Abstract: A dynamic telephone-call screening system detects indications of the character for incoming calls as a basis to determine acceptance. Calls that are identified and indicated to be undesirable, as from a facsimile machine, may be categorically screened on the basis of character. Calls identified to be from an undesired terminal also are recognized and screened. Indications of undesired character calls and undesired calling terminal are stored for reference testing. Upon receiving an undesired call, its character and source may be stored for future reference.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing configurable caller ID information are disclosed. A communications service includes a caller ID configuration function. The communications service controls packetized call data, and outbound caller ID options are configurable via the caller ID configuration function.

Abstract: A communications network-based system and service is disclosed. The service permits subscribers to control and manage incoming telephone calls. Subscribers can establish preferences for how calls will be handled by a communications network if the calls are received by while the subscriber in connected to an information network. The service also notifies a subscriber of a calling party's call based on whether preselected or predesignated preferences of the called party correspond to identifier(s) of the calling party.

Abstract: A method for management of call tones (tones that a caller hears when they call a party) is described which is particularly suitable for use by wireless telephones. The management of call tones can by performed off line. The method includes a step of: a) downloading a call tone and associated identification data to the wireless telephone (e.g., downloaded from a call tone website); b) establishing, on the wireless telephone a correlation between the call tone identification data and a contact entry stored in memory on the wireless telephone; and c) transmitting a message from the phone to a network server that includes the correlation established in step b). Subsequently, when a telephone associated with the contact entry calls the wireless telephone the call tone is provided to the calling telephone.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information is invalid or can not be provided, even when the called party connects to the network by private trunk group facilities. In one disclosed embodiment, a trunk group trigger associated with the called communication station is encountered, launching a termination attempt query. If standard caller identification information can not be provided for the calling party, the call will be routed to a privacy service to obtain the audible caller identification information.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of providing security for a conference call. The invention identifies a conference call participant as opposed to identifying a caller's telephone. The invention allows the host to selectively include or exclude specific conference call participants. The additional security is accomplished through the use of two computer programs: a host program and a caller program. In the host program, each participant selects a personal user ID and passcode. The host then selects the conference call participants from a database and enters any participation restrictions. In the caller program, the callers call into the conference calling center and attempt to access the conference call. The caller is connected to the conference call only if he enters the correct conference call ID and passcode as well as his authorized user ID and passcode. The host may then restrict the participant as indicated in the host program.

Abstract: Within an interactive voice response system, a method of automatically disambiguating results presented to a user can include determining the identity of a user within an interactive voice response session, receiving user inputs specifying selections in an interactive voice response menu hierarchy, and storing historical information specifying the user selections within a profile associated with the identity of the user. For at least one subsequent input from the user, identifying the historical information associated with the identity of the user and using the historical information to reduce a number of possible selections in the interactive voice response menu hierarchy which are presented to the user.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for time based regulation of access to callees are provided. An authenticated identity of a caller placing a call is preferably detected. Then, a communication link from the caller to a callee is only attempted if the authenticated identity of the caller is allowed access to the callee according to a schedule associated with an identity of the callee.

Abstract: Method and system for managing incoming telephone calls in which each incoming call is associated with a telephone number. A time constraint, a telephone use status, and a treatment option to associate with a priority code of a selected telephone number are selected. The priority code is assigned to each selected number based on the selected time constraint, telephone use status, and treatment option. If a number associated with an incoming call is a selected number, the priority code assigned to the selected number associated with the incoming call is determined based on the period of time at which the telephone receives the incoming call and based on the telephone use status during the time at which the telephone receives the incoming call. The incoming call is then managed according to the treatment option associated with the priority code assigned to the number associated with the incoming call.

Abstract: A method for signaling an incoming call received at a telecommunications terminal, a telecommunications terminal and a network unit that signals an incoming call at the telecommunications terminal depending on the urgency of the incoming call. The incoming call is signaled at the telecommunications terminal only when an urgency value transmitted together with the incoming call exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A profile management system is provided for accessing and maintaining profile data associated with a telecommunications service subscribed to by a user. The profile data is stored on a telecommunications network which executes the telecommunications service subscribed to by the user in accordance with the profile data. The profile management system includes a client and a server. The client hosts a user interface allowing the user to view and update the profile data. The server processes user requests from the client to view and update the profile data by obtaining the profile data from the telecommunications network and forwarding the profile data to the client. The server also processes user requests from the client to update the profile data by forwarding user updates of the profile data from the client to the telecommunications network.

Abstract: An away from home calling service allows users to use telephones other than their home telephone as if they were using their home telephone. When traveling away from home, subscribers access the service and are prompted to provide authentication and validation information, as well as call completion information. The away-from-home calling service obtains the services provisioned on the subscriber's home telephone line and completes the call according to the subscriber's home services.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for setting user communication parameters for a voice communication between a calling party and a called party, whereby at least one of the calling party and the called party include at least a first user and a second user. In the present invention, after a voice communication is established between the parties, a user communication parameter of the first user is set if the first user is determined to be a registered user in accordance with the first user's identification. If the first user passes the communication to the second user, the communication parameter is changed to that of the second user by determining the second user's identification. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for setting user communication parameters based on priority information of the users if the first and second users are in the communication simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of alerting a user of a variable bit rate communication between a first terminal and a distant terminal over alternative networks including a circuit switched network and a packet network permits the user the opportunity to change alerting preferences from a remote location or locally and to predetermine instructions for a calling party.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Six exemplary methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information is invalid or can not be provided, even when the called party connects to the network by private trunk group facilities. In one disclosed embodiment, a trunk group trigger associated with the called communication station is encountered, launching a termination attempt query. If standard caller identification information can not be provided for the calling party, the call will be routed to a privacy service to obtain the audible caller identification information.

Abstract: A method of validating a passcode in a telephone network comprises using a hash function to hash the directory number of a subscriber to a passcode-controlled service and comparing an entered passcode with the output of the hash function. Each subscriber to a passcode-controlled service is provided with a passcode that is equal to the hash of their directory number produced by a predetermined hash function, and that predetermined hash functions is provided to the various components of the network that may need to validate the subscriber's passcode. Each component of the network is thus able to validate the passcode without performing a database lookup.

Abstract: A method for automatic input and transmission of a pass word when using a telephone set permits a simple pass word input by using only one pass word button when different pass words are used for various service fields or operations mode. The method for input and transmission of pass words can include performing a set-up-mode by using the single pass word button and storing different telephone numbers and pass words for the telephone numbers, dialing one of the telephone numbers, and pressing the single pass word button if a message requiring pass word input is received (e.g., output by the dialed telephone number upon connection). Preferably, automatic transmission of the pass word for the dialed telephone number is performed responsive to the pass word button in off-hook operations, and entry of telephone numbers, which require pass words, and each corresponding pass word is performed responsive to the pass word button in on-hook operations.

Abstract: A presence device operable in a first mode and a second mode is associated with a communication device. In the first mode, a user using the presence device is biometrically authenticated and a presence confirmation input is received from the communication device. In the second mode, a user-entered log-in input is received from the communication device. A central presence database is updated to indicate that the communication device is active for the user. A received message which is to be routed to the user is sent to the active device indicated by the central presence database.

Abstract: In a Computer Telephony Integration environment, a method of, and system for, registering the identity of a telephone terminal in association with the identity of a computer terminal, in which a host computer requests a user, via a screen display on the computer of his workstation, to declare the number of the telephone which he wishes to be registered in association with his computer. When the user answers a call made to that telephone from the CTI-enabled PBX by command of the host computer (the CTI server of the registration system) and dials or speaks a codeword, this is received at the PBX and reported to the host computer, and the telephone is registered as associated with the computer terminal provided that the reported codeword matches the codeword provided to the user.

Abstract: A method to validate a payment method for a sale via the Internet includes communicating selection data to a remote user terminal wherein the selection data provides the user with an option to select an ANI capture mechanism. The ANI capture method may include one or more of receiving a user-initiated communication, and initiating a communication with a telephone line number associated with a valid billing telephone number. The invention extends to transaction processing system and to merchant network equipment and transaction processing equipment.

Abstract: A system for monitoring incoming communications to a telecommunications device. The system includes a switch and a service control point in communication with each other. The switch is for detecting an incoming communication to the telecommunications device from a calling party, wherein the switch is in communication with the telecommunications device by a first communications link. The service control point is for receiving a first message from the switch regarding detection of the incoming communication and for sending a second message to a data communications device, the second message containing information regarding the calling party, wherein the service control point is in communications with the data communications device by a second communications link.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information is invalid or can not be provided. In one disclosed embodiment, the Caller ID information must include a valid number of digits and a valid area code. If the Caller ID information is not valid, a calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information.

Abstract: A system and method of directing calls is disclosed for a telephone network having remote locations. The remote locations receive incoming calls and attempt to route the calls using a basic call director. If the remote location cannot route the call, then data, such as a recorded spoken utterance, is provided to a central system. The central system then attempts to automatically determine how to route the call using the data from the remote location. If the central system is unable to automatically determine the routing information, then the data is provided to an operator who attempts to determine how to route the call. Finally, a caller can be connected directly to the operator, if the operator is not able to determine routing information from the provided data alone.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that includes a method and apparatus for automatically barging-in on telephone calls. When a first party is talking to a second party, a third party may be automatically connected to the first party and the second party given an option to hold or leave a voice mail message. In addition, when a first party is connected to a stored information service provider, a third party may be automatically connected to the first party and a bookmark is set in the stored information. If the call between the first party and the third party does not exceed a predetermined time limit, the first party may resume the stored information service from the location of the bookmark.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and system are disclosed for verifying the authenticity of a user before providing the user with a desired service. The process involves first receiving a request from the user. Next, a question set is fetched corresponding to the user. The question set concerns information of a private nature that someone with rightful access to the desired services should know. The question set has at least one question and a possible answer or list of possible answers corresponding to the question. The question is then transmitted to the user along with the possible answer(s). After receiving a response from the user, a record is made whether the response correctly identified the possible answer as being correct or not. Finally, after the number of questions transmitted to the user reaches a predetermined number, a determination is made whether the number of incorrect responses exceeds a certain limit.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention completes at least two calls originating from terminal equipment located at a premises and connected by a point-of-attachment having a single phone number to a public switched telephone network where a dial tone is provided to the premises. Multiple calls are now allowed with an analog interface to the public switched telephone network. At least two calls and control channel are combined into a modulated analog signal having a separate channel for each call and transmitted through a modulation/demodulation device as a modulated analog signal to the public switched telephone network. The modulated analog signal is split into respective calls and control channel. Each call is forwarded to a respective remote device based on the identity information and auxiliary information received through the control channel.

Abstract: A telecommunications network includes local switches, main switches and local access lines. A switching unit which takes the form of a computer with switching capability is connected to the local switch on a channel ISDN link. In order to provide a private circuit between two local access lines, each of these local access lines is connected at the customer's end to an automatic answering device which is connected to a telephone instrument. The following operations are then performed by a user who may be a customer or a network operator. The user calls the switching unit from a telephone instrument connected to any one of the local access lines. The user then enters a user identifier and, using the keypad on the telephone instrument, instructs the switching unit to form a private circuit between the two local access lines. The switching unit then calls each of the two local access lines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing real-time position information of one party to another party by utilizing a conventional telecommunication network system such as the convention telephone network, a mobile telecommunications network, a computer network, or the Internet. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention allow a caller and a receiver of a telephone call to provide to and receive from each other position information related to the caller and/or receiver's physical location, including address information, GPS coordinates, nearby fixed locations such as a parking structure, etc. Additionally, the preferred embodiments of the present invention allow a caller and receiver to retrieve routing instructions or maps for traveling to or from each other.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a remote user of a portable device by using the portable device to encode sound corresponding to the identification of the remote user. The sound is received by a microphone external to the portable device and converted to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is transmitted to a processing device, that may be remote to the microphone, where the electrical signal is processed and the identification of the remote user is completed.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging telecommunication service information between a telecommunication service provider and a telecommunication service customer include electronically receiving a request in a predefined format to establish an interactive session with a telecommunications customer, determining whether the telecommunications customer is authorized for electronically exchanging information and continuing only if the customer is authorized, parsing the request to identify information related to at least one telecommunications service offered by the telecommunications services provider, the telecommunications service having an associated identification code, determining whether the requested telecommunications service is available in a particular location, and automatically generating information associated with the requested telecommunications service and transmitting the information using the predetermined format to the customer.

Abstract: A communications network and method for screening incoming circuit switched calls directed to a mobile terminal operating in packet switched mode. The communications network includes a circuit switched network and a packet switched network. A called party uses the mobile terminal to transmit to the packet switched network a screening list containing at least one listed phone number. The packet switched network uses the screening list to inform the called party whenever an incoming circuit switched call of a calling party has a phone number matching anyone of the listed phone numbers.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for processing incoming calls in a communication system. The system intercepts incoming calls preventing communication with a target device for which the incoming call is intended. The system prompts the initiator of the incoming call to input a unique access code. Upon receiving the unique access code from the initiator of the incoming call, the system passes the incoming call to the target device. When the unique access code is not provided by the initiator of the incoming call, the system prevents the incoming call from reaching the target device.

Abstract: The network control system, servicing a long distance carrier switching office, is provided with a caller's automatic number identification (ANI) when a calling party calls a called party. Using a database, a processor of the network control system determines call type characteristics of the telephone call based on the received ANI for wireless and land-line telephone calls. The network control system then returns either an index or routing information to the long distance carrier switching office. After the ANI is screened by the network control system, subsequent call processing takes place in the long distance carrier switching office.

Abstract: A system and method that provides specialized processing based on the source of the communication and/or type of communication being made. The system includes at least one user device connected to at least one network through a communications link. The network includes a specialized processor that has access to at least one database and which determine the source and/or type of communication being made. The database stores information necessary for identifying the appropriate processing for the type of communication. The specialized processor performs the appropriate specialized processing based on the source and/or type of communication and the information obtained from the database. The method according to the invention includes automatically determining the source and/or type of communication being made.

Abstract: An interface to a voice mail system includes a message review area from where messages are played to a subscriber and a settings area. The message review area is immediately accessed when the subscriber enters the voice mail system. The settings area is accessed from the message review area when the subscriber enters a predetermined command. Settings features are sequentially accessed from the settings area. Functions directly available from the message review area are also provided.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention attempts completion of one call, while at least one call is in progress, between terminal equipment and a telecommunications network where the terminal equipment is connected by a point-of-attachment having a single phone number to a public switched telephone network where a dial tone is provided to the premises. Multiple calls are now allowed with an analog interface to the public switched telephone network. At least one call and control channel are combined into a modulated analog signal having a separate channel for each call and transmitted through a modulation/demodulation device as a modulated analog signal to the public switched telephone network. The modulated analog signal is split into respective calls and control channel. Each call is forwarded to a respective remote device based on the identity information and auxiliary information received through the control channel.

Abstract: A communication device (such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, portable computer, or other similar device) is provided with a special privacy mode for use when a user desires privacy. Upon receiving a call from a caller, the communication device immediately provides to the caller a greeting, indicating that a user of the communication device desires privacy. However, if the caller needs to immediately contact the user, the caller enters a privacy mode code to override the privacy mode, and the call is then completed and the user is signaled (e.g., the communication device rings or vibrates). Otherwise, if the caller enters no privacy mode code, the call is then routed to a message system and the caller is allowed to leave a message for the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for causing custom ID information to be presented at a second communication device upon a communication from a first communication device. For example, a custom caller ID service which enables a caller to present a personal caller ID rather than the caller ID of the phone from which they happen to be calling. The invention has application outside telephony as well, such as, for example, in internet and instant messaging.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention completes at least two calls originating from terminal equipment located at a premises and connected by a point-of-attachment having a single phone number to a public switched telephone network where a dial tone is provided to the premises. Multiple calls are now allowed with an analog interface to the public switched telephone network. At least two calls and control channel are combined into a modulated analog signal having a separate channel for each call and transmitted through a modulation/demodulation device as a modulated analog signal to the public switched telephone network. The modulated analog signal is split into respective calls and control channel. Each call is forwarded to a respective remote device based on the identity information and auxiliary information received through the control channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for customized call processing based on voice identification of users. In the present invention, each user is registered as a user of a user device in a user profile database. When a user activates the user device and speaks into the audio receiver of the user device, a voice input message is sent to a customized service processor. The voice input message includes a header that contains an identifier that identifies the user device. The customized service processor searches the user profile database for the entry(s) corresponding to the identity of the user device. Once found, the customized service processor extracts voice pattern features from the received voice input message and compares the extracted voice pattern features against the pre-stored voice pattern features for each of the registered users of the user device.

Abstract: A method for providing personal information which can overcome the duplication and redundancy of personal information and regional limitation, includes building a Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) information database, a personal information database, and a destination information database in a Service Control Point (SCP), to provide the personal information to CTI destination terminals in an intelligent network; transferring, by a Service Exchange Point (SSP), a calling line identification (CLI) and a dialing number (DN) to the SCP when an originating subscriber dials, retrieving a personal information and a destination information from said databases, and transferring the CLI and the retrieved personal information and destination information to the SSP; and providing, by the SSP, the CLI and the personal information to the destination terminals.

Abstract: Personal dial tone service is used to identify the user of a subscriber line to a telephone terminal and, based on that identification, the system and method dynamically configures that line with the personal profile of that user. Such a line is used in a roaming situation to provide voice mail service to the roamer through an emulation of the roamer's home voice mail interface. The emulation is accomplished by storage at the home locale of the roamer of object oriented script associated with both executable and non-executable data duplicating or emulating executable and non-executable data in the roamer's home voice mail system. The script directs the running of the executables using the non-executables at the roaming central office to provide to the roamer at that remote office voice mail service using virtually the same interface as the interface to which the roamer is accustomed at his home locale.