the wireless communication link. The same also establishes a 2-way voice connection between the Central Station operator and the individual who may be located at any possible location within the premise, thereby providing a much more effective handling of the emergency or alarm situation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing all the extensions connected to an enhanced Terminal Adaptor (TA) associated with a single phone number to place and receive phone calls independently are disclosed. For example, in the case of a call waiting scenario, if an extension is already engaged in an ongoing phone call, then the enhanced TA provides call waiting handling to the engaged extension similar to traditional call waiting when a subsequent incoming call is received. However, the enhanced TA also rings the remaining extensions that are not currently engaged in phone calls when the subsequent incoming call is received.

Abstract: To augment subtle indications of the line on which an incoming call is being received on a telephone terminal device capable of communication on a plurality of lines, an incoming call screen can be made more obviously line-specific by selecting an appropriate background color, pattern, image or combination thereof. An active call screen can also be made more obviously line-specific by selecting an appropriate background.

Abstract: Conventionally, when a mobile phone receives an incoming call and no response is made to the call, the user can only recognize the name or phone number of a caller, plus the incoming time, by the incoming call history list. Also, if no response is made to an incoming call in the call waiting function, the user cannot identify the caller later. The present communication apparatus displays an image of a caller of an incoming call to which no response has been made after reception of the incoming call ends. This makes it possible for the user to identify the caller by the image. Further, the present communication apparatus displays an image of a caller of an incoming call in the call waiting function after the conversation ends. This enables the user to identify the caller later.

Abstract: A data communication system is disclosed which comprises: first terminal devices for transmitting contents and content provider identification data identifying the providers of the contents; a server device for receiving and storing the transmitted contents and content provider identification data; and second terminal devices which transmit user identification data to the server device, which receive and store the contents from the server device based on the user identification data, and which reproduce the stored contents upon detection of an incoming call. The server device stores first account information corresponding to the content provider identification data and second account information corresponding to the user identification data.

Abstract: A data communication system is disclosed which comprises: first terminal devices for transmitting contents and content provider identification data identifying the providers of the contents; a server device for receiving and storing the transmitted contents and content provider identification data; and second terminal devices which transmit user identification data to the server device, which receive and store the contents from the server device based on the user identification data, and which reproduce the stored contents upon detection of an incoming call. The server device stores first account information corresponding to the content provider identification data and second account information corresponding to the user identification data.

Abstract: A mobile telephone comprises a ringer to provide an audible alert of an incoming telephone call. The mobile telephone has a ringer schedule interface to receive a ringer control schedule. The ringer control schedule indicates times at which a parameter of the ringer is to change. The mobile telephone further comprises an integrated ringer controller to automatically change the parameter of the ringer according to the ringer control schedule.

Abstract: Compressed entertainment content such as audio or video or both includes additional aspects and operations associated their way. The compressed audio may be used to signal computers such as a telephone or reminder for an appointment. A melody line may be extracted from the audio, or the audio may be used exactly as it is. Another aspect stores traders within the entertainment content such as in MP3. Those traders are used to trigger the system to retrieve other parts of the content to be displayed at the same time that that particular part of the MP3 is being play. The content may include video or text, or maybe links to other content such as broadband content four times sensitive content. Another aspect describes encryption which is keyed to the disk ID to prevent playing oven illegally copied disk. Another aspect reads a specified amount of information then spins down the disk to conserve battery power.

Abstract: A communications network with user presence availability and a capability of locating call forwarded users or other users. Network stations display selection of do-not-disturb (DND) at other stations, e.g., by fluttering corresponding line keys. Network stations also may selectively display call forward locations, numbers for call forwarded stations or other designated user locations that may not normally be related to call forwarding.

Abstract: A key telephone system including (a) at least three telephones, and (b) a key telephone unit connected to the three telephones through at least three communication lines including at least one public switched line, the key telephone unit including (b1) at least three connection ports to each of which each of the telephones is connected through the communication lines, each of the connection ports having a predetermined number, (b2) a first unit which informs a first telephone of numbers of vacant connection ports and a number of the connection port to which a second telephone making a call to the first telephone is connected, when the first telephone makes a call, and (b3) a controller which connects the first telephone to one of the second telephone and a third telephone, based on the numbers of vacant connection ports and the number of the connection port to which the second telephone is connected.

Abstract: A method for operating an integrated communications system providing voice and data communications to a plurality of users and simulating a key system. An outside line appearance is provided on a telephone coupled to the system; the outside line appearance is associated with a predetermined outside telecommunications trunk and has associated therewith a button and a lighting implement. In response to activation of the button, a lighting condition of the lighting implement is changed and a dial tone to the telephone by the integrated system. Digits are entered by a user depressing keys on the telephone and collected by the system. Restriction rule are applied to determine if a telephone number dialed by the user is restricted, and if restricted an error tone is provided. Caller ID information may be determined for the user.

Abstract: Telecommunications customers must frequently utilize the facilities of many different telecommunications service providers in order to transmit data from one location to another. When a telecommunications customer encounters a network problem, that customer usually must navigate a complicated web of service providers and equipment owners in order to receive meaningful technical assistance from a human technician. The present invention is designed and intended to facilitate human interactions for technical support and administrative tasks by associating customer, contract, circuit, equipment, key personnel, billing, and telco information in a database for efficient data presentation and information retrieval. Resolution of the logistical problem of tracking circuit information is achieved by organizing the information and displaying important data concurrently.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a mute status reminder is provided for a communication device.

Abstract: Each of multifunctional telephones has a common hold button for accepting a hold/hold release instruction of a communication partner (extension) under transfer communication; a central processing equipment controls each part of a private branch exchange so that the transfer communication partner concerned is held in accordance with a hold instruction from a multifunctional telephone under transfer communication; the information of a hold target (extension) is registered into a hold information registration area; in accordance with a hold release instruction from a multifunctional telephone holding a communication partner, the information of the communication partner specified by the instruction is searched from the hold information registration area; and the holding of the communication partner specified by the searched information is released to connect the communication partner to the multifunctional telephone concerned, whereby the communication partner (extension) under transfer communication can be held

Abstract: A method and supporting apparatus for an executive phone patch is disclosed. An administrative assistant uses a first phone line to communicate with a first party, places first party on-hold, and establishes a connection with a second party. Once the second party is on the line, the two lines are connected together and the assistant is isolated from the conversation.

Abstract: A switch based feature that allows subscribers to adjust their incoming or outgoing audio signal strength. The value of the transmit or receive pad values on the subscriber line card are adjusted to control the strength of the audio signal transmitted to, or received from, the network. The subscriber controls the feature by sending a hook flash to the switch, entering the DTMF keypad feature code and transmit or receive volume parameters, and then returning to the call.

Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for recognizing connection requests at an analog subscriber line in which a number of subscriber terminal devices such as an analog telephone and an MSFM modem, are connected in parallel, set up and clear down connections are enabled independently of one another. For this purpose, a first threshold valve and a second threshold value are defined for the loop current in the subscriber line. A connection request can be respectively initiated by one of the subscriber terminal devices by means of closing its cradle switch. When the cradle switch of this first device is thus closed, the loop current exceeds the first threshold value, and when the cradle switch of a further device for initiating a connection request is also closed, the loop current exceeds the correspondingly defined second (higher) threshold value. As a result of these threshold value transgressions, the connection requests can be recognized and processed independently of one another.

Abstract: At least one MULAP line in a communication installation is controlled and/or monitered using an application. To simplify the combination of MULAP lines and CTI applications, or to allow it at all, each MULAP line has an associated MULAP call number, and a plurality of terminals can access these MULAP lines, each of the MULAP lines having a respective associated terminal as master terminal. First, the application sends an order for a MULAP call number to the communication installation. The communication installation then converts the MULAP call number into the terminal call number of the master terminal associated with this MULAP line and carries out the order for this terminal call number, all messages relating to MULAP line being sent as those associated with the master terminal from the communication installation to the application as messages associated with this MULAP call number.

Abstract: The invention provides a key system unit comprising a first interface suitable for connection to a plurality of local terminals and a control unit coupled to the first interface. The control unit is operative for receiving a user data signal from the first interface and routing the user data signal toward a selected destination. The control unit has a registry for storing status information, the status information including a local segment and at least one remote segment, the local segment providing a representation of the functional status of the key system unit, the remote segment providing a representation of the functional status of a remote key system unit. The information in the registry can be displayed on a display screen on a local terminal to provide the user with system status information on the local key system unit and the remote key system unit.

Abstract: A method of providing call charge information in a mobile telecommunications system. The method comprises maintaining in a home mobile telecommunications network a set of call charging algorithms which correspond to respective foreign mobile telecommunications networks. The algorithms are transferred periodically to respective foreign networks, wherein the transferred algorithms may be used by the receiving foreign networks to calculate call charge information for subscribers of the home network when they are roaming in the foreign networks.

Abstract: A network-based intercom system and method comprises software and the necessary portions of a computer network on which it is implemented. The software includes a dispatcher portion to be installed on any of the computers of the network, and an intercom module portion to be installed on each of the participating computers in the system. The system has the advantage that it can be installed on non-dedicated computers, thus avoiding costly and inconvenient wiring and hardware installation. The system provides automatic message receipt without unnecessarily interrupting a recipient. This is achieved by signaling that a message has been sent by an assigned audible tone that is unique to the addressee. Thus, the recipient becomes aware that he or she has automatically received a message. The message is displayed in a banner on the addressee's computer monitor for selective viewing based on an order of priority.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to transmit a speakerphone active indication signal to another party over a telephone line upon use of a speakerphone feature, and to transmit a speakerphone inactive indication signal upon cessation of the speakerphone feature. A speakerphone indication transmit module provides an audible or data signal relating to the activation or inactivation of a speakerphone feature to a receiving party's telephone system, which either audibly confirms use of the speakerphone at the opposite end, and/or displays a speakerphone active indication, e.g., on an LED or LCD display. The speakerphone indication active and inactive signals can be, e.g., a single tone, a DTMF tone, FSK signaling, or ADSL signaling.

Abstract: An on-hook EOH indicating telephone includes a parallel set detector, an EOH signal detector, and an indication module to activate a configurable audible and/or visual alert indicating that another telephone is off-hook and should be hung up. The audible alert may be a unique ringing of the otherwise conventional ringer (e.g., every 5 minutes, at a unique cadence or frequency, etc.), or may be an audible tone output from the speaker of the on-hook EOH indicating telephone. The visible alert may be, e.g., a text message on a display of the on-hook EOH indicating telephone, a blinking, flashing, etc. of an LED, or other visible attention getting technique. When the central office presents the extended off-hook (EOH) notification signal to the desired telephone line, the invention-equipped telephone detects a parallel set in use, and then listens for the EOH signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a telecommunications system having separate switch fabric and switch intelligence. The system comprises a switch fabric, a switch intelligence, and a feature processor. The switch intelligence is logically separated from the switch fabric and comprises a switch fabric proxy, a facility service, a connection manager service, and a call segment instance service. The switch fabric proxy is coupled to the switch fabric via a vendor-specific first Application Programming Interface (API). The switch fabric proxy supports a second API, which is common across all vendors, representing functions supported by the switch fabric. A facility instance, which is instantiated by a facility service using a facility model, represents the bearer and signaling facilities of a party to a call, and interacts with the switch fabric proxy via the second API to communicate with the switch fabric.

Abstract: A signal monitoring apparatus and method involving devices for monitoring signals representing communications traffic, devices for identifying at least one predetermined parameter by analyzing the context of the at least one monitoring signal, a device for recording the occurrence of the identified parameter, a device for identifying the traffic stream associated with the identified parameter, a device for analyzing the recorded data relating to the occurrence, and a device, responsive to the analysis of the recorded data, for controlling the handling of communications traffic within the apparatus.