Abstract: Multi-factor authentication techniques are used to verify an identity of an audio-only caller requesting to join a video-enabled virtual meeting. A request for an audio-only caller to join a video-enabled virtual meeting is received from a phone device of the audio-only caller, in which the audio-only caller is using the phone device to call into the video-enabled virtual meeting. An authentication request is transmitted to the phone device to verify an identity of the audio-only caller. A response to the authentication request is received from the phone device and includes an authentication code generated based on the request for the audio-only caller to join the video-enabled virtual meeting. The identity of the audio-only caller is then verified using the authentication code and information associated with the phone device, and the request for the audio-only caller to join the video-enabled virtual meeting is allowed or denied based on the verification.

Abstract: Filtering incoming calls according to predicted preferences of a user. User preferences are predicted by analysis of user behavior, online activity, oral queues, and purchasing history. Data analysis includes weighting caller and user attributes according to a scheme that is dynamically updated by applying user feedback and/or machine learning processes.

Abstract: A universal phone number service and method of providing a universal phone number service that allows a user to receive phone calls on any phone service with a single phone number. A telephone is disclosed that is associated with more than one phone number and a universal phone number, wherein any phone call placed to the universal phone number results in the call being completed to the telephone regardless of the service associated with the more than one phone number.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a grey list for controlling incoming calls from numbers on a telephone network. Information associated with previous calls received by the telephone is stored in the form of a grey list. The stored information includes an indication of whether each of the previously received calls passed a previous challenge. Based on the stored information, when an incoming call is received, a determination is made whether the incoming call corresponds to a call that passed a previous challenge. The incoming call connected to the telephone if the stored information indicates that the incoming call previously passed a challenge. An action is taken if the stored information does not indicate that the incoming call previously passed the challenge. The action may include blocking the call, allowing the call or providing a current challenge to the call.

Abstract: An authentication system to validate the authenticity of call center agents by using a reverse authentication procedure. The authentication system includes a verification module that verifies the authenticity of agents calling from the call center. The verification module retrieves reference answers in response to the user-provided query questions from a media server. The media server may be located inside the enterprise network. These reference questions and their corresponding reference answers are provided by users when registering with the enterprise network.

Abstract: At least one instance of an application is launched in a set of software containers that are distributed among a set of virtual machine instances. A set of measurements corresponding to resource utilization by a software container of the set of software containers is obtained and a timestamp is generated for the set of measurements. The set of measurements is aggregated, with other sets of measurements corresponding to the set of software containers for the application, into a set of aggregated measurements grouped in a time window group, based at least in part on the timestamp, and, as a result of fulfillment of a condition, the time window group is outputted.

Abstract: In a simulation apparatus (100), a selection unit (101) repetitively selects context information individually generated for each of a plurality of cores and indicating an instruction to be executed by a corresponding one of the plurality of cores. A simulation unit (102) simulates execution of the instruction indicated by the context information of a core during a period from when the context information of the core is selected by the selection unit (101) till when the context information of another core is selected by the selection unit (101). An adjustment unit (103) refers to definition information (251) to individually define a length of the period for at least one or some instructions.

Abstract: A communication system is described in which a NATed IP address of a home base station is communicated to the home base station by a home base station gateway or a mobility management entity. In one embodiment, the gateway or the mobility management entity receives the NATed IP address from a security gateway that is used to establish a secure tunnel with the home base station through an IP network.

Abstract: An application associated with a remote device executes logic to receive, from a remote system, data identifying a plurality of compromising entities, identify an incoming communication initiated by the remote device, and identify information regarding a source of the incoming communication. Additionally, the logic determines an entity associated with the source of the incoming communication and determines that the entity associated with the source matches at least one of the plurality of compromising entities based on comparing the data identifying the plurality of compromising entities and the entity associated with the source of the incoming communication. In addition, the logic generates a signal configured to block the incoming communication.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a message management method comprising an interception process for intercepting a first message sent to a device of a user; an estimation process for estimating a level referred to as the “user interruptibility level” representing the extent to which the user can be interrupted in their current activity; an estimation process for estimating a level of importance of the first message; and a processing process for processing the first message as a function of the user interruptibility level and of the importance level of the first message.

Abstract: A method for indicating authorized authentication media for a vehicle including detecting a key authorized for the vehicle via a first interface; ascertaining the authentication media that are authorized for the vehicle; and outputting an indication if, on the one hand, the key authorized for the vehicle was detected previously and if, on the other hand, at least one authentication medium was ascertained in the course of the ascertaining step, wherein the vehicle communicates with the authentication media via a second interface, which differs from the first interface. Also disclosed is a device and vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transitioning and updating machine instructions from a first system with an older/initial component(s) to a second system or platform with one or more different components and new or modified operations or functions are provided. Embodiments enable improved obsolescence/configuration management and customization of the older/initial system's machine instructions (MI) to a target application/platform with new or modified capabilities. One exemplary system enables processing binary tape tracks for linear flash media over a universal serial bus (USB) to a personal computer (PC) card interface. User interfaces are provided for editing MIs to insert/modify functions or capabilities of obsolete MIs, e.g. binary tape tracks that are customized for a system with obsolete component(s) (e.g. tape drive), transferring data to/from a newer component (e.g. a linear flash media).

Abstract: A videophone system includes a processor which selectively sets a television (TV) broadcast program viewing function mode and videophone function mode in response to manual operation of a remote control, a decoder which performs, in the TV program view mode, a TV program-use decode function for decoding a broadcast program signal received from a TV tuner to thereby display it on a display screen while producing audio sounds by loudspeakers and which performs, in the videophone function mode a videophone-use decode function for decoding a videophone signal received from a distant party to thereby display on the screen an image of the distant party using the screen and speakers, and an encoder which performs a videophone-use encode function for encoding a video signal from a camera and a voice signal from a microphone to generate a videophone signal, which is sent to the distant party via a network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing fraudulent transaction processes. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for performing fraudulent transaction processes that may include receiving an indication that a payment transaction has been identified as potentially fraudulent, the payment transaction involving a payment account associated with a user. The method may also include receiving a candidate voice print and comparing the candidate voice print to a user voice print that is associated with the payment account. The method may further include determining, based on the comparison, whether the candidate voice print matches the user voice print, and providing an indication whether the candidate voice print matches the user voice print, the indication configured for use to determine whether to approve or deny the payment transaction.

Abstract: An authentication system to validate the authenticity of call center agents by using a reverse authentication procedure. The authentication system includes a verification module that verifies the authenticity of agents calling from the call center. The verification module retrieves reference answers in response to the user-provided query questions from a media server. The media server may be located inside the enterprise network. These reference questions and their corresponding reference answers are provided by users when registering with the enterprise network.

Abstract: A device may determine a set of network traffic monitoring parameters associated with identifying a packet for capture. The set of network traffic monitoring parameters may identify a particular protocol layer at which to perform packet capture. The device may configure packet capture and protocol layer state determination based on the set of network traffic monitoring parameters. The device may perform packet capture of the packet at a time when the packet is received at a protocol stack associated with the particular protocol layer based on configuring packet capture and protocol layer state determination. The device may determine a protocol layer state at the time when the packet is received at the protocol stack based on configuring packet capture and protocol layer state determination. The device may provide information identifying the packet and/or the protocol layer state.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for recommending broadcasting contents by using a multimedia contents reproducing device, the method including the operations of generating a user list about one or more second users related to a first user; displaying the user list on a screen of the multimedia contents reproducing device; selecting at least a third user from among the one or more second users in the user list; and transmitting a recommendation message to the third user, wherein the recommendation message is related to recommending a first broadcasting content currently being watched by the first user, or a second broadcasting content selected from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG).

Abstract: A system for authenticating the identity of a caller (i) receives a phone call from a caller, where the phone call is initiated through an application on a remote computer device associated with the caller, and where the phone call includes one or more phone authentication credentials; (ii) determines a preliminary identity of the caller based upon the one or more phone authentication credentials; (iii) receives online authentication credentials from the application on the remote computer device; (iv) determines a confirmed identity of the caller based, at least in part, upon the one or more online credentials and the preliminary identity of the caller; and (v) displays the confirmed identity of the caller to a user answering the phone call. As a result, the user and/or the system do not need to perform additional authentication before providing service to the caller.

Abstract: A method of providing a mobile application service on a user equipment based on composing a plurality of services supported by service platforms executing in a backend of a communication network. The method comprises receiving a request for a content service from a mobile application executing on a user equipment (UE) by a mobile application framework (MAF) and verifying the request for the content service by the MAF through a communication service provider platform, wherein the communication service provider platform completes verification in part by invoking a service of the MAF. The method further comprises completing a payment transaction for the content service by the MAF through messaging a payment platform, wherein the payment platform iteratively invokes services of the MAF and ordering the content service delivery by the MAF through messaging a content provider platform, wherein the content provider platform iteratively invokes services of the MAF.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for deterring unsolicited calls are described for deterring unsolicited telephone calls that include a service provider searching and determining that the originating telephone number is in a no-call list, and based on this determination, prohibiting the call from terminating (i.e., connecting with the destination telephone number). Penalties may also be imposed against callers (e.g., solicitors) for no-call violations. Various embodiments provide methods and systems that do not depend on the CallerID (which could be spoofed or might be unavailable) in order to identify the offending party of an unsolicited call or text message (i.e., originating entity), and to block the unsolicited call or text message.

Abstract: A videophone system includes a processor which selectively sets a television (TV) broadcast program viewing function mode and videophone function mode in response to manual operation of a remote control, a decoder which performs, in the TV program view mode, a TV program-use decode function for decoding a broadcast program signal received from a TV tuner to thereby display it on a display screen while producing audio sounds by loudspeakers and which performs, in the videophone function mode a videophone-use decode function for decoding a videophone signal received from a distant party to thereby display on the screen an image of the distant party using the screen and speakers, and an encoder which performs a videophone-use encode function for encoding a video signal from a camera and a voice signal from a microphone to generate a videophone signal, which is sent to the distant party via a network.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed for screening an inbound telephony call to a called party. At a communications server, an inbound telephony call intended for a called party's telephone number is received and checked against a whitelist database and a blacklist database. When the caller ID of the inbound call matches a telephone number contained in the blacklist database, the communications server automatically routes the call to a voicemail system or spam folder associated with the called party's telephone number. When the caller ID of the inbound call matches a telephone number contained in the whitelist database, the communications server determines whether the called party is available to receive the call. Otherwise, when the caller ID of the inbound call does not match a telephone number contained in either the whitelist database or the blacklist database, the communications server prompts the caller for additional information.

Abstract: A universal phone number service and method of providing a universal phone number service that allows a user to receive phone calls on any phone service with a single phone number. A telephone is disclosed that is associated with more than one phone number and a universal phone number, wherein any phone call placed to the universal phone number results in the call being completed to the telephone regardless of the service associated with the more than one phone number.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for managing and disabling phone ring tone profiles, the system comprising: a storage system comprising (a) a plurality of ringtones adapted to be activated when an incoming call is made; (b) at least one list of identified callers to execute at least one data processing system, said at least one data processing system comprising: an acquiring module operable to read an identifier of said incoming call or an incoming message; a detecting module operable to detect if the identifier exists in said at least one list in the system, to determine the caller from said list, and to detect how many incoming calls have been made within a predetermined period of time and a disabling module adapted to either activate or disable said ringtones.

Abstract: Audible alerts are suppressed for subsequent calls from a calling address. An initial audible alert is processed for an initial call from the calling address. Subsequent audible alerts from the same calling address are suppressed, such that subsequent calls from the calling address may fail to alert. Visual alerts may still be processed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for managing termination of an active communication session in a wireless communication device. A processor of the wireless communication device may receive an instruction to terminate a communication session. The processor may determine whether an emergency communication status of the wireless communication device indicates that the communication session should not be terminated. The processor may block the instruction to terminate the communication session in response to determining that the emergency communication status indicates that the communication session comprises an emergency communication session.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting the loss, theft or unauthorized use of a device and/or altering the functionality of the device in response. In one embodiment, a device monitors its use, its local environment, and/or its operating context to determine that the device is no longer within the control of an authorized user. The device may receive communications or generate an internal signal altering its functionality, such as instructing the device to enter a restricted use mode, a surveillance mode, to provide instructions to return the device and/or to prevent unauthorized use or unauthorized access to data. Additional embodiments also address methods and systems for gathering forensic data regarding an unauthorized user to assist in locating the unauthorized user and/or the device.

Abstract: A system for managing message volume and timing, which permits first and second messages to be spaced apart over time, with the pacing controlled in part by a characteristic of the second message. The system sends the first message to an intended recipient. The system determines a separation based on a pacing algorithm and sends the second message to the recipient according to the separation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for providing cease and desist call flagging. The system, method, and computer program product are configured to provide a user interface for reporting cease and desist requests associated with a plurality of customers; receive, via user input into the user interface, a cease and desist request associated with a customer having at least one account maintained by an entity, wherein the cease and desist request specifies at least one rule to be implemented when contacting the customer; and automatically terminate contact to the customer on behalf of the entity based at least partially on the at least one rule specified in the cease and desist request.

Abstract: A networking system may comprise a web site serviced by a web server assembly. The web site may generally comprise a combination of the following components: a crediting system, a chat bidding system, a performance bidding system, a telephony switching system, a media interaction system, a display system, a photo management system, and a messaging system. An exemplary embodiment of the chat bidding system may comprise a plurality of common user accounts, a queue, and a featured user account. Common users of the common user accounts may pose tasks to the featured user, and may make a pledge for each task. The tasks may be stored in, and sorted by, the queue based on their pledges. A featured user of the featured user account may be presented with a highest ranked task in the queue, and may choose to respond to the task or to skip the task.

Abstract: An approach that provides presence driven notification to a subscriber when a business process automation chain requires manual intervention is provided. In one embodiment, there is a notification tool, including a routing component configured to transmit a message to the subscriber based on data gathered relating to subscriber presence, location and preferences.

Abstract: To maximize efficiencies and to reduce termination costs of inter-carrier exchanges, an auto-dialer detection system enables an inter-carrier network switch to detect, in real-time or in near real-time, calls that are originated by auto-dialers. A call router of the switch may receive an incoming call attempt that includes a particular Automatic Number Identification (ANI). The auto-dialer detection system allows for a real-time or near-real time determination, based on the ANI and contents of a cache during a sliding window of time coincident with the reception of the origination, whether or not the call should be routed through the switch. Further, the auto-dialer detection system provides a real-time or a near real-time update to the cache contents to enable further real-time or near-real time detection and blocking of auto-dialed calls. Overrides to the cache (e.g., to always allow and/or to always block calls that include certain ANIs) may be provided.

Abstract: A videophone system includes a processor which selectively sets a television (TV) broadcast program viewing function mode and videophone function mode in response to manual operation of a remote control, a decoder which performs, in the TV program view mode, a TV program-use decode function for decoding a broadcast program signal received from a TV tuner to thereby display it on a display screen while producing audio sounds by loudspeakers and which performs, in the videophone function mode a videophone-use decode function for decoding a videophone signal received from a distant party to thereby display on the screen an image of the distant party using the screen and speakers, and an encoder which performs a videophone-use encode function for encoding a video signal from a camera and a voice signal from a microphone to generate a videophone signal, which is sent to the distant party via a network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a non-revealing do-not-contact list system in which a do-not-contact list of one-way hashed consumer contact information is provided to a set of one or more entities. The set of entities determine whether certain consumers wish to be contacted with the do-not-contact list without discovering actual consumer contact information.

Abstract: A system for proactive intrusion protection comprises a memory operable to store data identifying a plurality of compromising entities, comprising at least one of a device identifier or a contact identifier, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to receive, from a remote application associated with a remote device and with the system, information regarding a source of the incoming communication. The processor is further operable to determine an entity associated with the source of the incoming communication and to determine that the entity associated with the source matches at least one of the plurality of compromising entities based on comparing the data identifying the plurality of compromising entities and the entity associated with the source of the incoming communication. Furthermore, the processor is operable to send to the remote application a signal configured to block the incoming communication.

Abstract: Techniques for overlaying a custom interface onto an existing kiosk interface are provided. An event is detected that triggers a kiosk to process an agent that overlays, and without modifying, the kiosk's existing interface. The agent alters screen features and visual presentation of the existing interface and provides additional alternative operations for navigating and executing features defined in the existing interface. In an embodiment, the agent provides a custom interface overlaid onto the existing interface to provide a customer-facing interface for individuals that are sight impaired, and the method further comprises injecting non-visible tags into screen definitions for the existing interface that are recognized only by the agents to handle exception conditions and actively ignored by the existing interface.

Abstract: A system for conducting a telephonic speech recognition application includes an automated telephone device for making telephonic contact with a respondent and a speech recognition device which, upon the telephonic contact being made, presents the respondent with at least one introductory prompt for the respondent to reply to; receives a spoken response from the respondent; and performs a speech recognition analysis on the spoken response to determine a capability of the respondent to complete the application. If the speech recognition device, based on the spoken response to the introductory prompt, determines that the respondent is capable of competing the application, the speech recognition device presents at least one application prompt to the respondent.

Abstract: Multimedia communication systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary system comprises a server adapted to communicate with two or more multimedia endpoints; and a MCU adapted to communicate with the at least one server and the multimedia endpoints, wherein the server contains a module for instructing the multimedia endpoints to call a dial number for the MCU to establish a multimedia conference in response to a requested list of multimedia endpoints received from one of the multimedia endpoints. An exemplary method for establishing a multimedia conference comprises receiving at a server from a first endpoint a requested list of second endpoints desired to participate in the multimedia session; reviewing at the server the status of the second endpoints; and if the status of a particular second endpoint is an available status, instructing at least some of the available second endpoints to call a dial number for a MCU to participate in the multimedia conference.

Abstract: A method for automatically switching subscriber mode through identifying IMSI includes, when a cell phone is turned on, determining if a first IMSI is consistent with a pre-stored second IMSI. If the first IMSI is determined to be consistent with the second IMSI, the cell phone enters a subscriber mode corresponding to the second IMSI. If the first IMSI is determined to not be consistent with the second IMSI, the first IMSI is matched with a third IMSI of an IMSI list pre-stored in the cell phone; when the first IMSI is determined to be consistent with the third IMSI, the cell phone enters a subscriber mode corresponding to the third IMSI. Thereby, the cell phone quickly and efficiently completes identifying an IMSI and automatically switches subscriber mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns telecommunications methods and systems, and more particularly methods and systems for enabling respondents, who may be potential customers, to respond to advertisements for items (goods or services) advertised by or on behalf of advertisers. Telecommunications methods and systems of the invention provide selective communication routing or forwarding to advertisers of communications made to anonymous contact identifiers selected from a pool of anonymous contact identifiers, each anonymous contact identifier able to be allocated to an item to be advertised by or on behalf of the advertiser. The anonymous contact identifier is a public telephone number or an email address, for example. The service is provided by way of hosted system for use by a plurality of advertisers.

Abstract: A system for managing message volume and timing, which permits first and second messages to be spaced apart over time, with the pacing controlled in part by a characteristic of the second message. The system sends the first message to an intended recipient. The system determines a separation based on a pacing algorithm and sends the second message to the recipient according to the separation.

Abstract: A method and system of establishing a conference call between end users provides initiating a request for at least one invitee to participate in the conference call. The request message is received on a first device prior to time the conference call is scheduled to begin. The message includes a hyperlink which may be activated to autonomously dial a number through the wireless device and connect with a conference call service provider. The conference call may be further accessed by satisfying one or more parameters necessary to enter the conference call. A communication link may be established between the at least one wireless device and the conference call service provider to begin the conference call via one or more autonomous conference call access operations.

Abstract: A method for filtering a telephone call is provided. The method may comprise receiving from a caller the telephone call directed to a communication device associated with an intended call recipient. The received telephone call may be scored based on predetermined scoring criteria to create a score indicative of a desirability of the telephone call. Furthermore, the method may comprise comparing the score to a predetermined threshold score. Based on the comparison, the method may further comprise selectively classifying the telephone call as an unwanted telephone call. Furthermore, the method may comprise selectively rejecting the unwanted telephone call.

Abstract: A system for implementing inquiry callback and information update services including a computer system having a miss call solution database. The computer system is configured to intercept an incoming call from a caller inquiring about a service, identify and log information corresponding to the caller, terminate the incoming call without interacting with the caller, and provide a miss call solution from the miss call solution database to the identified caller. The miss call solution including information corresponding to the service.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that transforms the typical voicemail interaction into one in which the client does not feel that their voice messages could be easily ignored. Instead of being prompted in the traditional manner to simply leave a message, the client is asked to choose from a list of available times, each representing a potential time for the service provider to call the client back. The system is aware of both the service provider's calendar appointments and the times that they have made available for client appointments. Once the client chooses a time slot, the service provider's calendar will be updated with the new appointment details. When that time arrives, the provider's calendar system will alert them of their impending appointment and they will be reminded to telephone back their client at the scheduled time.

Abstract: This invention relates to an audio caller communication system, an audio callee communication system, a shares connection server and method of initiating a call signal between or connecting an audio caller communications system with an audio callee communications system through a communications channel via a shared connection server, the method comprising initiating a call signal or connecting the at least one audio callee communication system with at least one audio caller communication system through the communications channel via the shared connection server as a function of at least one callee position of the audio callee communication system and; and at least one caller position and/or at least one caller orientation of the audio caller communication system. The caller system, the callee system and the shared connection system are configured to perform such method.

Abstract: A computer system detects an external media device and determines the external media device contains authentication data for the computer system. In response, a first password is generated based on an identifier unique to the computer system. A prompt is displayed for a second password obtained from a service provider. The second password is received through an input device. The computer system provides access to the service account if the second password matches the first password.

Abstract: A computer system detects an external media device and determines the external media device contains authentication data for the computer system. In response, a first password is generated based on an identifier unique to the computer system. A prompt is displayed for a second password obtained from a service provider. The second password is received through an input device. The computer system provides access to the service account if the second password matches the first password.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying and implementing an intelligent call screening and handling system are described. Rather than relying on inline solutions or proprietary interconnects at the carrier level as is the case in the prior art, one aspect of the claimed invention is to use existing functionalities of PSTN infrastructure including for instance simultaneous ring and call forwarding to create a call screening and handling system that is simple to deploy and substantially transparent to the user.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes outputting a dial tone from a call block system. The dial tone indicates to a calling party that a call block feature is enabled for a party. The computer implemented method includes storing messages for the party when the call block feature is enabled.