Abstract: A phone call is selectively routed to a public switched telephone network or to a packet switched network based on a called number to which the phone call is directed. A phone call may be made as a Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol call through, for example, the Internet except when a user dials an emergency number, in which case the call is made to the public switched telephone network.

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: Processing a call from a calling party at a calling communication station to a called communication station includes detecting signalling information for the call, including determining whether standard caller identification for the calling communication station can be provided to the called communication station and detecting a privacy level selected by a called party at the called communication station. The call is routed in response to the signalling information and the privacy level. This permits management of privacy levels at the called communication station using the signalling information for the call.

Abstract: A dialed number of a called party is received from a calling party. Based on the dialed number, a name of the called party is retrieved from a database. An audio message which includes the name of the called party is generated and communicated to the calling party. A call is routed between the calling party and the called party after said communicating the audio message.

Abstract: A distributed telephone answering system has intelligence distributed to a plurality of workstations. Each workstation may connect to a plurality of long distance telephone networks. Also, each workstation is controlled by a central controller. A central resopurce such as a database of call context information may be accessed by each workstatin. A workstation may support one or more human users.

Abstract: There is provided a guidance information notification apparatus in a communication network system which enables improvement of convenience to a user by dispensing with a particular operation other than a normal origination operation required when a user obtains a guidance message in an understandable language such as a native language, with a terminal unit, and by enabling the user to receive support from a communication operator of the user's contract network even when a roaming service is provided. If an originator inputs a destination telephone number with a normal origination operation at a mobile telephone set 18, a guidance information notification apparatus 22-1 notifies guidance message information in a language associated with the origination telephone number to the origination mobile telephone set 18.

Abstract: In a CTI system an incoming call is alerted to the called user's list of users who have expressed a primary level of interest in that called user's incoming calls, and the call is routed by the PBX to a Voicemail system if, for example the call is not answered within a predetermined time. The Voicemail system plays an announcement inviting the caller to key “one” to have the call re-presented, and if that digit is keyed by the caller, the Voicemail system makes a call to a predetermined extension of the PBX. The PBX recognizes, e.g. by using call ID or DNIS, that the call received on that extension is a re-presented call, and alerts the called user's list of users who have expressed a secondary level of interest, with or without alerting the “primary” list users. A tertiary list of users who have expressed a tertiary level of interest in that called user's incoming calls may be used in the event that the call is routed to the Voicemail system for a second time and the caller again keys “one”.

Abstract: A technique for use in controlling routing of a call in a communications system is provided. In one embodiment of the technique, a call routing script is used. The script includes at least one call routing instruction that refers to a variable whose value is stored externally to the script. The value of the variable is determined by the system when the system executes the script for determining a destination for the call. The value of the variable is stored in a database, and the database is read to determine the value of the variable.

Abstract: A central directory system for a network of dial-up communication devices is described. In a preferred embodiment, the communication devices are videoconferencing devices. The system includes a directory management module coupled to the network and configured for importing and exporting directory information to and from a communication device. The directory information received by the management module can be grouped into address books by an access control module coupled to a database in which the address books can be stored. The access control module is further functional to manage access to the address books. Embodiments of the directory system provide systems and methods for providing intelligent dialing service to the dial-up communication device. A dialing algorithm determines a dialing sequence to connect communication devices through a network based on geographic dialing rules and information related to the requesting device.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically and seamlessly routing telephone calls across a telephone network. The system includes a telephone network interface box having a computer, a master file and client file stored in the computer. The master file is dynamically linked to the client file at routing time to produce a selected client location telephone number which is transmitted across the telephone network. In one embodiment, the system utilizes Automatic Number Identification to identify the calling party. The master file has a plurality of records having a telephone number and a spatial key and is updated frequently. The client file has a plurality of records having a spatial key and a client telephone number. Another embodiment utilizes a spatial coordinate of an instantaneous location of a caller's mobile device as an input to a real-time process which identifies one or more client service locations corresponding to the location of the caller's device.

Abstract: A CTI system in which a user's profile comprises a workgroup containing the names of other users in whose telephony status he is interested, e.g. whether they are free or busy. The user's client displays a respective icon for each of his workgroup members, the icon has a text/coloured fill section to denote that member's telephony status. When an incoming call is received, the CTI controller sends details of the incoming call to the called user and every user whose workgroup includes the called user. Thus, at the user's client, when an icon indicates that a member of his workgroup has an incoming call, the user clicks on the icon to preview the details of the incoming call. The profiles also contain a value in seconds for “Divert To Mail After”, and, on receipt of the incoming call, this value is retrieved from the called user's profile and sent as part of the details of the incoming call to the called user, and to every user whose workgroup includes the called user.

Abstract: Call management techniques are implemented using a call routing engine. In the invention the routing engine centrally controls a public network to facilitate implementation of post-routing call processing of a call. The call routing engine provides switching which makes the public network appear as under the control of a virtual switch. Control of the public network by the call routing engine appearing as a virtual switch may implement post-routing call processing of telephone calls.

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: An audible confirmation system automatically and seamlessly outputs an audible name of a call recipient to a calling party. This audible confirmation system is preferably configured to audibly identify the call recipient to the calling party prior to the call recipient and the calling party communicating with each other. The audible confirmation system preferably includes a text to speech converter coupled to an intelligent network architecture having at least one calling name database. The audible confirmation system allows the calling party to audibly identify the call recipient to the calling party without any input from the call recipient and without using any special equipment such as a display screen by the calling party. The audible confirmation system is especially useful when the call recipient does not have voice mail service and is not available to receive a call.

Abstract: A central directory system for a network of dial-up communication devices is described. In a preferred embodiment, the communication devices are videoconferencing devices. The system includes a directory management module coupled to the network and configured for importing and exporting directory information to and from a communication device. The directory information received by the management module can be grouped into address books by an access control module coupled to a database in which the address books can be stored. The access control module is further functional to manage access to the address books. Embodiments of the directory system provide systems and methods for providing intelligent dialing service to the dial-up communication device. A dialing algorithm determines a dialing sequence to connect communication devices through a network based on geographic dialing rules and information related to the requesting device.

Abstract: A telephone service method and apparatus for providing a business advertisement to a caller of a telephone, comprising receiving a request for line connection from a phone of a caller, determining an identifier of the phone of a called party for which line connection is requested, judging whether the identifier of the called party is registered in a management table linking called party identifiers and business advertisements, and, when judging that the identifier of the called party is registered, sending a business advertisement linked with that identifier from business advertisements stored in a content database to the phone of the caller.

Abstract: A method for augmenting communications between called and calling parties with context information helps either or both parties decide whether and how to accept or initiate a communications event.

Abstract: A method and exchange unit in a telecommunication system for differentiated treatment of calling subscribers special calls includes separating from normal calls according to information contained in the dialed number, i.e., the routing number. If the call is determined to be a special call, the routing number is modified by adding a new digit string to the routing number depending on a subscriber associated parameter. The modified number is then evaluated for further treatment of the call.

Abstract: The present invention allows an automated telephone attendant and a voice mail system to be shared among a plurality of users and tenants without duplicating tables stored at the switch in the voice mail system. In an automated attendant embodiment, the invention can include a port to receive an incoming call, the call having a called number associated with one of a plurality of users, an input to receive a user identification for the incoming call and a greeting storage to contain stored greetings retrievable based on the received identification. The invention further includes a telephone circuit interface of the port to answer the incoming call, and a playback device to play a retrieved greeting for the answered call based on a received user identification.

Abstract: Call management techniques implemented using a call routing engine are disclosed. In the techniques of the present invention, a public network is centrally controlled so as to facilitate implementation of call processing features, and local switching resources and the public network may be thought of as a single virtual switch for purposes of implementing such features.

Abstract: Techniques for associating a call appearance with data associated with the call are provided. In the techniques of the present invention, the association of the call appearance with the data is based upon matching of non-dialed number identification data.

Abstract: An on-demand caller ID service is disclosed. A customer dials an access code to retrieve calls made to his telephone number. An automated voicemail response system would repeat the telephone numbers and/or names associated with those telephone numbers that called over a predetermined time period, such as the last 24 hours. The customer is billed a per usage charge for each time he accesses the service. The customer may also subscribe to the service. Customers that are not subscribers of caller ID may utilize this service if they are seeking to track down an incoming call that may have been missed during the day. Also, customers who are away from their telephone line may remotely check who has called them by accessing the service.

Abstract: Processing a call from a calling party at a calling communication station to a called communication station includes detecting signalling information for the call, including determining whether standard caller identification for the calling communication station can be provided to the called communication station and detecting a privacy level selected by a called party at the called communication station. The call is routed in response to the signalling information and the privacy level. This permits management of privacy levels at the called communication station using the signalling information for the call.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for identifying parties to a call to an incoming calling party are provided. A context for a current call is identified, wherein the context comprises at least an identity of a caller and an identity of a callee to the current call. An identifier for an incoming calling party to the current call is identified. The context is filtered according to the identifier for the incoming calling party. Output of the filtered context to the incoming calling party is controlled.

Abstract: A system for handling a call requiring non-standard processing to a call answer point and for providing location information concerning the call to the call answer point, comprising a call routing apparatus for identifying the call as requiring non-standard processing and in response providing a priority routing for the call, translation table apparatus for receiving the call via the priority routing and in response assigning a predetermined designation for indicating the location information, protocol harmonization apparatus for formatting the call for digital transmission to the call answer point, including inserting the predetermined designation in an information portion of the digital transmission, and digital interface apparatus for receiving the call properly formatted for the digital transmission and in response transmitting the call to the call answer point, whereupon the call answer point ascertains the location of origination of the call from the predetermined designation.

Abstract: A technique for use in controlling the routing of a call in a communications system is provided. In one embodiment of the technique, a call routing script is generated. The script includes at least one call routing instruction of a predetermined type that refers to a variable whose value is stored externally to the script. The value of the variable is determined by the system when the system executes the script for use in determining a destination of the call.

Abstract: A method for determining an identity of an entity responsible for billing a called party of an alternatively billed telephone call is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a telephone number, the telephone number being associated with the called party. An initial entity identifier is acquired, the initial entity identifier being an OCN associated with the telephone number. Additional steps may be made in response to the telephone number wherein more accurate information is gathered and utilized to ensure the reliable determination of the identity of the entity responsible for ultimately billing the called party.

Abstract: A callee identification feature provides a caller with a visual display of a telephone number that the caller requested from an information service, of a telephone number to which the caller was transferred, and of a new update telephone number if the present telephone number that a caller dialed is no longer accurate. The visual display is provided, for example, when the caller is a subscriber to the callee identification feature. The visual display is provided via a connection from a switched network such as a PSTN (12) when the caller is calling from a landline telephone (16), or on a MSC (18) if the caller is calling from a mobile phone (24).

Abstract: A database of call information may be generated based on called numbers. When a called number is received from a user, the present invention determines whether the called party associated with the called number is a business. If the called number is associated with a business, information about the call is stored. If the called number is not associated with a business, the information is not stored, so as to protect privacy. The present invention may determine not only that the called number is associated with a business, but also what type of business. The call information, or information about a plurality of such calls, may be shared with a third party. The third party may or may not be a competitor of the business that was called. Armed with the call information, the third party may generate advertising directed at the calling party in response to being informed about the call.

Abstract: In cordless telephone system where any of a base unit and portable units did not respond to an incoming call, LEDs of the base unit and the portable units are respectively set in a blinking state. In the case where the base unit responded to the incoming call, the LEDs of the base unit and the portable unit which is set to a common mode are respectively switched off state, and the LED of the portable unit which is set to a separate mode is switched off. In the case where the portable unit responded to the incoming call, the LEDs of the base unit, the portable unit having responded to the incoming call, and the portable unit which is set to the common mode are respectively switched off and the LED of the portable unit which is set to the separate mode is switched on.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for identifying parties to a call to an incoming calling party are provided. A context for a current call is identified, wherein the context comprises at least an identity of a caller and an identity of a callee to the current call. An identifier for an incoming calling party to the current call is identified. The context is filtered according to the identifier for the incoming calling party. Output of the filtered context to the incoming calling party is controlled.

Abstract: A dialed number of a called party is received from a calling party. Based on the dialed number, a name of the called party is retrieved from a database. An audio message which includes the name of the called party is generated and communicated to the calling party. A call is routed between the calling party and the called party after said communicating the audio message.

Abstract: A dialed number of a called party is received from a calling party. Based on the dialed number, a name of the called party is retrieved from a database. An audio message which includes the name of the called party is generated and communicated to the calling party. A call is routed between the calling party and the called party after said communicating the audio message.

Abstract: An advance in the art is achieved were a customer's line can support a routing thereto of calls destined to more than one called number. Alerting such a line that a connection is sought to be established is achieved by a process whereby a database is consulted to determine whether the called number translates to a customer line that supports more than one called number. In such an event, a special service message is constructed and forwarded to the customer's line to inform the line of the called number with which the connection is sought. In one embodiment, a ringing signal is included with the special service message, that is coded to reflect the particular called number that corresponds to the connection that is being sought.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically and seamlessly routing telephone calls across a telephone network. The system includes a telephone network interface box having a computer, a master file and client file stored in the computer. The master file is dynamically linked to the client file at routing time to produce a selected client location telephone number which is transmitted across the telephone network. In one embodiment, the system utilizes Automatic Number Identification to identify the calling party. The master file has a plurality of records having a telephone number and a spatial key and is updated frequently. The client file has a plurality of records having a spatial key and a client telephone number. Methods of generating client file records for both radius and polygon defined service areas through an automated computer process are included in the present invention.

Abstract: When telephone calls are placed by dialing a special number such as an “800” number, the dialed number is converted to a specially configured translation number that includes a destination output set of digits which are preferably the last four digits of the dialed number. This translation number is transported over the network from an originating switch to a terminating switch which then outputs the output set to the destination. Advantageously, the terminating switch also replaces the prefix portion of the translation number with an output prefix consisting of at least the NXX portion of the dialed number and outputs this prefix along with the output set to the destination for use in call tracking.

Abstract: A one number, multi-application, intelligent call processing system provides service benefits to a caller, a servicing location and/or a vanity number advertiser during a call, parallel to the call and/or post call in an integrated common architecture. To provide these benefits, the system utilizes Voice Response Unit (VRU) technology in conjunction with the national telecommunications network connected via Computer Telephone Integration (CTI) to a virtual telephone number database containing a nation-wide master list of telephone numbers with thousands of attribute data items associated by Spatial Key linkage to each telephone number. The process of the invention is initiated by a caller dialing a selected telephone number to request information and/or services. Based on the number dialed, a caller or network provided 10 digit telephone number and VRU prompted for and received caller input, the system retrieves the application requested data from the virtual telephone number database.

Abstract: An ETSI standard contains a definition to the effect that the number to be transmitted to a subscriber line in a telephone exchange system to identify the other party of a call may be a number stored in the subscriber data for the other party of a number given from the other party's subscriber line. The invention relates to a procedure for the transmission of numbers to a subscriber line in accordance with the user's preferences. In other words, the invention allows the user to decide himself/herself whether the other party's number to be transmitted for presentation to the user's subscriber line is the number stored in the subscriber data for the other party, the number given from the other party's subscriber line, or both.