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 that facilitate a commercial data platform that enhances the interaction between a dialer and receiver during a voice call by simultaneously delivering and tracking data content that promotes ongoing commerce and interactions between these parties. One such system includes first and second interaction managers on a dialer device and a receiver device that transmit first and second sets of interaction data to a database during a call. A server obtains receiver content data from the database using the receiver identifier, transmits the receiver content data to the dialer device, obtains dialer content data from the database using the dialer identifier, transmits the dialer content data to the receiver device, and stores data from both the first set of ID and the second set of ID in the database in association with both the receiver identifier and the dialer identifier.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that facilitate a commercial data platform that enhances the interaction between a dialer and receiver during a voice call by simultaneously delivering and tracking data content that promotes ongoing commerce and interactions between these parties. One such system includes first and second interaction managers on a dialer device and a receiver device that transmit first and second sets of interaction data to a database during a call. A server obtains receiver content data from the database using the receiver identifier, transmits the receiver content data to the dialer device, obtains dialer content data from the database using the dialer identifier, transmits the dialer content data to the receiver device, and stores data from both the first set of ID and the second set of ID in the database in association with both the receiver identifier and the dialer identifier.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a point of sale (POS) application development method and a cloud server, which are configured to realize development and deployment of an application through the cloud server so as to shorten the development cycle of the POS application. The method of the embodiment of the present invention includes: by a cloud server, receiving and saving application project data transmitted from a web client; by the cloud server, processing the application project data and obtaining an application package; by the cloud server, performing signature processing for the application package and obtaining a signed application package; by the cloud server, transmitting the signed application package to a POS so that the POS realizes an corresponding application based on the signed application package. Another embodiment of the present invention further provides a cloud server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing call verification to prevent voice phishing, comprising: receiving a call request from a service provider to establish a call with a client device associated with the client of the service provider; verifying the identity of the service provider; transmitting a notification to the client device that includes an indication that an incoming call is from a verified service provider; receiving verification information about the client; verifying the identity of the client; and establishing the call between the service provider and the client after both the identity of the service provider and the identity of the client are verified.

Abstract: To increase the accuracy of identification of nuisance calls, a list generation device acquires, as input data, at least one of information included in second history information and an evaluation value stored in a user evaluation database. The list generation device calculates a nuisance level for a telephone numbers of each caller based on a factor determined by the acquired input data. The list generation device compares the calculated nuisance level with threshold to generate shared list including the telephone number of the caller who makes an incoming call identified as a nuisance call.

Abstract: A system is provided to restrict the ability of a spammer to freely contact an entity over a communication channel. To do so, the system reconfigures a communication channel used to contact the target entity such that the system can intercept a communication from a source contacting entity en route to the target entity. The system extracts an identifier (e.g., contacting entity's telephone number) from the communication and uses the identifier to query a database storing information about the contacting entity. The information reveals the contacting entity's industry, occupation, credibility, etc. From this information, the system automatically identifies the contacting entity as a spammer, potential spammer, or non-spammer. The system performs a default screening of the communication based on the classification. Alternatively, the target contacted entity can specify a configuration for different actions the system takes to screen the communication based on the source contacting entity classification.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to an apparatus, method, and a computer program configured to connect a translator located in a remote area to a conference holding area, and also connect a customer and customer service representative to the translator in order for the translator to translate between the customer service representative and the customer, when the customer services representative determines that a translator is needed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for sharing data between devices. As an example, a method for exchanging information between a phone and at least one other device includes: obtaining from a remote server a unique identifier that uniquely identifies the phone; establishing a session ID (identifier) between the phone and the other device via first communication channel; and communicating data from the phone to the remote server via a second communication channel along with the session ID, wherein the other device is configured to access the data from the remote server using the session ID.

Abstract: A method comprising directing a user equipped with a user's phone to a landing page in response to a call request to a call server communicatively coupled with a dynamic number insertion service (“DNIS”) provisioning server is disclosed. The user may be presented with an offer visible on the landing page such that the offer may be associable with the user's IP address. A user record may be created such that the user may be identifiable through a plurality of unique identifiers. A dynamic DNIS may be provisioned using the DNIS provisioning server such that a called ID associable with the landing page may be generated and the dynamic DNIS may be dialed such that the called ID may be captured. The user record may be matched using the dynamic DNIS and the dynamic DNIS may be released for re-use.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify parents of child activities. A child's device stores rules that prohibit certain activities. When the child's device attempts a prohibited activity, a message is sent to a notification address associated with the parent. The message, for example, may be sent to the parent's cell phone. The instant message describes the prohibited activity.

Abstract: This private branch exchange includes a first communication portion acquiring connection target specifying information related to a connection target from a portable terminal, a second communication portion allowing telephone communication between a fixed telephone corresponding to the portable terminal and the connection target, and a control portion making a call to the connection target on the basis of the connection target specifying information and ringing the fixed telephone corresponding to the portable terminal from which the connection target specifying information has been acquired.

Abstract: A system and methods through which incoming calls to and/or outgoing calls from a telephone can be controlled. The present invention utilizes an authorized caller list to determine whether an incoming call should be connected, and a similar list to determine whether an outgoing call should be connected. The present invention can also facilitate the use of new telephone user interfaces, including by iterating through telephone numbers associated with a contact, until communications with the contact are established.

Abstract: A wireless device may include logic that enables the wireless device to interface with the external computing device. The wireless device may also include rule logic to direct handling by the external computing device of call events of the wireless device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of associating first data identifying a first party with second data to allow future recognition of the first party, including the steps of: conducting a telephone call with the first party; storing second data derived from the telephone call with the first party, the second data being different to the first data and characterizing a feature of the first party to allow future recognition of the first party; and associating the first data with the second data.

Abstract: Unwanted calls are detected by determining all calls which are unverified by prior prompting the caller to provide data, such as “press 5 to be connected” or “say ‘proceed’” before being allowed to connect. Once connected, the called party may indicate that the call was/is unwanted and should be disconnected. Then, the call is disconnected from the called party while being maintained with the switch. The call is also recorded in embodiments of the disclosed technology, with the audio therefrom, or audio signature, being used to detect future unwanted calls. The detection of future unwanted calls may further be modified or determined based on association of called parties to each other, which, additionally, may be used to change the threshold of closeness of audio signatures between calls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for authenticating an Internet Protocol (IP) phone and a user of the IP phone by determining whether the IP phone is an authorized device, and whenever the IP phone is authorized and a trigger condition occurs, determining whether the user of the IP phone is authorized. The user authorization process initiates a call to the IP phone, sends a request for a passcode to the IP phone, sends a message to disable the IP phone whenever the passcode is invalid, and terminates the call. The user authentication process uses an in-band channel and the IP phone does not run a two factor authentication client application during the authentication process.

Abstract: Subscription profile data is managed. The subscription profile data is associated with a communications service. A user interface is sent to a hosting client for a user to obtain access to and make changes to subscription profile data. A request to retrieve the subscription profile data is received from the client. The subscription profile data is retrieved from within a communications network in response to the request to retrieve the subscription profile data. A request to update the subscription profile data is received. An update for the subscription profile data is forwarded so that the communications service is implemented in the communications network in accordance with the update.

Abstract: By incorporating into the voice prompt response at least one item of private information, the caller knows that the IVR system providing the response is controlled by the trusted institution. Thus, when the caller does not hear the expected response, the caller is alerted to the fact that someone is masquerading as the trustworthy entity and the caller can then refuse to provide the desired information.

Abstract: Providing non-voice capabilities relating to a phone call at a computing device includes receiving a request to begin a telephone call from a first telephone to a second telephone, wherein the requesting is performed using messaging between computing devices connected via a computer network, and wherein the messaging is part of a signaling phase dialog. The signaling phase dialog may be used in providing information associated with the identity of parties of the telephone call. Commencing a call phase dialog between the computing devices may be performed after the telephone call is established over the public switched telephone network. The call phase dialog may allow messages relating to the telephone call to be passed between the computing devices, at least while the telephone call is in progress. The dialogs and messaging may be performed using session initiation protocol (SIP) or another computer communication protocol.

Abstract: Data processing and communications devices are configured to generate, using command signals received from at least one user input device, a signal set representing a meeting request, the meeting request signal set comprising signals representing one or more parameters for a proposed meeting and configured for causing a second data processing and communications device to initiate a voice call on receipt of command signals representing a response to the meeting request; and forward the generated meeting request signal set to the second data processing and communications device.

Abstract: A first network device receives a message that identifies a relationship between a wireless user device and a client device, the relationship is to allow for caller identification information, for calls associated with the wireless user device, to be sent to the client device. The first network device stores the information identifying the relationship. The first network device receives caller identification information for a call associated with the wireless user device. The first network device determines to send the caller identification information to the client device, based on the information identifying the relationship stored by the first network device; and the first network device sends the caller identification information to the client device.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method includes presenting, at a first communication device, first location information after an incoming communication is answered. The first location information corresponds to a first location of the first communication device. The method further includes presenting updated first location information, at the first communication device, prior to the incoming communication being terminated.

Abstract: The present application relates to software on phones for displaying local times of distant parties as to allow users of the software to shape their behavior based on the social and business expectations related to those local times. Local times are retrieved by communicating with a directory number information service. The directory number information service can receive a user identifier from a phone application identifying a remote party. The service can retrieve a location of the remote party identified by the user identifier. The service can determine a local time of the remote party based on the remote party's location and provide the local time to the phone application for display. Social statuses can also be provided. The phone can create a call log for incoming calls made by remote parties. The calculated local time can be used for updating software on the phones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telephone call processing. In one embodiment, a call processing system receives from a caller a first call for a user, the first call including call signaling information. The call processing system determines whether the call signaling information includes caller identification information and whether the call signaling information indicates that the caller identification information is restricted. If the caller identification information is restricted, the call processing system instructs the caller to take a first action so that the caller identification information can be provided to the user. The call processing system determines whether the caller has performed the first action during the first call, and if the caller has performed the first action during the first call, the call processing system provides at least a portion of the caller identification information to the user.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for providing telephone number sharing services to subscribers over public switched telephone network or data network. The disclosed system maintains a bank of reusable caller identifiers (IDs). The system receives call details of a call from a subscriber of the system. The call details include a caller identifier (ID) preference of the subscriber and a called number corresponding to the called party. The system stores the call details in a database. The system determines whether the call from the subscriber is a first call to the called number. In response to the call being the first call to the called number, the system assigns a call ID from the bank of reusable caller IDs that satisfies the reusable caller ID preference of the subscriber, and connects the call to the called number along with the caller ID.

Abstract: When a call or message is received from an unidentified sender on the user's communication device, the caller identifier application launches a text-based messaging application and causes it to send an “invisible” text-based message to the user's contacts. The message includes the metadata (e.g., telephone number) associated with the call or message that the user received. The invisible message is a short message whose headers are programmed in a particular manner so that the receiving mobile phone acknowledges the receipt of the message and the receiving mobile phone displays no behavior perceptible by the user. When the invisible message is received by the corresponding caller identifier application on one of the user's contact's mobile phone, the application searches the contact's contact list maintained in his or hers contact application. If the metadata provided to the contact's mobile phone is located in the contact list, the contact details (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for tailored communication between at least two mobile clients. In the communications system, calling party data is conveyed from a library server to the called mobile client before a voice initiation message of the calling mobile client to the called mobile client. The called mobile client presents the tailored calling party data on the display of the called mobile client when the mobile client is alerting. Also the calling party may get from the library server the tailored data of the called party.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated conference call initiation are provided. In an embodiment, a system for providing automated conference call initiation includes at least one meeting server, at least one calendar server and at least one profile server. A conference call initiator then uses data on the calendar server, the profile server and the meeting server to automatically initiate a conference call. In another embodiment, a method for providing automated conference call initiation involves analyzing the data on a meeting server to determine meeting conditions of two or more users, and initiating a conference call between two or more users based on the meeting conditions.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus authenticates and protects an Internet Protocol (IP) user-end device by providing a client-based security software resident on the IP user-end device, authenticating the IP user-end device using the client-based security software and a network security node communicably coupled to the IP user-end device, authenticating a user of the IP user-end device whenever a trigger condition occurs using an in-band channel between the client-based security software and the network security node, and protecting the IP user-end device by: (a) screening incoming IP traffic to the IP user-end device using the client-based security software, and (b) detecting an attack or a threat involving the IP user-end device using the network security node.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a validation framework for validating commands for configuring entities in a telecommunications network are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for implementing a validation framework for validating commands for configuring entities in a telecommunications network. The method includes providing, to a first computing system, a validation configuration file containing at least one rule for validating, based on domain knowledge of a network entity, commands for configuring the network entity, wherein the validation configuration file is provided from a developer of the network entity. The first computing system receives data associated with a command for configuring the network entity, validates the received data using the at least one rule, and, responsive to validating the data, performs at least one action.

Abstract: Subscriber profile data is managed. The subscriber profile data is associated with a communications service subscribed to by a subscriber. A request to retrieve the subscriber profile data is received based upon a client sending a request for the subscriber profile data. The client hosts a user interface configured to allow the subscriber to obtain and update the subscriber profile data. The subscriber profile data is retrieved from the communications network in response to the request to retrieve the subscriber profile data. A request to update the subscriber profile data is received based upon the client sending a request to update the subscriber profile data. An update for the subscriber profile data is forwarded to the communications network based upon receiving the request to update the subscriber profile data.

Abstract: A communication session between a user of a communication network and a communication system is controlled. The communication network comprises a first network and a second network. The communication system operates on the first network. A session request packet is transmitted from a device of the user to a first node in the first network. The session is initiated with the communication system at the first node responsive to receiving the session request. During the session, a calling identity is provided from the first node to the device and used by the device during a communication event between the user and an entity. The calling identity is used to establish a connection between the device and a second node in the second network. The calling identity is associated with an address of the entity. Upon termination of the session, the calling identity is disassociated from the address of the entity.

Abstract: A system and method for providing location information is provided. The system may include a communication device. The communication device may include a communication interface to receive a notice of an incoming communication. The communication device may also include a display to display a representation of a present location of a calling party and to display a representation of a location of the communication device.

Abstract: A system and method for an enterprise includes a telephone device operable to receive an incoming call directed from a caller to a called party, the telephone device being shared among a plurality of persons within the enterprise. A software or hardware (firmware) module with code that runs on a PBX system of the enterprise authenticates a person answering the incoming call as the called party before connecting the incoming call to the telephone device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method and apparatus at an apparatus for handling an incoming call (2:7, 3:7, 4:7) originating from an anonymous calling party(100) where the anonymous calling party calling party(100) can be identified on the basis of a personal identity assigned to the anonymous calling party(100), wherein the personal identity is assignable to the anonymous calling party(100) after a personal identity has been assigned to the anonymous calling party in response to a manually or automatically initiated assignment instruction, but without requiring any interaction from the anonymous calling party(100). The suggested method and apparatus are applicable in any type of wireless or fixed communications network which enables a calling party to register as an anonymous calling party.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to operate a directory assistance call center based upon data stored in a directory assistance database and a line information database (LIDB). A caller can access a directory assistance call center to request phone listing information about a particular party. The directory assistance call center can send a query to a directory assistance database for the requested information. Moreover, if the requested information is not found, then the directory assistance call center can send a query to a LIDB or CNAM database provider. The LIDB or CNAM database provider can forward the query to a local LIDB or CNAM database and to other remote LIDB or CNAM database providers to find the requested information.

Abstract: A participant may join a conference call whenever a person specific attribute is read by an interrogator and verified as being authorized to participate in the call. The interrogator may be integrated into a telephone and manually activated or periodically activated. The attribute is an RFID tag, bar code, fingerprint, etc. Conference calls may be joined and rejoined when moving from room to room. Further, real-time participant lists may be accessed during the call and archived.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a calling party to a called party utilizing biometric information. Biometric information of first calling party is received. If stored, a calling party profile is retrieved based on first calling party biometric information. A call is placed to a called party. The first calling party profile is provided to called party. A biometric information change from first calling party biometric information to a second calling party biometric information is automatically detected, and it is determined whether the second party biometric information is stored. If stored, a second calling party profile of second calling party is retrieved and is provided to called party. Responsive to determining that the biometric information for second calling party is not stored, the called party is notified that the second calling party is communicating and the second calling party profile is automatically created based on second calling party biometric information.

Abstract: In a communication system comprising multiple networks, a system is provided for notifying a caller that a call destination who was initially unavailable is now available, involving subscribers of possibly different networks. The system, when installed in a network, can support destination availability notifications following failed call attempts in which at least one user is a user of the network, regardless to which network the other user subscribes.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing unwanted telemarketing calls may include storing a contact list for users of a telephone assigned to an associated telephone number. An incoming telephone call from a caller may be intercepted and a determination may be made as to whether the caller is in the contact list. In response to determining that the caller is in the contact list, the incoming call may be connected to the telephone assigned to the called telephone number. Otherwise, in response to determining that the caller is not in the contact list, the caller may be prompted with an audible message, and, in response to the caller responding to the audible message by entering a first response, the incoming call may be blocked from connecting to the called telephone. Otherwise, in response to a second response, the incoming call may be connected.

Abstract: A “customized” caller ID service platform is utilized within a telecommunications network (which may be the PSTN, an IP network, or any other network for supporting voice communication) to allow for the caller ID information transmitted to a called party to be tailored to the specific called party. A database within the platform is configured to store a listing of registered subscribers and a set of “pre-defined called numbers” associated with each subscriber. For each listed number, the subscriber provides the specific customized information (for example, an account number) that is to be transmitted to that specific called number as the caller ID information. A registered subscriber is able to gain access to the platform and modify the entries as need be.

Abstract: A system and method that provides a user with the ability to transmit confidential information to an IVR system in a secure manner includes invoking an interactive voice response (IVR) routine, the IVR routine determining each of the digits in the sequence by making successive queries and/or digit guesses. A user of the voice communication device need only make an affirmative response or a negative response to each query or digit quess. Once determined, each of the digits in the sequence is sent to the destination system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for routing telephone calls within a household. In the disclosed home call routing system, a head of the household or other person with administrative authority within the home can control the routing of telephone calls by establishing and modifying call system parameters such as call priorities, traffic times, caller identities, routing rules, etc. through a home computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for handling telephone calls which comprises: means for configuring the operation of the apparatus based on user preferences relating to the handling of calls from particular callers, means for storing the user preferences, means for processing incoming calls based on the user preferences, and means for receiving updates to the user preferences in dependence on changes to a preference database for storing the preferences of at least one user. The invention also relates to a telecommunications system, and to an associated server.

Abstract: A data store associates a first identity recognizable in a first network with a second identity recognizable in a second network for both a user and a calling entity. Both identities for the calling entity are provided to the receiving device via the second network. A node receives the communication event with the second identity for the calling entity, the communication event being addressed with the second identity of the user. The data store is queried with the second identities of the calling entity and user to determine the first identities of the calling entity and user. The receiving device receives the communication event with the first identity for the calling entity via the first network, the communication event being addressed with the first identity of the user. The receiving device determines the second identity of the calling entity using the first identity of the calling entity.

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: An application server that provides RBT treatment to a caller and simultaneously notifies the called party, as subscriber of the service facilitated by the present invention, of an incoming call, whereby the called party is able to select a treatment for the call to be presented to the caller based on input collected from the called party on a real-time basis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to telephonic phishing and provide a method, system and computer program product for preventing telephonic phishing. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for preventing telephonic phishing can be provided. The method can include receiving in a third-party validation service a request by an enterprise caller to establish a telephone call with a customer, validating the enterprise caller in the third-party validation service, and notifying the customer of whether or not the enterprise caller is legitimate or illegitimate.

Abstract: Data processing and communications devices are configured to generate, using command signals received from at least one user input device, a signal set representing a meeting request, the meeting request signal set comprising signals representing one or more parameters for a proposed meeting and configured for causing a second data processing and communications device to initiate a voice call on receipt of command signals representing a response to the meeting request; and forward the generated meeting request signal set to the second data processing and communications device.